tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69195876668582659582024-03-14T01:31:58.254-04:00South Florida Theatre SceneSouth Florida's original theatre blog, linking all the news and reviews.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1958125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-91835604626550901852021-08-15T13:45:00.000-04:002021-08-15T13:45:09.262-04:00Final Exit: Rose Miniaci<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoM8Der3JqHP4ztMjJBPEy403MEqYY-m_5d8rfMsihIMaCZH-LVVsXlHveHEG1DqdUJyEHRvfdwDLSrN6ssXVlNJ7pxtsU0jB2OFTdoJINlaeo6evzWbvE72ceHcmltDUFDR0NetVc8s/s543/rose-miniaci-fort-lauderdale-fl-obituar_fitted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoM8Der3JqHP4ztMjJBPEy403MEqYY-m_5d8rfMsihIMaCZH-LVVsXlHveHEG1DqdUJyEHRvfdwDLSrN6ssXVlNJ7pxtsU0jB2OFTdoJINlaeo6evzWbvE72ceHcmltDUFDR0NetVc8s/s320/rose-miniaci-fort-lauderdale-fl-obituar_fitted.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>South Florida has lost a shining light, a true patron of the arts.<p></p><p>Rose Miniaci has passed at age 100. A full obituary can be found in <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article253399900.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>She was a long time supporter of the Miami City Ballet, and her name adorns the education center at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and a venue at Nova SouthEast University, among others,<br /><br />In 1998, she funded <a href="https://www.browardcenter.org/seas" target="_blank">SEAS</a> - Student Enrichment in the Arts - a partnership between the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Broward County Public Schools.<br /><br />She will be greatly missed.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-62748432748832936242018-10-08T11:48:00.001-04:002018-10-08T11:52:46.369-04:00Want Hamilton Tickets?<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0.02in;">
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Fort Lauderdale, FL - Monday, October 8, 2018 Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway in Fort Lauderdale announce today that tickets for HAMILTON will be available online through Ticketmaster Verified Fan®, on Tuesday, October 23 at 10:00 AM ET. Verified Fan is a new fan-facing technology from Ticketmaster that allows pre-registered fans to unlock access to tickets without competing against scalpers and bots.<br /><br />Jeffrey Seller states, "Verified Fan is the newest program to make tickets available to theatre-goers at regular prices. I am confident that it will be a valuable service to our fans. We know how challenging it is to buy tickets and this new Ticketmaster program will make the process a whole lot easier."<br /><br />Ticketmaster Verified Fan® registration begins now and will close October 15 at 11:59 PM ET. Visit <a href="https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/hamiltonfll">https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/hamiltonfll</a> to register.<br /><br />Those who registered will be notified by Ticketmaster via email on Monday, October 22 if they have been selected for the Verified Fan on sale. The Ticketmaster Verified Fan® on sale will be available for purchases online only. <br /><br />Tickets will be available for performances December 18, 2018 – January 20, 2019<br /><br />There is a maximum purchase limit of four (4) tickets per household for the engagement. Tickets range from $78 - $198, with a select number of $498 premium seats available. There will be a lottery for forty (40) $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/2/null"></a>A limited number of tickets will be available at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Auto Nation Box Office starting at 10:00 AM ET on Tuesday, October 23. <br /><br />HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now. <br /><br />With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. <br /><br />The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical In the Heights. <br /><br />HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.<br /><br />The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.<br /><br />The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. <br />
<br />For information on HAMILTON, visit:<br /><a href="http://www.hamiltonmusical.com/">www.HamiltonMusical.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/HamiltonMusical">www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical</a><br /><a href="http://www.instagram.com/HamiltonMusical">www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/HamiltonMusical">www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-37242683256334248132017-12-01T21:56:00.001-05:002017-12-01T21:56:25.624-05:00Why Grovites Protest Plans for the Playhouse<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/2017/11/another-long-night-of-grove-playhouse.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/2017/11/another-long-night-of-grove-playhouse.html" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="471" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoIxxc0ANaDjMnxTrBe18AAncDtW8_sEyxBJTLGbKC280TEEDTwqAVgX1YMZiY7UJkJ_kNe9VQj40aaOoaOuZQWiiJtqVUw1_92lcpBqXnpFLHPvzoKKJmt2Ez5G0wQvyVdrMnd1us8k/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" width="320" /></a>This article in the <a href="https://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/2017/11/another-long-night-of-grove-playhouse.html" target="_blank">Coconut Grove Grapevine</a> is probably the best summary of why there is opposition to the current proposal: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"the revert clause on the deed says the playhouse can only be used to produce plays.."</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Basically, there is a core contingent in the Grove that do not want to
see new shops or restaurants or apartments on that site, no matter how
reasonable the proposal. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
idea that the front section of the building should house shops actually
goes back to when it was constructed, but this contingent only remembers
that later history, when those spaces were vacant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScynl8kptGDE6avsDMW-YJ0eP0ZqxakIfBNN1X9L_vHd7UJBGz_DoqxKIttwXcsq3CtcHD49sSLWq2wlv_U7gjD9i_r3VBx6FSuvXjUQMGDm3BTiE90EnkAm1gYurnvMVt3N3Dp9JyPQ/s1600/TheMiamiNewsJan1%252C1927p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1418" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScynl8kptGDE6avsDMW-YJ0eP0ZqxakIfBNN1X9L_vHd7UJBGz_DoqxKIttwXcsq3CtcHD49sSLWq2wlv_U7gjD9i_r3VBx6FSuvXjUQMGDm3BTiE90EnkAm1gYurnvMVt3N3Dp9JyPQ/s320/TheMiamiNewsJan1%252C1927p4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Miami Times, January 1, 1927. All the awnings denote shops and restaurants.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course,
those shops were vacant because that part of the building was condemned,
but no one dwells on that. They think it was all and rehearsal space
and actor housing and fabrication (and in fact, the Playhouse did
rehearse in the condemned part of the structure from time to time).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They are resolved that they don't want a developer to get their mitts
on the site and turn it back into what it was: a mixed-use facility
built around entertainment (movies in the 1920s, and then live theater
starting in the mid 1950s.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this group, any proposal that
isn't "theatre only - and nothing else" is going to be rejected. They
rejected the idea when Jose Ferrer suggested it, they rejected the idea
when Arnold Mittelman pursued it, and they reject it now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's
not to say that their claims about the reverter clause do not have
merit. There is such a clause, and it does say that the site is to be used for the perfomring arts. But that does not mean that there should not be a discussion over the merits of the reverter
clause itself. After all, that site has NEVER supported a performing
arts facility based on just its own revenue, EVER. The proposal is about finding ways to make performing arts there an economically sound proposal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Originally,
the shops in front provided operating revenue for the playhouse. Then
the parking lot and the rental of an adjacent building provided revenue.</div>
<br />
Food for thought.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-47526404818926567542017-10-28T20:29:00.001-04:002017-10-28T20:36:15.170-04:00Why does STCGP Facebook Page Twist Facts?<div align="justify">
We’ve reported on the inaccuracies of the SAVE THE COCONUT GROVE PLAYHOUSE before, but in light of the recent posts following the update, we feel it’s necessary to undo the damage they are doing by basically fabricating stories to bolster their opinions that the current ruin of the Playhouse should be restored to an unusable white elephant.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmrFVsd2qmk/WfUg3zlgnoI/AAAAAAAASEM/BRR1Jct4_-8IZ_tgk-7qPK9GD7INMds7QCHMYCw/s1600-h/STCGP-FB-10.28.17-B-2%255B3%255D"><img alt="STCGP-FB-10.28.17-B-2" border="0" height="196" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PjTAlNHYiUc/WfUg4tmsjxI/AAAAAAAASEQ/7llfpyj2KCQHA90keBHxAJcASTc5-iRFwCHMYCw/STCGP-FB-10.28.17-B-2_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="STCGP-FB-10.28.17-B-2" width="521" /></a></div>
<br />
Let’s take a look at some of this “evidence.”<br />
<br />
<h2>
THE BROADWAY MAVEN</h2>
<div align="justify">
<br />
<br />
Howard Rogut, indeed, has years of Broadway experience. But Miami is not Broadway. The market is completely different. As a production manager, I have had many discussions with Broadway producers over the years, and I always have to educate them in the realities of regional theatre economics versus Broadway. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Rogut’s record on Broadway. 21 years running the Jujamycin Theatres is no small accomplishment. But it’s not regional theater in South Florida. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
The calculations for actor salaries on a LORT contract include the number of seats available for sale during the run of a play. The more seats, the higher the salary. If you’re selling enough of those seats, then the numbers work. At the same time, regional theatres sell more individual tickets towards the end of the run, as word of mouth - or reviews - circulate. So the production typically needs to run at least three weeks. But because of the subscription model, the production can’t be open-ended, so a run can’t be more than five or six weeks.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
This is very different from Broadway, where you run a play until it fails to break even. The runs are planned for years, if not quite open-ended. They have a lot more potential revenue. And factor in that Broadway is a tourist destination. Very few regional theatres have achieved that status.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
A production on Broadway has a much larger pool of ticket revenue to fund its operations. In fact, it’s effectively infinite, in the case of the open ended run. Yes, they have a minimum to make per week, but each week of run also pays back the initial cost of production. At some point, the initial investment can be earned back, and profits begin. And with a successful play, the sky’s the limit.</div>
<div align="justify">
But in regional theatre, that investment is rarely recouped. In every production I have ever staged, I have know how much the production can potentially earn to the penny. It’s a function of how many seats are available to sell through the run. And it’s a hard, immutable line, that very few regional productions every hit.<br />
</div>
<h2 align="justify">
THE “THOUSAND SEATS IN SARASOTA”</h2>
<div align="justify">
<br />
Vic Meyrich is also a production manager. He works at the Asolo Repertory Theater, which has three performance venues: the 500 seat Mertz Theatre, the 161 seat Cook Theatre, and the Asolo Theatre, which has 200 seats. So when STCGP says that Vic “runs 1000 seats,” they really mean he runs “861 seats split between three halls.” But the reality is that the Asolo Repertory Company is based in the 500 seat venue. in fact, it EXPANDED to that 500 seat theater, after many years based out of the 200 seat theater.<br />
<br />
When I worked with Jose Ferrer, a former artisitc director of the Coconut Grove Playhouse, we discussed the problems he faced there. He was preparing to direct the first play at the new home of the Theatre Club of the Palm Beaches. They had just moved into their new 250 seat venue, and he mentioned that the biggest problem he faced at the Grove was the immense capacity. Mr. Ferrer was very impressed that Louis Tyrell had created a reasonable sized operation, and wished he’d been able to do the same in The Grove.<br />
</div>
<h2 align="justify">
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD</h2>
<div align="justify">
<br />
STCGP also invokes Michael Eidson, whose background in professional theatre is he was on the board of the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. He’s a lawyer, not a theatre impressario. And while it’s great that he served on the board of the Arsht Center (which is a presenting house), that does not make him familiar with the realities of running a regional theatres, all of which are PRODUCING houses.<br />
<br />
And while it is true that the Arsht has partnered with Zoetic Stage (which IS a producing theatre), please note which space Zoetic is based in. I’ll give you a hint: it’s the one with a lot less than a thousand seats.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDyY3HnWmjU/WfUg5VIFrTI/AAAAAAAASEU/8I7PQF4pVo8Ujw6t3EVM9L-xFXuZ2bc0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/CarnivalStudio%255B3%255D"><img alt="CarnivalStudio" border="0" height="65" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vgs9j2UdISs/WfUg6NbO4mI/AAAAAAAASEY/laPeujpH2wEWDwJTIYf-Ye9W5hUslnX_gCHMYCw/CarnivalStudio_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="CarnivalStudio" width="514" /></a></div>
<h2 align="justify">
</h2>
<h2 align="justify">
LEAGUE OF REGIONAL THEATRES</h2>
<div align="justify">
<br />
Now, STCGP doesn’t mention which theatres Mr. Eidson traveled to “conduct studies.”<br />
<br />
But we’ll do a random sampling from the <a href="http://lort.org/theatres" target="_blank">LORT</a> membership:<br />
<br />
Actors’ Theatre of Louisville: 633 seats<br />
Asolo Repertory Company: 500<br />
Goodspeed Opera House: 350 <br />
The Geffen Playhouse: 512<br />
Portland Stage: 286<br />
Philadelphia Theatre Company: 365<br />
Wilma Theatre: 296<br />
Florida Studio Theatre: 237 <br />
Maltz Jupiter Theatre: 617<br />
Signature Theatre: 275<br />
Trinity Repertory Theatre: 500<br />
Yale Repertory Theatre: 478</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
While it’s true that a number of them are more than 300 seats, not one of them approaches 1,000 seats. I submit that that is not an accident.<br />
<br />
The Grove ended up in a top tier LORT category because of its capacity, but lost money because it had more deadwood than occupancy over the course of a run.<br />
<br />
And the folks behind STCGP want to force history to repeat itself.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-32637271829585406592017-01-07T17:46:00.000-05:002017-01-07T17:48:29.151-05:00The Scene for January 6, 2017<div align="justify"><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" width="244" align="left" height="235"></div> <div align="justify">Happy new year! </div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify">We’re getting a little break in the weather, a very slight taste of winter. What better excuse to head into a nice warm theatre?</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify">This first week of January is a quiet week, as a lot of companies just closed productions at the holidays, and are still rehearsing for the next show. But that doesn’t mean that there is nothing to see, because there is always SOMETHING to see somewhere across South Florida. </div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify" align="justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify" align="justify"></div> <div align="justify"></div> <div align="justify">Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div> <div style="text-align: justify"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div> <a name='more'></a> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div></div> <div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: large"><span style="font-size: large"><font size="5">opening...</font></span></span></h2></div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://themensemble.com/" target="_blank">The M Ensemble</a> opens its production of <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/m-ensemble-scores-with-stirring-saga-of-race-pride-basketball-in-the-kings-of-harlem/" target="_blank">The Kings of Harlem</a><em></em> at the Sandrell Rivers Theatre this weekend, through January 19, 2017.</div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: justify"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">coming and going...</h2> <div> </div> <div>The National Tour of <em>Dirty Dancing</em> passes through <a href="http://kravis.org/broadway" target="_blank">The Kravis Center</a> this weekend.</div> <div> </div> <div>Wiesenthal also plays this weekend only at <a href="http://kravis.org/" target="_blank">The Kravis Center</a>.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <h2 style="text-align: justify">you still haven't missed...</h2></div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div><a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theatre</a> production of <em>Vegas..A Night on the Strip</em> plays through January 22, 2017, while their production of <em>Most Happy Fella</em> plays through February 5th.</div> <div> </div> <div><em><a href="http://mysonthewaiter.com/" target="_blank">My Son, The Waiter</a></em> plays at the <a href="http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/" target="_blank">Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center</a> through January 29.</div> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://www.shakespearemiami.com/" target="_blank">Shakespeare Miami</a> is offering its production of <em>The Merchant of Venice</em> this weekend at the Mizner Park Ampitheatre in Boca Raton, and next weekend at The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove. <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-boca-theater-merchant-venice-advance-20170104-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a> has the story.</div> <div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">last chance to see...</h2></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.curtaincallplayhouse.com/">Curtain Call Playhouse</a> has been hauling its production of <em>Becky’s New C</em>ar all around South Florida. It ends its run at the <a href="http://www.sunrisefl.gov/index.aspx?page=261">Sunrise Civic Center</a> this Sunday.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://waterfrontplayhouse.org">The Waterfront Playhouse</a> closes its production of<em> It’s Only A Play this Saturday</em>, January 7th.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">community and conservatory...</h2> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify">Opportunity Theatre Inc presents <em>I’m Not Rappaport</em> at the <a href="http://www.sorefjcc.org/main/i-m-not-rappaport-playing-jan-7th-jan-15th/" target="_blank">JCC Soref Center</a> through January 22, 2017.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-31674192331315285132017-01-06T09:21:00.000-05:002017-01-06T09:21:50.367-05:00Copyright Workshop - January 28.You've designed a set, and the theatre you designed it for sold it to someone else, and now a third theater is using it and claiming design credit; what are your rights?<br /><br />You're directing a play, and want to use a video clip during a transition. Is it free because you found it on YouTube, or do you have pay someone a royalty?<br /><br />You're a school, and you want to perform play, and you have a copy of the script; do you really need to pay royalties for one weekend in the gymatorium?<br /><br />You're producing a play, but you don't like the language in one scene; canyou just cut dialogue, or shift it from somewhere else?<br /><br />You're choreographing a musical, so you watch the movie version to copy the moves; is that legal?<br /><br />All these questions and more will be addressed at the <a href="http://southfloridatheatre.org/rescheduled-copyright-law-and-its-application-to-the-theatre-and-performing-arts-community/" target="_blank">South Florida Theatre' League's copyright workshop</a> on January 28. The course will be conducted by two local attorneys, <strong>Susan Dierenfeldt-Troy</strong> and <strong>David Rogero</strong>, who between the two of them, have over fifty years of combined experience in the area of intellectual property law.<br />
