Dan Marois

It is a clear sign of the December holidays when the Oqunquit Playhouse brings its theatrical magic to The Music Hall in Portsmouth. In their 11th year of collaboration, the season is blessed with a festive production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical.

What did our critic think of ELF THE MUSICAL at Seacoast Repertory Theatre? “Elf” at the Rep succeeds because the theatre thrives on great storytelling with very believable cast members. Consider this a holiday treat not to be missed.

At the Rochester Opera House, currently hosting a rollicking production of the musical Young Frankenstein, the formula is simple. Give reverence to a film classic, add equal parts of infectious energy by outstanding talent and the result is non-stop laughter.

How does a regional theater, limited by its stage, capture the scale of the “ship of dreams”—a floating city of steel—while simultaneously honoring the desperate intimacy of the 1,517 souls who perished? 

What did BroadwayWorld's critic think of THE WILD PARTY at Seacoast Repertory Theatre? Learn more about the production of THE WILD PARTY here!

Tamworth’s venerable The Barnstormers Theatre finishes its 95 season with a spectacular production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the Tony Award-winning musical by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin.

What did our critic think of THE PRODUCERS at Rochester Opera House?

Some fairy tales are all sunshine and happy ever afters. You know the ones. A damsel in distress finds her prince, they ride off into the sunset, and all their problems conveniently disappear. But Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were never ones for simple stories.

The brassy stage musical, High Society, is currently holding court at the Ogunquit Playhouse in a production that was specifically reimagined from Philip Barry's play The Philadelphia Story (and its iconic film counterpart), for the hallowed playhouse. This production delivers a generous helping of wit, charm, and musical sophistication, making for an unforgettable evening of theater.did our critic think of HIGH SOCIETY at Ogunquit Playhouse?

The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, in its latest offering, invites audiences into the unassuming yet profoundly resonant world of “A Man of No Importance.” This 2002 musical, with its tender book by Terrence McNally and the soaring melodies of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, (They wrote the musical, “Ragtime.”) gently peels back the layers of common day life into a universe of heartfelt human connection and quiet courage.

'Come From Away,' a contemporary musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is currently playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse, and it's truly a testament to the power of human kindness. This show isn't just entertainment; it's a genuine, life-affirming experience that reminds us of the best in people, especially when facing the unthinkable.

There is simply no denying this updated and witty adaptation from Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu and Sister Act), who has taken a few liberties with the classic story that takes it from its sugar-frosted traditional tale to a modern story with a satirical edge. His script combines sweetness, freshness, and a slew of comic moments, even throwing in a nod to “Les Misérables,” with a political revolution subplot.

With neon lighting, big hair, shoulder pads, and swagger, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre is journeying back to 1985, a time of change when the first mobile phones are big, bulky, and carried proudly by the upward moving yuppies of the time.

It is strangely magical that audiences love shows that take playful jabs at nuns. Remember “Late Night Catechism,” a nostalgic visit with a substitute teacher in a parish catechism class that’s highly interactive. And Christoper Durang wrote a scathing satire “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” where a nun explains the basic tenets of Catholicism to the audience only to be interrupted by her former students who have clearly not led a holy life.

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre's production of 'The Nutcracker' is a delightful reimagining of the classic ballet that creates a very different holiday magic.

Disney's “Frozen,” the beloved animated film, has successfully made its way to the stage at The Music Hall in Portsmouth with an enchanting production, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

What did our critic think of PAULA POUNDSTONE at Jonathan's?