The Marriage Matinee — Theater Critic

This Beauty and the Beast isn’t just a retelling: it’s a celebration of what makes live theater so special. With its dazzling visuals, committed performances, and joyful tone, it’s a production that fully earns its standing ovation.

I love Clue. Not just this particular production, though it is fabulous. But also the nostalgia it creates. I remember calling out, “Miss Scarlet in the library with a candlestick!” as a kid. The anticipation of the whodunnit can’t be bottled up much better than that. Now that is exactly where this stage adaptation comes in. It takes the parts you already know, shakes them up, and pours them out into a fast-paced, single-act experience.

I love Clue. Not just this particular production, though it is fabulous. But also the nostalgia it creates. I remember calling out, “Miss Scarlet in the library with a candlestick!” as a kid. The anticipation of the whodunnit can’t be bottled up much better than that. Now that is exactly where this stage adaptation comes in. It takes the parts you already know, shakes them up, and pours them out into a fast-paced, single-act experience.

While not every moment fully landed, The Wiz at Clowes Memorial Hall showcased a talented cast and creative team with a clear vision. The choreography and vocals alone make it a worthwhile experience, offering plenty of highlights for fans of the show and newcomers alike.

Part of what I feel makes this production so successful is, just like Michael himself, it does not stop. Every element has clearly been planned and practiced to perfection but also “with love,” as Michael used to say. The choreography, set, costuming, hair, makeup, and vocals were all exceptional. However, the surprise for me was how some familiar favorite tunes were turned on their heads by coming at them from a new perspective.