New City Players’ bleak ‘Macbeth’ reflects the zeitgeist

New City Players’ bleak ‘Macbeth’ reflects the zeitgeist

      Photo courtesy of New City Players Macbeth (Seth Trucks) makes a point to his wife, Lady Macbeth (Laura Plyler) in New City Players’ production of “The Scottish Play.”   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDREDALE — If you ask most people, they may tell you that they’ve always...

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‘Black Theatre is for everyone’

‘Black Theatre is for everyone’

      By AARON KRAUSE WINSTON SALEM, N.C. — Larry Leon Hamlin, the late founder of The National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., would likely have described the 2019 event using a favorite word he coined – “marvtastic,” a combination of “marvelous” and “fantastic.” Indeed, ticket sales were...

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These ‘Men on Boats’ will win you over

These ‘Men on Boats’ will win you over

Photo by Dennis Lyzniak Nobody said a group of explorers in 1869 had it easy. But they proved fiercely determined, as Jaclyn Backhaus’ play Men on Boats demonstrates in Main Street Players’ production.   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI LAKES — Chances are, you won’t hear many people equate Jaclyn Backhaus’ play Men...

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Intrigue, laughs and multi-skilled actors help make ‘Murder for Two’ a hot ticket

Intrigue, laughs and multi-skilled actors help make ‘Murder for Two’ a hot ticket

  Photo by Alberto Romeu Mark Schenfish and Martin Landry appear in a  scene from Murder for Two at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — It’s hardly a mystery as to what has endeared the madcap musical comedy Murder for Two to many...

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 ‘She Shorts’ empowers, delights  

 ‘She Shorts’ empowers, delights  

    Photo courtesy of Thinking Cap Theatre and City Theatre An intense scene plays out in Webster’s Bitch, one of several pieces comprising the inaugural presentation of She Shorts.   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Looking back, the all-around beneficial collaboration seemed inevitable. To begin with, throughout its...

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Area Stage Company’s young leader finds a place at the South Miami theater

Area Stage Company’s young leader finds a place at the South Miami theater

    Photo courtesy of Area Stage Company Giancarlo Rodaz has proven his versatility at Area Stage Company. Here, he performs in a production of Hair.    By AARON KRAUSE SOUTH MIAMI — About a decade ago, Giancarlo Rodaz resembled many youngsters. For instance, he enjoyed playing video games and...

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Promising, talented actors strut their stuff alongside veterans in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Monty Python’s Spamalot

Promising, talented actors strut their stuff alongside veterans in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Monty Python’s Spamalot

Photo by Carol Kassie Here are “The Knights of the Roundtable,” in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Pictured from left are Christian Ortega, Dallas Erwin, Chris Cimorelli, Troy Stanley (as King Arthur), Greg Halmos and Rosseroni Parris.   By AARON KRAUSE DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — It is a sheer joy to...

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‘Come From Away’ renews our faith in humanity

‘Come From Away’ renews our faith in humanity

Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are cast members of the First North American Tour of Come From Away. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Do yourself a favor: Do not think about Come From Away as just another show “about 9/11.” To be sure, this remarkable true story would not exist...

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Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over

Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over

Photo by Joan Marcus Athletic, even acrobatic choreography helps tell the ‘tale’ in A Bronx Tale. Pictured above are touring cast members.    By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A couple of reviews of A Bronx Tale, the Broadway musical, describe the show as a blending between Jersey Boys and West Side Story. Many might rightly...

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‘The Lion King’ still stuns, captivates

‘The Lion King’ still stuns, captivates

Photo by Deen van Meer Buyi Zama appears as Rafiki in the North American Tour of The Lion King   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — With Hamilton capturing the theater world’s attention like few shows in recent memory, it can be easy to pass without a glance the marquee of...

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