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And if you're a lawyer with an interest, the Florida Bar will award 4 CLE credits for taking this course.<br />
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You can read more about it, and sign up for it <a href="http://southfloridatheatre.org/rescheduled-copyright-law-and-its-application-to-the-theatre-and-performing-arts-community/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-83969558525613686512016-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-03T06:00:11.271-04:00Mondays are Dark<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZRY5IecYjVGLI3a9Nb5FA8QrhVASBzANz2yQG2cyw0tftz9lDZNF2pbWo3kOblq7Zgssto2cY1WPCEP9iHEeeu84guQ6IRtZmGUAZ22JwxJKZ9skTyrFW2oWAACyJzYSyukTblBZ50o/s1600/dark+theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZRY5IecYjVGLI3a9Nb5FA8QrhVASBzANz2yQG2cyw0tftz9lDZNF2pbWo3kOblq7Zgssto2cY1WPCEP9iHEeeu84guQ6IRtZmGUAZ22JwxJKZ9skTyrFW2oWAACyJzYSyukTblBZ50o/s200/dark+theatre.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Yes, it’s been awhile. We’re hoping that the new theatre season will give us a little more time for keeping up with the blog. Last year hit hard and heavy, and while this year looks to just as busy, this year we’re better prepared for it. We hope.</div>
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We’re going to try to start back up slowly – don’t look for review
roundups, but we’ll have your Monday reading list on, well, Monday, and
The Scene will publish every Thursday.</div>
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So here’s your Monday reading list:</div>
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Start of the Season</h2>
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It’s a new theatre season, and for the <a href="http://www.kravis.org/" target="_blank">Kravis Center</a>, it’s their 25th Anniversary. <a href="http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/entertainment/arts-theater/kravis-celebrates-25th-with-free-performances-on-f/nsjB8/" target="_blank">The Shiny Sheet</a> reports they celebrated with a festival of performances.<br />
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The <a href="http://palmbeachartspaper.com/2016-17-season-preview-theater/" target="_blank">Sun Sentinel</a> posted their <a href="http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/artsguide/2016/" target="_blank">Guide the Arts</a>, which includes a <a href="http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/artsguide/2016/#actors" target="_blank">lovely spotlight</a> on Niki Fridh and Matt Stabile. Of course, the <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/" target="_blank">Miami Herald</a> also have their <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/season-of-the-arts/" target="_blank">Season of the Arts Guide</a>, and they list their <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/season-of-the-arts/article100542067.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Theatre Events</a> for this season.<br />
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Not to be left behind, Palm Beach Arts Paper also has their <a href="http://palmbeachartspaper.com/2016-17-season-preview-theater/" target="_blank">2016-2017 Season Preview</a> up. </div>
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Bringing it Home</h2>
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When the national tour of RENT plays the <a href="https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/baa1617_rent" target="_blank">Broward Center</a> next week, it’ll be a homecoming for Christian Thompson, and the <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-lauderdale-theater-rent-preview-20160928-story.html" target="_blank">Sun-Sentinel</a> speaks with him about it.</div>
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I've already warned my cast that I'll probably be sobbing all three nights. This is one of the best ways to say thank you to everyone who has helped me on my journey to succeed. To have those people ... see me succeed will be just a blessing…. I saw my first show at the Broward Center. I saw "Cats."</blockquote>
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There will be a pre-show lottery for tickets, come early with $25 cash in hand. Or buy tickets at <a href="https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/baa1617_rent" target="_blank">Browardcenter.org</a></div>
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Broken Dream</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WL7Hu-XKl-C2rFvqLoEYPGQ8O3mZnZ6xb6jJ3hE_ycsbwMbIjafVNx7YseFm1wqts2Hz2hX2LNkzyXy3w3nlK2lmnqAp_8EBTJaTIdNGds6yyBvNdcyNdK-gX3OGjU8-gvm1rTOVIEI/s1600/NakedStageturn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WL7Hu-XKl-C2rFvqLoEYPGQ8O3mZnZ6xb6jJ3hE_ycsbwMbIjafVNx7YseFm1wqts2Hz2hX2LNkzyXy3w3nlK2lmnqAp_8EBTJaTIdNGds6yyBvNdcyNdK-gX3OGjU8-gvm1rTOVIEI/s1600/NakedStageturn1.png" /></a>When <a href="http://www.nakedstage.org/TheNakedStage/Home.html">The Naked Stage</a> announced they would be building a permanent home on Clematis Street, it was a dream come true. Alas, it’s not meant to be. <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/news/breaking-news-amadeos-to-leave-florida-plans-scrapped-for-new-naked-stage-venue/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a> reports that the Amadeos will be moving out of state:</div>
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“…as the complex realities of raising and focusing on our family intensified over the past year, it became clear that the massive undertaking that awaited us in the impending creation of the new theatre was going to make it near impossible for us to put the necessary level of care and attention where we really needed it: on our family. New goals and outlooks for our home life have shifted our perspective on things. And so, we have made the very difficult decision to halt the progress of The Station Theatre and lower the curtain on The Naked Stage.”</blockquote>
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As for the space, the <a href="http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/news/local/the-naked-stage-will-not-open-on-clematis-street/nsfkw/" target="_blank">Palm Beach Daily News</a> reports that the owner is undecided as to its fate.</div>
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Business Stuff Part 1</h2>
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The Theatre League is hosting a workshop on copyright law. And you should probably attend if you’re producing, directing, or doing design work.</div>
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Cost for the Copyright Law and Its Application to the Theatre and Performing Arts Community workshop will be $10 for League members, and $25 for non-members. Tickets are available on line; tickets will also be available for purchase at the door, the day of the event. <i><b>Please buy in advance -- if we do not meet a minimum number of ticket sales we will postpone the workshop to a further date.</b></i><br />
Florida Bar CLE credits pending.<br />
<i><b>Buy Tickets Here: <a href="https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/963921">https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/963921</a></b></i></blockquote>
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You really should attend if you have ever written a play, or directed a play and wanted to make adjustments, or if you want to play specific music or snippets from movies. What is permissible? What needs to licensed, and what are the penalties if you don’t license? In this internet world of connectivity, you really need to know what you’re doing.</div>
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Business Stuff Part 2</h2>
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The new <a href="https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/" target="_blank">Fair Labor Standards Act regulations</a> are aimed at small business exactly like all of our smaller theater companies, and <a href="http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2016/09/28/non-profit-arts-version-of-the-talk/" target="_blank">Butts In Seats</a> has prepared The Talk for you.</div>
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The problem is that depending on stop-gap measures and pressure of organizational culture will no longer be viable in the face of this new salary threshold and expectations of a work-life balance that new employees are bringing to the workplace.</blockquote>
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The article references another piece from <a href="http://www.americantheatre.org/2016/08/30/what-price-overtime-theatre-workers-want-to-know/" target="_blank">American Theatre Magazine</a> that you should also read. The salaries of most small theatre companies fall within the affected pay levels, and if you’re managing a theatre or sit on its board, you need to know this stuff.</div>
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Meanwhile…</h2>
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…in <b>Palm Beach</b>, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse is still closed. While no firm plans have been made about when (or if) work will start, there’s some kerfuffle about the number of seats back in April, according to the <a href="http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/news/local/reduction-of-seats-for-royal-poinciana-playhouse-l/nq8Y2/" target="_blank">Palm Beach Daily News</a>.</div>
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… in <b>Coconut Grove</b>, the Coconut Grove Playhouse is still closed. Back in July, the <a href="http://www.miamidadearts.org/coconut-grove-playhouse-updates" target="_blank">Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs</a> reports <a href="http://www.miamidadearts.org/news/continued-progress-coconut-grove-playhouse-project" target="_blank">there is progress</a>:</div>
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Work on the site plan options for the Coconut Grove Playhouse is underway by the County’s design team led by Arquitectonica International Corporation. This process is being informed by the team’s theater consultants, Fisher Dachs Associates; structural engineer, Douglas Wood Associates; and historic preservation architect, Jorge Hernandez, among other design team members. </blockquote>
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Fischer Dachs Associates worked on The Broward Center (both the original construction and the renovation), and Doug Wood was the structural engineer for the renovation of The Miracle Theater for Actors’ Playhouse, so the project is in good hands. But what that project will be is still under development.</div>
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And a few weeks ago, <a href="http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2016/09/06/coconut-grove-playhouse-may-go-historic-register/" target="_blank">Miami Today News</a> reports that it may finally be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.</div>
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… In <b>Broward County</b>, the Hollywood Playhouse is now a church, so this is the last entry for it. But <a href="http://www.abandonedfl.com/little-hollywood-playhouse/" target="_blank">Abandoned Florida</a> has a lovely history with photographs.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-75696701829057168882016-10-02T18:26:00.002-04:002016-10-02T18:26:39.546-04:00Testing TestingHello, is this thing on? Is anyone still out there?<br />
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The South Florida Theatre Scene returns from its mysterious hiatus tomorrow morning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-76940996756032220612015-12-10T20:29:00.001-05:002015-12-10T20:30:55.859-05:00The Scene for December 11, 2015<div align="justify">
<img align="left" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;" width="244" /></div>
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We’ve finally got a little break in the weather this week. And that means it’s a great excuse to see some live theatre!<br />
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If you’ve a hankering for brand new plays, you can either check out <i>Two Weekends and a Day</i> at New Theatre, or Theatre Lab’s <i>New Play Festival</i>. Musicals? All over the place. Comedies? We got’em. Dramas? You bet. Something for the kids? Hey, it’s the season, people!<br />
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Wanna see <i><b>The Nutcracker</b></i>? <a href="https://www.miamicityballet.org/" target="_blank">Miami City Ballet</a> is staging the George Balanchine’s version at The Broward Center this weekend, and the Arsht Center next weekend. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.artsballettheatre.org/p2.html" target="_blank">Arts Ballet Theatre</a> offers its own original staging at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center this weekend, and Parker Playhouse next weekend. And if you’re looking for something “nutcracker-<i>ish</i>”, Meg Segreto Dance Center presents <i>In the Nutcracker Mood</i> at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/megsegreto_nutcracker" target="_blank">Parker Playhouse</a> on Sunday.</div>
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Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div>
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<a href="http://thewick.org/" target="_blank">The Wick Theatre</a> presents <i>Ballroom with a Twist-mas</i> through December 27, 2015.</div>
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The freshman <a href="http://www.marqueetheatercompany.com/" target="_blank">Marquee Theatre Company</a> presents <i>Songs for a New World</i> at The Next Level Black Box through December 20, 2015.</div>
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<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
coming and going...</h2>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://outretheatrecompany.com/" target="_blank">Outré Theatre Company</a> revives its production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2014/05/outre-theatre-company-thrill-me-reviews.html" target="_blank">Thrill Me</a></i> for a limited run at the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/thrill-me" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> that ends Sunday.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The national tour of <i>Kinky Boots</i> plays at the <a href="http://arshtcenter.org/" target="_blank">Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts</a> through Sunday. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i>Blue Man Group</i> is at <a href="http://www.kravis.org/" target="_blank">The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts</a> through Sunday.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fau.edu/theatrelab" target="_blank">Theatre Lab</a> celebrates with its <i>New Play Festival</i> through December 13.</div>
<div>
<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
you still haven't missed...</h2>
</div>
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</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> presents <i>The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge</i> through December 27, 2015.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i>Billy Elliot: The Musical</i> plays at <a href="http://jupitertheatre.org/" target="_blank">The Maltz Jupiter Theatre</a> through December 20.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/" target="_blank">Palm Beach Dramaworks</a> presents <i>The History Boys</i> through January 3.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://levisjcc.org/culture/music_theater" target="_blank">West Boca Theatre Company</a> presents the revival of the <a href="http://islandcitystage.org/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> Production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/06/island-city-stage-daniels-husband.html" target="_blank">Daniel’s Husband</a></i> through December 20. This show had everyone raving back in June.</div>
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<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.gablestage.org/season-2015-2016/constellations/" target="_blank">Gablestage</a> presents<i> Constellations</i>, through December 20, 2015.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theater</a> offers <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/12/stage-door-theatre-gypsy-reviews.html" target="_blank">Gypsy</a><i></i> through January 3rd, 2016. </div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
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last chance to see...</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.new-theatre.org/" target="_blank">New Theater</a> presents <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/12/new-theatre-two-weekends-and-day-reviews.html" target="_blank">Two Weekends and a Day</a></i> at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center through December 13.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://islandcitystage.com/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/island-city-stage-angry-fags-review.html" target="_blank">Angry Fags</a></i> through December 13, 2015.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>4 Ever ‘50s</i> winds up its run at <a href="http://www.willowtheatre.org/4ever-50s" target="_blank">The Willow Theatre</a> this Sunday.</div>
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</div>
</div>
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<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
community and conservatory...</h2>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Delray Beach Playhouse</a> presents <i>Hi Hat Hattie</i> through December 13th, as wells as <i>Something Wonderful – The Songs of Oscar Hammerstein</i>, through December 17.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://downinfronttheater.com/" target="_blank">Down In Front Theater</a> presents <i>Musical Moments</i>, through December 20.</div>
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</div>
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<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
for kids...</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.areastagecompany.com/#!plays/cjg9" target="_blank">Area Stage Company</a> offers <i>Charlotte’s Web</i> through Sunday, December 13.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.solchildren.org/" target="_blank">Sol Children’s Theatre</a> offers <i>Once Upon A Mattress</i>, through December 20.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens.htm" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> offers <i>The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe</i> through December 20.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-38093483505218630922015-12-10T19:40:00.001-05:002015-12-10T19:50:10.474-05:00New Theatre: Two Weekends and a Day (reviews)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ENCMTeD0eYD4gsJRAkvrLu0P0wGLaacBBY7J3yLbuDcfJUSX7ABPpn_0YTelnya7Qrix599jtYRCIriB7WS-BuSDjGusGi2jsTuuDRpztFNYl4MbSHizUWmiWjlStWGpZd7r5yz5ozs/s1600/Newtheatre+two_weekends_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ENCMTeD0eYD4gsJRAkvrLu0P0wGLaacBBY7J3yLbuDcfJUSX7ABPpn_0YTelnya7Qrix599jtYRCIriB7WS-BuSDjGusGi2jsTuuDRpztFNYl4MbSHizUWmiWjlStWGpZd7r5yz5ozs/s200/Newtheatre+two_weekends_3.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<a href="http://www.new-theatre.org/" target="_blank">New
Theatre</a> opened the world premiere production of <i>Two Weekends and a
Day</i> on November 21, 2015.</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Penned by local playwright Susan Westfall, this new work is set
on one couple's beachside porch and another couple's country deck, over the
course of two weekends and a day. This sexy and bittersweet play follows the
friendship of four adults who, in the words of Jimmy Buffett, are growing
older... and finally growing up through the most devastating moments in their
lives... after mid-life crisis. The play was conceived with the help of the
Cultural Affairs Departments Playwrighting Development Program alongside the
mentorship of Deborah Zoe Laufer in 2014.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Ricky J. Martinez directed a cast that included Susie Kreitman
Taylor, Barbara Sloan, R. Kent Wilson, Kim Ostrenko, Evelyn Perez, and Clinton
Archambault.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
<div align="justify">
<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article46067335.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Under the guidance of artistic director <b>Ricky J.
