Broadway Show Reviews & Critics' Ratings - Page 2

The audacious and lively play Hand to God is a daring and yet, an oddly compelling and textured meditation, on society’s hypocrisies set within a more intimate framework of five characters whose minds are tortured with clashes between reason and fiery lust -driven passions. This play makes the puppet -driven 2004 musical Avenue Q look like Mary Poppins by comparison; this play is much more acidic and radically subversive in tone.

What did our critic think of JERSEY BOYS at ZACH? JERSEY BOYS is widely regarded as one of the greatest jukebox musicals of all time, praised for its authentic storytelling, strong performances, and iconic music. Typically, I often judge a jukebox musical against my belief that they’re low hanging money making fruit. Some productions of this type of musical are better than others, and some are exceptions. ZACH’s JERSEY BOYS is an exceptional exception. 

SEVEN ASSASSINS WALK INTO A BAR aims for the pop culture jugular and hits it quite well. Audiences are going to have a blast watching this collection of “badasses” compare notes on a misspent life. Dain Geist has an ear for dialogue and a knack for characters.

In Milo Cramer’s searing one man show, School Pictures, he carefully and masterfully brings to life the stories of students that he had the pleasure of tutoring for many years in New York City. Told through a series of songs, accompanied by a variety of instruments all played by Cramer, he details his experiences while tutoring ten different students.

Mention author J. M. Barrie, and the immediate thought is Peter Pan.  Peter Pan, the tale of a boy who refused to grow up, which has become a cottage industry.   Dolls, movies, a musical play, coloring books, cartoons, Halloween costumes, a non-musical play, and books are all available.   There is even a psychological condition, “The Peter Pan Syndrome,” which puts the spotlight on men who refuse to assume responsibility for their boyish actions.

Don’t be deceived by the title—this is no mere teen edition! The extraordinary queens of Six: Teen Edition at Ephrata Performing Arts Center are a tour de force, providing professional-level talent. With powerful voices and captivating storytelling, this incredible cast is an experience you simply cannot afford to miss!

A whacky who-done-it is the subject of Nathan Tylutki’s one-man performance piece currently on the board at New Conservatory for a short run. Playing numerous characters, and including the use of recorded video mixed with the live performance, Tylutki attempts a gumshoe sleuth style ala Thin Man or Mike Hammer films. The show is framed as a podcast titled ‘Shoot Your Shot’ hosted by a bad drag imitation of Jennifer Coolidge (huh?).

There is no better time than now for Music Theatre of Connecticut’s production of Moon Over Buffalo. Or maybe playwright Ken Ludwig should have called it Loons Over Buffalo. This slapstick comedy is sidesplittingly funny about a fading stage couple who still dream of fame and fortune but are reduced to performing repertory in slumping venues.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a rich history in world premiers, often commissioning new works from  significant composers and librettists.  But it seeks to foster brand new talents too. Its New Works Collective is a three-year project wherein each year OTSL commits to developing and producing three new short operas from fledgling composers and librettists.

As the name of the play suggests, I CAN BUY MYSELF FLOWERS is all about women learning to love themselves. Written by Mike van Graan, directed by Toni Morkel and starring Erika Breytenbach, this play is good fun and good soul food.

By allowing Churchill’s reflections – his triumphs and regrets alike - to take center stage, David Payne delivers a performance that is complex, compelling, and deeply human. CHURCHILL - at The Phoenix Theatre Company - is a theatrical experience that lingers long after the final applause.

​​​​​​​If you’re in the mood for a night of side-splitting laughter, sizzling chemistry and a refreshingly honest take on modern relationships, An Unromantic Comedy is exactly what you need. From the moment the first performer enters, this high-energy production grabs hold of the audience and never lets go, delivering one hilarious (and all-too-relatable) moment after another.

This was a tough one to review because of the emotions that came up while watching... TO LIFE, WITH LOVE is a new work from Mike van Graan, starring John Maytham and directed by Josh Lindberg. At it's heart, this play is simple and honest.

If you’re searching for the best pizza in Midtown, we have found a spot that is sure to satisfy your every craving. See No Evil Pizza, in the concourse of the 50th Street Subway Station, is the place to be in the Times Square neighborhood.

The five-star sold out production of The Years has transferred to the West End for 12 weeks only. Based on Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s fearless masterpiece, five actors create an unapologetic portrait of a woman shaped by her rapidly-changing world.

In the new Sadler's Wells East venue, we are invited to observe and then enter the world of Club Groove in a pulsing, energetic, modern dance piece allowing the audience to mingle on the dance floor. The story is slight but the vibe is unmistakable. This production opens with a half-hour of powerhouse movement before becoming fully immersive. Look at me, it challenges, and you do.

How would life have turned out if you had stayed with your first love? Where would you be if you had gone against social convention? Eugene O'Brien's deftly crafted play, HEAVEN, asks us these questions and many more in this captivating and bittersweet two-hander.

Critics raved about its initial run at the Almedia last year. Can it make the leap from intimate space to grand West End playhouse?

Michael Hersch took no prisoners with his new opera, AND WE, EACH, a production of the Baltimore musical organization, Mind on Fire, which had its New York premiere on February 6 at National Sawdust in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Million Dollar Quartet is a high-energy show with an all-star cast. Visit keystonetheatrics.com for more information and get your tickets before its too late.