Brian Michaels - Page 2

West Fargo High School Theatre's Hadestown brings the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to life with stunning performances and vibrant production values.

From the moment the lights dim and the first eerie notes echo through the auditorium, Fargo North High School’s Evil Dead The Musical (High School Edition) makes one thing clear, this show is out for blood, laughter, and pure campy fun.

Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre’s latest production of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is a striking realization of the classic tale of duality and darkness, richly atmospheric, emotionally charged, and technically ambitious.

Stage West’s latest production of Misery, directed by J.J. Gordon, delivers a tense and atmospheric reimagining of Stephen King’s classic psychological thriller. Performed in Stage West’s cozy 50-seat thrust-style theatre, this production transforms intimacy into intensity, placing the audience mere feet away from the unfolding nightmare.

Do you wanna dance? That’s the question—and the irresistible invitation—being posed at FMCT right now. Running through August 17th, this lively jukebox-style musical by Mark Brymer, directed and choreographed by Patrick Kasper, is an all-out celebration of music, movement, and sheer joy.

I’ll be honest—Green Day was never really my thing. At least, not until 2016, when I experienced the Act Up Theatre production of American Idiot. That show completely flipped the switch for me, blending the raw energy of a rock concert with the emotional depth of musical theater.

Summer Arts Intensive has once again delivered a knockout production, this time bringing the roaring '20s to life with a spirited and stylish staging of Bullets Over Broadway. Under the crisp direction of Rebecca Saari, the production dazzled with vintage flair, fast-paced comedy, and top-tier performances that left the audience grinning from curtain to curtain.

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens each summer at Trollwood Performing Arts School, and this year’s mainstage production of Mamma Mia! might just be one of the most unforgettable yet—not only for the high-energy performances and dazzling visuals, but also for the poignant goodbyes woven into the production.

Originally adapted from the 2001 DreamWorks animated film (and the original book by William Steig), Shrek The Musical features a witty book by David Lindsay-Abaire and a catchy, pop-infused score by Jeanine Tesori. Since its 2008 Broadway debut, the show has enjoyed numerous national tours and international revivals, thanks to its sharp humor, rich characters, and heartfelt message.

Director Adam Pankow and the talented artistic team at Stage West have once again brought the heart and hustle of Newsies to life under the summer sky.

The stage adaptation of Holes, based on Louis Sachar’s beloved novel, is a captivating production that expertly blends mystery, humor, and emotional resonance. With its inventive structure—interweaving multiple timelines and rich backstories—the play manages to honor the spirit of the original book while using the stage to explore its themes in vivid, imaginative ways. This is storytelling that digs deep, both literally and figuratively.

What did our critic think of MARRIAGE GONE AWRY at Bonanzaville Event Center?

The students of the Davies High School Theatre Department brought Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein: The Musical to life with a production filled with humor, heart, and high-energy performances.

What did our critic think of SIX THE MUSICAL - TEEN EDITION at Oak Grove Theatre Arts?

What did our critic think of BETWEEN THE LINES at Horace High School Theatre?

What did our critic think of A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS at Stage West?

What did our critic think of BIG FISH at Horizon Middle School Performing Arts Center?

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at Barnesville High School?

What did our critic think of ALICE BY HEART at West Fargo High School Theatre?