‘Happy Days’ at Thinking Cap Theatre thanks to bravura production
Photo by Nicole Stodard Despite Winnie’s odd situation, she finds reason to smile. In Thinking Cap Theatre’s production, Karen Stephens (pictured) plays the character. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A man with much physical difficulty tries to reach the love of his life. Naturally, she seems...
Humor and humanity are in ‘Groundhog Day’s’ forecast
Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Phil Connors (Clay Cartland) gets to know Rita Hanson (Kimmi Johnson) in the Slow Burn Theatre Co./Broward Center for the Arts co-production of Groundhog Day: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Whoever said “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”...
‘Evita’ proves particularly timely in Wick Theatre’s laudable production
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Eva Peron (Daniella Mass) shows her supposed love for the Argentine people in The Wick Theatre’s production of Evita. By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON, Fla. — As divided as the United States might be, Americans can agree on this much: People either hate or love...
The 1950’s feel like today in compelling ‘Ordinary Americans’
Photo courtesy of GableStage Gertrude “Tillie” Berg (Elizabeth Dimon) asks a favor from Cardinal Spellman in the world premiere co-production of Joseph McDonough’s play Ordinary Americans. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Late actor Philip Loeb was a “stain,” which wouldn’t “go away,” if you believe one...
‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance
Photo by Deen van Meer The titular character (Jonah Ho’Okano) and Jasmine (Kaena Kekoa) share an intimate moment in a national equity touring production of Aladdin. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — The musical Aladdin might transport us to a “whole new world,” but the show also presents...
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...
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ sweet, not scrumptious
Photo by Jeremy Daniel Willy Wonka (Cody Garcia, far right) shows visitors his chocolate factory. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Remember Willy Wonka’s chewing gum? When it assumes a blueberry pie flavor, problems arise. Well, the stage musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is also problematic. To...
Villainous Company’ rivets and unnerves at Primal Forces
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Here are Rita Cole as Tracy, Anna Lise Jensen as Joanna and Elizabeth Price as Claire in a scene from Primal Forces’ production of Villainous Company. By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON — Do you feel that no one is watching or listening to you when...
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....
‘Everything is Super Great’ is a relatable, touching new play
Julia Rose Photo Tommy (Christian Mouisset) and Alice (Rachel Michelle Bryant) appear in a scene from the co-world premier production of Everything is Super Great. By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON — There isn’t necessarily an art to dealing with difficult life situations. Rather, different people have their own way of...
