Cory Mach News

What did our critic think of OBERLIN COLLEGE ADDS MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM TO ITS CONSERVATORY OFFERINGS at Oberlin College?

& Juliet is a reimagining of the Romeo and Juliet story where — rather than kill herself —Juliet reconsiders her hasty relationship with Romeo, and instead goes off on an adventure with her friends. This show features the songs of Swedish super producer/ songwriter Max Martin, who may not be a known name to everyone, but who has been responsible for most of the most popular songs of the past 20 years including hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Katy Perry.

Like so many great Broadway musicals, this one was also born somewhere else, getting its start in London’s West End like so many other imports to Broadway. With a book by David West Read, who writes some of the funniest dialogue I have heard in a while, this light-hearted romp through some weighty topics like feminine power, transgender rights and respect, toxic masculinity, never loses its sense of humor.

Each song was a highlight not only from the career of Broadway’s Titan of words and music but from a group of young performers all singing and acting at the top of their games.

Backstage.com's recent listing of the top Musical Theater Programs in the U.S. included such schools as Carnegie Mellon University, Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, Penn State University and Syracuse University.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not a typical Disney stage creation. It is a dark, brooding musical and probably not appropriate for children. While the first act is rather slow, the second act is strong. It is well worth seeing.