R. McCoy

Gloucester Stage Company continues its 38th season of professional theater on Cape Ann with N. Richard Nash's moving American classic The Rainmaker from July 14 through August 5 at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Set in the time of a paralyzing drought in Depression-era America, The Rainmaker tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry, whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her marriage prospects as they are about their dying cattle. Enter Starbuck, the consummate con man, who promises to solve all their problems, for a fee. Directed by Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Robert Walsh, The Rainmaker cast features Brian Homer as Starbuck; Jessica Bates as Lizzie Curry; David DeBeck as H.C. Curry, the patriarch of the Curry family; Joe Short and Sean McCoy as the Curry brothers; Dave Rich as File and longtime Gordon College Professor of Theater Arts Norm Jones as Sheriff Thomas. N. Richard Nash's most celebrated play, The Rainmaker, appeared in all three mediums; on Broadway in 1954, as a motion picture starring Katharine Hepburn in 1956, and as a television production in 1982. A musical version of The Rainmaker, entitled 110 Degrees in the Shade, debuted on Broadway in 1963.

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard". The old adage has been attributed to countless comedians over the years. When a musical comedy attempts to combine comedy and death, the outcome can either be successful (think Monty Python) or fall on its face. Ruthless! The Musical, a 1992 off Broadway campy musical, which opened this week at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, falls into the latter category. The intermission-less show written by Marvin Laird and Joel Paley has funny bits, and a few memorable songs, but overall the piece, which has had a successful life in regional theater, is just flat. Sure, it spoofs musicals like Gypsy and movies like All About Eve, but the humor is a bit rudimentary and plays more like a bad SNL skit, then a well-polished farce.

Before James T. Kirk was the Captain of the Enterprise, there was Captain Christopher Pike… but that was before the debilitating accident that left him unable to speak or move. Now, Captain Pike lives on the planet of Talos IV (see The Menagerie - Classic Trek Season 1 Episodes 11 & 12) and the Talosians are able to alter human brain waves, allowing Captain Pike to live out the rest of his life in a virtual fantasy land of his own design. The Talosions are also obsessed with sex (watch the episode and see for yourself); with this in mind, every month Captain Pike creates an imaginary burlesque show for the Talosians, as a way of saying thank you. But today, something has gone horribly wrong, someone who he has not imagined has infiltrated the show, her name is Lwaxana Troi, daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed. She has come to rescue Captain Pike from his life of fantasies and offer him a real woman's love.  The question is, does he want it?

Blue Note Jazz Club, the iconic Greenwich Village jazz and blues venue that offers live musical performances every night of the week, is proud to announce an impressive roster of acts this October. Each performer is scheduled for two shows per night, 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. Doors open at 6:00 pm and reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets are $30 at the bar, $45 for table reservations unless otherwise noted.

It is always interesting to see a local production of the classic Tony winning musical LES MISERABLES. It is such a huge show and to perform it locally is a huge undertaking. However, if you have a wonderful cast and the fantastic direction of Jeffrey Sanzel, the production will turn out wonderfully as Theatre Three's did.

Aye, Matees! It is so exciting to see the world premiere of a show. I had this opportunity with the opening of Treasure Island, A Musical Adventure at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Long Island. This original two-act musical, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, has a book by Sherman Yellen, Music by Gary William Friedman, and lyrics by Will Holt -- all Tony nominees. Now playing through October 27th, this beautiful up-and-coming production, directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, is in fantastic shape thus far.

Abrams is a skilled director, and as such must take on the sequel. When that time comes, Abrams must be urged to adopt more of what made fans create the most powerful cult following in Hollywood. Bask in the slick glory of the first venture, but add a little more than a wink and a nod to all those Trekkers out there next time around...