In unsettling times like these, ‘Hairspray’ is a balm…and a call to action
Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Tracy Turnblad (Adee David), center, introduces herself as the newest dancer on the “Corny Collins Show” in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Hairspray. I saw and reviewed the production at the Indianapolis theater last fall. By AARON KRAUSE My...
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...
‘Race’ is vital, engrossing theater at Main Street Players
(Photo by Dennis Lyzniak) Attorney Jack Lawson (Christopher Dreeson) is animated while making a point. Listening are his client, Charles Strickland (Brian McCormack), law assistant Susan (Trittney Huzzie) and law partner Henry Brown (Keith Oliver). By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI LAKES – In Main Street Players’ riveting, unmissable mounting...
‘Superior Donuts’ done mostly well at Main Street Players
Photo by Dennis Lyzniak Franco Wicks (Roderick Randle) tries to engage Arthur Przybyszewski (Mark Krocynski) during a scene from Main Street Players’ production of Superior Donuts. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI LAKES — Parts of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts’ Superior Donuts are as sweet as a sinful confection in the...
‘Admissions’ is complex, yet compelling, relatable at GableStage
Photo by George Schiavone Charlie (Joshua Hernandez, right) non-verbally expresses disgust with his father, Bill (Tom Wahl) in GableStage’s production of Admissions. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — If you wanted to write a truly satiric, but apropos commercial for Joshua Harmon’s unapologetically satiric, scorching play, Admissions,...
GableStage’s ‘White Guy on the Bus’ is a necessary ride
Photo by George Schiavone Ray (Tom Wahl) makes a point to Shatique, who reacts with disgust in GableStage’s production of White Guy on the Bus. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — You might hear yourself talk about race when you listen to Molly, a fictional character in a...
‘Queen of Basel’ is an eye-opener of a play at Miami New Drama
(Photo by Stian Roenning) Rudi Goblen and Betsy Graver appear in Miami New Drama’s world premiere production of Queen of Basel. MIAMI BEACH — Is it possible to write and stage an August Strindberg play adaptation that’s #MeToo friendly? Playwright Hilary Bettis and Miami New Drama have succeeded admirably...
Meaty, cerebral Clybourne Park is a necessary visit at New City Players
(Photo courtesy of New City Players) Pleasantness doesn’t last long in Clybourne Park. Pictured from left are Daniel Gil as Karl, Krystal Millie Valdes as his wife, Betsy, Ilana Isaacson as Bev and John A. Dalton as her husband, Russ. FT. LAUDERDALE — Maybe developing two left feet would...
Memphis is relevant, revitalizing at Slow Burn Theater
Photo courtesy of Slow Burn Theater Company. Felicia (Khadijah Rolle) and Huey (Brian Golub) sing a duet in Slow Burn Theater Company’s production of Memphis. FT. LAUDERDALE –The lyrics resonate chillingly in the wake of the recent mass school shooting in South Florida, leaving 17 dead – and another...
Partnership between Cincinnati theater companies should appeal to Bard, history buffs
(Photos courtesy of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati) Othello (William Oliver Watkins) tries to reason with Iago (Nicholas Rose) to no avail in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of Othello. At right are cast members of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Red Velvet. CINCINNATI — Theater...
