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Theater Review: MY MOTHER HAD TWO FACES (The Rockwell in Somerville, MA; then touring)
HER MOTHER, HERSELF It’s a truism that many women fear “becoming their mother,” and that’s certainly the implied starting point of Karin Trachtenberg’s one-woman show, My Mother Had Two Faces. The performance opens with a recording of Marlene Dietrich singing “Mutter, Kannst Du Mich Vergeben” (“Mother, Can you Forgive Me”) — an interesting choice in…
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Theater / Film / DVD Review: HAMLET (Directed by Sean Mathias and starring Ian McKellen)
A NEW AGE FOR HAMLET Brooding prince plots revenge; disaster ensues. That’s the core of Hamlet, among Shakespeare’s most enduring and frequently performed tragedies. Considered one of the most challenging roles in Western theatre, the lead is a bucket-list item for more actors than will ever get to play it. But what happens when Hamlet…
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Highly Recommended Album: GODSPELL EL MUSICAL (Original Spanish Cast Recording; Produced by Antonio Banderas)
The Concord Theatricals Recordings cast album of the acclaimed Spanish production of Godspell is now available. This is the first Spanish language recording of John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz’s iconic musical. Now available for streaming or download, CDs are available for purchase in Spain. Check out the booklet with Spanish lyrics HERE. And it’s a blast. I have been…
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Theatre Recommendation: FESTIVAL 2024 PRODUCTIONS (Chichester Festival Theatre, UK)
Festival 2024 includes seven world premieres, a spectacular summer musical, and modern masterpieces. Here are the 2024 productions Priority booking for Friends of Chichester Festival Theatre 24 February (online and booking forms) Tuesday 27 February (phone and in person) Booking for Groups and Schools Thursday 29 February General booking 2 March (online only); 5 March…
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Dance-Theater Review: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (North American Tour)
A SHOW THAT SENDS OUT AN S.O.S. Set to 28 songs of pop icon Sting, newly arranged and recorded with Beverley Knight and Lynval Golding (of The Specials), Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (So You Think You Can Dance, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and her Zoo Nation company have a story to tell about the refugee…
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Theater Review: THE LION KING (National Tour)
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER IT’S THE KING OF MUSICALS OR NOT; IT’S THE KING OF EXPERIENCES Endearing heroes and villains. Shakespeare and ancient myth. Coherent storytelling. Anthropomorphic jungle animals. Gorgeous African chanting. Transfixing puppet pageantry on a pythonic, prodigious level. A celebration of theatrical ingenuity. Forty-nine cast members –six of whom are South African. Over…
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Dance Review: MATTHEW BOURNE’S ROMEO AND JULIET (North American Premiere, Ahmanson Theatre in L.A.)
DANCE OF DESPAIR AND DESIRE Sir Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet, which made its North American premiere at the Ahmanson last night, is a bonafide hit, redefining this classic ballet (based on Shakespeare’s 1597 masterpiece) for the 21st century. Bourne, a visionary in the world of dance, has crafted a production that pulsates with modern…
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Cabaret Review: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ – JESSICA VOSK (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa)
DREAMY DREAMIN’ In the shimmering galaxy of cabaret, few stars under the twilight of retirement sparkle with the vivacity and brilliance of Jessica Vosk, who, at 40, is the real deal. Her latest foray onto the stage, California Dreamin: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon, which played last night at Segerstrom Concert Hall,…
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Theater Review: FORMIDABLE! (Aznavour 100th Anniversary World Tour at Town Hall in New York)
AZNAVOUR IS YOUNG AGAIN Charles Aznavour hoped to be still singing before audiences on his 100th birthday. Unfortunately, he died in 2018 at the age of 94. But Jules Grison is celebrating Aznavour’s 100th birthday in grand style, starring in Formidable! Aznavour 100th Anniversary World Tour. Produced and directed by Gil Marsalla, the man behind…
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Extras: STAGE WONDERS: A GLOBAL TOUR OF THE BEST THEATRES THAT REDEFINE SHOWTIME SPLENDOR
Welcome, theater aficionados, to a front-row seat on our whirlwind tour around the globe, where the curtains never close on excellence. From historic landmarks echoing with centuries of applause to avant-garde architectural marvels redefining the stage experience, these theatres are more than venues; they are pulsating centers of culture, spectacle, and the art of the…
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Film: COULD GAMING BECOME A CROSS-OVER IN THEATRE?
