Kara Pohlkamp - Page 2

Discount tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL and the 2010-2011 Gexa Energy Broadway series at the Hobby Center will be available during the 17th Annual Theatre District Open House on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. Saving opportunities include up to 25 percent off the price of a five-show subscription package and $10 off all single tickets for the October 19 and 20 performances of SHREK THE MUSICAL. In addition, the first 50 people in line at the box office will receive a SHREK THE MUSICAL gift bag!

I've been waiting years to see Wicked. Numerous times I've just missed the national tour as I moved from city to city and there were some unfortunately timed vacations along the way. For years friends and family have been telling me how much I have to see this show and the Original Cast Recording has played countless times in my car and office. So last night as three winged-monkeys turned a crank to raise the Wicked curtain during the Overture, my excitement could not have been higher. But I never imagined I would leave the theatre feeling…disheartened.

Who knew menopause could be fun? 'Menopause' certainly isn't an obvious topic for a musical, but Menopause The Musical writer/producer Jeanie Linders has stumbled upon a bold and surprising recipe for success: stage an honest, upfront presentation of a socially taboo topic through clever parodies of classic mainstream hits with never-ending comedy. The result is a toe-tapping, entertaining destination for your next girl's night out.

In classic Mel Brooks fashion, the continuous surge of gags and innuendos of Young Frankenstein are sure to keep audiences rolling throughout the musical's two-week run at the Hobby Center. From the first lightning bolt during the overture, to the last growl of the Monster, the production is a captivating spectacle and heart-warming story packed with memorable characters.

For better or for worse, Little House on the Prairie has joined the ever growing, eclectic club of main stream stories transformed into musicals. Surprisingly, this quaint account of a family struggling to settle the prairie actually has potential and could be successful in the live, musical theatre format. However, multiple production problems prevent this national tour from realizing that goal.

In the Heights, now playing at the Hobby Center, is an energetic portrayal of the residents of a New York City barrio whose dreams are seemingly bigger than their means. Once they learn to put their trust in each other, they find the ability to achieve their goals and that much of what they desire is closer than they think. This energetic production is perfect for anyone looking for something a little different and an ideal way to introduce a younger generation to musical theatre.

If you love Broadway musicals you must see the national tour of South Pacific currently running at the Hobby Center. Even if you have seen South Pacific before, or if you happen to not be a Rogers and Hammerstein fan, you need to see this show. The performances delivered by Rod Gilfry, as the French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Carmen Cusack, as the loveable Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, are so remarkable they alone make this a must-see production for any Broadway fan who can appreciate a phenomenal performance of a quality score.

Cirque Dreams Illumination is an impressive collection of Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic routines, street entertainment and illusions that will boggle the minds of audiences of all ages. With reasonably priced tickets starting from $24, the show is also a fantastic opportunity for families to experience the Hobby Center and live, stage performance.

From the first sound of a helicopter flying as the sun rises over Saigon during the Overture, to the show's abrupt, powerful ending, the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) production of MISS SAIGON will take you on an emotional rollercoaster about unwavering faith in love and self sacrifice - just be sure not to leave your tissue box at home.

During its world premiere now at the Alley Theatre, the musical WONDERLAND invites you to take a break from the bustle of life and travel with Alice down the rabbit hole to rediscover your inner child.

A Chorus Line is not the impressive spectacle offered by most nationally touring musicals. It has no special effects and no impressive costumes. The minimalistic set consists of a series of mirrors, a black stool and the infamous line on which hopeful dancers await their fate. But it's simplicity that sets A Chorus Line apart and makes it feel genuine - and that's what makes it so powerful.