Emerson Colonial Roars Back to Life with High-Spirited “Moulin Rouge!”

August 8, 2018December 27, 2018 Theater Mirror1 Comment

by Mike Hoban

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” – Book by John Logan, based on the 2001 movie written by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. Directed by Alex Timbers. Set Design by Derek McLane. Choreography by Sonya Tayeh. Costumes by Catherine Zuber. Lighting by Justin Townsend. Sound Design by Peter Hylenski. Produced by Global Creatures and presented by the Ambassador Theatre Group at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston through Aug. 19.

The Emerson Colonial Theatre officially re-opened its doors in explosive fashion this past weekend with the pre-Broadway run of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, an experience that could best be likened to a heart attack patient being jolted back to life with defibrillator paddles. The Colonial’s new operator, Ambassador Theatre Group, has spared no expense in bringing this 2001 movie favorite to the stage, and the results are spectacular. Simply put, Moulin Rouge is an absolute blast. Featuring a set that would make Cecil B. DeMille blush, an extraordinary cast led by Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo, and an ingeniously clever score that mashes up everything from “L’amour Est Oiseau” (from Bizet’s 1875 opera Carmen) to Madonna’s “Material Girl”, Moulin Rouge is a visual and aural feast – particularly for fans of pop music.

Reagle Delivers Exuberant “MUSIC MAN”

August 4, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Anthony Annicone

Reagle Music Theatre’s third show of their 50th season is “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson. This musical first opened on Broadway on December 19, 1957 and ran for 1375 performances. Robert Preston played the leading role of Harold Hill both onstage and in the 1962 film version. The show is set in Iowa in 1912 and is the story of the fast talking Harold Hill who cons the good citizens of River City into buying musical instruments and band uniforms by promising to create a boy’s band in the town. Not knowing a trumpet from a trombone, Hill expects to skip town with cash in hand, only to be caught up in the arms of the beautiful Marian Paroo, the librarian who transforms him into a reformed rogue and a respectable citizen by show’s end. Director/choreographer Susan Chebookjian returns in triumph to choreograph this show once again at Reagle Music Theatre. She last choreographed it in 2010 with actor Scott Wahle as Harold Hill and Sarah Pfisterer as Marian. She recreates Onna White’s original choreography from the Broadway and movie versions. Susan and musical director Dan Rodriguez obtain stellar performances from the 57 multitalented cast members. They capture your hearts with their high spirited, energetic and exuberant version which wins them a standing ovation at the close of this heartwarming family friendly musical masterpiece.

Theatre by the Sea’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

July 30, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Welcome back to many centuries ago for Theatre by the Sea’s third show of their historic 85th Season. This show is set in the 1960’s and is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which is the biblical story of Jacob and his 12 sons. It is a spectacular production starring Marie Eife as the Narrator and Luke Steinhauer as Joseph. It was written in 1968 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice as a 15 minute cantata and now is a two hour high energy show that has a 22 member cast under the brilliant direction of Richard Sabellico who is also the choreographer plus marvelous musical direction by Ryan Edward Wise. Their combined expertise make this a must see show this summer.

Company Theatre Celebrates 40 Years with Epic Staging of “RAGTIME”

July 29, 2018December 28, 2018 Theater Mirror1 Comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Company Theatre celebrates the start of their 40th Anniversary season with the 1998 hit musical “Ragtime” which is based on E. L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel. The epic sweep of this musical is captured in its opening prologue, a nine minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters mingling with historical ones. At the dawn of the twentieth century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting part of turn of the century, New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together, that of a stifled upper class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician. They are all united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. This epic musical is excellently directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman. They capture the flavor and the essence of early 1900 New York. This is definitely one show not to be missed. The talented cast is rewarded with a resounding standing ovation.This is the first show I reviewed for them back in 2003, making this my 15th year of reviewing shows at Company Theatre. Back then the show was viewed as “Wow, what progress we’ve made in this new century”, but 15 years later, it is, “Yikes this is the stuff that is still happening in America now!”

WEST SIDE STORY – New Bedford Festival Theatre

July 22, 2018July 23, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

New Bedford Festival Theatre’s summer musical at the Zeiterion Theatre is “West Side Story”, the classic 1957 musical hit. It is based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the story is as fresh and meaningful to contemporary audiences as it was for audiences in 1591 for the original play as it was in 1957 for the musical version. Hatred and violence don’t solve problems, they create new ones. Love and understanding are the solutions to these problems, not only in these shows but in real life, too. The well known story of star crossed lovers Tony and Maria takes place in New York City. The outside forces of enemies, friends, gang members and adults keep them from fulfilling their dream of everlasting happiness due to hatred and bigotry. The twenty member cast under the insightful direction of Michael Susko, delivers the goods in a powerful and poignant presentation which propels the audience to their feet at the curtain call.

