GableStage’s intense ‘Between Riverside and Crazy’ is a compassionate look at troublemakers
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The desperate, proud man at the center of GableStage’s excellent production of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Pulitzer Prize-winning dramedy “Between Riverside and Crazy” spreads his arms wide and yells his name as if for all of New York City to hear. It’s a desperate plea for attention, a...
A beloved Miami couple’s true story to open Arsht Center’s 2017-18 season
MIAMI, Fla. — Miami theater lovers, prepare to get on your feet. The 2017-18 Broadway in Miami season at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will kick off with “On Your Feet!,” featuring the true story of Miami legends Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The multiple Grammy-Award-winning husband-and-wife artists,...
Palm Beach Dramaworks presents provocative production of ‘Collected Stories’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Toward the end of Palm Beach Dramaworks’ powerfully-acted, riveting production of Donald Margulies’ prized, multi-layered play “Collected Stories,” aging writing professor and accomplished author Ruth Steiner acts like a dementia-stricken patient. Her wide eyes betray an expression of bewilderment, wariness and anger. Steiner in no way...
‘Terror’ a riveting, thought-provoking new play splendidly performed by Miami New Drama
MIAMI BEACH — As the riveting, disturbing and heartbreaking play “Terror” illustrates, in our post-Sept. 11 world, black and white morality can blow up in pieces, leaving lots of grey – just like the shattered, shot-down civilian commercial jet at the center of the new play, leaving shards and grey...
Critics told Cabaret is ‘at the core of all performance’
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — At its root, Cabaret is real estate. “It’s a room,” writer/director Gerry Geddes said. “And what happens in that room can be magic. A performer can do whatever they want in the space of a cabaret.” Geddes spoke those words while surrounded by Cabaret performers....
A visually striking, mesmerizing ‘Sunday’ at Zoetic Stage
MIAMI, Fla. — With a practically bare, white playing space as a blank canvas, Zoetic Stage’s Stuart Meltzer, his cast and crew have fashioned a gorgeous work of art in the award-winning Miami company’s current production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s masterpiece “Sunday in the Park with George.” The...
Addiction struggles are humorously yet honestly and insightfully depicted in this ‘Diary’
Addiction struggles humorously yet honestly depicted in this ‘Diary’ WILTON MANORS, Fla. — Sometimes, before you’re able to confront a problem, you must admit the problem exists. It can be easier said than done. That is what writer/director Michael Leeds conveys in his honest, funny, vivid and unapologetically shameless and...
This ‘Most Happy Fella’ is one worth seeing and, especially, hearing
MARGATE — Stage Door Theatre’s breathtaking production of “The Most Happy Fella” offers some of the strongest singing you’ll hear on a stage. And you’ve got a little less than a month to hear the gorgeous voices belonging to members of a superb cast. “The Most Happy Fella,” a touching,...
Panelists discuss possible solutions to theater criticism ‘crisis’
With the future of theater criticism facing uncertainties, a “new economic model” to help fund its continued practice may be necessary. That’s what a critic and author suggested during a panel discussion at the American Theatre Critics Association’s recent mini conference in New York City. Matt Windman, author of “The...
Non-equity touring production of ’42nd Street’ clicks
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It’s a safe bet to assume many people see “42nd Street” to “come and meet…those dancing feet.” Current non-equity national tour director Mark Bramble doesn’t disappoint in a mostly commendable production that played a one-night stand in West Palm Beach on New Year’s Eve. The...