Measure for Measure’s ‘In the Heights’ is touching, electric

Measure for Measure’s ‘In the Heights’ is touching, electric

  Photo by Kelly Johnson Abuela (Sophia Molfetas) and Usnavi (Spencer Landis) perform in Measure for Measure Theatre Company’s production of In the Heights.   By AARON KRAUSE SUNRISE — A strong sense of culture, community and camaraderie pervades Washington Heights in the award-winning Measure for Measure Theatre Company’s solid...

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New City Players rise to the challenge of presenting the touching, honest play, ‘Falling’

New City Players rise to the challenge of presenting the touching, honest play, ‘Falling’

Photo courtesy of New City Players Tami (Arlette Del Torro) comforts her 18-year-old severely autistic son, Josh (Timothy Davis) in New City Players’ production of Falling.   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Characters either prepare sweet foods or eat them in Falling, Deanna Jent’s heartfelt, empathy-building and beautifully-written play....

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Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs

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...

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A shattering ‘Streetcar’ at Palm Beach Dramaworks

A shattering ‘Streetcar’ at Palm Beach Dramaworks

  Photo by Samantha Mighdoll Stanley Kowalski (Danny Gavigan) pleads with his wife, Stella (Annie Grier) to forgive him in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ stellar production of A Streetcar Named Desire.   By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — Brutal reality shatters sensitivity, fragility and illusion with the force of a monster...

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‘Wiesenthal’ is a winner at GableStage

‘Wiesenthal’ is a winner at GableStage

Photo by George Schiavone Simon Wiesenthal (David Kwiat) takes some time to reflect in the one-character play, Wiesenthal.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — An admirable quality of one-person plays is their ability to establish an especially intimate connection between the audience and the character. Such a bond can...

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MNM’s ‘Man of La Mancha’ delves into material’s darkness

MNM’s ‘Man of La Mancha’ delves into material’s darkness

    Courtesy of Jacek Photo Don Quixote (Michael McKenzie) and Sancho (Mark Kirschenbaum) stand and sit tall and proud in MNM’s production of Man of La Mancha. By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — This isn’t how your grandparents experienced Man of La Mancha. No, the nonprofit, professional MNM...

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Area Stage’s ‘Matilda’ is filled with humor, heart and magic

Area Stage’s ‘Matilda’ is filled with humor, heart and magic

    Photo by John Rodaz Katie Duerr as Miss Honey and Alejandra Bess as Matilda are deep in thought in Area Stage’s commendable production of Matilda.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — The smell of rebellion from “revolting” children has rarely been sweeter. The aroma emanates these days from...

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‘Hairspray’ inspires and rocks at Beef & Boards in Indy

‘Hairspray’ inspires and rocks at Beef & Boards in Indy

(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, now on stage through Oct. 6. By AARON KRAUSE INDIANAPOLIS — Hairspray might not offer the most in-depth...

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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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World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

Photo courtesy of Wentzler Photography Henry Willson (David Edwards) feels like he’s on top of the world, surrounded by his star “creations” in Michael Leeds new play, “Starmaker.” The work’s debut production runs through Sept. 8 at Island City Stage, near Ft. Lauderdale. By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS — It’s...

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