Love is real — and surreal — in Almost, Maine
Photo by Tim Stepien Brandon Morris (left) and Niki Fridh play two of many characters who are dealing with love in John Cariani’s play, Almost, Maine. By AARON KRAUSE It is frigid these days at Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD). Therefore, frostbite is a distinct possibility in a part of...
‘Tootsie’ tickles the funny bone, inspires in national tour
Photo by Evan Zimmerman Jeff Slater (Jared David Michael Grant) looks on amusingly as Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) argues with Sandy Lester (Payton Reilly) in a non-equity national touring production of Tootsie. By AARON KRAUSE There is at least one time for celebration in Tootsie, the engaging and compelling,...
Stirring Yuletide tale takes stage at Miami’s City Theatre
Photo courtesy of Justin Namon Jacob Marley’s ghost (Colin McPhillamy) prepares to scare Ebenezer Scrooge in Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. By AARON KRAUSE It seems that no matter how many times we experience A Christmas Carol, we do not grow tired of this evergreen tale. That is not surprising....
‘Helen on Wheels’ is a fun, meaningful ride at Pigs Do Fly Productions
Photo by Carol Kassie Helen Wheeler (Beverly Blanchette) and Elmer (Michael Gioia) share a moment in Pigs Do Fly Productions’ mounting of Helen on Wheels. By AARON KRAUSE Few among us can resist feisty, foul-mouthed septuagenarians such as Helen Wheeler. We find them funny because, well, we do...
‘The People Downstairs’ receive much-deserved recognition at Dramaworks
Photo by Alicia Donelan Photography Henk (Bruce Linser) and Miep (Amy Miller Brennan) comfort each other during a scene from Palm Beach Dramaworks’ world premiere production of The People Downstairs. By AARON KRAUSE If you knew him, you may not have wanted to invite Mr. Visser to your house....
Theatre Lab’s ‘To Fall in Love’ is relatable, heartfelt
Photo by Julia Rose Photo For much of To Fall in Love, Wyatt Grimes (Matt Stabile) and Merryn Thomas (Niki Fridh) struggle to connect. By AARON KRAUSE Can a study that scientists claim makes people fall in love actually help save a marriage splintered by tragedy? That is...
‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience
Photo by Alberto Romeu Cast members act out an upbeat moment from Middletown: The Ride of Your Life! by Dan Clancy. Pictured from left are Adrian Zmed as Tom, Didi Conn as Peg, Loretta Swit as Dotty, and Donny Most as Don. By AARON KRAUSE As a playwright, you...
New City Players’ ‘Lungs’ is eye-opening
Photo by Ryan Arnst Marlo Rodriguez and Denzel McCausland appear in one of the more upbeat scenes in Lungs By AARON KRAUSE In Duncan Macmillan’s devastating drama, Lungs, a woman and her lover’s decision to have a kid could come with dire consequences. Let her explain. “I could fly...
GableStage’s ‘The Price’ is first rate
Photo by George Schiavone Victor Franz (Gregg Weiner, seated), Esther Franz (Patti Gardner), and Walter Franz (Michael McKenzie) appear in a tense scene from GableStage’s production of The Price, by Arthur Miller. By AARON KRAUSE These days, witnessing a theater company staging a live, in-person production with as...
What does ‘Thank you for your service’ really mean?
Live theater is a tool for change, empathy, learning, understanding, connection, and more. With that in mind, it is not surprising that a national group is using live theater to bridge the gap of understanding between ordinary Americans and veterans. Specifically, at six cities across the country, the Atlantic...
