Which new plays will receive top national awards?
By AARON KRAUSE Six finalists for a prestigious national new play award share in common at least one timely theme, according to a new plays committee chairman. Specifically, The American Theatre Critics Association’s Lou Harry said that “a yearning for connectivity — and astute awareness of the challenges to forging...
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...
Slow Burn’s ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ is a holiday treat to savor
Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Jean Shepherd (Matthew Korinko) is riveted on his younger self, Ralphie Parker (Michael Norman) in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of A Christmas Story: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — “Who could want much more,” sing Parker family members, of A Christmas Story fame....
Adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s ‘Bridge’ triumphs at Miami New Drama
By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI BEACH — In David Greenspan’s winning adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-Prize winning 1927 novel, “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” the adapter describes a Peruvian performer as possessing “wit and grace, intelligence, elegance and command of rhyme.” Of course, one can attribute the same qualities to...
Dynamic ‘Memphis’ is a rousing hit at Actors’ Playhouse
Photo by Alberto Romeu Huey (Eddie Egan) and his mother (Margot Moreland) argue in a scene from Actors’ Playhouse’ production of Memphis: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — About a year ago, Ft. Lauderdale-based Slow Burn Theatre mounted a dynamic production of the highly-charged, Tony-winning musical, Memphis. Today,...
‘Waitress’ remains timely, touching and empowering in national tour
Photo by Philicia Endelman Jenna Hunterson (Christine Dwyer) appears contemplative in the national equity tour of Waitress By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Jenna Hunterson likely makes the #MeToo movement proud. Certainly, her new-found confidence and nerve inspire many in the Tony-nominated best musical Waitress. In particular, one scene should...
Inaugural festival celebrates new plays
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Dramaworks Panel members smile while discussing “Regional Theatre and the Development of New American Plays” By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — Regional theater is at “the heart of the American process of creating plays.” That is what National New Play Network...
An uneven yellow brick road at Stage Door Theatre’s ‘The Wiz’
Photo by David Martinek Off to the Emerald City are: Ben Bagby (Tin Man), Darius J. Manuel (Lion), Nayomi Braaf (Dorothy), and Kedrick D. Faulk (Scarecrow). By AARON KRAUSE LAUDERHILL — Soul and spirit are characteristics we would expect from a production of the multi-Tony-winning musical The Wiz. And,...
A solid Sinatra revue at MNM Theatre Company
Photo by Tom Tracy Here are the couples of My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra in MNM Theatre Company’s mounting. Photographed from left are Clay Cartland, Laura Plyler, Mark Sanders and Hannah Richter. By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — “You can’t find a Frank Sinatra...
‘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...