Martinez</b>, <i>Two Weekends and a Day </i>tells its story clearly as it
swings from weekend to weekend, then at last to that day of resolution
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Westfall </b>has much to say about marital
restlessness and recklessness, about how living out an enduring fantasy can feel
so exhilarating in the moment, then engender such guilt or regret or longing
afterwards… As with many first productions of new work, the script could benefit
from some trimming and revision. Though the program notes that the play’s
running time is an hour and a half, it’s actually a full hour longer than that,
and it doesn’t need to be…</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
The work by the cast varies, though most of the performances
effectively bring these new characters to life. Though <b>Sloan</b>
must play an unhappy woman who treats her husband badly and acts out
inappropriately, the magnetic performer always makes Melinda intriguing to
watch. <b>Archambault’s</b> Billy is, as described, a “catch.”
<b>Wilson</b> is still struggling with some of Jonathan’s lines, but
he radiates both damage and strength. The versatile<b> Ostrenko</b>
portrays both the aggressive, dangerous Dr. Bishop and beach house neighbor
Lucy, a gal who has her eye on Jonathan (though her story is a bit too
conveniently parallel to Rebecca’s). <b>Taylor</b> is convincing and
appealing as the frustrated odd woman out among longtime pals.
<b>Perez</b>, however, is hard to buy as a cancer patient, Billy’s
spouse or Melinda’s best pal (some of the fault lies in the character as she’s
constructed, some in Perez’s less-than-convincing acting). </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
That New Theatre is celebrating its 30th with mostly new plays
(plus the classic <i>Death of a Salesman</i>) is in keeping with the company’s
history, which includes plenty of impressive work, most notably the world
premiere of Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning <i>Anna in the Tropics</i>.
<i>Two Weekends and a Day </i>isn’t at that best-of level, but it will
certainly resonate with audience members of a certain age. </div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/westfalls-intriguing-premiere-two-weekends-and-a-day-has-promise-but-needs-more-work/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:
</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Susan J. Westfall’s <i>Two Weekends and a Day</i> at New
Theatre is a classic example of a world premiere that has admirable virtues
worth exploring further, but a serious need for more re-tooling...
<b>Westfall</b> creates scores of moments that resonate deeply with
audience members whose decades-long alliances get them through emotional crises
and the encroaching specter of mortality. On the other, the work is far too
long, exposition is dropped off by the truckload and some plot developments
would only be credible in a daytime soap opera. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Faced with such challenges, director <b>Ricky J.
Martinez</b> and the diligent cast of New Theatre regulars work hard,
prevailing some of the time, but not always.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
The two times alternate back and forth as secrets are revealed,
betrayals occur and people who love each other tell each other a lot of hard
truths. A <i>lot</i> of blood flows over the dam and while the final scene is,
indeed, the point of Westfall’s entire play, it doesn’t quite land as believably
as it might.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
The exposition situation is especially problematic. This play
is <i>about</i> the importance of shared experiences that most of the
characters lived together, but which the audience doesn’t know. So the
playwright has to get that information across somehow. But while the information
is feathered in occasionally in a line of dialogue or depicted in flashbacks
already described in a previous scene, it’s mostly dumped off in relating
stories.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Kathryn Ryan</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.edgemiami.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews//188859/two_weekends_and_a_day!" target="_blank">Edge Miami</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Every once in a while a play comes along that so resonates with
the audience, is so in sync with their experience and values that it surprises
in a delightful way. Such is the case with Susan Westfall's world premiere of
<b>"Two Weekends and a Day"</b> directed by Ricky Martinez and produced by New
Theatre. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Director <b>Martinez</b> knows how to elicit
laughter, exude sexuality, and evoke pity in all of his characters. The love
scene between Melinda and Billy is touching and funny as well as sexy. As they
go at it, he complains about his knees as she talks about how remiss she has
been in going to the gym. <b>Westfall</b> clearly understands how
passion changes over time.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
In the role of Mrs. Tinoco, Melinda and Jonathan's neighbor,
<b>Kim Ostrenko</b>, is particularly poignant in her disappointment
when she discovers Melinda has returned to Jonathan. In her duel role as Doctor
Bishop, she is also fervent in her belief that holistic medicine can save Gina
from cancer.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
For her part <b>Sloan</b> lights up the stage with
her smiles and her tears. Her sadness when she discovers that Gina knew of her
adultery with Billy is especially moving. <b>Perez</b> infuses Gina
with both pragmatism and hope... <b>Taylor</b> is impressive in the
scene in which she questions Jonathan's professed love for her; she is
simultaneously hurt and indignant.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
For his part, <b>Wilson</b> plays a man who believes
that ignorance can be bliss and would rather avoid confrontation at any cost in
the hopes that by ignoring a situation it will eventually resolve itself. His
performance is very touching when as Jonathan he asks Melinda if she ever truly
loved him at any time during their thirty-five years together. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Archambault's</b> Billy is affable if practical.
In his portrayal of Billy the audience can see his guilt and pain but also his
love, patience and desire to keep on living. He tells Melinda, "I'm right here,
but I have to move on." Through Billy, Westfall is able to articulate the theme
of the necessity of dealing with loss.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Is the play perfect? Of course it's not. It could use some
cutting here and there, especially in the opening scene, as well as some
fleshing out of the relationships, like the one between two female best friends,
but it nevertheless weaves a compelling narrative about the roller coaster
relationship of couples with a long history which is not often examined on stage
today.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Roger Martin</b> reviewed for<a href="http://www.miamiartzine.com/Features.php?op=Article_Two+Weekends+and+a+Day" target="_blank"> Miami ArtZine</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-style: italic;">“It's personal...Some of it is true”</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br />
Local playwright Susan J. Westfall includes the above comments in her
Playwright's Notes in the program for her world premiere piece now on
stage at the New Theatre. Such an invitation to speculate in this story
of middle-aged couples and their failing marriages. But gossip aside,
there's the mixed truth of long-term relationships on display here.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There's a lot going on in this piece: death from cancer, death from
falling off a ladder, adultery, anti-semitism, railing at holistic
medicine, long suffering husbands, wandering wives, and just about every
emotional button available for pushing. And all this is talked about,
over and over, with characters telling other characters things they
already know. Exposition has <span style="font-style: italic;">Two Weekends and a Day </span>in a death grip. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
New Theatre does well with its commitment to new plays but this is
not an inspired offering with its uncaught inconsistencies in the script
and its dubious casting. </blockquote>
The <a href="http://www.new-theatre.org/" target="_blank">New
Theatre</a> production of <i>Two Weekends and a Day</i> plays through December
13, 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-79137464562224699422015-12-10T17:52:00.000-05:002015-12-10T17:52:06.802-05:00Stage Door Theatre: Gypsy (reviews)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBaitNwn5yOIi3aQq-601w39NO_kxNJz5-eR2SOCfG3Z7gMRlOsLYHwkXEYoiWeOI2MChLiXL5kv4WUmw4OexMRpypghMG4rTcRljNMKkG4n7sG87Sv0lwfs3h1sdJDqt8UOT4FMll7w/s1600/Stage+Doo+Gypsy+-+On+Stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBaitNwn5yOIi3aQq-601w39NO_kxNJz5-eR2SOCfG3Z7gMRlOsLYHwkXEYoiWeOI2MChLiXL5kv4WUmw4OexMRpypghMG4rTcRljNMKkG4n7sG87Sv0lwfs3h1sdJDqt8UOT4FMll7w/s200/Stage+Doo+Gypsy+-+On+Stage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank"> The
Broward Stage Door Theatre</a> opened its production of <i>Gypsy </i>on
November 20, 2015.</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
GYPSY is the ultimate story about an aggressive stage mother.
Join Rose, June and Louise in their trip across the United States during the
1920′s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Jule Styne’s music and
Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics include “Let Me Entertain You”, “Some People, You’ll
Never Get Away from Me”, “If Momma Was Married”, “All I Need Is the Girl”,
“Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, and “Together Wherever We Go.” GYPSY has been
referred to as one of the greatest American musicals. </div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Dan Kelley directed a cast that featured Ann Marie Olson,
Matthew Korinko, Kelly Ziegler, Erica Rose Mendez, Ellie Pattison, Stephanie
Genovese and Christina Groom.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/ann-marie-olsons-performance-rescues-stage-doors-gypsy/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Any production that spotlights <b>Ms. Olson’s</b>
golden voice (gold is a good word – warm, strong, low, vibrant, bright) in one
of the greatest roles in the canon can be forgiven damn near anything. Ditto for
any company that gives us <b>Matthew Korinko’s</b> fine turn as the
mensch Herbie and a hilarious trio of over-the-hill strippers in <b>Ellie
Pattison</b>, <b>Stephanie Genovese</b> and <b>Christina
Groom</b>.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
But otherwise, this production is as thin as the tinny tracks
and high school quality scenery, and sits there as unenthusing as Electra’s
intentionally lackluster bump-and-grind.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Director<b> Dan Kelley</b> adds some nice touches,
such as Mama Rose being visible behind a translucent curtain when Gypsy “strips”
the first time. But he cannot get the cast to inject much magic or subtext
subtleties in the book scenes.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Olson</b> may not have the freight train chutzpah
of predecessors Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury or Patti LuPone, but she combines
her glorious warm belt with acting chops so that you never mistake her
three-dimensional performance for some nightclub rendition of a
standard.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Herbie is one of the thankless roles in musical theater, but
<b>Korinko</b> invests him with the essential likability and makes
Herbie’s loyalty credible. He’s also got a much better voice than Herbies
usually do, making his duets with Olson a pleasure to listen
to.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Another highlight of the show is the strippers’ trio “You Gotta
Have A Gimmick,” choreographed by<b> Chrissi Ardito</b> and staged by
— credit where credit is due — <b>Kelley</b>.
<b>Pattison’s</b> zaftig Tessie Tura… is hilarious flapping her
butterfy wings about “with finesse” accented by a pelvic thrust.
<b>Genovese</b> is just as hysterical with her
barely-qualifies-as-a-twitch movements that show just how bored and burned out
Electra has become in the bottom rung of the entertainment world. And the limber
lovely <b>Groom</b> almost steals the number as she toots on a horn
while advising “bump it with a trumpet.”</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Only a handful of local companies could afford the live
orchestra needed to do this show right, but this is a score that demands it. And
frankly, there are tracks and there are tracks. These sound as if created on
someone’s keyboard in their garage.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article46912320.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
…the production certainly has issues, including the fact that
the actors sing to music tracks that seem to turn on and off abruptly, the set
looks as if it would blow over in a strong wind, and some of the performances
are no better than so-so. But Stage Door’s <i>Gypsy </i>also has its assets,
including a particularly magnificent one: the presence of <b>Ann Marie
Olson</b> in the role of Mama Rose.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Olson</b>, a Carbonell Award-winning actor, can
belt with the best of ’em. But her powerful voice is also beautiful and nuanced,
as is her acting. Whenever she’s onstage, which is fortunately most of the time,
Stage Door’s <i>Gypsy</i> is the richer for it. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Director <b>Dan Kelley</b> and choreographer
<b>Chrissi Ardito</b> have worked hard to weave a cast with varying
abilities into a cohesive bunch, with only partial success. The kids in the show
are just OK (though that’s likely the caliber of act Rose would have been
pushing), as are most of their adult counterparts and some of the grownup actors
who play multiple roles. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
In addition to the standard-setting work by
<b>Olson</b> and <b>Korinko</b>, the best performances in
the show come from <b>Erica Rose Mendez</b> as the grownup June and
<b>Kelly Zieg</b>ler as Louise (though she’s more effective in her
scenes as the reluctant “star” than she is as Gypsy Rose Lee); <b>Brian
Dirito</b> as June’s boyfriend Tulsa; and <b>Christina Groom</b>,
<b>Stephanie Genovese</b> and <b>Ellie Pattison</b> as the
comic strippers Mazeppa, Electra and Tessie Tura.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Despite the best efforts of the artists involved, Stage Door’s
<i>Gypsy</i> is not a memorable production of an American musical classic. But
Olson’s turn as Mama Rose is most definitely worth seeking out.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-margate-theater-gypsy-review-20151203-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>:
</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
There are scenes in Stage Door Theatre's production of "Gypsy"
that jump right out at you. That is, of course, a good thing for the show
running through Jan. 3 at the Margate theater. But those handful of buzzy and
bright sequences make the rest of the musical-comedy look lackluster and
low-watt by comparison.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
As Rose, <b>Ann Marie Olson</b> is a formidable
talent, gripping the role with just the right amount of fierce determination
without ever mutating into a grotesque caricature of a stage mother from hell.
Her voice, brassy with a warm center, is one of the best things about this
production directed and staged by <b>Dan Kelley</b>.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
The choreography, by <b>Chrissi Ardito</b>, works
well with the rest of the cast in their scenes as Rose drags a lousy kid act
from one theater to another, trying to get to Broadway. The show finally finds
its connection with the audience with the comedic "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," in
which a trio of blowsy strippers (<b>Christina Groom, Ellie Pattison,
Stephanie Genovese</b>) show a pupae-stage Gypsy Rose Lee how it's done on
the burlesque stage.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
As Louise, <b>Kelly Ziegler</b> is appropriately
mousy (the better to make her blossoming into Gypsy Rose Lee more spectacular),
and her "Let Me Entertain You" montage showing her growing confidence onstage is
slick and sexy.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
The rest of this staging, especially the book scenes, comes off
as underpowered as the spare sets. "Gypsy" is paltry with the bump and generous
with the grind.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Jack Gardner</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.edgemiami.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews//190184/theatre_review_::_gypsy" target="_blank">Edge Miami</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<b>Ann Marie Olson</b> gives a standout performance
as Rose. Olson has passion, conviction and a set of pipes that ring out loud and
clear. Olson is a regular fixture in the South Florida theatrical scene and
deservedly so. She has a Broadway-quality voice and never sings a single
unpleasant note. She is also a talented actress who is able to fully embody her
character. Vocally she is the top and her performance is worth the price of
admission alone. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Unfortunately, her performance is the only thing in this
production that is worth the price of admission. There is no blame to be given
to the rest of the cast who gave fine performances and tried their hardest in
their roles. They just couldn't win when crippled by bad production design, bad
backing tracks and an apparent lack of direction and choreography.
