Shanti M. Kennedy - Page 2

Last year when we last met up with Mary Benzel, Executive Director at Van Wezel, Sarasota had just gone through a couple of terrible storms, with the Van Wezel having been tragically affected by the flooding.

Organizing a dinner party can be a fun and exciting experience, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Picture this: a mix-up occurs, and your hired chef ends up posing as your mistress, while your non-domesticated mistress is suddenly in charge of cooking.

In the nondescript convalescent center, a punishment is brewing for a teen experiencing growing pains. After getting into trouble at school, he's sentenced to a unique form of community service - reading to the play's namesake, Dorothy. Thus, 'Dorothy's Dictionary' unfolds as a quirky tale of unexpected connections and unlikely friendships.

'Too Darn Hot' is a fun and light musical experience created and performed by the dynamically talented Carole J Bufford. If you find yourself trying to escape the scorching heat of summer, this show is the perfect oasis for you.

The theatre consistently has an amazing transformation; within this  year, from a donut shop to a spaceship, and now as the cozy living room of the Curtly family in their latest work, From 145th to 98th Street.

To wrap up another great season Asolo brings us “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Brought to Broadway in 1971 and running through mid-1973, after 711 performances, to mixed review. By 1980 the musical was one of the highest grossing musicals worldwide. It also holds the record for the longest-running West End musical, running over a total of 8 years with 3358 performances.

Nate Jacobs, the Founder and Artistic Director of West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), loves to tell stories. In his director’s notes for the last few shows I have noticed that he always refers to the utmost importance of telling our stories.

'Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!!!' Ah, the magical chant that kickstarted a phenomenon in the late 1980s, creating a cult following that endures to this day. From its origins as a beloved Tim Burton film, 'BEETLEJUICE' has now taken the stage on Broadway and embarked on a successful two-year touring journey.

What did our critic think of JERSEY BOYS at Florida Studio Theatre?

Urbanite Theatre presents 'No One is Forgotten,' by Winter Miller, a gripping and unsettling production that delves deep into the raw emotions of its characters. The play is set in a unique space with tiered seating, positioning the audience above the two prisoners, offering a visceral perspective into their world.

Indulge your senses, for to merely label “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” as a mere Broadway success is an egregious understatement of this unparalleled masterpiece. Allow me to regale you with the sumptuous details of its grandeur - during its opulent Broadway premiere in 2019 at the illustrious Al Hirschfeld Theatre, this divine creation was bestowed with 14 Tony nominations and gracefully claimed 10 coveted awards, emerging as the undisputed belle of the ball with accolades such as Best Musical, Choreography, Scenic, and Costume Design.

World-renowned virtuoso Itzhak Perlman graced the exquisite city of Sarasota this past weekend, bringing his unparalleled talent to our charming community. With performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the prestigious White House and captivating audiences worldwide as he played for numerous presidents, the illustrious career of this maestro is nothing short of extraordinary.

What did our critic think of FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?

Neil Berg's '115 Years of Broadway' is an absolute show-stopper! It's like a time machine whisking you away to the glamorous eras of Broadway, starting from the dazzling 1930s and 40s all the way to the present day.

Rise Above is a theatre group venturing into a new territory as they perform 'A Diary of Anne Frank', which is the first play they have taken on. This timeless story, known to many, carries a deep emotional weight as it sheds light on the struggles of our fellow human beings. Despite the lessons learned from such narratives, we are reminded of the ongoing presence of suffering and hardship in our world.

Asolo's latest play, 'Anna In The Tropics,' delves into heartbreak and tragedy with a touch of elegance and flair. The plot unfolds in a mesmerizing dance of life imitating art, as the characters find themselves entangled in a web of emotions as intricate as a Russian novel. With each passing moment, the tragedy deepens, pulling at the heartstrings of both the audience and the actors on stage. 

On a dimly lit stage enveloped in an air of mystique, a melodious bandoneon tenderly caresses the night's silence, its haunting notes reverberating through the hushed theater. Bathed in a solitary spotlight, the instrument's melancholic melody sets the stage, foretelling an evocative and passionately intense performance that is soon to unfold.

Lauren Fein, a distinguished tenured professor at her university, has dedicated her life to assisting others through her groundbreaking research efforts. Her valuable contributions to the unnamed University community, along with a strong network of esteemed colleagues and a loving family, showcase the profound impact she has had on those around her.