Stage adaptation of ‘Tootsie’ improves upon the film

November 19, 2019 0

Photo by Matthew Murphy The cast of “Tootsie” with Santino Fontana, center, as Dorothy Michaels.    By AARON KRAUSE NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dorothy Michaels is unstoppable. We learned that much in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical adaptation of Tootsie. It is based on the popular Academy Award-nominated 1982 movie with the...

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

October 17, 2019 0

    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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‘Come From Away’ renews our faith in humanity

June 20, 2019 0

Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are cast members of the First North American Tour of Come From Away. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Do yourself a favor: Do not think about Come From Away as just another sh “about 9/11.” To be sure, this remarkable true story would not exist had the...

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Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over

June 13, 2019 0

Photo by Joan Marcus Athletic, even acrobatic choreography helps tell the ‘tale’ in A Bronx Tale. Pictured above are touring cast members.    By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A couple of reviews of A Bronx Tale, the Broadway musical, describe the show as a blending between Jersey Boys and West Side Story. Many might rightly...

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Anastasia offers eye-popping visuals, soaring music and heartfelt emotion

April 25, 2019 0

      Photo by Matthew Murphy Anya (Lila Coogan) basks in the glow of lights in one of the stunningly vivid projections.   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Dramamine is not one of the products for sale in the theater lobbies where the Broadway musical adaptation of Anastasia plays. But...

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‘Waitress’ remains timely, touching and empowering in national tour

March 1, 2019 0

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...

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Hello, indeed, to a devoted, dear Dolly!

November 26, 2018 0

Photo by Julieta Cervantes A graceful, thankful Dolly (Betty Buckley) takes in the loving atmosphere at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant in the national equity tour of the most recent Tony-Award-winning Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!      By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — The woman of the moment rises. She approaches us...

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A show to die for is touring the country

January 12, 2018 0

    Photo by Joan Marcus The touring cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder FORT LAUDERDALE — A word of caution: Do not heed the warning that “you’d best depart” the theater before the musical with an eyebrow-raising, attention-grabbing title begins. Those who are scared off will...

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School of Rock: The Musical proves empowering, especially today

December 20, 2017 0

  (Photo by Matthew Murphy) The kids rock out in the stage musical version of School of Rock’s national touring production Ft. LAUDERDALE — When School of Rock opened as a movie musical in 2003 and as a faithful, if somewhat formulaic Broadway stage musical in 2015, it was hard to...

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Mormon’s positive message feels more vital

November 30, 2017 0

    Photo courtesey bookofmormonbroadway.com/tour The missionaries from The Book of Mormon prepare to head off for their assignments.   MIAMI — No matter how many times you’ve seen The Book of Mormon, the musical phenomenon feels more uplifting, encouraging and vital this time around. At this writing, more than a month...

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