by Krista Garver - May 07, 2026
When I saw Portland Playhouse's 2025–2026 season announced, the show I was most irrationally excited about was THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. I’m far from an expert on the SpongeBob SquarePants universe, but I've watched enough episodes to have completely fallen for the little yellow sponge in square pa...
by Krista Garver - May 07, 2026
You don't often get the chance to see DOCTOR FAUSTUS on stage. Christopher Marlowe's early 1600s masterwork is the ur-text of the Faustian bargain, the template for everything from the musical Damn Yankees to the Al Pacino-Keanu Reeves film The Devil's Advocate. And yet it rarely gets produced. Than...
by Krista Garver - May 04, 2026
Nearly 40 years after its Broadway premiere, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues to cast its spell. I saw proof of that everywhere at the packed Keller Auditorium, including a young girl clutching a teddy bear wearing a tiny Phantom mask. The now and future PHANTOM fandom is in excellent hands....
by Dawn Sellers - May 03, 2026
Hello Gorgeous! Lakewood Theatre brings the curtain down on its 73rd season in spectacular fashion with the heartfelt, funny, and moving musical comedy Funny Girl. What a way to say goodbye to a landmark season. Get tix https://lakewood-center.org/...
by Krista Garver - April 30, 2026
Confession time: I saw the original production of FAT HAM on Broadway, and I thought “meh.” Clearly, I just didn’t get it. Now, after seeing this stunning co-production between Portland Center Stage and Portland Playhouse, directed by Charles Grant, I finally understand....
by Krista Garver - April 29, 2026
Fertile Ground 2026 wrapped up last weekend, and on the whole, it was fantastic. I saw 17 shows, which included readings of plays by well-known local playwrights, new works by rising stars, and some fun genre-bending original performances. Here are my notes about the final set. If you missed my firs...
by Krista Garver - April 24, 2026
On my way to Shaking the Tree Theatre to see Tennessee Williams' THE GLASS MENAGERIE, I realized I had seen more comical adaptations of the play, ranging from gently ribbing to outright farcical, than actual productions of it....
by Krista Garver - April 20, 2026
What did our critic think of FERTILE GROUND 2026 - REVIEW ROUNDUP #2 at Various?...
by Dawn Sellers - April 17, 2026
If you love sitcoms, Hollywood nostalgia, and a good love story, Ladybug! Ladybug! is an absolute delight, and you still have a chance to catch it tonight!...
by Krista Garver - April 13, 2026
This year’s Fertile Ground Festival started last Friday. As in years past, I’ll be posting short reviews of everything I see. Here’s the first set....
Past Shows
The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of the musical & JULIET at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo from December 16 to...
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical LES MISÉRABLES, set to take the stage at the BJCC Concert Hall...
RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles is a concert experience that celebrates the iconic music of The Beatles, delivering a performance characterized by note-for-note...
COME FROM AWAY presents the true story of how a small Newfoundland town welcomed 7,000 stranded passengers after the events of September 11, 2001. The...
SIX brings the story of the six wives of Henry VIII to life as they take the stage to share their tales of heartache and...
The Book of Mormon arrives at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA, for a limited engagement on January 28-29, 2025. This critically acclaimed...
The American Theatre Guild presents the acclaimed musical CHICAGO at the Stranahan Theater from January 23 to January 26, 2025. This iconic production, renowned for...
STOMP brings its unique blend of rhythm and innovation to the Granada Theatre on January 21, 2025. This international sensation features an eight-member troupe showcasing...
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH ‘THE CHANGE’ presents a comedic sequel to the original hit, reuniting beloved characters five years after their initial meeting....
Cady Heron is about to navigate the complex social scene of suburban Illinois in the North American Tour of Mean Girls, a musical comedy based...
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL opens its national tour at the Century II Concert Hall in Wichita, KS from January 3 to January 5, 2025. Starring...
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is a captivating holiday spectacular that combines a Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts. Audiences will be enchanted by a whimsical cast...
CLUE is a comedic murder mystery inspired by the classic Hasbro board game and the beloved 1985 film. Set in Boddy Manor, the story unfolds...
DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a poignant musical that explores the complexities of adolescence, social media, and human connection. The story centers on Evan Hansen, a...
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