Taylor Clemons - Page 2

What did our critic think of TOOTSIE at The Aronoff Center? As theatre innovates and reinvents, the days of the old-time musical comedies are all but behind us. But the broadway musical adaption of Tootsie (based on the 1982 film), is a welcome and refreshing musical comedy. The story is simple: an out of work actor needs a job, that actor gets hired in disguise as a woman, and deceit and hilarity ensues.

What did our critic think of ANNIE at Kentucky Performing Arts? When most people think of Annie, I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is the 80s film, starring the iconic likes of Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, and Bernadette Peters. However, before that now-classic film, Annie started as a musical stage adaptation of the Little Orphan Annie comic strips. The show opened on Broadway in 1977, where it was a smash success in its own right, even before the film adaptation that would come later. The show and story have undoubtedly stood the test of time, what with numerous stage revivals, three film adaptations, and a live TV version broadcast on NBC. Not to mention every family-based community theatre in the country has had it as part of their seasons for the past 40 years.

What did our critic think of TWINKIE AND THE BEAST at Drag Daddy Productions?

What did our critic think of PRETTY WOMAN at Whitney Hall?

What did our critic think of TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at The Aronoff Center?

What did our critic think of BRIGHT STAR at Derby Dinner Playhouse? Derby Dinner Playhouse is known for it's crowd pleasing entertainment. While their usual fare seems to be cheesy fun; every once in a while they pick a lesser known gem of a show that audiences didn't know they would love. For example, Derby Dinner's production of Bonnie and Clyde comes to mind when I think about it in that fashion, and I'd say Bright Star falls into the category of a lesser known show turned real crown pleaser when they give it a chance.

What did our critic think of CHICAGO at The Lexington Theatre Company? Chicago the Musical is in a word , conic, especially for musical theatre types. Thanks to a wildly successful film adaptation, it's a cemented staple in pop culture. With perhaps John Kander and Fred Ebb's most recognizable score, the show has been wowing broadway audiences since 1996 and is still the longest running American musical. The Lexington Theatre company closes their summer season with the show, and while the whole of their production was indeed greater than the some of it's parts, 'Razzle Dazzled' isn't how I would describe my feelings throughout the opening night performance.

What did our critic think of ANASTASIA at Whitney Hall? The Broadway musical Anastasia finally opened in Louisville this week, 28 months after its anticipated opening in March of 2020. It also marks the final show of Broadway in Louisville's 'Welcome Back' season. The audience was buzzing as patrons filled into Whitney Hall to attend the opening night over two years in the making.

What did our critic think of THE BAND'S VISIT at The Aronoff Center?

When you hear the word Xanadu, you can't help but snicker. When you hear that Xanadu is a musical, your jaw hits the floor. The film Xanadu is infamous for its negative reviews after the release in 1980, but over the years it has earned a 'guilty pleasure' cult classic status. Fast forward to 2007, and Xanadu became a Broadway musical... and a surprise success.

When someone says they're turning one of the most beloved movies ever into a musical, there's always some cause for worry. The usual questions flood in: 'Will they do it justice? 'Will they say this line?' 'What are they going to change?' In most cases these worries are warranted, but in the unique case of Mean Girls, Tina Fey herself returned to adapt her modern teen classic into a hilarious and splashy musical comedy.

It's hard to think of a musical with 9/11 as it's central event, isn't it? An event so tragic and recent couldn't possibly be musicalized? Well, in most cases I would tend to agree, but as a lover of the art from, I'm always open to be surprised.

Lincoln Center Theater has a vast and now legendary history of producing lavish revivals of some of the most amazing golden age musicals. In recent years they brought us splendid productions of South Pacific, The King and I, and Falsettos. However, this is nothing new as they flourished in the 80s and 90s with groundbreaking productions of Anything Goes and Carousel. It's only fitting that they would eventually get around to producing the classic musical version of Pygmalion, My Fair Lady. Their version of the show opened on Broadway in 2018 and is now touring the country, currently in Cincinnati.

It's interesting to think at one point in time, Cats was one of the hottest tickets you could get. Almost a Hamilton of the 80s, the show was a global sensation, running over 18 years on Broadway and spawning numerous tours and international productions even up to today. At the time of its height, there was an almost gobsmacked fascination with the show. Is it a musical? Is it a ballet? Is it a new step into experimental theatre? Is it all of the above, or none? I guess that question comes down to the old adage: 'art is in the eyes of the beholder.'

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an indie rock musical that started it's life off-broadway and put the phenomenal John Cameron Mitchell on the map. That successful indie rock musical made its way to the big screen where it solidified itself as a cult classic in musical theatre and gay culture.

Last night almost didn't feel real. Waitress opened in Louisville. This statement under normal circumstances wouldn't hold that much weight, but this show has been a bit of a unicorn for Louisville audiences, as the show's opening has been over three years in the making. The show was originally scheduled to close the 2017 - 2018 season, but in a bout of unfortunate luck, The Kentucky Center caught fire about a week before Waitress was set to arrive, and the damage was too great for the show's curtain to rise. A couple seasons later, the show was back on the schedule to the delight of many, but Covid-19 was the second roadblock the show faced in its lengthy journey to Louisville. That brings us to present day, in the reality of our new normal, when it almost seems fitting that Waitress was the show to reopen Louisville's booming Broadway season.

The cast is led by relative newcomer Olivia Valli as Vivian. This show is her first leading role having been an ensemble player in various companies over the last few years. I cannot overstate how perfect Valli is in the role. Vocally she's stunning, but what makes this combination of performer and role such a match made in heaven is the fact that Valli brings an unmatched level of charm, wit, spunk, and grit to the role.

In a blaze of glory Miss Saigon is back and better than ever!

Everyone's favorite dashing prince from The Broadway Princess Party took a minute to talk about life on tour, baking pies, and befriending a Disney legend.

Acting Against Cancer produces the regional premiere of what is sure to be a bloody good time!