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Stage Door does not use live musicians for their musicals but
rather, relies on backing tracks. With a show that is as musically brilliant as
"Gypsy" this is a crime when the tracks are good and sound great. These tracks
sounded as though they were recorded inside a cave. Tinny and unpleasant to
listen to, they did nothing to help support the singers and the fact that there
were several fine vocal moments in the show seemed nothing short of
miraculous.</div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<br />
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door Theatre</a> presents<i> Gypsy</i> through
January 3, 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-56389924654627320772015-12-03T13:39:00.001-05:002015-12-03T15:00:05.088-05:00The Scene for December 4, 2015<div align="justify">
<img align="left" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;" width="244" /></div>
<div align="justify">
Now that we’ve transitioned into The Holiday Season, things are really cooking across South Florida. <br />
</div>
<div align="justify">
It’s your last chance to see the Slow Burn production of <i>Dogfight</i>, which moved from the Broward Center to the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center. And speaking of shows you might have missed, Island City Stage has revived its smash hit <i>Daniel’s Husband</i> at the West Boca Theatre Company.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Two productions flying by this weekend: Mad Cat’s take on <i>The Point</i>, and the Arts Radio Network version of <i>It’s A Wonderful Life</i>.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div align="justify">
Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">opening...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> opens its production of <i>The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge</i>, through December 27, 2015.</div>
<div>
<i>Billy Elliot: The Musical</i> opens at <a href="http://jupitertheatre.org/" target="_blank">The Maltz Jupiter Theatre</a>. Through December 20.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/" target="_blank">Palm Beach Dramaworks</a> opens <i>The History Boys</i>, through January 3.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://levisjcc.org/culture/music_theater" target="_blank">West Boca Theatre Company</a> presents the revival of the <a href="http://islandcitystage.org/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> Production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/06/island-city-stage-daniels-husband.html" target="_blank">Daniel’s Husband</a></i>, through December 20. This show had everyone raving back in June.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
coming and going...</h2>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.madcattheatre.org/" target="_blank">Mad Cat Theatre Company</a> opens its production of Harry Nilsson’s <i>The Point</i> at the Miami Theater Center, this weekend only.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">Arts Radio Network brings <i>It’s a Wonderful Life</i> to the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a>: it’s the story you know from the movie, done as a radio play.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<hr />
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</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
you still haven't missed...</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.new-theatre.org/" target="_blank">New Theater</a> presents <i>Two Weekends and a Day</i> at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center through December 13.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://islandcitystage.com/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/island-city-stage-angry-fags-review.html" target="_blank">Angry Fags</a></i> through December 13, 2015.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.gablestage.org/season-2015-2016/constellations/" target="_blank">Gablestage</a> presents<i> Constellations</i>, through December 20, 2015.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theater</a> offers <i>Gypsy</i> through January 3rd, 2016. </div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
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last chance to see...</h2>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http:// thinkingcaptheatre.com/" target="_blank">Thinking Cap Theatre</a> presents <i>The Importance of Being Earnest</i> at The Vanguard through December 6, 2014.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andrewslivingarts.org/" target="_blank">Andrews Living Arts Studio</a> presents <i>Elephant Man</i> through December 6, 2015. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/stage-door-theatre-dial-m-for-murder.html" target="_blank">Dial ‘M’ for Murder</a></i> through December 6, 2015</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://thewick.org/">The Wick Theatre</a> presents Lee Roy Reams in <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/the-wick-theatre-hello-dolly-reviews.html" target="_blank">Hello Dolly!</a></i> through December 6, 2015. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/dogfightromance-romance/">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> production of the musical <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/slow-burn-theatre-company-dogfight.html" target="_blank">Dogfight</a></i> winds up its run at the <a href="http://aventuracenter.org/" target="_blank">Aventura Arts and Cultural Center</a>.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
community and conservatory...</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Delray Beach Playhouse</a> presents <i>Hi Hat Hattie</i> through December 13th.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">The Lake Worth Playhouse</a> presents <i>I Hate Hamlet </i>through December 6. </div>
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<hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
for kids...</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://browardcenter.org/" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> presents <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, through Sunday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.solchildren.org/" target="_blank">Sol Children’s Theatre</a> offers <i>Once Upon A Mattress</i>, through December 20.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-88877520293537791302015-11-26T15:41:00.003-05:002015-11-26T15:41:42.251-05:00The Scene for November 27, 2015<div align="justify">
<img align="left" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;" width="244" /></div>
<div align="justify">
We hope you're enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with your family; and if you feel like taking in a show after gorging on turkey and all the trimmings, Newsies actually has an 8pm performance at The Broward Center on Thanksgiving day. Really.</div>
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<br />
No shows opening this week; surprising enough that there is one show performing on this holiday. But there's plenty to see after a day of Black Friday shopping. <br />
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</div>
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</div>
<div align="justify">
Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
you still haven't missed...</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http:// thinkingcaptheatre.com/" target="_blank">Thinking Cap Theatre</a> presents <i>The Importance of Being Earnest</i> at The Vanguard through December 6, 2014.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andrewslivingarts.org/" target="_blank">Andrews Living Arts Studio</a> presents <i>Elephant Man</i> through December 6, 2015. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.thinkingcaptheatre.com/" target="_blank">Thinking Cap Theatre Company</a> presents its production of <i>The Importance of Being Earnest,</i> through December 6, 2015.<br />
<br />
New Theater presents Two Weekends and a Day at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center through December 13.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://islandcitystage.com/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/island-city-stage-angry-fags-review.html" target="_blank">Angry Fags</a></i> through December 13, 2015.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.gablestage.org/season-2015-2016/constellations/" target="_blank">Gablestage</a> presents<i> Constellations</i>, through December 20, 2015. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theater</a> offers <i>Gypsy</i> through January 3rd, 2016. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/stage-door-theatre-dial-m-for-murder.html" target="_blank">Dial ‘M’ for Murder</a></i> through December 6, 2015</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://thewick.org/">The Wick Theatre</a> presents Lee Roy Reams in <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/the-wick-theatre-hello-dolly-reviews.html" target="_blank">Hello Dolly!</a></i> through December 6, 2015. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div>
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last chance to see...</h2>
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The national tour <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/broward-center-disneys-newsies-reviews.html" target="_blank"><i>Newsies</i></a> </span>opened at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-newsies" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a>, but it’s only in town until November 29.<br />
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The <a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/dogfightromance-romance/">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> production of the musical <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/slow-burn-theatre-company-dogfight.html" target="_blank">Dogfight</a></i> winds up its run at the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/dogfight">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November 29, 2015. But actually, it's moving to the <a href="http://aventuracenter.org/" target="_blank">Aventura Arts and Cultural Center</a>.</div>
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community and conservatory...</h2>
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<a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Delray Beach Playhouse</a> presents <i>Hi Hat Hattie</i> through December 13th.<br />
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<a href="http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">The Lake Worth Playhouse</a> presents <i>I Hate Hamlet </i>through December 6. </div>
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The national tour <i>Newsies</i> opened at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/newsies_workshop" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a>, but it’s only in town until November 29.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-17505812474876287442015-11-21T12:25:00.001-05:002015-11-21T12:27:09.406-05:00Broward Center: Disney’s Newsies (reviews)<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJIQaWjLfz0/VlCpGwMfJwI/AAAAAAAAQHg/lGtkY0wOOtI/s1600-h/newsies2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="newsies2" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-naXjO-khZkg/VlCpHozBuWI/AAAAAAAAQHo/LAwrDY_iuDc/newsies2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="newsies2" width="244" /></a>The national tour of Disney’s<i> Newsies</i> opened at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-newsies" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> on November 17, 2015.<br />
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Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right... and staying true to who you are. </blockquote>
Jeff Calhound directed a cast that included Zachary Sayle, Joey Barreiro, Morgan Keene, Stephen Michael Langton, Ethan Steiner, and John Michael Pitera.<br />
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<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article45356139.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:<br />
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Running at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center through Nov. 29, <i>Newsies </i>returns with some changes — a new leading man and leading lady, several others new to the cast — but Disney’s devotion to quality control pays off, as always. Visually dazzling, full of breathtaking (and Tony Award-winning) choreography and strong singing, the<b> Jeff Calhoun</b>-directed <i>Newsies </i>engagingly tells the story of a ragtag bunch of New York newsboys who bested bottom line-boosting publishing titans. </blockquote>
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<b>Christopher Gattelli’s</b> choreography is, no exaggeration, spectacular. The show’s young male dancers are asked to tumble and flip and practically fly, and the stylish energy this bunch expends could light up Manhattan. </blockquote>
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<b>Barreiro,</b> who graduated from UM in 2012, is a charismatic leading man whose rich voice communicates the yearning of <i>Santa Fe </i>and the burgeoning romance of <i>Something to Believe In</i>, Jack’s duet with Katherine. Even when he’s singing numbers from the Alan Menken-Jack Feldman score, the Miamian sounds New York born-and-raised. </blockquote>
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<b>Keene</b>, who looks very pretty in Jess Goldstein’s colorful period costumes, is a performer with a sweet voice and the chops to pull off Katherine’s patter song <i>Watch What Happens</i>. Initially, her line readings are a little odd and mannered, but once Katherine becomes involved in covering the strike, Keene is more believable.</blockquote>
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Among Jack’s newsboy crew, <b>Zachary Sayle</b> is memorable and moving as Crutchie, <b>Stephen Michael Langton</b> is an inspiring Davey, and young<b> Ethan Steiner</b> (who alternates in the role with<b> John Michael Pitera</b>) is a completely adorable scene stealer as Les, Davey’s brother and the littlest newsboy. </blockquote>
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…whatever your age or gender, if you’re a fan of razzle-dazzle musical theater, <i>Newsies </i>delivers. </blockquote>
<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-lauderdale-theater-newsies-review-20151118-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>: <br />
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Moxie. That's what Disney's <i>Newsies</i> has. Moxie. And plenty of it. It's an old-fashioned word, but it fits. This is essentially an old-fashioned show, filled with throwback Bowery patois and the kind of zesty dancing that James Cagney favored. Coming at you while firing on all cylinders, and with that signature Disney discipline, the road tour of the musical is a blast of a Broadway show.</blockquote>
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…that story is craftily visualized, making fine and strategic use of projections against three whirling, iron gridwork towers that suggest the tenements of New York's Bowery at the turn of the 20th century.</blockquote>
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But as impressive as all that flashy tech is, there are some beautiful still moments in the show, such as when<b> Barreiro</b> and <b>Keene</b> are wailing away in their love duet on the "rooftop." The scene could be a real eye-roller, but the two actors invest something in it, a certain indefinable something that makes the whole thing ring true.</blockquote>
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…it must be said, the real star of <i>Newsies </i>is<b> Christopher Gattelli's</b> jaunty, airborne choreography. The leaps, pirouettes, somersaults, backflips and tumbles keep coming at breakneck speed (for two hours and a 15-minute intermission) and with an impressive derring-do topspin to them. A show either has that powerful pizzazz or it doesn't. There is no proxy for that kind of moxie.</blockquote>
<b>Kathryn Ryan</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.edgemiami.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews//189318/theatre_review_::_newsies" target="_blank">Edge Media</a>:<br />
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It is obvious why Disney's musical, <i>Newsies</i> won the Tony award in 2012 for best choreography. For two solid hours, fifteen or more performers dance in unison to some of the most physically demanding dance routines seen on a stage. There are tap numbers done in unison that rival "Riverdance," as well as tumbling and other acrobatic displays. The non-stop stage movement is performed on three three-tiered unit sets that resemble fire escapes, and rotate even while the performers are dancing. </blockquote>
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<b>Joey Barreiro</b> playing Jack Kelly and <b>Morgan Keene</b> in the role of Katherine are the romantic love interests. Both have strong singing voices in their solos as well as duets, and they both can dance too. <b>Zachary Sayle</b> also delivers a solid performance as Crutchie, the disabled best friend of Jack who is sent back to The Refuge, a workhouse for homeless teens. </blockquote>
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The only real drawbacks to this production are the fight scenes directed by <b>J. Allen Suddeth</b>, which are never convincing or realistic and the orchestra which was much too loud, in the first act especially, making it difficult to understand the dialogue and the lyrics.</blockquote>
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That aside, <i>Newsies</i> is a Broadway show that the whole family can enjoy as evidenced by the children in the audience on opening night. In addition, for theatre goers who like to see lots dance in their musicals this show is the one to see.</blockquote>
<b>Jeffery Bruce</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/sfla/sfla555.html" target="_blank">Talkin’ Broadway</a>:<br />
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As a musical based on a true event, the 1899 strike of the kids who hawked the local papers, the opportunity for empathy and understanding seemed ample… That the empathy never evolved for me is due to the fact that there are clichés upon clichés thrown at us as fast as the headstands, pirouettes, and great leaps occur time and time and time and time again in the overly redundant choreography. Luckily, Tony winner <b>Christopher Gattelli's</b> creations are danced by a thrilling group of male dancers. If several of them appear a tad, ahem, more adult than the other kids, their sheer exuberance and talent shine through. </blockquote>
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Technically, the trio of steel towers, designed by <b>Tobin Ost</b>, move as they should without incident. Unfortunately, sound is a major issue. From my perfect seats in the 16th row center of the orchestra, I could understand not a word when the newsies were singing in unison. Add to the mix that each chorale sounds exactly like "Solidarity" from Billy Elliot. The costumes by <b>Jess Goldstein</b> are wonderfully of the period…</blockquote>
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It's interesting that the supporting characters stand out as much as they do, especially Crutchie, played by<b> Zachary Sayle</b>; Wiesel, played by <b>Michael Gorman</b> (along with several other roles); and Teddy Roosevelt, played by <b>Kevin Carolan</b>. Carolan brings a true characterization to a role that could easily have been caricatured. Director Jeff Calhoun repeats his Broadway duties. His leading man, <b>Joey Barreiro</b>, channeling John Travolta from several of his dese-dem-dose-type roles, is charming and self-effacing, and manages to win over the audience with grace and style. </blockquote>
The national tour of Disney’s<i> Newsies</i> plays at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-newsies" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November 29, 2015.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-32119625540259647032015-11-21T11:52:00.001-05:002015-11-21T11:53:13.587-05:00Island City Stage: Angry Fags (reviews)<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7S2WzUDcR6M/VlChQVoScNI/AAAAAAAAQHI/Orun7-owgN4/s1600-h/Angry-Fags-Logo-791x1024%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Angry-Fags-Logo-791x1024" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E34tP4lAP-c/VlChR6OjRMI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/aXClN_EBV7w/Angry-Fags-Logo-791x1024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Angry-Fags-Logo-791x1024" width="189" /></a><a href="http://islandcitystage.com/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> opened its production of <i>Angry Fags</i> at The Abyss Theatre on November 12, 2015.</div>
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This explosive play, which was recently produced at the Garage at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, is an uncompromising Oscar Wilde-meets-<i>Fight Club </i>fantasia” about how good ideas go bad, with fascinating forays into American politics, bomb building and pistachios. The play follows Bennet, a speechwriter for Georgia’s only gay congresswoman and his roomate Cooper as their fear and frustration turn to rage after the killing of Bennet’s ex. They come to the conclusion that “acceptance” as second class citizens isn’t enough and they quickly morph into a gay Thelma and Louise wreaking havoc with unintended consequences.</div>
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Andy Rogow directed a cast that featured Michael Scott Ross, Gretchen Porro, Craig Moody, Merry Jo Cortada, Sharyn Peeples, Jeffrey Leshansky, Kimberly Phillips, and Tracey Cramer.</div>
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<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article45094518.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</div>
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What if, Payne’s play asks, gay men were victimizers instead of victims? What if, instead of being demonized by those who would deny their rights and visit violence upon them, they fought back? What if, instead of believing the message “it gets better,” they decided to <i>make </i>it better through terrorism? </div>