Films and the theatre crossing over have long been a common occurrence in entertainment. The likes of Rent, Alfie, and anything written by the Bard see consistent efforts to translate and reimagine no matter the generation. Some might end up like the modern Cats, but the market has proved so welcoming overall that this approach…
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Opera Concert Review: JOSEPH CALLEJA, TENOR (The BroadStage in Santa Monica)
A TENOR FOR THE AGES In a captivating concert on November 11, the renowned Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja graced the BroadStage in a recital performance that transcended the realms of virtuosity, emerging as a veritable masterclass in vocal artistry. The unfolding of the evening resembled a symphony of emotions, intricately navigated by Calleja’s unparalleled voice,…
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Highly Recommended Jazz Album: LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING (Stella Bass and the Johnny Taylor Trio)
SILVER LINING FOUND February 3, 2024 can’t come soon enough — that’s the date of Irish vocalist Stella Bass’s album release. A collection of handpicked standards and original compositions that reflect the challenging times the world collectively faced in 2020. The jazz album with a lovely trio supporting Bass, Look For The Silver Lining is…
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Highly Recommended Theater: TITANIC: THE MUSICAL (London’s Southwark Playhouse; Streaming on BroadwayHD)
PRIDE COMETH BEFORE AN ICEBERG London’s Southwark Playhouse’s total triumph is a strange success. It’s odd that a more intimate version of a musical called Titanic can so succeed. Director Thom Southerland‘s production was first seen in 2013 and has regularly played the West End since, recently completing its 10th-anniversary tour. The cast may be…
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Recommended Theater: THE PRINCE OF EGYPT: THE MUSICAL (West End Production Available to Rent or Buy)
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever. The West End…
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Extras: TOP THEATRICAL PLAYS THAT REVOLVE AROUND THE THEME OF GAMBLING
Theater has a unique ability to transport audiences to different times and places while immersing them in compelling and dramatic narratives. One topic that consistently demonstrates its dramatic and compelling qualities is gambling. With the enormous stakes, the thrill of taking a gamble, and the utter unpredictability of gambling, playwrights may explore a wide range…
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Extras: WORLD’S THEATER HOTSPOTS: A GLOBAL STAGE COMPARISON
Ah, the magic of the theater’”Where stories come to life, and emotions are laid bare under the spotlight. It’s a world of drama, laughter, and sheer brilliance. The world’s top theater hotspots have given remarkably to society, and it’s only natural that we should celebrate them. Let’s globe-trot through three of these captivating destinations and…
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Theater Review: MAMMA MIA! (25th Anniversary Tour)
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC The theater-going public may never get enough of Mamma Mia! Since the Swedish musical opened in London in 1999 there have been 50 productions throughout the world and the international audience now exceeds 65 million. The ABBA-based musical is playing a one week visit to San Diego and judging by…
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Extras: SHAKESPEAREAN SPINS: A TALE OF ONLINE FORTUNE IN THE UK
In the heart of the United Kingdom, a digital revolution has been quietly unfolding, giving rise to a new generation of pioneers seeking fortunes in the vast landscape of the online world. This tale is not one of traditional gold mines or oil wells, but rather a narrative of how individuals are harnessing the power…
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Theater and Dance Review: HEART OF BRICK (International Tour)
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S CHIC CLUB ODYSSEY Choreographer Raja Feather Kelly elevates backing dancers to high art in serpentwithfeet’s musical tour In Heart of Brick, presented yesterday at the Ford Theater, the musical artist serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) begins the evening by gliding onstage in an enormous red-orange snuggie. He speaks to us about his desire to…
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