Paul Batterson - Page 5

Most Christmas shows seem to follow a simple pattern: Someone doesn't have that festive spirit meets someone who does, a miracle happens, and the bah humbuger sees the joy in the holidays.

What did our critic think of VETSAID at Nationwide Arena? When the Eagles appeared in Columbus for the 'The History of the Eagles' tour, the members of the band appeared in nearly identical black suits. One of the first questions readers always ask is: 'Joe Walsh has a suit?'

What did our critic think of ASSASSINS at Columbus Performing Arts Center? Stephen Sondheim issued a not-so-subtle warning to critics attending his musical ASSASSINS. In the song, 'the Ballad of Booth,' the balladeer questions the Abraham Lincoln killer for his motives: 'Some say you killed a country, John/Because of bad reviews.'

For the last three days, Haiden (no last name given) and his mother have kept a lonely vigil at Used Kids records (2500 Summit St. in Columbus), waiting to meet guitar hero Joe Walsh.

What did our critic think of INDECENT at Riffe Center? Read the review here!

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Tommy Betz when the buses for the 20th anniversary tour of HAIRSPRAY pull into Columbus.

What did our critic think of RENT at Garden Theater?

What did our critic think of THE WHO at Schottenstein Cente? When the Who, a 1990 inductee to the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame, announced their current 'The Who Hits Back' tour, the response of many 'fans' on one website was a hard pass.

What did our critic think of HAMILTON at Ohio Theatre? Before the lights fade and the curtain parts on HAMILTON at the Ohio Theatre, the audience receives a message from King George (Peter Matthew Smith) reminding them to shut off their cell phones and to enjoy 'MY show.'

After stunning her St. Mark's High School classmates with a blistering re-creation of the violin solo in the Who's 'Baba O'Reilly,' Katie Jacoby was ready for bigger things. Jacoby, then 15, emailed the Who to let them know she was available to perform in their upcoming show at the Wachovia Center in 2007.

When Tyler Belo looks at his final transcripts from Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, it is always the D+ in general economics that makes him smile. Belo barely passed the class because he opted out on the final to crash an equity-only tryout for HAMILTON.

What did our critic think of REVIEW: DISNEY’S NEWSIES at Southern Theatre? Aristotle is credited with coming up with the phrase, 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' Had he witnessed the Columbus Children Theatre's production of DISNEY'S NEWSIES, the philosopher may have reversed the quotation to 'the parts are greater than the sum of the whole.' An energetic cast, sharp management by director Joe Deer and choreographer Vincent Sylvester, and tight orchestration by musical director Lara Brooks lifted a cheesy musical to stellar heights.

No day but today! Rent is the landmark, groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation and Short North Stage is staging an exciting new production for Columbus audiences. In the East Village of New York City we follow an unlikely group of bohemians as they struggle with gentrification, love, loss and legacies amidst the HIV/AIDS crisis. Winner of the Tony Award® and the Pulitzer Prize, Jonathan Larson's songs like 'Seasons of Love,' 'One Song Glory,' and 'I'll Cover You,' allows the characters and audiences to embrace hope, find strength and survive. You won't want to miss Larson's phenomenon that redefined musical theater and is just as poignant today. Light a candle and join us for the catered Opening Night Reception Friday, October 7th following the performance! Get your tickets at www.cbusarts.com or call 614-469-0939 Monday thru Friday 9am - 5pm.. Single tickets range between $37 and $55, $20 student rush tickets and pay what you can tickets are also available. Showtimes are 7pm Thursdays through Saturdays and 2pm Sundays October 6 - November 6. Learn more at www.shortnorthstage.org.

What did our critic think of TICK, TICK … BOOM at Garden Theater? Rarely can one sum up the message of an entire musical in three words. However, composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson sums up the message of TICK, TICK ... BOOM! in three words found in the middle of the song, 'Johnny Can't Decide:' compromise or persevere.

What did our critic think of ERIC CLAPTON R at Schottenstein Cente? In Rolling Stone's countdown of the top 100 guitarists, the late Eddie Van Halen described Eric Clapton as 'basically the only guitar player who influenced me - even though I don't sound like him. There was a basic simplicity to his playing, his style, his vibe and his sound. His solos were melodic and memorable - and that's what guitar solos should be.'

What did our critic think of TICK, TICK … BOOM at Garden Theater? No actors will be waiting in the wings when the curtain goes up on the Short North Stage's production of TICK, TICK ... BOOM Sept. 9, 10, and 11 at the Garden Theater (1187 North High Street in downtown Columbus).

Short North Stage is presenting a limited run of Tick Tick... Boom! as a benefit for the theater. Before Rent, there was Tick, Tick... Boom!. This autobiographical musical recently made into a Netflix film by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theater. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue and, yet, Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theater styles. Join us for this limited special event featuring a free beautiful catered reception following each show.

What did our critic think of ROGER WATERS' THIS IS NOT A DRILL at Nationwide Arena? A little mini drama took place at the will call window moments before Roger Waters was scheduled to take the stage for his 'This is not a drill' concert on Aug. 10 at Nationwide Arena (200 West Nationwide Boulevard in downtown Columbus). A mother and son were trying to straighten out a ticket purchase and she repeatedly asked her son, 'Do you really want to see this? Do you really want to see this?'

What did our critic think of BWW REVIEWS: OTTERBEIN’S PIRATES OF PENZANCE at Cowen Hall? Otterbein University offers a much-needed refresher course in Gilbert and Sullivan with its presentation of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE for its final production of the summer season. The two-act comedic musical closes this week with shows on July 14-16 at Cowan Hall (30 S. Grove Street in Westerville). Directed by Lenny Leibowitz and produced by T.J. Gerckens, the show features a whimsical plot with outlandish lyrics, outstanding performances, and spectacular costuming and music orchestration.

It has been over 130 years since German playwright Frank Wedekind first published SPRING AWAKENING. In 2006, the play was reinvented when Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater turned it into a musical.