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It may be that, somehow, a gifted playwright could answer those questions in a compelling way. Payne isn’t that playwright, and Island City Stage’s season-opening production of <i>Angry Fags </i>can’t disguise that fact, despite the considerable efforts of director <b>Andy Rogow</b>, his cast and the creative team. </div>
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Neither successful satire nor theater of the absurd, <i>Angry Fags </i>asks its actors to go from bantering about <i>Steel Magnolias </i>and the appeal of the McRib sandwich to carrying out pragmatic or strategic executions. </div>
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Of all the actors,<b> Porro</b> is the one who makes it through <i>Angry Fags</i> unscathed (though the same can’t be said of Kimberly). She brings warmth and goofy humor to her early scenes, then makes a thoroughly convincing turn into terrified despair. </div>
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Costume designer <b>Peter A. Lovello</b>, lighting designer <b>Preston Bircher</b> and sound designer <b>David Hart</b> do their usual fine work. This time, though, it’s not in service of a play worthy of their talents. </div>
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/despite-snazzy-tech-design-political-satire-angry-fags-wanders-off-message/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>: </div>
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<i>Steel Magnolias </i>may work better as a play, but would <i>Die Hard</i>? As one character asserts, “You can’t do action onstage.” Island City Stage’s movielike production of Topher Payne’s savage satire will attempt to refute this over the next two and a half hours, which will see bombs detonate, poisons dispensed, indigents bludgeoned, coworkers Tased, and lethal gunshots fired, all of it realized with the aid of George Wentzler and Mark Demeter’s ever-changing video projections and David Hart’s crucial sound design.</div>
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The savvy integration of this immersive technology represents a cutting-edge turning point for this esteemed company, which, in its $30,000-renovated new home at Infinite Abyss space south of Five Points in Wilton Manors, has also produced its first multi-level set. These bells and whistles go a long way in elevating <i>Angry Fags</i>, but the play still suffers from elephantine pacing and a sense of crippling logorrhea. A good trim of Payne’s mammoth, overstated treatise is more than just judicious; it should be required by any company endeavoring to produce it.</div>
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Satire works best when it is distilled and unwavering, and <i>Angry Fags</i> is in desperate need of a dramaturgical finesse. Payne tries too hard to cram too much into the play, which attempts to address every issue facing contemporary gay identity and nearly drowns in its earnest sanctimony. It crackles, finally, when the gravity of Bennett and Cooper’s machinations reach the point of no return, providing a visceral showcase of wordless panic from<b> Porro</b>, whose performance is the show’s most convincing.</div>
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Even so, Island City’s production finds notes of poignancy and wit throughout. Bennett’s moving visit to his dying ex-boyfriend’s bedside is deftly complemented by the unfeeling soundscape of life-support machinery clunking and hissing. <b>Peter Lovello’s</b> costume design includes a hilarious T-shirt for the flamboyant Cooper, an image of Mister Rogers with the text “I wore cardigans before it was cool.” When Cortada’s right-wing zealot returns to her office with takeout food, the logo on the bag is, naturally, Chick Fil A.</div>
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<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-wilton-manors-theater-angry-fags-review-20151119-story.html#nt=outfit" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>: </div>
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The play "Angry Fags" probably looked great on the page… But from the page to the stage, something happened. Or, to be more accurate, something did not happen. Playwright Topher Payne just can't find the right vibe or tone, or pull together his temerarious script enough to weather the second act. What should feel like a punch ends up more like a flick.</div>
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Much of the dialogue crackles with electricity, and this cast is savvy enough to know how to make that work for as long as they can. But eventually, as "Angry Fags" drags on for two hours, with a 15-minute intermission, the play loses its flow and momentum. The play admirably takes on big themes, but it just can't seem to wrestle them into coherence, as "Angry Fags" goes from "Will and Grace" to "Dexter."</div>
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<b>Kathryn Ryan</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.edgemiami.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews//185867/theatre_review_::_angry_fags" target="_blank">Edge Miami</a>: </div>
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There is much to recommend Island City Stage's production of <b>"Angry Fags"</b> at the newly renovated Abyss Theatre in Wilton Manors… Billed as a comedy, the play does not disappoint, often delivering the laughs in spite of the fact that the plot is improbable at best with a myriad of twists and turns. </div>
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Director <b>Andy Rogow's</b> pacing and blocking in the piece are on the money, quickly transitioning from scene to scene effortlessly. There are, however, so many scenes that the play becomes laborious in its film-like quality… Additionally, the thematic through line becomes muddied up, trying to highlight too many disparate topics... Playwright Topher Payne could have made better use of a red pen in editing the piece… That said there are more plusses in the show than minuses…</div>
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The acting styles don't share a common thread, but each actor commits to the choices he or she makes. <b>Ross</b> is the most successful in treading the fine line between comedy to tragedy. His is adorable in his scenes of flirtation with Adam, a co-worker played convincingly by <b>Jeffrey Leshansky</b> and moving during a monologue at the bedside of his dying lover, a scene in which<b> David Hart's</b> sound design triumphs by having the sound of a life support system represent the dying Sammy. </div>
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<b>Kimberly Phillips</b> is also able to navigate the narrow passage between the comedic and the deadly serious. She delivers some of the best one liners in the show…</div>
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<b>Mary Jo Cortada</b> as the compassionate conservative Peggy Musgrove, running for the state senate… successfully avoids turning the character into a stereotype. Her performance is nuanced and sincere.</div>
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…<b>Tracy Cramer</b> seems out of touch. Albeit his acting is quite naturalistic, his policeman lacks the undercurrent of a 'dog with a bone' tenacity that would make his purported intense interest in the case believable. On the other hand, Moody's portrayal of co-conspirator Cooper is so over the top, it also lacks credulity.</div>
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<b>Preston Bircher</b>, lighting director, has been given the onerous task of lighting for both the stage and the screen and as usual succeeds mightily. The scene design is not one of award winning <b>Michael McClain's</b> best. It seems hurried and unfinished. He does make good use of the space though, using levels and indicating multiple locations with furniture and the LED projections.</div>
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The plot "Angry Fags" with its emphasis on home grown terror ala Timothy McVey may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially in light of the recent acts of terror around the world, but it marks the continuing success of a long awaited theatre company dedicated to presenting plays highlighting gay themed issues.</div>
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<a href="http://islandcitystage.com/">Island City Stage</a> presents<i> Angry Fags</i> through December 13, 2015.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-68435598307240194112015-11-20T00:42:00.001-05:002015-11-21T12:48:46.147-05:00The Scene for November 20, 2015.<div align="justify">
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It’s a tremendously busy time of year in South Florida – at least for theatre. As you can see, there are shows of every description playing in every corner.<br />
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Some cast members from the national tour of Newsies are performing a cabaret on Monday night to raise money for <a href="https://donate.broadwaycares.org/fundraise/team?ftid=61403" target="_blank">Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids</a>. The Newsboys Variety Show plays in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available through the Broadway Cares <a href="https://donate.broadwaycares.org/fundraise/team?ftid=61403" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
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Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div>
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The national tour <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/broward-center-disneys-newsies-reviews.html" target="_blank"><i>Newsies</i></a> </span>opened at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-newsies" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a>, but it’s only in town until November 29.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thinkingcaptheatre.com/" target="_blank">Thinking Cap Theatre Company</a> opens its production of <i>The Importance of Being Earnest,</i> through December 6, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://www.gablestage.org/season-2015-2016/constellations/" target="_blank">Gablestage</a> opens its production of<i> Constellations</i>, through December 20, 2015. <br />
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<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theater</a> opens <i>Gypsy</i>, through January 3rd, 2016. </div>
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you still haven't missed...</h2>
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<a href="http://islandcitystage.com/" target="_blank">Island City Stage</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/island-city-stage-angry-fags-review.html" target="_blank">Angry Fags</a></i> through December 13, 2015.</div>
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The <a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/dogfightromance-romance/">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> production of the musical <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/slow-burn-theatre-company-dogfight.html" target="_blank">Dogfight</a></i> plays at the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/dogfight">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November 29, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> presents<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/stage-door-theatre-dial-m-for-murder.html" target="_blank">Dial ‘M’ for Murder</a></i> through December 6, 2015</div>
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<a href="http://thewick.org/">The Wick Theatre</a> presents Lee Roy Reams in <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/the-wick-theatre-hello-dolly-reviews.html" target="_blank">Hello Dolly!</a></i> through December 6, 2015. </div>
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<a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div>
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last chance to see...</h2>
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The <a href="http://www.zoeticstage.org/">Zoetic Stage</a> world premiere production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s <b><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/11/zoetic-stage-stripped-reviews.html" target="_blank"><i>Stripped</i></a><i> </i></b>winds it up at the <a href="http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2015-2016-Season/Theater-Up-Close/Stripped/">Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November 22, 2015. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.fgo.org/" target="_blank">Florida Grand Opera</a> production of <i>The Barber of Seville</i> closes this Saturday, November 21.<br />
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community and conservatory...</h2>
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<a href="http://www.miamiactingco.org/" target="_blank">The Miami Acting Company</a> presents <i>The Pirates of Penzance</i> at the Banyan Bowl this weekend only.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.as.miami.edu/ringtheatre" target="_blank">University of Miami</a> presents <i>Saturday Night</i> at the Jerry Herman Ring Theater through November 21, 2015.</div>
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<i>Agnes of God</i> is presented by the <a href="http://www.fauevents.com/" target="_blank">Florida Atlantic University</a> theatre department through November 22, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pptopa.com/" target="_blank">Pembroke Pines Theatre of Performing Arts</a> presents <i>Carousel</i> through November 22.</div>
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<a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Delray Beach Playhouse</a> presents <i>Hi Hat Hattie</i> through December 13th.</div>
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for kids...</h2>
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The national tour <i>Newsies</i> opened at <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/newsies_workshop" target="_blank">The Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a>, but it’s only in town until November 29.<br />
<i></i> <br />
<i>Veggietales Live</i> plays at <a href="http://www.parkerplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Parker Playhouse</a> this Saturday only.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-18980339836648532312015-11-20T00:04:00.001-05:002015-11-20T00:04:57.756-05:00Slow Burn Theatre Company: Dogfight (reviews)<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ircpz6Fszzg/Vk6p9Z7tugI/AAAAAAAAQGs/A840H1sGbqE/s1600-h/slowburn%252520dogfight_NS05016%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="slowburn dogfight_NS05016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="slowburn dogfight_NS05016" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8P6KqpYDlTo/Vk6p951IcZI/AAAAAAAAQG0/oZOMMxxT5zI/slowburn%252520dogfight_NS05016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="225"></a><a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/dogfightromance-romance/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> opened its production of the musical <em>Dogfight</em> at the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/dogfight" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> on November 12, 2015.</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Emotional combat comes to life as morals, values, humility and humanity are explored and dissected. The winner of the prestigious 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical, this critically acclaimed Off-Broadway show, based on the 1991 cult classic movie, centers on the unlikely, yet poignant romance between a young Marine and a shy, awkward waitress he meets the night before shipping out to Vietnam in 1963.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Alexander Zenoz, Hannah Benitez, Mike Westrich, Christian Vandepas, Alexa Baray, Kaitlyn O’Neill, Ben Sadnomir, Brian Varela, Cameron Jordan, Sabrina Lynn Gore and Rick Peña.</p> <div align="justify"> <a name='more'></a></div> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Christine Dolen</strong> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article44965122.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify">With <em>Dogfight</em>, the Slow Burn Theatre team, which recently “christened” its new home in the center’s Amaturo Theater with an impressive production of <em>Big Fish, </em>continues to demonstrate the many reasons that the Broward Center has made the company one of its official arts partners. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Director-choreographer <strong>Patrick Fitzwater</strong> and his creative collaborators — musical director <strong>Emmanuel Schvartzman</strong>, set designer <strong>Sean McClelland</strong>, costume designer<strong> Rick Peña</strong> and lighting designer<strong> Becky Montero</strong> — have transformed what is really a banquet space at the center into a space that serves the musical. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>McClelland’</strong>s multi-level set, sporting faux militaristic metal and camouflage, adapts for smaller scenes set in 1963 San Francisco…<strong>Richard Szczblewski’s</strong> sound and the vocal blend were impeccable, even when some of the actors were onstage and others were standing among the tables where the audience sits. And from Slow Burn veterans and newcomers alike, <strong>Fitzwater </strong>draws strong performances, character-appropriate movement and the fine singing that is another of the company’s hallmarks. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">The cast… is a strong, cohesive ensemble. <strong>Benitez</strong> sports a very unfortunate wig but is otherwise compelling as a young, inexperienced woman who stands up for herself but keeps an open mind — and heart. <strong>Zenoz</strong>, whose Eddie swears up a storm early on, walks the fine line between being a user and being ashamed of his actions, coming home broken but open to reclaiming an all-too-brief joy. The two young actors are appealing leads. </p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Hap Erstein</strong> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/dogfight-features-talented-cast-but-a-problematic-script/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>Dogfight</em> earned attention from Fitzwater who – with a couple of compelling discoveries in the leading roles – has mounted the show with his signature energy in the Broward Center’s Abdo New River Room.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Its appealing score ranges from a 1960s pop sound to ersatz Sondheim, with lyrics that brim with emotion... Nevertheless, the show’s central relationship between a young Marine soon to ship out to “this little country near India they call Vietnam” and a gullible, insecure diner waitress defies the minimal credibility of a musical.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Although the performances can only partially counteract the plot, Fitzwater has another standout discovery in <strong>Benitez.</strong> She brings a touching vulnerability to Rose, a wounded bird who nevertheless has a powerful singing voice…</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Zenoz</strong>… tries to muster some sympathy for Eddie, but at least demonstrates vocal force from his opening number with his Marine buddies… <strong>Mike Westrich</strong> – the production’s sole Equity performer – and<strong> Christian Vandepas</strong> lend solid support as Eddie’s sidekicks, while <strong>Alexa Baray</strong> needs to dial back the stridency as a hooker brought to the party to rig the dogfight.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Scenic designer Sean McClelland harnesses the challenging wide-and-shallow Abdo stage nicely and Rick Pena’s costumes are on-target in evoking period and personality…<strong> Fitzpatrick’s</strong> military choreography is muscular and macho and his cast is appealing, even if the show leaves a sour taste in the mouth.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Rod Stafford Hagwood</strong> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-lauderdale-theater-dogfight-review-20151118-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify">It is possible for a theatrical production to be so masterfully done as to camouflage the flaws in the script. That is the case with Slow Burn Theatre's staging of the musical "Dogfight" at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts…</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">…wild-eyed pals from basic training have a bet: Each throws in $50 and spreads out through 1963 San Francisco looking for the homeliest date he can find. The winner escorting the ugliest "dog" wins the whole pot. The women lose, in every way possible… It's worrisome that the sting we should feel at the actual contest is muted and even muffled as written here. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">The songs by the team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are serviceable, but set aglow by a first-class cast. No one overplays it nor over-sings it, though it is perfectly clear that each and every one of them have the skills to pin us to the back of our chairs if they wanted to. Instead the power here is focused and calibrated by the maestro-level work of <strong>Patrick Fitzwater</strong>, the shows director and choreographer.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">It's in the little moments: Eddie's cool and cold assessment of Rose when he first sees her strumming a guitar in a late-night diner; the warning glare in the eyes of Rose's mother (<strong>Sabrina Lynn Gore</strong>); the ever-so-slight wince of pain from tilted-askew prostitute Marcy (<strong>Alexa Baray</strong>) hired as a ringer for the contest. The cumulative effect is haunting, made all the more so by the rich singing voices packed with personality… the musical is surprisingly delicate, one false moment could cause the whole show to cave in on itself, especially when in the second act the story changes trajectory toward an achingly tender romance. But even through that, Fitzwater keeps a determined hand in control</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">The music direction (<strong>Emmanuel Schvartzman</strong>), lighting design (<strong>Becky Montero</strong>) and costuming (<strong>Rick Pena</strong>) lift this material, with it shortcomings, into an evocative entertainment throughout the two hours with a 15-minute intermission.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify">The <a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/dogfightromance-romance/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> production of the musical <em>Dogfight</em> plays at the <a href="http://browardcenter.org/events/detail/dogfight" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November29, 2015.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-12735675214777483922015-11-13T12:28:00.001-05:002015-11-13T12:29:35.272-05:00Zoetic Stage: Stripped (reviews)<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85Q8ZvD2vj8/VkYdwB6JzhI/AAAAAAAAQGI/QA6LNEUL970/s1600-h/stripped-690x310%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="stripped-690x310" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdHemhlwZrI/VkYdxIpSmrI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/8EgsSvYBYTs/stripped-690x310_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="185" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stripped-690x310" width="244" /></a><a href="http://www.zoeticstage.org/" target="_blank">Zoetic Stage</a> opened its world premiere production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s <i><b>Stripped </b></i>at the <a href="http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2015-2016-Season/Theater-Up-Close/Stripped/" target="_blank">Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts</a> on November 5, 2015.</div>
