ROCKLAND / WESTCHESTER THEATER REVIEWS

What did our critic think of SIGNIFICANT OTHER at Elmwood Playhouse?...

Who says learning about history – American history in particular – can’t be entertaining as well as educational? Witness Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway juggernaut Hamilton, or, harking back a few deades, the Peter Stone musical 1776?...

The lead character, Jordan, is beautifully rendered in a heartfelt, high-energy turn by John Carlos Lefkowitz, who delivers Joshua Harmon's stream-of-consciousness monologues in a lilting voice that is almost musical....

When a play is rooted strictly in powerful monologues that are written by a master of the form like Mr. Friel, it demands virtuoso acting, which is precisely what this cast delivers to the audience. ...

For that verite vibe to work its magic requires a high order of acting, and veteran director Lisa Spielman has cast Elmwood’s production with that requisite caliber of talent.  ...

Mr. Dawson’s staging is highly effective in its simplicity and pacing, holding the audience in thrall throughout. That, of course, also is a testament to the two very fine actors he’s cast.  ...

The real-life director of Stage Kiss, Anthony Valbiro, has brought his reliably effective stagecraft instincts to this polished production...

What did our critic think of A SEDUCTIVE DRACULA AT TOWN PLAYERS OF NEW CANAAN...

One play asks the very timely question, 'Do your elected representatives really live the values they trumpet on the campaign trail??...

The Elmwood cast, directed with the requisite command of comic timing and savvy stagecraft by Director and Choreographer Jason Sommers, is comprised of an impressive array of skilled performers who seem to be enjoying their over-the-top antics as much as the audience does. ...

At the center of the orbit of mashed-up relationships is the consummate performance of Sam Guncler. He prowls the stage as a feral Leo with gritty gravitas. He is the “steel man” not just because he lives in Pittsburgh, but also because he has defied death several times, including twice survivin...

What did our critic think of A MASTERFUL MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS at The Schoolhouse Theater?...

The great playwrights find imaginative and diverting ways to prick our conscience and provoke our curiosity about the mysteries of life. They force us to think about the human condition, in all its felicities and foibles, through the metaphorical use of familiar objects and experiences. Kites and ba...

It is on the wings of wit and pleasantly wacky characterizations that the operative message of tolerance is delivered, in one case with the revival meeting fervor of “Love Thy Neighbor,” led by the fun and funny antics of Michael Valinoti as genially goofy Trent Oliver. ...

With 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise,' Mr. Ludwig willingly dates himself, to give us a poignant glimpse into what it was like, 80-plus years ago, to woo someone without benefit of physical connection and with a world war raging....

Mike Labbadia creates a larger-than-life Vincent whose slow burns, emotional outbursts, and comically hapless attempts at romance reminded me of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden in seminal sitcom The Honeymooners. I mentioned the Gleason comparison to Mr. Labbadia after his performance. What I didn�...

One of the several surprises I encountered as Desperate Measures got underway with a bang at North Castle Library’s Whippoorwill Theater in Armonk, N.Y. is that the dialogue is all rhyming couplets. If that brings to mind the prolific punslinger Wild Will Shakespeare, it should, because the premis...

Tony winner Karen Ziemba (for 'Contact') leads a stellar cast directed cannily, as usual, by iconic theater maven Austin Pendleton...

This thoroughly enchanting production, replete with two strong leads and a 14-piece orchestra, triumphs in its simplicity of story brought alive with an easy-on-the-ears, tuneful Schwartz score...

The composing team of Gitter and Berg turn out some very serviceable tunes that drive both the story and the character arcs with a simple style that helps the passionate performers invest their characters with a lot of heart....

Each cast member excels in creating a strong, distinct persona that adds up to a sizzling ensemble....

What did our critic think of THE HEIRESS AT THE MANOR CLUB at The Manor Club?...

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of Core Theatre Group’s (Hudson Valley’s newest theatre company), production of The Last Five Years, starring Season 6 winner of the The Voice Maelyn Jarmon and Clay Singer (The Band’s Visit).  This production, directed with honesty a...

Based on the 1985 movie, the script of 'Clue' is a fun romp rife with wordplay and sight gags. Need a break from streaming and bingeing and all the newfangled ways to get your entertainment fix? ...

What did our critic think of ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION at Elmwood Playhouse?...