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Review: SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK at Broadway Rose

Review: SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK at Broadway Rose

This production runs through February 19.

Do you remember those brilliant Kodak commercials way back when that chronicled people's lives through photographs and seemed specifically designed to tug at every last heartstring? In all the best ways, SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK, now running at Broadway Rose, is a full-length musical version of one of those. Just reading the description, I was pretty sure I'd be crying by the end. And, indeed, I was.

SNAPSHOTS is both a new musical and not a new musical. The music and lyrics are the greatest hits from other musicals by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, and more), adapted, updated, and mashed up for a new story. So, if you know any of those shows, you'll likely recognize most of the music in this one.

The musical opens with Sue (played by Ali Bell), standing in the attic of the home she shares with Dan (Andrew Maldarelli), who she is just about to serve a Dear John letter after about two decades of marriage. Dan, who of course has no idea that anything is wrong, comes home unexpectedly early and finds her in the attic, where the two unearth a box of photographs of their lives together.

The pictures come to life by way of the rest of the cast - Sophie MacKay, Collin Carver, Marin Donohue, and Alex Trull - who play a wide range of characters including Sue and Dan's younger selves. As Sue and Dan relive their past, they see events through each other's eyes and rediscover the connection that they've shared since they met as kids. There are no heroes here, just two flawed people standing at one of the many crossroads of their lives, trying to figure out what direction to go next.

Directed by Annie Kaiser, this production is a sweet, funny, and poignant ride on the gentle rollercoaster of Sue and Dan's relationship. The music is lovely and the ensemble is solid, featuring both veteran actors and younger ones just starting their acting careers. The standout is Sophie MacKay, who is one of three cast members making their Broadway Rose debut. (Unfortunately for us here in Portland, she's moving to New York after this show - good luck, Sophie!)

Overall, I found SNAPSHOTS a warm and pleasantly emotional way to spend a cold winter evening. If you're like me and you cry at Kodak commercials, don't forget your tissues!

SNAPSHOTS runs at Broadway Rose through February 19. More details and tickets here.

Photo credit: Amanda Shama



Orpheus|PDX Announces Works By Mozart And Nico Muhly Its Second Season Photo
OrpheusPDX General and Artistic Director, Christopher Mattaliano, has officially announced the details of the 2023 season, the company's  second. Performances of Mozart's masterwork The Royal Shepherd (Il Re Pastore)  and Nico Muhly's compelling Dark Sisters will take place in Portland's 475-seat  Lincoln Hall, where opera is experienced at its best—up close and personal. 

Broadways Mandy Gonzalez To Deliver Conference Keynote And Concert At Second Annual Stage  Photo
Broadway Star Mandy Gonzalez will close the Tower Theatre Foundation's annual two-day Stage the Change PNW Conference in Bend, Oregon on Saturday, April 22, 2023 with a keynote address to high school conference attendees followed by a concert to attendees and members of the general public.

Lakewood Theatre Company Announces 2023-24 Season of Plays Photo
Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 71st season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 14, 2023.  

CHOIR BOY Comes to PCS Next Month Photo
The glorious harmonizing of spirituals and exuberant, soulful dancing will raise the roof at Portland Center Stage this spring when Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy soars onto the U.S. Bank Main Stage. Choir Boy begins preview performances on April 15, opens on April 21, and runs through May 14.


From This Author - Krista Garver


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