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Christopher Demos-Brown, author of the award-winning plays <i>Fear Up Harsh</i> and <i>Captiva</i>, explores new territory in the battle between a mother's rights and the American legal system. <i>Stripped</i> is the story of Masha, an immigrant, an exotic dancer, and a mother. Devastated when the State takes custody of her daughter, Masha must struggle against all odds to reunite her family. <i>Stripped</i> is a moving, irreverent, portrait of one woman's quest for true freedom.</div>
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Stuart Meltzer directed a cast that featured Lindsey Corey, Margot Moreland, Makeba Pace, Chaz Mean, Matt Stabile and Ava-Riley Mills</div>
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<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article43598673.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</div>
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<b>Christopher Demos-Brown’s</b> new play <i>Stripped </i>is an absorbing examination of the complexities, the grays, in a child custody battle that is anything but black and white. And in its Zoetic Stage world premiere at the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater, the production also vividly illustrates how the collaborative work and myriad choices of theater artists bring a playwright’s vision to colorful life.</div>
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The award-winning Demos-Brown is a lawyer as well as a gifted dramatist, and the knowledge he has gained from <i>pro bono </i>work in child custody cases has given <i>Stripped </i>a harrowing authenticity. The script also demonstrates his skill at crafting character-revealing dialogue and mixing drama with tension-softening humor. </div>
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<i>Stripped </i>plays out in many unexpected ways. On paper, Masha reads as honest but tough, and her choice of profession (she also admits to prostitution with some of the strip club patrons) doesn’t make her a terribly sympathetic character. But in a breakthrough performance,<b> Corey</b> is exactly that. Lithe and impressively athletic, she works the stripper pole and the space around it while delivering stream-of-consciousness monologues that underscore her take-no-prisoners determination. Corey also blends the softness and humor that Demos-Brown supplies into her performance, so that her work is multi-layered and impressively rich.</div>
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Making her Zoetic debut, <b>Pace </b>delivers intense, impassioned work as a woman determined to speak truth to anyone who would compromise a child’s future. As Zack,<b> Stabile</b> is an appealing ne’er-do-well, a guy whose go-to behavior means taking the easy way out — even if that way is betrayal. </div>
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In addition their warm portrayals of the foster parents, <b>Moreland</b> and <b>Mena</b> respectively play the family court judge deciding Raisa’s case and the attorney appointed to represent Masha. Moreland does solid work in both roles... As foster dad Nicholas, Mena is absorbing and, at the right moment, intense. As Masha’s lawyer, he looks, sounds and moves in a completely different way, and he’s understatedly amusing… </div>
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Dialogue involving the girl’s curiosity about a word Nicholas utters without thinking could have been squirm-inducing; instead, <b>Miles</b>, <b>Mena</b> and <b>Moreland</b> skillfully make the scene one that many a tween parent will find familiar. </div>
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New play work is as challenging as it is rewarding, and Zoetic’s <i>Stripped</i> might have been even stronger out of the gate with some additional rehearsal time. That said, for the artists and the audience, having a smart, moving new Demos-Brown play at the Arsht is something to celebrate. </div>
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/demos-brown-zoetic-stages-shattering-stripped-is-incisive-thought-provoking-evening/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>: </div>
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…in Christopher Demos-Brown’s shattering world premiere <i>Stripped</i> at Zoetic Stage, the audience faces a… complex dilemma with no villains and no unalloyed winners. At its center is an immigrant who pole dances in a strip club (among other entrepreneurial side-activities) solely to ensure her child’s future. Suddenly, state officials want to strip her of her beloved daughter and give her to a well-heeled loving foster family.</div>
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Enhanced by <b>Stuart Meltzer’s</b> seamless direction of an A-list cast and an assured career-best performance by <b>Lindsey Corey</b>, local playwright<b> Demos-Brown</b> has rocketed his game once again to an even higher level of craft, but this time with a significantly more profound emotional quotient.</div>
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This is the third <b>Demos-Brown</b> world premiere that Meltzer has directed and they seem a seamless team in sync. <b>Meltzer</b> is not a showy look-at-me type. But over time, his style can be spotted, no more so than here. Among his virtues are pacing: the rat-a-tat banter of people in a relationship who know each other’s tropes; the take-a-breath pauses when situations hit a crucial crossroads. He also has a skill for infusing drama with humorous moments…</div>
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But we’ve been putting it off long enough. <b>Lindsey Corey</b>. This has been quite a season for veteran local actors finally getting the role they deserved years ago, such as Shane Tanner in <i>Big Fish</i>. And finally, Corey gets her shot. Corey, known before her recent marriage as Lindsey Forgey, has always been admired for her skills with offbeat comic… But Corey’s Masha, while often funny, is a different animal. She exudes a whip-smart intelligence, a fierce determination, a breathtaking selflessness and a calcified cynicism as a long-justified defense mechanism against a society in which the rules are always changing. Corey makes all these facets completely believable. But blessed with an open-hearted face, she also elicits an audience’s sympathy, loyalty and even admiration. </div>
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The cast is comprised of some of the best talents in the state, each given a meaty part or parts to work with. <b>Makeba Pace…</b> is the fiery lawyer trying to wrest the child from what she perceives to be a downright dangerous environment – because she knows abuse from personal experience.</div>
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<b>Moreland </b>(who doubles as a judge) and <b>Mena </b>are fine as a couple with a shared history, and Mena, who was so fine in <i>Betrayal</i> last season, doubles as the scruffy lawyer for Masha who develops an razor-sharp cross-examination during the court scene. <b>Stabile</b> is note perfect in his depiction of someone Masha accurately sizes up as a loser. <b>Ms. Miles</b> captures the promise of a hyper-smart youth in her later scenes.</div>
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…Zoetic has emerged alongside New Theatre as one of the premier companies premiering new work. Like Florida Stage before it, Zoetic is building a loyal audience who really knows little or nothing about the specifics of what exactly they are going to see on any given weekend; all they know is that the Zoetic brand is a kind of guarantee of a certain level of quality and a type of show they are likely to enjoy.</div>
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<b>Roger Martin</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiartzine.com/Features.php?op=Article_Theatre+Review%3A++Stripped+at+Zoetic" target="_blank">Miami ArtZine</a>:</div>
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<b>Demos-Brown</b> tells his story so imaginatively, surprise after surprise, that every scene is a challenge to the veteran cast. And they respond with a realism that surges far past the ordinary. </div>
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<b>Lindsey Corey</b> is extraordinary as Masha, the divorced mail order bride, pole dancer/prostitute, who opens the show with an erotically writhing display on the center stage stripper's pole. Masha is the mother of a baby girl and her love, desperation and frustration is captured brilliantly by Corey. Her Russian accented broken English is a delight, her monologues things of the saddest beauty. </div>
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<b>Matt Stabile</b>… is impressively grounded as the losing small time criminal who thinks only of himself. </div>
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Dual roles go to <b>Margot Moreland</b> as a judge and as Emma, the woman who adopts Masha's daughter, and to <b>Chaz Mena</b> as Nicholas, Emma's husband and as Masha's lawyer. Both these actors do everything right. Always. </div>
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Erica Peebles, the child services attorney is played by <b>Makeba Pace</b> who nails the outrage of finding children who are being abused. Her frustration is frightening when dealing with both Masha and the Judge.</div>
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<b>Stuart Meltzer</b> not only directed a fast ninety minutes, he also designed the intriguing sound. An impressive set from<b> Michael McClain</b> with its overbearing Lady Justice, marble government walls, stripper's poles. Beautifully lighted by <b>Rebecca Montero</b>. <b>Estela Vanrcovich</b> designed the very appropriate costumes.</div>
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Imagination and talent thrive at Zoetic and never more so than in Christopher Demos-Brown's <i>Stripped.</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.zoeticstage.org/" target="_blank">Zoetic Stage</a> presents its world premiere production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s <i><b>Stripped </b></i>at the <a href="http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2015-2016-Season/Theater-Up-Close/Stripped/" target="_blank">Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts</a> through November 22, 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-54077901015315946932015-11-13T11:53:00.001-05:002015-11-13T12:30:10.806-05:00The Wick Theatre: Hello Dolly! (reviews)<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLV1FfrfCeI/VkYVcJTP2KI/AAAAAAAAQFw/Ud2WWmKaMDY/s1600-h/Hello-Dolly-The-Wick-November-5-to-December-6-2015-unnamed%25255B2%25255D.png"><img align="right" alt="Hello-Dolly-The-Wick-November-5-to-December-6-2015-unnamed" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8FLmZd3JZU/VkYVduGks7I/AAAAAAAAQF4/TU5K0XB35rg/Hello-Dolly-The-Wick-November-5-to-December-6-2015-unnamed_thumb.png?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hello-Dolly-The-Wick-November-5-to-December-6-2015-unnamed" width="219" /></a><a href="http://thewick.org/" target="_blank">The Wick Theatre</a> opened its production of <i>Hello Dolly!</i> on November 5, 2015.<br />
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"And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this most delightful of musical comedies. "Some people paint, some sew... I meddle," replies Dolly. Hello, Dolly! is full of memorable songs including "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "Ribbons Down My Back", "Before the Parade Passes By", and "Hello, Dolly!". Come along as we follow the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker!</blockquote>
Lee Roy Reams directed a cast that included himself as Dolly, Jason Edward Cook, Molly Anne Ross, Chris Brand, Meredith Bartmon, Idalmy Carache, Troy J. Stanley, Brody Anwalt, Shannon Bates, Alexandra Dow, Danny Durr, Erin Eloise, Amanda Frennier, Joey Lucherini, Ashley Rubin, Megan Sell, Kayley Stevens, David Vogel and Robert Wilday.<br />
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/lee-roy-reams-dolly-is-at-hisher-best-inhabiting-the-widows-resurrecting-reveries/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:<br />
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Some people will be unable to let their imagination meet the production halfway even though they’re willing to ignore the cables that make Peter Pan fly. Some will come in with a chip on their shoulder about the entire premise. Others will revel in the gay-friendly idea of a man in drag, à la Charles Busch, which is very much <i>not</i> what Reams has in mind.</blockquote>
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<b>Reams</b> is, in fact, playing Dolly absolutely straight as an acting challenge with as much integrity as Brian Bedford playing Lady Bracknell. He rarely winks at the audience to acknowledge the obvious subterfuge.</blockquote>
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So it’s not so much ironic as apt that the veteran song and dance man is most believable and most effective in the book scenes when the yearning widow is asking her dead husband’s permission to jump start her life. Reams’ ability to inhabit those profound emotions is deeply touching and perhaps superior to most performances you’ve seen of the role in that respect. Really.</blockquote>
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Where the illusion vanishes, oh so sadly, are the big production numbers. For instance… the vision descending the staircase and sashaying around the Harmonia Gardens with adoring waiters was clearly a 73-year-old man of limited mobility... It really hurt to see Reams, one of the finest dancers on Broadway in <i>Applause</i> and <i>42nd Street</i>, clumsily parading up and down the stage and taking a break to catch his wind. What saves such numbers is Reams seems to be having the time of his life performing a show he clearly loves and the audience members who want to go along for the ride are enchanted; the crowd went appropriately wild during the “Hello, Dolly” cakewalk.</blockquote>
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<b>Reams</b> goes out of his way to make the part his own. He channels no one else, least of all his friend Carol Channing, who he directed in the last Broadway revival in 1995. The only shred of Channing, and it may be unconscious, is in the opening number when he sings certain protracted words like “lives” with that unique Channing bray. Otherwise, this is Reams’ take on the part, once again, powered by his belief in the emotional underpinnings of Stewart’s book.</blockquote>
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Past the Reams-as-Dolly issue, the Wick production is surprisingly solid and entertaining, especially given it survived more than its share of backstage troubles and logistical challenges. If the show rarely soars into magical territory,<b> Reams the director</b> can be proud of molding a truly talented crew of performers in an energetic and appealing edition that does full justice to Jerry Herman’s still thrilling score and Michael Stewart’s deftly constructed script.</blockquote>
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It also helps that key cast mates have done the show before with Reams, including tall handsome <b>James Clow</b> whose glorious baritone as Cornelius Hackl is a vocal highlight of the show… and<b> Susan Powell</b>… who trills Irene Molloy’s lovely “Ribbons Down My Back.” They are completely in sync with Reams’ vision that <i>Dolly</i> is all about tossing off the shackles of calcified convention and embracing the adventure that life can be in a phoenix-like resurrection.</blockquote>
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But the finest performance comes from veteran Broadway actor<b> Lewis J. Stadlen</b>, who is arguably the funniest Horace Vandergelder we’ve seen... His creation of the curmudgeonly small-town merchant prince is clearly in a class by itself in this production with every furrowed brow, every ten-penny nail-chewing utterance and the drily delivered precision punchlines of a vaudevillian of yore.</blockquote>
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A live band was replaced with lush recorded tracks shortly before rehearsals started, but musical director<b> Michael Ursua</b> is present at performances conducting the singers and playing a live piano at times. The singers under his leadership cannot be faulted.</blockquote>
<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-boca-theater-hello-dolly-review-20151109-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>:<br />
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It's hard to tell if that whole cross-dressing turn makes a difference here with this staging; <b>Reams</b> plays it straight, so to speak. And even if you can somehow mentally extract that from the equation, this version is also directed by Reams. So he is all over the show one way or the other. And in that regard, as the helmsman, he has given the 51-year-old musical a sense of briskness and brightness with some triumphant choreography by Randy Slovacek and wow-pow moments courtesy of musical director <b>Michael Ursua</b>.</blockquote>
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The story follows strong-willed matchmaker Dolly Levi as she travels to Yonkers, N.Y., to find a match for the miserly "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder (<b>Lewis J. Stadlen</b>, putting a new luster to the old bluster and the best surprise of the show).</blockquote>
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There are some sequences in the two-hour show, with a 15 minute intermission, that come off as under-rehearsed and clumsily executed. Whatever. All is forgiven when Reams/Dolly hikes up his/her skirts, swishing them back and forth to beat the band. Or when the chorus fills the stage, high-kicking and belting as if their lives depended on it. Who knew you could still get a rush from an ole chestnut like "Hello, Dolly?" </blockquote>
<b>Jeffrey Bruce</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/sfla/sfla554.html" target="_blank">Talkin’ Broadway</a>:<br />
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There has been a tremendous amount of publicity surrounding the casting of <b>Lee Roy Reams</b> as Dolly Levi in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i>. "The first man in the states to play the role," etc. Sometimes a great notion does not exactly "gel."</blockquote>
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He is not only starring in the production but directs it as well. I was reminded of the old adage, "a lawyer who defends himself has only ... etc. etc." In the book scenes,<b> Reams</b> touchingly acts the pathos of Dolly vis a vis her late husband Ephraim, but very surprisingly, in the musical numbers his portrayal falls flat. Lee Roy Reams is "Mr. Broadway": he was a hell of a dancer, a great belting tenor, and lots of fun to watch on stage. He (usually) has given 200% while performing. I saw the opening performance, and the night before he had fallen down the onstage stairs. I am crediting his faulty movement on stage and some hesitancy on his lines to that mishap, and know that this trouper will find "the Dolly within." </blockquote>
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…the show belongs to<b> Lewis J. Stadlen</b>, who brought the house down at the curtain call. He seems to be channeling the late David Burns as well as W.C. Fields. His grumpiness, tempered with an odd sweetness is endearing. He is, by far, the greatest Horace Vandergelder I have ever had the pleasure to have seen. </blockquote>
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…the most delightful performance is given by petite <b>Idalmy Carcache</b> as Minnie Fay. A firecracker, she dances like a dream and brings energy to the millinery scenes (which have always needed a little boost). <b>Susan Powell</b>, Miss America 1981, looks great and sings a beautiful "Ribbons Down My Back" as Irene Malloy, and<b> James Clow</b> as Cornelius makes a handsome beau for her. <b>Jason Edward Cook</b> is a ball of adorable energy as Barnaby and the most polished dancer of the principals. </blockquote>
<a href="http://thewick.org/" target="_blank">The Wick Theatre</a> presents Lee Roy Reams in <i>Hello Dolly!</i> through December 6, 2015. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-16854823221947844142015-11-13T11:14:00.001-05:002015-11-13T12:29:15.918-05:00Stage Door Theatre: Dial ‘M’ for Murder (reviews)<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KATWceuoRv4/VkYMbJBJjdI/AAAAAAAAQFY/auhElvuTZxQ/s1600-h/stagedoorDial%252520M%252520-%252520On%252520Stage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="stagedoorDial M - On Stage" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxn1BSYBOto/VkYMcOKpS6I/AAAAAAAAQFg/uyn3cjp0pGk/stagedoorDial%252520M%252520-%252520On%252520Stage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="233" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stagedoorDial M - On Stage" width="244" /></a><a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/now-showing.html" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theatre</a> opened its production of <i>Dial ‘M’ for Murder</i> on October 30, 2015.</div>
