Broward Center announced its season a few weeks ago, so of course, the Sun-Sentinel is just now getting around to reporting on it; I guess they got tired of waiting for the Miami Herald to write the story for them. Bill Hirschman describes the line-up as "safe," as if doing any large musical is a guarantee of success in this economy. Admittedly, Young Frankenstein is pretty popular, Les Miserables was a success for Actors' Playhouse last year, and West Side Story is always a strong seller - but it is the much-talked-about revival that has been updated for the 21st century.
Of course, if it's so "safe," one might wonder how it could include a show that Bill says "...will repel some audiences... With some blue language, dirty dancing and suggestive costumes, this isn't for the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" crowd." Well, he also points out that it might get them dancing in the aisles. That would be the Jukebox Musical for the 80's, Rock of Ages. Oh, and don't forget HAIR. It's been 20 years since you saw it down in West Palm Beach at the old Florida Rep, you dirty ol' bastid.
He also discusses the line-up at Actors' Playhouse, which has also been out for several weeks. He's a bit more enthused about a season that included August: Osage County (and who isn't?) a new Nilo Cruz Play, a new play by the prolific Michael McKeever, as well as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Personally, I want to see what David Arisco does with The 39 Steps. The Playhouse definitely has it "going on" for 2010-2011.
Meanwhile, The Kravis Center's season is discussed in The Shiny Sheet. If the Broward Center is "safe," the Kravis Center might be described as "pedestrian," including Young Frankenstein, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Dreamgirls. But it does spice things up with The Color Purple and the recent revival of West Side Story. BTW, don't let the pre-fix "Disney" fool you; Beauty and the Beast, while family-friendly, isn't "a kid's show." Trust me - it's great night out.
Of course, if it's so "safe," one might wonder how it could include a show that Bill says "...will repel some audiences... With some blue language, dirty dancing and suggestive costumes, this isn't for the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" crowd." Well, he also points out that it might get them dancing in the aisles. That would be the Jukebox Musical for the 80's, Rock of Ages. Oh, and don't forget HAIR. It's been 20 years since you saw it down in West Palm Beach at the old Florida Rep, you dirty ol' bastid.
He also discusses the line-up at Actors' Playhouse, which has also been out for several weeks. He's a bit more enthused about a season that included August: Osage County (and who isn't?) a new Nilo Cruz Play, a new play by the prolific Michael McKeever, as well as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Personally, I want to see what David Arisco does with The 39 Steps. The Playhouse definitely has it "going on" for 2010-2011.Meanwhile, The Kravis Center's season is discussed in The Shiny Sheet. If the Broward Center is "safe," the Kravis Center might be described as "pedestrian," including Young Frankenstein, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Dreamgirls. But it does spice things up with The Color Purple and the recent revival of West Side Story. BTW, don't let the pre-fix "Disney" fool you; Beauty and the Beast, while family-friendly, isn't "a kid's show." Trust me - it's great night out. 
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteThe info I'm reading has Hair at the Broward Center, not the Kravis.
August: Osage County - Exciting!
Special thanks to the Sun-Sentinel for putting up Bill's article.
ARGGH!
I had to cancel my damn subscription three times before it finally took, so I had the privilege of participating in this conversation three times:
"Why?" they asked.
"Because when you canned Bill Hirschman your theatre coverage became a complete joke," replied I.
"Well there are coupons," was the comeback.
silence as I take a deep breath
"Call me when you hire a full-time reviewer. Please feel free to relay that to The Powers That Be."
sound of crickets chirping
-Kathryn