Zach Wetzel

THE WIZ is best known for its iconic and quirky characters. The portrayals in this revival do not disappoint. Dana Cimone is astonishingly good as Dorothy. Her vocal delivery is crystalline and powerful. I could not believe how much dancing Cimone engaged in WHILE singing. It looked like a complete workout, and this show features some of the most complex and challenging choreography I have ever seen. Kudos to JaQuel Knight for her outstanding choreography work as well.

From Verona to Paris and beyond, & JULIET is a delightful journey into a whimsical world. Infused with toe-tapping pop songs (many from the 90's and early 2000's), the soundtrack is full of wacky energy. The arrangements are excellent and actually tie in really well to the plot and dialogue.

If you like puns, especially corn-related ones, you will find them in SHUCKED! This is a laugh-a-minute (perhaps every 30 seconds!) comedic extravaganza that will leave you hungry for more. I went in completely cold, knowing nothing about the play except that it is corn-centric. But SHUCKED is also a fable and a sweetly optimistic look at shifting cultural norms. Just like shucking corn, watching SHUCKED will unwrap layers of emotional depth as the play progresses. Directed by Jack O'Brien, SHUCKED is deliciously salty popcorn entertainment. The name of the game is fun. O'Brien's staging guarantees that audiences will leave smiling and not be bored for one second. Even someone like myself who enjoys darker material is likely to enjoy the cheesy jokes, and that's impressive.

Joe Caskey leads an outstanding cast as the title role. Caskey's singing is rich and tender, with a gorgeous low range and electric stage presence. Every time Caskey performed a song the audience sat up with rapt attention. This interpretation of Neil Diamond is three-dimensional and full of life. "Sweet Caroline", the crowdpleasing Act I finale, was by far one of my favorite moments from the show. It was beautiful to see pathos melt to joy as Neil Diamond discovered his sound and catapulted himself to stardom. The ensemble perfectly complements Neil Diamond vocally and choreographically onstage. They are a joy to watch.

Sherrill's vocals are polished and powerful. I had several 'goosebump moments' throughout the show. Sherrill's voice is reason enough to see MAMMA MIA.