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Deception, murder, and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly brilliant tale of jealousy and greed. Motivated by his wife Margot’s large fortune and a previous infidelity, Tony Wendice decides it’s high time to murder her. In need of an alibi, he blackmails an old friend into doing the dirty work for him. His plans, of course, go awry when his friend winds up dead and Margot is arrested for murder. With twists galore, DIAL “M” FOR MURDER remains one of the most clever and shocking plays of any genre. </div>
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Arthur Whitelaw and Derelle Bunn directed a cast that included Jason Plourde, Gladys Ramirez, Roy Lynam, Sean Dorazio, and Larry Kent Bramble.</div>
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/passable-dial-m-for-murder-doesnt-quite-ring-any-bells/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:</div>
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No one does a poor job in any department, but neither does this production fulfill this warhorse’s time-tested potential. Maybe the piece has just outlived itself: The Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s well-heeled production in 2013 with top-notch personnel similarly failed to electrify the auditorium.</div>
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Directors Arthur Whitelaw and Derelle Bunn keep the plot moving forward, but their competent actors lack the extra charismatic oomph that Hitchcock had in Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings. The attempted murder, which is a chilling highlight of the film, lasts all of about three seconds here.</div>
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<b>Plourde</b> has a weird smile that indicates Wendice’s relishing of his long aborning plot coming together. He also has some of Wendice’s blend of false charm and lack of conscience, but not enough to make the audience’s blood chill at a curdled soul. <b>Lynam </b>is handsome and pleasant but also is missing any credibility; he’s saying lines. Bramble is reliably avuncular and incisive.</div>
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<b>Ramirez</b> has been gaining plaudits over the years for work ranging from the girlfriend in GableStage’s <i>The MotherF**er with the Hat</i> to multiple roles in various <i>Summer Gone Wild </i>outings to Alliance Theatre Lab projects. But her heroine here is just a dishrag with an annoying brittle British accent. No backbone, no personality specific to the character. Again, she’s not bad, just adequate.</div>
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<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-margate-theater-dial-m-murder-review-20151110-story.html#navtype=outfit" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>:</div>
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"Dial M for Murder" is often confused with "Sorry, Wrong Number" and "Midnight Lace." That's a shame because Frederick Knott's cat-and-mouse thriller… is solid and tingly in its own right. </div>
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With Stage Door Theatre's production, you get how good the script is, even when some of the cast isn't always up to the job. It's not that they are terrible. They are most certainly not. It's just that this production seems like one of those frustrating long-distance calls, where the voice keeps dropping out or gets muffled… This production comes off okay-ish, the tone elusive-ish, the take-away thrill-ish.</div>
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<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/now-showing.html" target="_blank">The Stage Door Theatre</a> production of <i>Dial ‘M’ for Murder</i> plays through December 6, 2015</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-23971208705928822822015-11-13T10:40:00.001-05:002015-11-13T10:40:39.828-05:00Arts Garage: Sex with Strangers (reviews)<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMtxjSegQF4/VkYETtQ14YI/AAAAAAAAQFA/Jn5bhDD6uEo/s1600-h/Arts%252520Garage%252520Sex%252520Strangers%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Arts Garage Sex Strangers" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HmQctcZFOiA/VkYEUks6PYI/AAAAAAAAQFI/NfI02jX16x4/Arts%252520Garage%252520Sex%252520Strangers_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Arts Garage Sex Strangers" width="188" /></a><a href="http://artsgarage.com/" target="_blank">Theatre at Arts Garage</a> kicked off their new season with their production of Laura Eason’s <i>Sex with Strangers</i> on October 25, 2015.</div>
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When someone’s existence can be entirely fabricated online, we ask: who, exactly, is lying in bed next to us? Olivia, a 40-something writer in Chicago, unexpectedly encounters the younger, sex-blogger Ethan, but questions about his past take their relationship through a series of comic and surprising turns.</div>
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Genie Croft directed a cast that featured Michael Uribe and Jacqueline Laggy. </div>
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/sex-with-strangers-art-isnt-easy-in-the-21st-century/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>:</div>
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The play lands solidly because Eason has an ear for electric-blue romantic banter, a head for brainy issues, R-rated dialogue and an unusual meld of compassion and sophistication about relationships in the current zeitgeist.</div>
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But what likely makes it work on the stage are the engaging and always credible performances from <b>Michael Uribe</b> and <b>Jacqueline Laggy</b>, molded by director<b> Genie Croft</b>. They seem real people whose love for creation spurs them to dorm room debates, rather than two-dimensional spokespeople for viewpoints Eason wants to explore.</div>
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…<b>Uribe</b> radiates the hyperdrive energy needed to propel this show which is primarily two people talking a great deal moments before succumbing to an almost magnetic need to begin taking each other’s clothes off... Without alienating the audience, Uribe persuasively inhabits a young man born into this culture, someone who doesn’t imagine let alone question the ethics of manipulative practices in selling art.</div>
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…<b>Laggy </b>is just as compelling... Her Olivia has been as deeply wounded by the lackluster reaction to her first novel as if she had been abandoned by a lover. Laggy exudes that wonderfully brittle way with banter that evokes an intelligence as lovely as the woman herself. Anyone with an IQ would fall in love with her, and want to bed her, too</div>
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For such a talky show,<b> Croft</b> succeeds in keeping it moving as briskly as a speed date both in pacing and staging, plus she finds the tone of humor and emotion suffusing the script.</div>
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<b>Hap Erstein</b> wrote for <a href="http://palmbeachartspaper.com/index.php/3008-sex-with-strangers-a-smart-well-acted-story-of-libido-and-fame.html" target="_blank">Palm Beach ArtsPaper</a>:</div>
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Under a new artistic administration headed by <b>Keith Garsson</b>, The Theatre at Arts Garage opens its new season with an attention-grabbing play called <i>Sex with Strangers</i> by Laura Eason, a staff writer for Netflix’s <i>House of Cards</i>. While the title is hardly misleading — the opening scene and several others end with the play’s two characters ripping off each other’s clothes with mounting passion — Eason has plenty on her mind as well, like themes of identity, authorship, trust and emotional manipulation.</div>
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…we remain increasingly impressed by the two performers, who each display verbal and physical agility. <b>Uribe</b>, so compelling in Island City’s <i>Little Dog Laughed</i> last season, is completely convincing as the well-toned, self-assured cad, an alien creature to Olivia and all the more attractive to her because of it.<b> Laggy</b>, a fixture of the defunct Women’s Theatre Project and Parade Productions, has more of a performance arc to play, moving from mousy reticence to unbridled ambition.</div>
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<b>Croft </b>uses the space well, moving her actors about the two attractive, functional sets credited to Bombshell Productions. <i>Sex with Strangers</i> is smart, smart-mouthed and, yes, sexy, a very promising start for Garsson and company.</div>
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<b>Rod Stafford Hagwood</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-delray-beach-theater-sex-strangers-review-20151103-story.html" target="_blank">The Sun-Sentinel</a>: </div>
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Arts Garage's "Sex with Strangers" takes the whole romantic comedy genre, shakes the dust off of it, beats some sense into it and then displays it, beautifully, on the stage at the performing arts space in downtown Delray Beach.</div>
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<b>Laggy</b> and <b>Uribe</b> make the most out of "Sex with Strangers," taking their time and finding a naturalistic tone despite the occasional emotional billboarding Eason does when her script gets ahead of itself. Laggy, who can project strong and fragile simultaneously, has a slouchy-sexy way about her and a slick sense of comedic timing. Uribe radiates a hunter-closing-in-on-game kind of thing, a Tom Cruise-like cold fusion intensity that sneaks up on you. The two of them together -- all those facets, angles and double-edges crashing against each other -- set off sparks.</div>
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…director <b>Genie Croft</b> has honed in… with clear, clean, laser-like focus: They each want what the other has.</div>
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<b>Kathryn Ryan</b> wrote for <a href="http://www.edgemiami.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews//188673/theatre_review_::_sex_with_strangers_" target="_blank">Edge MIami</a>: </div>
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Great writing, insightful direction and strong performances propel the production of <b>"Sex with Strangers"</b> now playing at Arts Garage. Tickets for Saturday night's show were sold out and playgoers turned away. The show is so popular that it has already been extended for three weeks starting December 5 at the Plaza Theatre in Manalapan. </div>
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…the sexual chemistry gets the better of both of them, and they begin an affair rife with twists and turns that are good enough for any mystery novel. </div>
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The cat and mouse game is finally resolved at the end of the play, albeit for one lingering question. This moment is perfectly timed by director, <b>Genie Croft</b> and beautifully navigated by <b>Laggy</b>. For his part,<b> Uribe…</b> plays just the right notes in his conception of the brash braggart who struggles with his need to be recognized as a legitimate author. </div>
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The moment he realizes Olivia is being lured by a prominent book publishing company, he can barely contain his jealousy. Uribe plays the moment with finesse; we can see the envy on his face and in his gestures but never hear it in his voice. It is a masterful moment of playing the subtext. </div>
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The <a href="http://artsgarage.com/" target="_blank">Theatre at Arts Garage</a> production of <i>Sex with Strangers</i> plays at Arts Garage through November 15, 2015. When links for the extension mentioned by Kathryn Ryan become active, we will update this page.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-30273182694539545512015-10-30T08:32:00.001-04:002015-10-30T08:32:13.439-04:00The Scene for October 30, 2015<div align="justify"><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" width="244" align="left" height="235"></div> <div align="justify">It’s Halloween Weekend here in South Florida. And if you’re looking for approprieately themed plays, we suggest <em>The Toxic Avenger</em> at Actors’ Playhouse, <em>The Rocking Dead </em>at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, <em>Young Frankenstein</em> at The Crest Theatre, and <em>Bloody Broadway: a Spook-tacular Music Revue</em> at Andrews Living Arts Studios.</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify">It’s your last chance to check out the GableStage production of <em>Disgraced, </em>if you haven’t seen it, do it now.</div> <div align="justify"> </div> <div align="justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify" align="justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify" align="justify"></div> <div align="justify"></div> <div align="justify">Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div> <a name='more'></a> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">opening...</h2> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify">The <a href="http://artsgarage.org/Page/MainStage" target="_blank">Theatre at Arts Garage</a> opens <i>Sex With Strangers,</i> through November 15; this is the first offering from their new producers.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://jupitertheatre.org/" target="_blank">Maltz Jupiter Theater</a> opens<i> The Mousetrap</i> for a very brief run through next weekend, playing against its history as the world’s longest running play.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> opens<em> Dial ‘M’ for Murder</em>, through December 6, 2015</div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">you still haven't missed...</h2> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre</a> knocks it out of the park at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with their production of<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/slow-burn-theatre-big-fish-reviews.html" target="_blank">Big Fish</a></i> in the Amaturo Theater. Through November 8</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> presents <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/actors-playhouse-toxic-avenger-reviews.html" target="_blank">The Toxic Avenger</a></i> at the Miracle Theater through November 8, 2015.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.andrewslivingarts.org/" target="_blank">Andrews Living Arts Studio</a> offers <em>Bloody Broadway: a Spook-tacular Music Revue</em> through November 15.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/" target="_blank">Palm Beach DramaWorks</a> presents its production of<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/palm-beach-dramaworks-picnic-reviews.html" target="_blank">Picnic</a></i> through November 8, 2015.</div> <br> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">last chance to see...</h2></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify">The <a href="http://punchlinetheatrecompany.com/" target="_blank">Punchline Theatre Company</a> production of <i><a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-coral-springs-theater-rocking-dead-review-20151019-story.html" target="_blank">The Rocking Dead (A Zombie Musical)</a></i> at the <a href="http://www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com/event/the-rocking-dead/2015-10-09/" target="_blank">Coral Springs Center for the Arts</a> closes November 1.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://thewick.org/" target="_blank">The Wick Theatre</a> production of<a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/the-wick-theatre-funny-thing-happened.html" target="_blank"> <i>A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum</i></a> vanishes with Halloween on October 31.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify">The <a href="http://gablestage.org/" target="_blank">GableStage</a> production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/gablestage-disgraced-reviews.html" target="_blank">Disgraced</a></i> winds up its run on Sunday, November 1.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify">The <a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/now-showing.html" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/stage-door-theatre-promises-promises.html" target="_blank">Promises, Promises</a></i> winds it up on November 1.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">community and conservatory...</h2> <div style="text-align: justify"></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.pptopa.com/" target="_blank">Pembroke Pines Theatre of Performing Arts</a> presents <em>Carousel</em> through November 22.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <br>Just in time for Halloween, <a href="http://entractetheatrix.org/" target="_blank">Entr’ActeTheatrix</a> opens its production of<i> Young Frankenstein at the Crest Theater, through November 1.</i><br> <br><a href="http://flct.org/" target="_blank">Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre</a> presents<i> Jesus Christ Superstar</i> through November 7, 2015.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Delray Beach Playhouse</a> presents <em>Hi Hat Hattie</em> through December 13th.</div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <br></div> <div style="text-align: justify"> <hr style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify"> </div> <h2 style="text-align: justify">for kids...</h2> <p> </p> <p><em>Sesame Street Live</em> comes to <a href="http://www.parkerplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Parker Playhouse</a> this weekend only.<br> <br><a href="http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens.htm" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> presents <i>Charlotte’s Web</i> at The Miracle Theater, through October 31, 2015.<br> <br><a href="http://www.showtimeboca.com/" target="_blank">Showtime Performing Arts Theatre</a> presents <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> through October 24, 2015. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-88874945231126429072015-10-27T13:02:00.001-04:002015-10-27T13:02:03.750-04:00Slow Burn Theatre: Big Fish (reviews)<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maaB3yEvNfI/Vi-uBL2eX1I/AAAAAAAAQEE/PZmNkbvq0aI/s1600-h/BCPA_BigFish_1695X953%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="BCPA_BigFish_1695X953" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="BCPA_BigFish_1695X953" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6dh-4oyvqE/Vi-uCMjwv4I/AAAAAAAAQEM/gUPf8CWnEIM/BCPA_BigFish_1695X953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="139"></a><a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> opened its production of the musical <em>Big Fish</em> at the <a href="http://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/big-fish" target="_blank">Broward Center for the Performing Arts</a> on October 22, 2015.</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Based on the celebrated novel and acclaimed film, Big Fish centers on Edward, a traveling salesman, who lives life to the fullest and then some! His incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife. But their son, Will, who will soon have his own child, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Big Fish swims deftly between two worlds: the lush, vibrant world of Edward’s fantasies and the subtler world of Will’s reality. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself. </p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Shane Tanner, Ann Marie Olson, Justen Fox-Hall, Anjane Girwarr, Gabe Sklar, Ben Sandomir, Leah Marie Sessa, Christopher Mitchell, Matthew Korinko, Kendra Williams, Geoffrey Short, Emily Tarallo, Brian Varela, Corey Vega, James Patrick Giordano, Nicole Kinzel, Meaghan Nagy and Joshua Conner..</p> <div align="justify"> <a name='more'></a></div> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Christine Dolen</strong> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article41378370.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify">A new era has begun in the Broward Center’s renovated Amaturo Theater, where the award-winning Slow Burn Theatre has just opened the first South Florida production of the Broadway musical <em>Big Fish</em>. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Betting on Slow Burn, which has already produced 23 musicals in its short history, is a smart move for the Broward Center. Director-choreographer <strong>Patrick Fitzwater</strong>, who founded the company with partner <strong>Matthew Korinko</strong>, has demonstrated his mastery of a wide range of musicals... And he has demonstrated that he can breathe new life into musicals like <em>Side Show — </em>and now <em>Big Fish — </em>that didn’t last long on Broadway. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Two South Florida musical theater treasures,<strong> Shane Tanner</strong> and <strong>Ann Marie Olson</strong>, lead the cast as Edward Bloom and his wife Sandra. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Tanner</strong>’s task is almost Herculean. He’s rarely off stage, and he’s following in the footsteps of Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, who created the role. No problem here: Tanner is charismatic yet down to earth, vocally nuanced, persuasive as he explores the varied aspects of Edward’s character. He is terrific leading the cast… </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Olson</strong> journeys from Auburn co-ed (watch for the joke about that) to an older woman on the cusp of widowhood. She’s a magnetic performer with a beautiful voice, and her tender, gorgeous solo <em>I Don’t Need a Roof </em>becomes the show’s most moving number. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">The leads are surrounded by talent both seasoned and young. Newcomer<strong> Justen Fox-Hall</strong> brings his powerful voice to the role of the frustrated, grown-up Will, a young man who gains insight into his maddening father when it’s nearly too late.