Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Union Avenue Opera
The Union Avenue Opera gives us brilliant voices in an intimate space. It’s done that for thirty-two years now. Their current production is an enormously gratifying Fiddler on the Roof.
The Union Avenue Opera gives us brilliant voices in an intimate space. It’s done that for thirty-two years now. Their current production is an enormously gratifying Fiddler on the Roof.
What did our critic think of CONSCIENCE at Westport Community Theatre?
A Season of Laughter continues at the Westport Country Playhouse with Theatre People, a new adaptation of Ferenc Molnar’s 1924 three-act farce, Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban).
Cheryl Stern is a powerhouse performer and storyteller with an incredible career spanning Broadway, national tours, TV, and beyond. Next week, she'll be in town with the National Tour of FUNNY GIRL, playing Mrs. Strakosh and stepping into the role of Fanny Brice at select performances.
While many jukebox musicals rely heavily on the audience's pre-existing love for the music, 'Jersey Boys' stands out as an exception. This Tony-winning musical, currently gracing the stage at Desert Theatreworks, transcends its soundtrack.
What did our critic think of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Moore?
VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of. How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott: Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel: I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in. Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.
What did our critic think of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Connor Palace? David Greene, the Senior Vice President of Programming at Playhouse Square, informs theater-goers in his program notes for GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY that “it is a non-traditional musical which features songs by music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bob Dylan.”
The production features Emanuelle Araujo, in the role of sarcastic Velma Kelly; Paulo Szot, as the charming and unscrupulous Billy Flynn (a role he currently played on Broadway); and Carol Costa as the “innocent” and surprising Roxie Hart. L. Candido (Mary Sunshine), Lilian Valeska (Mama Morton) and Eduardo Amir (Amos Hart) complete the main cast.
On Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, CVLT will be streaming the archival video of Visiting Mr. Green for a pay-as-you-can admission. For details and advance reservation, visit https://cvlt.org/events/visiting-mr-green
Doubt: A Parable, a fitting title if ever there was one. Jesus used parables to teach as does Shanley. His message that even though stories like that of Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn did happen, it's up to us to make sure they do not happen again.
In 10th Grade, I was in the chorus of a production of Oklahoma! in the auditorium of my synagogue and it was the best theatrical experience I've ever had. I remember getting home from the closing night cast party and crying myself to sleep. I could cry now putting on the movie or listening to 'The Farmer and the Cowman,' or maybe most of all, if I sing a little bit of the introduction to the title song.