Review: OLIVER! at Bank Of America Performing Arts Center
What did our critic think of OLIVER! at Bank Of America Performing Arts Center? As the earliest Broadway musical ever to feature children playing major roles, Oliver! usually bristles with youthful excitement. But despite being marketed as a family-oriented musical, Oliver! is really inappropriate for younger audiences, and it was uncomfortable listening to parents trying to explain to their small children at intermission why that nice girl Nancy loves the bully Sikes and how being successful in picking people's pockets is a positive career move.
Photos: First Look at 5-Star Theatricals's Production of OLIVER!
Check out production photos from 5-Star Theatricals's third and final show of its 2023-2024 season, OLIVER!, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, musical direction by Anthony Lucca, choreography by Christopher M. Albrecht and directed by Kari Hayter!
Review: 5-Star Theatricals' THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Kavli Theatre
With TV star Teri Hatcher ('Desperate Housewives,' 'Lois & Clark') leading the way, 5-Star Theatricals' production of 'The Addams Family' is a gag-filled laughfest, with great tunes, a cemetery full of puns, and even a wardrobe malfunction. It's real, and it's spectacular!
Candlelight Pavilion Presents a Swimmingly Good LITTLE MERMAID
Disney's The Little Mermaid/book by Doug Wright/music by Alan Menken/lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater/directed by John LaLonde/choreographed by Chelsea Morgan Stock/musical director: Julie Lamoureux/Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, Claremont/through September 1
Disney's The Little Mermaid is an entertaining treat ... it's aglow and scintillating for kids of all ages. Young kids laugh and hiss at Ursula and her mad pranks; older ones love Ariel's romantic reverie with the Prince. All the color and splendor of the ocean is onstage without water, and that has a lot to say about the creative team who strive to make us believe where we are. As technical aspects of the show are working smoothly, and splend
BWW Review: MEMPHIS at The Gateway
It's Memphis, Tennessee and disc jockey Huey Calhoun is showcasing a bright new singer and musical style on his radio show. The hip new sound of Felicia Farrell becomes a hit over the airwaves and the amateur is ultimately headed for stardom. Huey and Felicia's relationship goes from professional to personal and trouble ensues. Romance, racism, and rock and roll all serve as the backdrop for the Gateway Theater's magnificent production of 'Memphis.'
BWW Review: MTW's NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT Is a Gem
The Gershwins' Nice Work If You Can Get It is such a smooth entertainment and a joy to watch where and whenever it plays...if the director and cast are top notch and up to a myriad of challenges. You cannot pull off farcical material unless actors are atuned to split timing and can sing and dance up a storm. You must have triple threat performers. No problem at MTW, whose 'S'Wonderful' production keeps the audience consistently applauding for more. Dependably resourceful director Larry Raben, splendid choreographer Peggy Hickey and a stellar ensemble create real 'Fascinating Rhythm' through April 22.
BWW Review: MTW Presents a Definitive GUYS AND DOLLS
Guys and Dolls/music & lyrics by Frank Loesser/book by Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows/based on stories by Damon Runyon/directed by Mark Martino/musical director: Benet Braun/choreographer: Daniel Smith/Musical Theatre West (MTW),Long Beach/through March 4
My first association with musical composer Frank Loesser was as an actor in the 70s in a revue of his music. I played Sky Masterson of Guys and Dolls and sang a duet of 'I've Never Been In Love Before'. I came to realize quite rapidly how lovely his music is and how well he manages to capture the moment of genuine emotion within a song. Upon seeing Guys and Dolls several times since, I have been awestruck as well by Abe Burrows' and Joe Swerling's ability to take Damon Runyon's New York Broadway characters from the 20s and 30s and blow them up into something overwhelmingly moving and appealing. The two worlds of sin and redemption have never been connect
Cabrillo Music Theatre Flies Off to Neverland with PETER PAN
CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE presents one of the most beloved family friendly musicals of all time with the third and final show in its 2016-2017 season, PETER PAN, with music by Mark 'Moose' Charlap and Jule Styne, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, based on J.M. Barrie's unforgettable story, musical direction by Dan Redfeld, choreography by Cheryl Baxter and direction by Yvette Lawrence. PETER PAN opens on Friday, July 14, 2017 and runs through Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.