Review: ROMEO & JULIET at The Company TheatreOctober 20, 2023What did our critic think of ROMEO & JULIET at The Company Theatre? One of Rochester’s newest performing arts organizations, The Company Theatre, launches its 2023-2024 season with a well-known stalwart, “Romeo and Juliet”, playing until the end of October in Rochester’s Temple Theatre.
Review: ROCKY HORROR SHOW at OFC CreationsOctober 16, 2023What did our critic think of ROCKY HORROR SHOW at OFC Creations? I’ve reviewed a deluge of “Rocky Horror” productions in my years covering the Upstate NY theatre scene, so when it comes to this iconic intergalactic cult classic I feel confident saying that I’ve seen it all: spaceships, dildos, lasers, dildos that shoot lasers, etc. But this was my first “Rocky Horror” experience set in a night club (well, technically a strip mall café) that I enjoyed while sipping a beer and munching a flatbread, so a tip-of-the-hat to OFC Creations for adding a totally unique flair to show that is otherwise widely produced. All in all, it makes a theatre experience that is always a bizarro good time, even more enjoyable.
Review: CLUE at Blackfriars TheatreSeptember 11, 2023What did our critic think of CLUE at Blackfriars Theatre? For Blackfriars Theatre’s opening production of the 2023-2024 season, Rochester theatregoers are being treated to the classic pop culture whodunit, “Clue”, whose adaptations have spanned board game, film, musical and play. While the murder-mystery is a genre that does not want for copycats, “Clue” is arguably the standard-bearer for the modern era.
Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Geva TheatreSeptember 6, 2023What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at Geva Theatre? Fall is here (kinda? It’s 90 degrees today), which means the return of theatre season and the coming-to-life once again of Rochester’s premiere regional theatre, Geva. And what better way to kick-off the season than with a timeless classic known to all, “The Wizard of Oz”, albeit flashier, sassier, and—somehow—probably even more heartwarming than the version you grew up watching.
Review: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueJune 14, 2023What did our critic think of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? The relevance of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is bewilderingly on the nose. How is it that a 60+-year-old story about racism and the brokenness of the American criminal justice system feels as topical and fresh in 2023 as it did in 1960?
Review: RAGTIME at JCC Centerstage TheatreMay 8, 2023JCC Centerstage Theatre's Ragtime is a powerful and moving production, featuring unforgettable performances and intricate choreography. Don't miss this epic tale of worlds colliding in early 20th century New York City, playing until May 21st.
Review: THE NIGHT ALIVE at Rochester Community PlayersApril 3, 2023What did our critic think of THE NIGHT ALIVE at Rochester Community Players? Ireland has a long and rich history of producing playwrights with unique voices, exploring intricate themes through complex characters. Everyone from Eugene O'Neill to Samuel Beckett to Martin McDonagh fits this bill, and today this description applies most aptly to Conor McPherson. McPherson is known for exploring the mystical and macabre through dark humor, particularly with his play 'The Night Alive', currently being afforded a high-quality production by the Rochester Community Players until April 8th.
Review: WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva TheatreMarch 28, 2023What did our critic think of WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva Theatre? Rochester's Geva Theatre is currently presenting 'We are Continuous' on its Fielding Stage, a small-scale interpersonal confessional about how love grows and evolves, about the unconditional love of a mother and lover, and about the safety and peace offered by those closest to us.
Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars TheatreMarch 27, 2023What did our critic think of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars Theatre? While Rochester may still be immersed in the cold and blustery late-winter climate, one need only head to East Main Street for reprieve, as Blackfriars Theatre's 'Once on this Island' will transport you to the warm tropics of the Caribbean and tell the story of love, resilience, and the spirit of hope.
Review: HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueMarch 16, 2023What did our critic think of HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? This touring production of 'Hadestown' could not have been better cast, with each performer taking turns captivating the audience and delivering lush, emotional musical performances.