Claire Newmann

As the first familiar notes of 'The Candy Man' wafts across the audience in Carol Morsani Hall, I feel a strong sense of nostalgia. I grew up watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on television and am curious how a show with so many special effects could translate to the stage.

A musical comedy where the first act climaxes in a dramatic representation of the collapse of The Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 may not be the easiest ticket to sell, especially in New York City. Yet, the Off-Broadway musical WHO'S YOUR BAGHDADDY? OR HOW I STARTED THE IRAQ WAR by Marshall Pailet and A.D. Penedo, based on a screenplay by J.T. Allen, has found an audience with material that is both challenging and truly funny.