Review: FOREVER TANGO at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - February 12, 2025
On a dimly lit stage enveloped in an air of mystique, a melodious bandoneon tenderly caresses the night's silence, its haunting notes reverberating through the hushed theater. Bathed in a solitary spotlight, the instrument's melancholic melody sets the stage, foretelling an evocative and passionatel...
Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Van Wezel
by Jacob Ruscoe - February 04, 2025
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a vibrant rendition of 'The Addams Family,' a musical that has captivated audiences since its Broadway premiere in 2010. Based on the beloved characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, the show effortlessly blends humor, macabre charm, and cat...
Review: THE CANCELLATION OF LAUREN FEIN at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - February 04, 2025
Lauren Fein, a distinguished tenured professor at her university, has dedicated her life to assisting others through her groundbreaking research efforts. Her valuable contributions to the unnamed University community, along with a strong network of esteemed colleagues and a loving family, showcase t...
Review: LADY MOLLY OF SCOTLAND YARD at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - January 27, 2025
What did Broadwayworld's critic think of LADY MOLLY OF SCOTLAND YARD at Asolo Repertory Theatre? Read the full review here and learn more about the production,. ...
Review: FENCES at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - January 28, 2025
August Wilson penned his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in 1983. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it delves into the African-American experience, generational prejudices, and other challenging themes. By concentrating on the journey of one family, the play portrays a spectrum of difficult times that individual...
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Van Wezel
by Jacob Ruscoe - January 17, 2025
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a captivating and vibrant production of “Funny Girl,” a classic musical that has endured the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. This Broadway tour, filled with laughter, heart, and stunning performances, brought ...
Review: SPACEMAN at Urbanite Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - January 08, 2025
A highly accomplished woman successfully joins NASA and embarks on a solo mission to Mars following her late husband's path. Initially filled with a cheerful demeanor, she finds herself alone on the spaceship stage, confiding in her computer and an answering machine stocked with messages from Earth....
Review: MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - January 05, 2025
What did our critic think of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 at Van Wezel?...
Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Manatee Performing Arts Center
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 12, 2024
The Manatee Performing Arts Center has once again delighted audiences with its enchanting production of 'The Wizard of Oz,' a timeless musical that brings to life L. Frank Baum's beloved story....
Review: A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - December 11, 2024
What did our critic think of A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe?aDuring the Holidays in Sarasota, there's always a buzzing downtown parade, an increase in traffic and tourists, and a festive celebration at the West Coast Black Theatre! If you're anything like me, you've got a bunc...
Review: ALL IS CALM - THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 at Asolo Rep
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 10, 2024
The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s rendition of All is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914 offers a poignant breath of fresh air. ...
Review: LITTLE WOMEN at The Sarasota Players
by Jacob Ruscoe - December 09, 2024
Sometimes it is great to review a show you are really familiar with as it provides the varied perspectives by which one views a musical. Such is the case with Little Women. I loved watching a tale I knew from a fresh perspective. The Sarasota Players’ production of Little Women is a beautifully rend...
Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - December 08, 2024
What did our critic think of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...
Review: WAITRESS at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - November 13, 2024
Life has an uncanny way of serving up surprises, doesn't it? Take Jenna Hunterson, for example. Here she is, a multi-talented waitress and baker stuck in a situation stickier than overcooked caramel. Her husband? Let's just say he's the perfect recipe for disaster. And just when Jenna thinks things ...
Review: JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING at Urbanite Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - October 28, 2024
Nan, working alone on a cold winter’s night at a local donut shop, juggles tasks with the grace of a circus performer. Her husband’s calls provide a touch of comedic relief as he bumbles around searching for his elusive car keys. Nan's patience, though worn thin, endures with an exhausted yet loving...
Review: SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - October 26, 2024
What did our critic think of SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?...
Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Van Wezel
by Shanti M. Kennedy - September 25, 2024
In a fun and heartwarming tale that many of us know well, 'Shrek the Musical' tells the story of an embittered ogre named Shrek whose peaceful swamp home is taken over by fairy tale creatures banished by the power-hungry Lord Farquaad. With the comical Donkey by his side, Shrek strikes a deal with F...
Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
by Jacob Ruscoe - September 20, 2024
The Fantasticks, the beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for over 50 years, recently graced the stage at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and what a delightful performance it was! With its timeless story, enchanting music, and talented cast, this production of The Fantastick...
Review: THE OUTSIDER at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - August 17, 2024
What did our critic think of THE OUTSIDER at Florida Studio Theatre?...
Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Sarasota Players
by Jacob Ruscoe - August 11, 2024
The Sarasota Players' production of 'American Idiot' was a thrilling and electric performance that captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of Green Day's iconic album. Directed by Brian Finnerty, the show was a powerful and immersive experience that left the audience on the edge of their seats...
Review: HEATHERS at Fed's Backyard Theater
by Jacob Ruscoe - August 07, 2024
Federico Hradek, has worked tirelessly to transform his garage into a fully functioning theater complete with a stage and professional lighting. The ambience created by this intimate setting was perfect for the dark comedy that is Heathers....
Review: THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Florida Studio Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 17, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre impresses with their Summertime Mainstage Season opener, delivering a delightful mix of love songs, and sharp-witted comic numbers. This lively revue, perfectly suited to lift spirits during the weighty summer months, captures the essence of joy with both familiar and lesser-k...
Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Rise Above Performing Arts
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 11, 2024
Spring Awakening, with music by Duncan Sheik and Lyrics by Steven Sater, takes audiences on a wild ride through the tumultuous seas of adolescence. Exploring themes of attraction, desire, insecurity, and the rollercoaster of young adult life, this electrifying show is a must-see for anyone looking t...
Review: OAK at Urbanite Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - June 03, 2024
Making its World Premiere, OAK is presented at our own Urbanite Theater. When entering the black-box space random hip-hop music is playing, but on closer observance, everything is placed with intention. The mix of music used throughout the story, from old TLC through Tyla’s current Billboard hit Wat...
Review: TWELVE ANGRY MEN at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Shanti M. Kennedy - May 15, 2024
What did our critic think of TWELVE ANGRY MEN at Asolo Repertory Theatre?...