<strong> Gabe Sklar</strong> brings the same dubious nature to Young Will. <strong>Ben Sandomir</strong> is a presence as Edward’s rival, Don Price, and<strong> Leah Marie Sessa</strong> is memorable as Edward’s first love, Jenny Hill. </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">…<em>Big Fish</em> is an impressive addition to the offerings at the Broward Center. It’s a win-win for the center, for Slow Burn <em>and </em>for audiences who love musical theater.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Bill Hirschman</strong> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/slow-burn-lands-really-big-fish-in-bow-at-the-broward-center/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>: <blockquote> <p align="justify">This is what we in the erudite and rarefied profession of theatrical criticism refer to as a goddam rave review.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">With this production of <em>Big Fish</em>, Slow Burn Theatre Company has proven itself with no asterisks to be the equal of any company producing musicals in the region, some with far more resources, government grants and well-heeled donors — not to mention among the most adventurous in tackling what few others attempt.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">This benchmark production for a company that has outgrown the term fledgling is suffused with a joy that reflects both the material and a celebration of Slow Burn’s arrival as the resident theater company at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts… this is a validating graduation day for Slow Burn and a step further in the Broward Center’s commitment to become a co-producing house rather than just a host for visiting productions.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">…every aspect of the production, even those that have nothing to do with hardware or money, shows a noticeable ratcheting up of quality in every department even though virtually everyone connected to the show has worked with Slow Burn before. Everything is sharper, stronger, more confident, more polished. Clearly, everyone felt a self-imposed challenge to step up their game.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Fitzwater’s</strong> deft direction and choreography infuse the show with energy and commitment to the beauty and whimsy of the work. The show is rife with large production spectaculars of dancing creatures and small poignant numbers that give credibility to its stubbornly optimistic and upbeat attitude.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Start with Sh<strong>ane Tanner</strong>. Back in April when he stole The Wick Theatre production of the show <em>Oklahoma</em> as Jud, we wrote, “…he’s rarely been given the extended parts he earned long ago. His work here made us yearn to see him in a musical theater lead worthy of his talents.”</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">Boy, did we ever call that one. And does he ever… it is an unreserved tribute to the superb acting and singing abilities of Tanner with Fitzwater’s direction that give Edward depth. Tanner’s creation of a pure-hearted dreamer is so winning that the audience is charmed into going along for the ride even as you scoff at the tall tales. Tanner’s Edward so completely believes the fantasies that he spins that you stop caring whether they’re true or not.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">…far too slowly, the theater world here has been noticing the talent and skill of <strong>Olson</strong>… Her glorious voice is like liquid sound, capable of caressing the heart-rending solace to the dying man she loves in “I Don’t Need A Roof” and belting out the silly USO show number “Red, White and True.” Her flashing eyes and huge smile radiate vitality. Sandra is a tougher role than it looks, easily devolving into a one-note of steadfast adoration. But Olson is an actress first and she brings subtle colorations as well as that unswerving commitment to the interior of the part.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Fox-Hall</strong> is a South Florida native, really not seen much locally other than in the huge ensemble of Actors’ Playhouse’s <em>Ragtime</em> last season. You’ll see a lot more of him from now on. First, he has a soaring expressive voice that elicited the longest mid-show ovation for his angst-riven exploration of his problematic relationship with his father in the number “Stranger.” Second, he, too, has conquered another one-note kind of role by delving deep into Will’s complex alienation.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Girwarr</strong> not only sounds lovely but brings a sense of optimism and welcoming nature that plausibly counter-balances Will’s cynicism.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="justify">But trust us. This only runs two more weekends. If you miss this, you only have yourselves to blame…</p></blockquote> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre Company</a> presents its production of the musical <em>Big Fish</em> at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through November 8, 2015.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-696534550392046912015-10-22T11:08:00.000-04:002015-10-27T13:03:10.512-04:00The Scene for October 23, 2015<div align="justify">
<img align="left" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EentQtRjGjOw24nDoKSX5doZxhFAKqhuUpzAkBNuls9ZKe7TOLYFDdQKqovScMYSDwHSxydy5FJcg73GN8MYuVnyvzqb1hQaXl0sBV1nU7rFm_bmB92G3tzFWLgUBpnhQ5OCwYZw0fc/w353-h340-no/TheScene+Logo.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;" width="244" /></div>
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If anyone is dressing up as Marty McFly or Doc Brown this Halloween, the Theatre League has been asked to find some actors to help set the tone for the Bakehouse Art Complex fundraiser on November 14; they’ve doing a <i>Back to the Future-</i>themed evening. So if you’re interested in giving your costume one more spin, contact Andie Arthur at the South Florida Theatre League.</div>
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<a href="http://www.conundrumstages.net/" target="_blank">Conundrum Stages</a> presents an evening of music and theatre at the <a href="http://www.musearts.org/" target="_blank">MUSE Center for the Arts</a> this Saturday; their revues always make for a nice evening.</div>
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Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:</div>
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<a href="http://slowburntheatre.org/" target="_blank">Slow Burn Theatre</a> makes its much-anticipated debut at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with their production of<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/slow-burn-theatre-big-fish-reviews.html" target="_blank">Big Fish</a></i> in the Amaturo Theater. You can read about the move on <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/features/slow-burn-theatre-is-ready-for-big-move-to-broward-center/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>.</div>
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There was a slightly different move at <a href="http://artsgarage.org/Page/MainStage" target="_blank">Theatre at Arts Garage</a>, when Keith Garrson and Genie Croft moved in to replace Louis Tyrrell; their first production is <i>Sex With Strangers,</i> and previews start on Sunday.</div>
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Also in previews, <a href="http://jupitertheatre.org/" target="_blank">Maltz Jupiter Theater</a> opens<i> The Mousetrap</i> on Sunday.</div>
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<a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> presents <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/actors-playhouse-toxic-avenger-reviews.html" target="_blank">The Toxic Avenger</a></i> at the Miracle Theater through November 8, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://www.areastagecompany.com/#!plays/cjg9" target="_blank">Area Stage Company</a> opens its original creation, <i>The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts</i>, through October 25.</div>
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<a href="http://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/" target="_blank">Palm Beach DramaWorks</a> presents its production of<i> <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/palm-beach-dramaworks-picnic-reviews.html" target="_blank">Picnic</a></i> through November 8, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://punchlinetheatrecompany.com/" target="_blank">Punchline Theatre Company</a> presents <i><a href="http://www.southflorida.com/theater-and-arts/sf-coral-springs-theater-rocking-dead-review-20151019-story.html" target="_blank">The Rocking Dead (A Zombie Musical)</a></i> at the <a href="http://www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com/event/the-rocking-dead/2015-10-09/" target="_blank">Coral Springs Center for the Arts</a> through November 1.</div>
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<a href="http://thewick.org/" target="_blank">The Wick Theatre</a> production of<a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/the-wick-theatre-funny-thing-happened.html" target="_blank"> <i>A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum</i></a> plays through October 31.</div>
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The <a href="http://gablestage.org/" target="_blank">GableStage</a> production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/gablestage-disgraced-reviews.html" target="_blank">Disgraced</a></i> plays through November 1.</div>
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<a href="http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/now-showing.html" target="_blank">Broward Stage Door</a> opens its production of <i><a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/stage-door-theatre-promises-promises.html" target="_blank">Promises, Promises</a></i>, through November 1.</div>
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<a href="http://microtheatermiami.com/#portfolio-page/english/1" target="_blank">MicroTheatre Miami</a> <span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">is running three plays in English and four plays in Spanish on Thursdays</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6.1:4:1:$comment957945214264335_958541877538002:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$text0:0">. Check it out: you can choose which plays you see, and you only pay for the ones you choose. It's a sweet deal, and a great night out.</span></span></span></span></div>
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last chance to see...</h2>
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The <a href="http://pigsdoflyproductions.com/" target="_blank">Pigs Do Fly Productions</a> production of <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/pigs-do-fly-productions-flying-high.html" target="_blank"><i>Flying High</i></a> – a collection of seven brand new short plays – concludes its run at Empire Stage this Sunday, October 25, 2015.</div>
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<a href="http://www.eveningstarproductions.org/" target="_blank">Evening Star Productions</a> will be winding up its run of <a href="http://www.southfloridatheatrescene.com/2015/10/evening-star-productions-35mm-reviews.html" target="_blank"><i>35mm: A Musical Exhihition</i> </a>at the Sol Children’s Theater on October 25.</div>
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coming and going...</h2>
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Bernadette Peters performs one night only at the <a href="http://aventuracenter.org/" target="_blank">Aventura Arts and Cultural Center</a>, and it’s Friday, October 23.</div>
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community and conservatory...</h2>
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<a href="http://delraybeachplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">Delray Beach Playhouse</a>, the oldest community theater in South Florida, presents Neil Simon’s <i>Come Blow Your Horn</i>, through October 25th. They’re also staging <i>We Remember Him Well! The Life and Songs of Alan Jay Lerner</i> through October 28.<br /> <br />The <a href="http://www.lakeworthplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Lake Worth Playhouse</a>, the second oldest community theatre in South Florida, presents <i>Meet Me In St. Louis</i>, through October 25, and they are opening <i>Circle Mirror Transformation</i> in their black box studio, through November 1.<br />
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Just in time for Halloween, <a href="http://entractetheatrix.org/" target="_blank">Entr’ActeTheatrix</a> opens its production of<i> Young Frankenstein at the Crest Theater, through November 1.</i><br />
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<a href="http://flct.org/" target="_blank">Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre</a> presents<i> Jesus Christ Superstar</i> through November 7, 2015.<br />
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for kids...</h2>
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<a href="http://www.mtcmiami.org/whats-on/" target="_blank">Miami Theatre Center</a> presents <i>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</i> through November 20, 2015. This is the only weekend for performances, al the rest of the showing are weekday mornings.<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens.htm" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> presents <i>Charlotte’s Web</i> at The Miracle Theater, through October 31, 2015.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.showtimeboca.com/" target="_blank">Showtime Performing Arts Theatre</a> presents <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> through October 24, 2015. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-32460451504630874312015-10-22T08:28:00.001-04:002015-10-22T08:29:42.888-04:00Actors’ Playhouse: The Toxic Avenger (reviews)<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Id-s9tG00_w/VijWgNvzYtI/AAAAAAAAQDs/qn5XSWRdJTw/s1600-h/APMT%252520toxic_logo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="APMT toxic_logo" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_iSl7vr_4XE/VijWhEAuihI/AAAAAAAAQD0/zmS0KWRZgLU/APMT%252520toxic_logo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="APMT toxic_logo" width="244" /></a><a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> opened its production of <i>The Toxic Avenger</i> at the Miracle Theater on October 14, 2015.</div>
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Based on the classic cult film of the same name, this new rock-pop musical is a charming, exhilarating and hysterical love story that has it all – an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey Mayor, and two guys who play EVERY other character in the play; including bullies, monsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers. “Toxie” is an unconventional contemporary love story with an environmental twist that will rock the house and leave audiences laughing out loud. </div>
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David Arisco directed a cast that included Julie Kleiner, Clay Cartland, Laura Hodos, Dexter Carr, and Joshua Dobarganes.</div>
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<b>Christine Dolen</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article39601569.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a>:</div>
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Artistic director <b>David Ari</b>sco and his team have gone all-out to turn the spoofy musical into immersive theater, reconfiguring the upstairs Balcony Theatre so that the audience appears to be sitting in the toxic waste dump otherwise known as Tromaville, New Jersey. Detritus, general junk and vats full of dripping green toxic goo dot the evocative set by <b>Gene Seyffer</b> and <b>Jodi Dellaventura</b>. </div>
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David C. Woolard’s costumes, adapted by <b>Ellis Tillman</b> for this production, are the Off-Broadway originals. And <b>Louis Zakarian’s</b> mask and prosthestics transform Cartland from meek Melvin to the Hulk-like Toxie…</div>
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<b>Arisco</b> has also loaded his cast with top-tier musical theater talent… The committed, impressive cast sells the material as if it were Grade-A satire, but the songs, lyrics and book of the musical seldom rise above C level.<b> Cartland</b> and <b>Kleiner</b> make the lovelorn mutant and sexually frustrated librarian into a sweet, funny couple, and they turn up the heat on their duet <i>Hot Toxic Love</i>. <b>Hodos</b>, whose powerful voice could peel the goo from the waste barrels without any amplification, revels in her roles as the villainous Mayor and monster Ma. <b>Dobarganes</b> and the crazy-funny<b> Carr</b> pop into and out of drag with aplomb. </div>
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<b>Bill Hirschman</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.floridatheateronstage.com/reviews/halloween-comes-early-with-spoofy-musical-toxic-avenger/" target="_blank">Florida Theater On Stage</a>: </div>
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Somewhere under the green slime encrusted set of <i>The Toxic Avenger</i> at Actors Playhouse, a nuclear plant must be melting down all China Syndrome like. That might explain the raw power emanating from this hilarious hoot of a rock musical… what makes this delightfully over-the-top production triumph over the weaker parts of the material are the atomic, uninhibited performances… from this cast of five belting rockers</div>
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We keep saying how inventive <b>Arisco</b> is in his comic direction and how bottomless his bags of tricks must be. To see what we’re talking about, check out this production with its perpetual motion staging stopping only for some classic bits of comedy business.</div>
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<b>Arisco </b>has cast the show perfectly. <b>Cartland,</b> once again, proves to be one of the best musical performers in the region who combines an inventive comic mind with a sub rosa skill with a song. Even encased in the considerable prosthetic makeup, his voice and body language convey his character’s conflicted emotions.</div>
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<b>Kleiner</b> perfectly shuttles among Sarah’s disparate sides: naïve yet knowingly sensual, open-hearted yet smart enough to guard her self – a kind of street-smart cheerleader, a cross between Buffy and Willow. She can drop her cartoony girlish ingénue voice into a basement belt.</div>
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<b>Dobargnes</b> and<b> Carr</b> may seem like secondary foot soldiers, but in fact, they may be busier than the leads as they go off-stage for only a minute or even seconds to change from nitwit varsity bullies to mobsters to old ladies to spangle-garbed girl group back-up singers. Each has a fine strong voice on display when they get a solo number.</div>
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Leaving perhaps the best for last is <b>Hodos</b> who has a brassy belt that whiplashes the audiences while her eyes blaze and her lips form a voracious grin. In one supremely silly scene… the actress then proceeds to perform a duet with herself flipping back and forth in and out of curtains until she ends up doing a Jekyll-and-Hyde routine.</div>
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The gloriously noxious set was designed from a technical angle by <b>Gene Seyffer</b> (he has solved a dozen behind-the-scenes challenges such as allowing Melvin to transform into the Avenger is less than two minutes). The decrepit look of the scenery that makes you want to disinfect your hands afterwards is the work of<b> Jodi Dellaventura</b>. Their work is enhanced by lighting designer <b>Eric Nelson </b>and sound designer <b>Shaun Mitchell</b> who pumps out the band and voices at tsunami level.</div>
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<b>Roger Martin</b> reviewed for <a href="http://www.miamiartzine.com/Features.php?op=Article_The+Toxic+Avenger+at+Actors+Playhouse" target="_blank">Miami ArtZine</a>:</div>
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Go see <i>The Toxic Avenger</i> at Actors' Playhouse. You'll find two hours of caustic wit, rock classics such as<i> Kick Your Ass</i>, <i>My Big French Boy Friend</i>, <i>Thank God She's Blind</i> and the immemorial <i>Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore</i>. Thank Joe Dipietro and David Bryan, who teamed on the Tony winning Memphis, for the book, music and lyrics of<i> The Toxic Avenger</i>. Brilliant stuff. But no more brilliant than the performances of actors Clay Cartland, Julie Kleiner, Laura Hodos, Dexter Carr and Joshua Dobarganes.</div>
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<b>Cartland… </b>is transformed into The Toxic Avenger (that New Jersey sludge will get you every time) or Toxie, as Sarah (<b>Kleiner</b>), the blind librarian, calls him. And I defy anyone in the house to find a gag about blind librarians that isn't in this show and that <b>Kleiner</b> doesn't pull off without the help of even one seeing eye dog.</div>
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<b>Hodos </b>plays bad girl Mayor Babs Belgoody, Melvin's mother Ma Ferd, and a nun. Being Hodos, she's wonderful in every role and busting out all over the place in Evil is Hot with Professor Ken, played by <b>Carr</b>, who is also known as the Black Dude. The White Dude is played by<b> Dobarganes</b> and he and Carr are also New Jersey natives Bozo and Sluggo and in drag as back up singers Diane and Shinequa. Dobarganes is also Sal the Cop and the Folk Singer.</div>
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<b>David Arisco</b> musically staged and directed the show with much humor in every minute. Fine, fine, feel good stuff.</div>
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The <a href="http://actorsplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">Actors’ Playhouse</a> production of <i>The Toxic Avenger</i> plays at the Miracle Theater through November 8, 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0