Linda Hodges

This new production benefits from the sharp wit of Amber Ruffin, who updates William F. Brown’s original book with a contemporary sensibility that feels timely without sacrificing warmth or heart. The result is respectful, lively, and emotionally grounded.

Nick Fradiani, as Neil–Then, is nothing short of extraordinary. His performance captures Diamond’s ambition, vulnerability, and unmistakable vocal texture with uncanny precision. More importantly, he lets us see the emotional cost of becoming Neil Diamond. This is not an imitation; it’s an inhabitation.

There were many standouts, but the ensemble deserves special praise. This company is exceptionally strong and one of the best I've seen. Each ensemble member felt distinct and committed, creating a believable community within the Price & Son shoe factory. Lola's Angels, in particular, danced with precision and exuberance that elevated every number they strutted through (Choreography recreated by Rusty Mowery).

With the shift in the country’s political climate, Some Like It Hot stands as a beacon of hope in a time of despair. The arts have always been a refuge, a space where truth and beauty flourish against the odds. This show exemplifies that spirit, offering not just an evening of spectacular entertainment but also a reminder of our shared humanity and the courage it takes to live authentically and to defend the rights of everyone to have the opportunity to do so as well.

As mentioned, the cast is fantastic. They're far more than "extras": they're the beating heart of the show, dancing to high-energy beats and clearly having a blast while doing it. Vocals across the company are a joy and add immeasurably to the production. Paloma Young has costumed the leads and ensemble in a dazzling blend of Renaissance chic and '90s grunge that truly paints a picture, while Soutra Gilmour's set design spins that same aesthetic into the world around them. Lighting by Howard Hudson and Sound by Gareth Owen create their own kind of magic, while Andrzej Goulding's video and projection design surrounds the audience in a visually stunning ambiance.

SHUCKED hits that rare, sweet spot: warm, funny and a little bit bawdy, with butter-smooth vocals and just the right pinch of saltiness. It earned an instant, unanimous standing O on opening night. Go see it…and if you dare, sneak in some popcorn!

That moment crystallizes what this musical achieves at its best: not just re-creating the King of Pop’s music but channeling his presence—his heart, his genius, and especially his pain. MJ is not simply a nostalgic jukebox musical ride. MJ is a must-see experience. Get your tickets now!

McCarten delivers a beautifully wrought musical about the mega-watt talent that is, and always was, Neil Diamond. It’s a lovefest of sing-along tunes and get-on-your-feet, upbeat favorites. But again, hidden just under the surface of some of his biggest hits, is a lonely man searching for answers through song. His music acts as a break in “the clouds,” his personal term for depression. For Neil, music is what feelings sound like.

The musical’s score, composed by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman (“Hairspray,” “Smash”), sparkles with wit and vitality. This dynamic duo blends toe-tapping jazz numbers with heart-melting ballads, capturing both the humor and the humanity of the story. The music lingers with you, ensuring the songs stay alive in your heart long after the theater lights dim.

Though Kimberly Akimbo is brought to life by a cast of just nine performers, the musical has the heart, gumption, and power of a grand production. At first glance, one might wonder how such a compact ensemble can have the sweeping impact of a Broadway show. But the magic lies in the intimacy of the storytelling—each actor, with incredible depth and authenticity, contributes to a performance that is as expansive as any large-scale production.

In the hands of this top-notch ensemble cast, CLUE serves up a delightful 1950s-esque cocktail of zany antics, whodunit twists, and uproarious physical comedy. Playing now through November 3 at Broadway San Jose, this madcap comedy unfolds on a dark and stormy night in the Boddy Mansion (perfect for Halloween and fall), where murder and mayhem ensue. Get your tickets now!

This delightfully witty and truly hilarious musical rom-com was written by award-winning British playwright Catherine Johnson whose book threads itself through the Swedish pop group’s megahits (written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus). You don’t need to know ABBA’s music or be a big mega-fan to fall in love with the show. That said, ABBA fans are guaranteed to be swept away on a wave of collective nostalgia that is the cherry on top of this frothy, bouncy story.

Who knew that Beetlejuice would be just the right tonic for the nightly news and this summer’s Indictment Watch ’23 (there’s still Georgia to watch for). Turns out that frighteningly funny laughs about death beats reality every time. This screen-to-stage adaptation from the iconic, beloved 1998 Tim Burton film of the same name was made for the stage. But it has a less than one-week-only, “Bay-stay” (it RIP after August 6) so get your tickets now. Forget your troubles, c’mon it’s scary at Broadway San Jose’s Beetlejuice!

This cheering and adoring audience (there's nothing better than a San Francisco audience) took no notice of the very thin plot and inconsistencies in the story, and instead focused on the over-the-top, high energy slapstick comedy stylings of the hilarious Justin Collette as the millennia-old demon 'Beetlejuice.' With clever songs by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown & Anthony King, this is one show you should be dying to see (ba-dum tsh).