Reviews by Suzanna Bowling
Going Bacharach The Songs of an Icon: A Tale of Two Acts and the Songs of a Giant
Despite the strength of the cast, Act I lacks cohesion. Director David Zippel never quite gels the performers into an ensemble and not enough connection. The musical arrangements (again, from Galante) often isolate rather than elevate. Songs feel like islands, not chapters in a musical journey. And then—Act II. Suddenly, everything snaps into focus. The arrangements tighten. The ensemble clicks. The spirit of Bacharach finally arrives—not as a backdrop for a piano prodigy, but as the central, beating heart of the show.
Vape! The Grease Parody — A Hilarious High-Nicotine Parody of Grease That Hits All the Right Notes
If you love Grease, or just want a wildly fun night out filled with satirical genius and powerhouse vocals, light it up — and get to Vape! before the smoke clears.
Not Ready for Prime Time at MCC Fails to Capture the Magic or the Madness
In Not Ready for Prime Time, Erik J. Rodriguez and Charles A. Sothers attempt to dramatize the early days of Saturday Night Live, retracing the origin stories of its now-legendary original cast. What emerges, however, is a disjointed, scattershot play that feels more like a foggy hangover than a revelatory trip down memory lane. Compared to Jason Reitman’s far more engaging 2024 film Saturday Night, this stage version falls disappointingly flat.
Kowalski at The Duke on 42nd Street – A Riveting Dive into Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando’s Iconic Encounter
Ultimately, Kowalski is a fascinating exploration of two extraordinary minds colliding in a moment that would change theater forever. Anchored by exceptional performances, particularly Flynn’s magnetic Brando, the play is a must-see for fans of Tennessee Williams, Brando, and the art of storytelling itself.
Drag: The Musical at New World Stages – A Spectacle of Heart, Glamour, and Glitter
Spencer Liff’s direction seamlessly blends the glamorous world of drag with genuine emotional storytelling. While the show is undoubtedly campy and fun, with big numbers and plenty of glitter, Liff ensures that the heart of the story remains intact. The conflict between the two main characters, is both comedic and heartfelt, with Liff skillfully navigating the tension between their past romance and present rivalry.
In Stalker The Mentalism of Peter Brynolf and Jonas Ljung is Outstanding
They also amazed and baffled famed magicians, entertainers, and scientific skeptics, the legendary Penn & Teller on the first season of their long-running television show, “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Penn & Teller decided that Brynolf and Ljung deserved a chance and have decided to produce their New York theatrical debut, with Stalker. This show combines street magic, illusions and physical mentalism, leaving you mystified. My only complaint would be the directed by “Eurovision” Edward Af Sillén. The magic is mind boggling, but how it’s presented is not. In order to get the most out of this show offer to participate.
Vanities The Musical Is Given Another Mirror
Part of the problem is Podschun, Keum, and Jones are not charismatic as friends. What is done well are the musical arrangements by Carmel Dean and Bryan Perri. The harmonies are well crafted and they blend beautifully. Podschun is the standout here. She has the best vocals, if not the best songs and makes the most out of her breakdown solo “The Same Old Music”. We believe her character every step of the way and she is believable. Keum’s songs are sweet and well meaning. As for Jones who has the best songs, I just was not a fan of their vocals.
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