‘Cats’ still wins us over
Photo by Matthew Murphy The Jellicle Cats appear close together, suggesting a tight-knit group. By AARON KRAUSE They cartwheel, crawl, kick, shake, sing, slide, spin, somersault, speak, jump, kneel, tap dance, talk, walk, and leap – right into our hearts. Even after more than four decades, these felines still...
MNM’s ‘Guys and Dolls’ is a mixed bag
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Miss Adelaide (Leah Sessa) wishes her fiance, Nathan Detroit (Larry Buzzeo, right) would marry her in MNM Theatre Company’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” By AARON KRAUSE Accurately depicting Damon Runyon’s fantasy world of colorful characters can prove a tough task. In particular, a director...
‘Ben Butler’ is not your average play about war
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Major Cary (Jim Gibbons) argues with Major General Benjamin Butler (Troy J. Stanley) in Boca Stage’s production of Ben Butler. By AARON KRAUSE You normally would not expect to laugh uproariously while watching a play about the Civil War, set during that time period. But...
‘Frozen’ the musical leaves you feeling warm inside
Photo by Deen van Meer A frozen set is one of many visuals in an equity national touring production of Frozen. By AARON KRAUSE There are plenty of visual delights and surprises in the captivating and faithful stage musical adaptation of Frozen to enthrall fans of the film. In...
MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio The cast of Sister Act is divine. By AARON KRAUSE While you might not rush to buy the cast recording, the stage musical adaptation of the hit 1992 film, Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, nevertheless succeeds. For instance, the live show features...
Explosive ‘Armature’ erupts at Island City Stage
Photo by Matthew Tippins Shod (Michael Ford) and Evan (Matthew Salas) appear in a passionate scene from Island City Stage’s world premiere production of Armature. By AARON KRAUSE Shod, a gay man in Andrew Kramer’s sexy and searing, dark and disturbing new play, Armature, removes his white, sleeveless shirt....
Boca Stage’s ‘Rx’ is just what the doctor ordered
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Dr. Phil Gray (Timothy Mark Davis) is in desperate need of help as Ed (Jim Gibbons) tries to provide assistance. By AARON KRAUSE Connected shapes dot the dark upstage wall as part of the set design for Boca Stage’s humorous, touching, and believable production of...
‘Grease’ pulsates with energy at Lauderhill’s LPAC
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio/Amatista Photography Jessie Dez as Sandy, and Jordan Gonzalez as Rizzo appear in MNM Theatre Company and North End Theater Company’s co-production of Grease in Lauderhill. By AARON KRAUSE Some arrived at the theater wearing outfits emblazoned with the word “T-birds.” Others came clad in clothing containing the...
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...
The Wick’s ‘Gypsy’ is a gem
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Mama Rose (Laura Hodos, right) has big aspirations for her daughter, Louise ( Melissa Whitworth). By AARON KRAUSE Mama Rose, from Gypsy, is an abusive parent. True, she might not get physical with her daughters. However, chances are that the words this mother of all...
