Matthew McCarthy

What did our critic think of BLUE MAN GROUP at The Charles Playhouse? Blue Man Group has been in residence at Boston’s Charles Playhouse for so many years, that – with the exception of tourists and new-to-town college students – it’s probably been a long time since local theatergoers have given the show much thought.

TWSTL’s SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER is a fairly well-constructed production of Tennessee William’s play. There is a lot to unpack in the 90-minute psychological drama including maternal obsession, malice, repressed homosexuality, mental illness, manipulation, pedophilia, greed, and cannibalism. Most of it works, some of it doesn’t, and leads to a conclusion that may leave the audience unsatisfied.

Today on Friday, October 16th at 7pm, a special virtual reading of 'One Empire, Under God' - Anthony J. Piccione's new full-length drama exploring religious extremism & right-wing populism - will be broadcast via Zoom to monthly patrons on Patreon, as well as selected invited guests. Immediately after the reading, there will be a talkback - moderated by co-producer Jay Michaels - featuring the playwright, director & cast.

Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director and Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director) is proud to announce a one-week extension of the World Premiere of Kingfishers Catch Fire, by Robin Glendinning (Jennifer's Holiday), directed by Kent Paul (Lost in Yonkers). Kingfishers Catch Fire began performances in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre on September 11, 2019, and opened September 22. Originally scheduled for a limited run through October 20, the production will now run through October 27, 2019.

Irish Repertory Theatre announced today an extension for Little Gem by Elaine Murphy (Shush) and directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull (Outlying Islands). Little Gem began previews on July 17, 2019 on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage and opened July 25 and will now play through September 8, 2019.

Irish Repertory Theatre announces the World Premiere of Kingfishers Catch Fire, by Robin Glendinning (Jennifer's Holiday), directed by Kent Paul (Lost in Yonkers). Kingfishers Catch Fire begins performances in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre on September 11, 2019, with opening night set for September 22, for a limited run through October 20, 2019.

Take a visit to a small donut shop that has seen better days in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood, one of the city's most diverse, just beginning to emerge from decades of decay and neglect, as Reston Community Players continues its 52nd season with the provocative comedy Superior Donuts. The critically-acclaimed play that exploes the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship runs January 18-February 2, 2019 at Reston Community Center.

Take a visit to a small donut shop that has seen better days in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood, one of the city's most diverse, just beginning to emerge from decades of decay and neglect, as Reston Community Players continues its 52nd season with the provocative comedy Superior Donuts. The critically-acclaimed play that exploes the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship runs January 18-February 2, 2019 at Reston Community Center.

All Out Arts in conjunction with The Wild Project presents An LGBT Film Event as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival.

The Weston Playhouse continues its season of award winners with the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning comedy, Lost in Yonkers. This Neil Simon classic is made even more memorable with the Weston stage debut of Tony winner Elizabeth Franz in the central role of Grandma Kurnitz.

Happy Holidays! It's the last week to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Time is running out to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

Voting has opened for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of November 27th. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

If you've seen the movie version of the THE FULL MONTY, and even if you haven't, you should make it a point to see STAGES St. Louis' current production of the musical version, because it's a fabulous show. Sometimes it's silly, sometimes it's serious, but one thing is certain, it's a show that tugs at the heart and has you rooting hard for these unemployed steel workers to pull off the scheme one of them hatches in order to earn some real cash. The show is wonderfully cast, and smartly directed, and more importantly, features a splendid, catchy score (music and lyrics by David Yazbek), and a top notch script by Terrence McNally that retains a lot of the more significant issues that made the movie so special to begin with. At its core it's a story of hope and following your dreams in the face of adversity, something we could all use more of, and that alone makes it an absolute must-see event.

The feature length animated film, THE ARISTOCATS (1970), was the last project Walt Disney approved before his death in 1966. My son and I watched it several years ago on DVD, when he was just a little tyke. And then, in 2010 we attended Stages St. Louis' wonderful production of the show. Five years later I was little hesitant to bring him to their latest presentation, just because he's that much older, but I think he actually enjoyed it more the second time around. He's now at an age where he can really appreciate the work that goes into bringing these shows to the stage. He loved the performances and music, and so did I. Stages has put together an excellent show that, obviously, has appeal for kids of all ages (and adults as well), and it's currently gracing the stage of The Westport Playhouse. I think the intimacy of the venue acts to enhance the experience, bringing the audience that much closer to the action.

Stages St. Louis opens their 29th season with an all out party, with their audience-pleasing presentation of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, which celebrates the musical collaborations of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Now, if you want to know their backstory, then read their autobiography, 'Hound Dog', but if you just want to have a blast of an evening, then sit back and enjoy this imaginative musical tribute to 39 of their songs, keeping in mind that's just the tip of the iceberg for these Brill Building wonders who had 70 charted hits over the course of their writing partnership. Stages really pulls out all the stops to make sure that each number is unique in its own way, and when they aren't seriously rocking the house, they are either scorching hot, or just plain hilarious. You won't want to miss this rollicking revue!

New Line Theatre's production of BONNIE & CLYDE tied with Stages St. Louis' rendition of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING with nine nominations apiece for the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards to lead nominations for all shows produced by local professional theater companies in 2014.

It's your last week to vote for the 2014 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 26th. Voting closes at the end of the year, in under one week!

Time is ticking on your last chance to vote for the 2014 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 19th. Voting closes at the end of the year!