‘Skylight’ nourishes the mind and entertains at Palm Beach Dramaworks
Photo by Alicia Donelan Kyra Hollis (Sarah Street) is deep in thought in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ production of Skylight. By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — Echoes of Henry Higgins and Eliza Dolittle emanate from the stage in Skylight. It is the curious title to British playwright Sir David Hare’s...
A vibrant ‘Hamilton’ invades Miami
By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — At this time, drama students do not have license to mount a production of the musical phenomenon, Hamilton. But just you wait — just you wait! Once youngsters, many of whom are committed activists these days, get their chance to climb into passionate,...
‘Happy Days’ at Thinking Cap Theatre thanks to bravura production
Photo by Nicole Stodard Despite Winnie’s odd situation, she finds reason to smile. In Thinking Cap Theatre’s production, Karen Stephens (pictured) plays the character. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A man with much physical difficulty tries to reach the love of his life. Naturally, she seems...
‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance
Photo by Deen van Meer The titular character (Jonah Ho’Okano) and Jasmine (Kaena Kekoa) share an intimate moment in a national equity touring production of Aladdin. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — The musical Aladdin might transport us to a “whole new world,” but the show also presents...
Powerful ‘American Son’ prevails at Zoetic Stage
Photo by Justin Namon A struggle breaks out between a father and a police officer in the riveting drama, American Son. Here, the officer, Paul Larkin (Ryan Didato) tries to restrain the dad, Scott Connor (Clive Cholerton). Flanking the strugglers are Scott’s ex, Kendra Ellis-Connor (Karen Stephens) and Lt. John...
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ sweet, not scrumptious
Photo by Jeremy Daniel Willy Wonka (Cody Garcia, far right) shows visitors his chocolate factory. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Remember Willy Wonka’s chewing gum? When it assumes a blueberry pie flavor, problems arise. Well, the stage musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is also problematic. To...
City Theatre serves up thoughtful ‘Cake’ at Miami’s Arsht Center
Photo by Justin Namon Jen (Lexi Langs) and Macy (Stephon Duncan) share an intimate moment as a married couple in The Cake. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — If only the key to a perfect world entailed giving everyone a piece of cake, wouldn’t...
Wick Theatre’s ‘The Music Man’ mesmerizes
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio John Tartaglia works his magic as Harold Hill in The Wick Theatre’s production of The Music Man. By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON –Before Lin-Manuel Miranda there was Meredith Willson. Sure, Miranda’s bold use of non-traditional musical genres in Hamilton may have changed...
Stage adaptation of ‘Tootsie’ improves upon the film
Photo by Matthew Murphy The cast of “Tootsie” with Santino Fontana, center, as Dorothy Michaels. By AARON KRAUSE NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dorothy Michaels is unstoppable. We learned that much in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical adaptation of Tootsie. It is based on the popular Academy Award-nominated 1982 movie with the...
Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs
Photo by Mattthew Murphy Nick Cartell appears as a transformed, polished Jean Valjean in a U.S. touring production of Les Miserables. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Even after witnessing Les Miserables for the umpteenth time, this beloved British megamusical from the 1980’s somehow re-assures us anew...