Americana Theatre Company Dreams Impossible Dream with “Man of La Mancha”

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 Theater Mirror1 Comment

By Evan McKenna

Man of La Mancha – Written by Dale Wasserman, Lyrics by Joe Darion; Music by Mitch Leigh. Directed by Dr. Michael Kirkland; Choreographed by Derek G. Martin; Set Design by David Friday; Costumes by Brian Kenerson; Lighting by Heather M. Crocker. Presented by The Americana Theatre Company at The Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25 Court St, Plymouth MA through July 29

“There goes the maddest wise man, or the wisest mad man…”

Prior to “Man of La Mancha” at Spire Center for the Performing Arts this past Friday, president of Americana Theatre Company, Peter G. Martin, emphasized to the audience that their theatre aims to provide “stories that entertain and stories that matter,” citing “Man of La Mancha” as a prime example. Using the original Don Quixote narrative to portray a deeper point about realism and idealism explored by author Miguel de Cervantes, “Man of La Mancha” portrays much more than a general story about madness and reality than its comical flare may make it seem. Among the many themes of this narrative lays the sheer, “quixotic,” boldness of a madman, imagining himself a gallant knight and romantic defender, clinging to who he believes he is and what he stands for. While he may be foolish on the surface, the story questions the value that dreaming and idealizing still have—which may be just the thing that our modern society needs.

‘Peter Pan’ Delights at North Shore Music Theatre

July 12, 2018July 12, 2018 Theater Mirror1 Comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Welcome to Neverland at and their summer musical of “Peter Pan”, the boy who won’t grow up. As soon as you enter the theater you are transported to Neverland with the gorgeous and colorful sets of Kyle Dixon. The original play was by J.M. Barrie written in 1904 which was based on his novel “Peter and Wendy.” However this musical version has music mostly by Morris Charlap, with additional music by Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It was originally adapted and directed by Jerome Robbins. The original Broadway musical opened in 1954 and starred Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard as Peter Pan and Captain Hook. These roles won them both Tony Awards.

‘BORN FOR THIS’ Raises Hopes and Spirit

July 1, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

BOX INFO: ArtsEmerson presents the New England premiere of new musical “Born for This,” based on the true story of BeBe Winans, through July 15: Tuesdays-Thursdays, excluding July 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2,8 p.m.; Sundays 2,7 p.m. Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremont St., Boston.$20-$80, prices subject to change; senior, student, group, package discounts. ArtsEmerson.org, 617-824-8400.

Hey, you sinners and believers, get ready to shout, sing, clap those hands and rejoice with hallelujahs and hosannas at new musical “Born for This.” A high-powered, stellar, spectacular, 20-strong member cast of well-known Broadway, national and international fame drives this vibrant two-act, two-hour production. Because the play began had its infancy in Boston in 2013 and 2014, Mayor Thomas J. Walsh declared its official opening this year, June 22, as Boston’s “Born for This” Day. The show’s last day is July 15, so grab the kids, and don’t miss this inspirational story of reaching for the stars and achieving it.

A Spirited OKLAHOMA! Kicks up its Heels in Ogunquit

June 29, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Sheila Barth

BOX INFO: Ogunquit Playhouse presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved, timeless musical through July 7, directed by Fred Hanson, music directed by Jeffrey Campos on main keyboard; choreography by Susan Stroman, adapted by Ginger Thatcher. 10 Main St., Route 1N, Ogunquit, Maine: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m., matinees Wednesday, Thursday, Sundays, 2:30 p.m. also the last Saturday.Tickets start at $52. ogunquitplayhouse.org, 207-646-5511.

At last Thursday’s matinee, the chaos and drama behind the curtain was more dramatic and intense than the powerful, all-time great musical, “Oklahoma!” itself. That morning turned out to be a not-so beautiful one, as the post-overture, opening song heralds, because Equity male star Stephen Mark Lukas, (who portrays confident cowhand, Curly) became too sick to perform, sending the company scrambling for a last-minute replacement.

‘Born For This’ Lifts Us Up with Music, Comedy

June 27, 2018July 8, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

(Left to right: Donald Webber Jr. as BeBe Winans, Liisi LaFontaine as Whitney Houston, and Loren Lott as CeCe Winans in BORN FOR THIS. Photo ©Joan Marcus 2018)

By Mike Hoban

Born for This – Music and Lyrics by BeBe Winans. Book by Charles Randolph-Wright, BeBe Winans, and Lisa D’Amour. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright; Scenic Design by Neil Patel; Lighting Design by Jason Lyons; Sound Design by Jon Weston; Choreography by Warren Adams. Presented by ArtsEmerson. At Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston, through July 15.

You’re not likely to find a more consistently entertaining musical on Boston stages this year than Born for This, gospel and pop star Bebe Winan’s autobiographical work now in its latest incarnation at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre. A powerhouse score delivered by an extraordinary cast combined with a very funny script are sure to make this show an overwhelming crowd-pleaser (if the opening night crowd is any indication), even if the book won’t make anyone forget Les Miserables or Ragtime anytime soon.