Approaching Anne Frank from another angle

Approaching Anne Frank from another angle

Photo by Tim Stepien Amy Miller Brennan plays Miep Gies in the world premiere production of Michael McKeever’s play, The People Downstairs.   By AARON KRAUSE Whenever Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) Producing Artistic Director William Hayes read or watched Anne Frank’s story play out on stage or screen, he wondered...

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‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience

‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience

Photo by Alberto Romeu Cast members act out an upbeat moment from Middletown: The Ride of Your Life! by Dan Clancy. Pictured from left are Adrian Zmed as Tom, Didi Conn as Peg, Loretta Swit as Dotty, and Donny Most as Don.   By AARON KRAUSE As a playwright, you...

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New City Players’ ‘Lungs’ is eye-opening

New City Players’ ‘Lungs’ is eye-opening

Photo by Ryan Arnst Marlo Rodriguez and Denzel McCausland appear in one of the more upbeat scenes in Lungs   By AARON KRAUSE In Duncan Macmillan’s devastating drama, Lungs, a woman and her lover’s decision to have a kid could come with dire consequences. Let her explain. “I could fly...

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GableStage’s ‘The Price’ is first rate

GableStage’s ‘The Price’ is first rate

Photo by George Schiavone Victor Franz (Gregg Weiner, seated), Esther Franz (Patti Gardner), and Walter Franz (Michael McKenzie) appear in a tense scene from GableStage’s production of The Price, by Arthur Miller.     By AARON KRAUSE These days, witnessing a theater company staging a live, in-person production with as...

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‘Come From Away’ wraps us in a recognizable, tight embrace

‘Come From Away’ wraps us in a recognizable, tight embrace

Photo by Matthew Murphy Come From Away can remind us of the joys that come with connecting with folks. Here, cast members appear in a scene from the North American Equity touring production.   By AARON KRAUSE Come from Away, the beloved, big-hearted Broadway musical about a small Canadian town...

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Boca Stage’s riveting ‘Warrior Class’ exposes the underbelly of political campaigns

Boca Stage’s riveting ‘Warrior Class’ exposes the underbelly of political campaigns

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Political “fixer” Nathan Berkshire (Wayne LeGette) comforts assemblyman Julius Lee (Paul Wong) in Boca Stage’s production of Warrior Class.   By AARON KRAUSE Early on in Kenneth Lin’s fierce, fast-paced, at times humorous political drama, Warrior Class, a character explains how a particular restaurant makes a...

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What does ‘Thank you for your service’ really mean?

What does ‘Thank you for your service’ really mean?

  Live theater is a tool for change, empathy, learning, understanding, connection, and more. With that in mind, it is not surprising that a national group is using live theater to bridge the gap of understanding between ordinary Americans and veterans. Specifically, at six cities across the country, the Atlantic...

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Slow Burn’s ‘Songs for a New World’ sizzles

Slow Burn’s ‘Songs for a New World’ sizzles

Photo by Marjorie Vitalherne Cast members Heather Jane Rolff, Timothy Michael Quinn, Darius J. Manuel, and Cecilia Snow appear in a scene from Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Songs for a New World.   By AARON KRAUSE The fantastic foursome comprising the cast of Slow Burn Theatre Company’s rousing...

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Mentorship program seeks young LGBTQIA+ arts writers

Mentorship program seeks young LGBTQIA+ arts writers

    LGBTQIA+ arts writers will work with leading theater critics to improve their craft and publish their work under a mentorship program run by a professional theater critics organization. The year-long program, which the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) will run, will begin in September 2022. It will include...

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Island City Stage’s ‘The Twentieth Century Way’ proves fun, relevant in 2021

Island City Stage’s ‘The Twentieth Century Way’ proves fun, relevant in 2021

Photo courtesy of Island City Stage Clay Cartland (left) and Alfonso Vieites get intimate in Island City Stage’s production of The Twentieth Century Way.   By AARON KRAUSE “I want the truth,” a character says in Tom Jacobson’s highly theatrical play, The Twentieth Century Way. Without a doubt, Jacobson believes...

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