CONNECTICUT THEATER REVIEWS

Lynn Nottage's powerful play, Mlima's Tale, which opened at the Westport Country Playhouse is a bit of a theatrical departure. It is an ensemble play that is not really character driven, but rather a linear narrative of the illegal poaching of elephants. Nevertheless, it is a must-see play for its i...

On Sunday, October 6, I had the pleasure of participating in SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HAUNTED CABARET at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.  I say, a?oeparticipating,a?? because this musical comedy with book by Phill Hill not only involves audience interaction, but goes one s...

On Saturday, October 5, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another stellar performance at the ACT of Connecticut, in Ridgefield, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.  Having never seen this show or the movie before, I was not familiar with the story, and had no idea how intense the horror side of this show would ...

Sometimes, being unafraid to be yourself can be the key to unlocking your true potential. Never has that been truer than in the story of BILLY ELLIOT, currently playing (through November 24) at the Goodspeed Opera House. In this, its final production of the season, Goodspeed brings to life the hit m...

But 'Shear Madness,' the madcap murder mystery comedy that lets its audience vote each night on the identity of the perpetrator, owes a lot of its popularity to the show's willingness to update itself on essentially a daily basis, so that the jokes and setting feel as fresh and exhilarating as possi...

There are some stories that have a timeless quality, speaking to the aches and the joys of modern life regardless of the era in which they are told. Such is the classic tale of Don Quixote, a story that, when Miguel de Cervantes published it in 1605, took on a certain meaning and century after centu...

Lin-Manuel Miranda writes energetic and challenging musicals that require a dedicated and talented cast. Not only does Landmark Community Theatre have an exquisite cast for this production of Into the Heights, but their set is well-designed and the choreography is stunning, culminating in an energy-...

To many, the idea of a courtroom drama is boring and uneventful. But to others, the idea of a court case being presented on stage is intellectually thrilling as you get to follow the conversations and watch information get teased and extracted over time. The key to a successful courtroom drama is to...

For fans of the music of Abba, MAMMA MIA! is a show you will love. Julia Lennon shines in the leading role of Sophie, bringing more to this character than I have ever seen before. With excellent choreography and dancing, this performance at Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT is one that I ...

There's a quote from Bennet Cerf that says, a?oeThe person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.a?? I am not sure I could find a better way of describing the refreshingly funny, exciting, and entertaining opening show of Playhouse on Park's 11th season, NUNSENSE. The cl...

On Saturday, September 21, I had the pleasure of seeing Neil Simon's THE STAR SPANGLED GIRL as put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, in Meriden, CT.  This hilarious comedy is directed by Pam Amodio and features a highly talented cast of three who gel togeth...

Just in time for the upcoming spooky season, Brookfield Theatre for the Arts presents an engaging production of Macbeth...

Language is essential in Shakespeare and that puts a large burden on the actors to translate that language and portray it in a way that the audience can understand. Combining strong vocal performances, simple, minimalist designs, and stunning projections, Brookfield Theatre rose up to the challenge ...

Alice Murphy, the protagonist in the musical, BRIGHT STAR (now on stage at the Enfield Annex, produced by the Opera House Players) sings in her opening number, a?oeIf you knew my story, you'd have a good story to tella?? and the musical that follows those words is just that, a good story a?" one wit...

I had the pleasure of seeing CABARET as put on by Fairfield Center Stage, at the Trevi Lounge in Fairfield, CT.  Fairfield Center Stage has yet again put on a well known production in a brilliantly unique way that audiences would not get to experience anywhere else.  Fairfield Center Stage gets th...

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to the Invited/Final Dress Rehearsal for Phoenix Stage Company's production of the laugh-out-loud riot, The Pink Panther Strikes Again adapted by William Gleason. This hysterical production was directed by Ed Bassett. Bassett wore many hats in this produc...

On Friday, September 6, I had the pleasure of seeing Neil Simon's comedy LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS at the Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield, CT.  This amazing cast, under director Michael Ferrara manages to successfully maximize every line and motion.  Whether the line or movement needs to be...

On Friday, August 30, 2019, I had the pleasure of seeing the musical comedy NUNSENSE at the Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, CT.  With book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin, this show provides entertainment enjoyed by the audience from start to finish.  Director and choreographer Teri Gibson brings out...

The Ivoryton Playhouse's current production of Kander and Ebb's 'Cabaret' does justice to the musical in its own unique way. It is by no means a slavish replica of Sam Mendes's 1998 revision that stressed the decadence to a significantly risqué degree. Nor does it reflect the more conventionality o...

On Friday, August 23, I had the pleasure of seeing the A.R. Gurney comedy SYLVIA at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, CT.  Director Kris McMurray has yet again found an excellent play to produce, and the perfect cast to perform the characters.   The highly entertained packed house at thi...

Sometimes a peek behind the proverbial curtain can be a thrilling affair. Whether it is a look at the inner workings of a complicated machine or a sneak peek a?oebehind the scenesa?? of the latest summer blockbuster, people have been fascinated with understanding what it takes to a?oemake the sausag...

On Saturday, August 10, I had the pleasure of seeing JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT spectacularly performed by a talented cast at the Sharon Playhouse, in Sharon, CT.  Marking the fiftieth anniversary of this very first musical collaboration between songwriter Andrew Lloyd Webber and ...

On Friday, August 9, I had the pleasure of seeing the inaugural production of Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Decades in Concert series, which is THE SOUNDS OF THE SEVENTIES. This approximate two hour performance includes nearly fifty different songs, performed by four extremely talented cast members. Mi...

Broadway Veteran, Jamie Karen, leads the cast of New Paradigm Theatre's production of Bye Bye Birdie....

Don't miss this tour-de-force performance by the multi-talented Hershey Felder....