Review: A Wry Storyteller Narrates Horror and Recovery: THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH at CATF
by Jack L. B. Gohn - Jul 10, 2024
It's not an unfamiliar tale, following Holocaust victim Eddie Jaku from comfortable circumstances through horror and gradually out again. Because there has been a sizeable body of Holocaust literature, drama and cinema, little of this is exactly new to us. But Jaku’s personality, his wry way of describing these grim situations, makes us eager to hear them recounted. And Kenneth Tigar's portrayal of Jaku is key; Tigar seems to disappear into his character. We are not conscious of acting, just of Eddie. You should meet him.
BWW Review: Musical Theatre West Surprises with the Delightful NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
by Michael Quintos - Apr 13, 2018
Once in a while, you come across a stage show that, on paper, may not have had the buzz that other high-profile shows may have had initially, but then you see it … and it just completely surprises you in the best possible way. That pretty much sums up my recent experience with the oh-so delightful NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, Musical Theatre West's buoyant and sublime new regional production of the 10-time Tony Award-nominated 2012 musical comedy now on stage at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts in Long Beach, CA through April 22. An irresistibly silly and infectiously tuneful stage show that will have you smiling from start to finish, this roaring 20's throwback with modern sensibilities provides lots of zany antics, lots of witty one-liners, and lots of spectacular song-and-dance showstoppers that will have you wondering---where has this show been all my life?
Review Roundup: Have You Heard? ANASTASIA Opens on Broadway Tonight!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2017
From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway musical RAGTIME, the dazzling new musical ANASTASIA transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920's, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.