This ‘Grinch’ will steal your heart
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — If you’re trying to hide something, and small children are watching, you’d be surprised how little you can slip past them. Timothy Mason, the book writer and lyricist for the musical adaptation of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” obviously knows this. Mason fleshed out...
Playwright should be defendant in this mixed ‘Trial’
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — You’ll likely need more than two hands to count the numerous adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” Playwright Mark Brown has contributed to the lot by penning his relatively new play “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge.” Now how about we add “The Trial...
These ‘Kinky Boots’ may lead you on an unexpected path
MIAMI, Fla. — Shoes are “the most beautiful thing in the world” we’re told repeatedly through song in the electric, life-affirming musical “Kinky Boots,” which will return to downtown Cleveland’s PlayhouseSquare this summer due to popular demand. It’s making it’s way north from South Florida, where I recently caught a...
Dobama’s ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ will bring out your inner child
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS — With the holiday season in full swing, there’s a good chance your family gatherings will include children. Some may be imaginative, creative, hammy, talented and willing to play make believe. Their skits may feature little scenery and few props, but that’s OK; watch their wide-eyed, dramatic facial...
Ensemble’s ‘Ages of the Moon’ largely shines
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS — We’ve heard it said repeatedly, in various versions of the same saying: No two persons’ versions of the past are exactly alike. As a result, what exactly happened during bygone days can seem ambiguous and unclear, like an eclipse blocking the clarity of a full moon on...
Bellevue High School presenting a cult favorite as their fall musical
BELLEVUE — “He just eats people basically,” Bellevue High School junior Jared Skiles said casually about the character he will portray in his school musical, which is set for performances this weekend. Skiles isn’t referring to Hannibal Lecter or any other cannibal. “Not many people can say they’ve played a...
More live theater in the area thanks to these St. Paul High School seniors
Sometimes, no matter how hard you rack your brain for a school project idea, nothing comes to mind. Then there’s the case of St. Paul High School senior Drew Haynes. People have told him that public relations would be a good major for him, considering his outgoing personality. Haynes admitted...
Bellevue Society for the Arts offered a tender ‘Last Five Years’
.BELLEVUE — Microphones can’t be that powerful. This much is certain: The splendid two-person cast in Bellevue Society for the Arts’ marvelous production of “The Last Five Years,” which ended its run this weekend, has vocal power. That’s my final answer, whether or not microphones helped amplify their voices. But...
This ‘Guide’ is a musical treat to die for
CLEVELAND — The first thing that intrigues you is the musical’s title: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical playing in Cleveland through Nov. 15 as part of a national tour. The title obviously hints it’s a comedy. But it’s not the type of funny...
How do you play Jesus in a show and please everybody?
GREENWICH — In addition to the help he received from his director and choreographer, South Central sophomore Brady Dotson said he “prayed a lot” about the iconic role he will portray for this fall’s school musical. Praying is particularly apropos in this case, considering the role Dotson, 16, will play:...