Broadway Show Reviews & Critics' Ratings

A whimsical procession on its way to the beyond.

Dear Readers, we’re about to enter the realm of one of my favorite shows, “Once on This Island”, currently playing at Village Theatre. This gem of a show is, sadly, not often produced. In fact, I’ve only seen it twice, once on Broadway in 2017, and once in 2005, again from Village Theatre. Both of those productions hold very special places in my memory as being stellar shows. I tell you this for one reason and one reason only, I am very picky when it comes to this show. I know the story and the music backwards and forwards. And I am loathed to say that this current production suffered from bad choice after bad choice, misstep after misstep, resulting in something that resembled the gem, but ultimately did not shine.

There’s unfortunately little about the current tour of 'Little Women' that will bring this show new audiences. It often feels like the purpose of the musical may be more to tell the sisters’ love stories than to tell the story of their love for each other, and the production choices for this tour do little to save it from its lackluster material.

When social worker Hana has to deliberate upon Bingo’s case for the custody of his daughter, his unusual hobby as a ‘doo-man’ catches her off guard. Through him, she is flung back into the world of pigeon keeping.

Many times, I look at the cultural landscape and all its vast plethora of fortune we have been given in the Tampa Bay area alone, and one things for certain, I will move mountains, stop at nothing to experience theatre that moves me and thrills me to the core. Taking me out of the present worldview, away from daily trials and tribulations and into the stories of many characters, or in this case, one singular character that will allow me to invest time in their plight.

What did our critic think of BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at Kanata Theatre?

Tokyo and Osaka Comic Con: Since 2016, a pop culture festival providing opportunities for communication with celebrities and artists, exhibition of props used in movies, and interaction among cosplay enthusiasts. In the past, celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Orlando Bloom gathered, and the 2nd Osaka Comic Con 2024 took place over three days from May 3rd. This time, celebrities such as Norman Reedus, Tom Hiddleston, Daniel Logan, Mads Mikkelsen, Christopher Lloyd, and others participated. Here, we bring you the highlights of the opening ceremony on the first day.

Just in time for Mental Health Awareness month, Newport Contemporary Ballet presents a captivating evening of three mind-focused pieces, FRAMES OF MIND, at Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center.

BIG FISH is perhaps the ultimate Father’s Day musical, which is why I found it so ironic that I saw the Arts in Motion production of it the day before Mother’s Day. 

A moody dramatic dive into the life of a violinist whose celebrated waltz got him mistaken for Strauss. As lovely as Alberto Barboza’s production looks on stage at the Los Angeles Theatre Center – and as melodic as it often sounds – GHOST WALTZ’s impact is as fleeting as the spirits who populate it.

Santa Fe Playhouse in coming into its own as the theater company most likely to succeed in Santa Fe. The past two seasons have showcased new talent, new and provocative works and productions that have both wide appeal and thought-provoking messages. Their latest offering, What the Constitution Means to Me, is no exception. Directed with precision by Lynn Godwin, the Playhouse production adds one more hit to their incredible run of the past few years.

Get ready to experience the beloved story of MRS. DOUBTFIRE like never before in this heartwarming and hilarious musical adaptation.

You have until Sunday May 19th to make your way to catch jazz delight Jane Monheit sing with her small but very mighty band at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Monheit's singing is heavenly.

In performance now through June 2 is HOT THE MUSICAL, an entertaining and original new take on the Greek Mythology surrounding Helen of Troy and the Trojan Wars. The show is staged at Unicorn Theatre on Main Street. This one is definitely worth your time.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS is the latest offering from TAZ Theatre Company. It is a bold, astonishing, and urgent work that demands to be seen. Written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Robert Encila, the play gives the audience a front row seat to the devastating effects of drug addiction. PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS features a knockout performance by Taigé Lauren as Emma. The play is surreal and minimalist in nature and does an effective job bringing the audience into Emma's world from beginning to end. And what a world it is!

Shimmying into Crown Theatre this month is ELVIS: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION, celebrating the life and art of the king of rock n roll. Featuring over 40 songs and a talented cast, not to mention choreography that does so much more than just complement the soundtrack, the show has plenty to offer everyone.

In this second installment of Lanre Malaolu’s trilogy (following SAMSKARA, The Yard Theatre), Now, I  See shines a light on how the physical body holds grief and the ways in which this manifests in the lives of black British men. As two brothers reunite at their late sibling’s celebration of remembrance, they are forced to rebuild connection after their long-standing estrangement and own up to the redemption they seek.

Based on Disney’s 1994 animated film musical of the same name, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is supposed to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of Pride Rock. But when Simba's uncle, Scar, kills Mufasa, Simba runs away from home after being tricked into thinking that he was responsible. As he comes of age, Simba learns some valuable perspective to go back and take his rightful place as King.

The story of Avital Ash: Workshops Her Suicide Note begins with some context for the audience. Ash’s mother committed suicide when Ash was only an infant and her father remarried, never telling his daughter that her mother was not actually her birth mother.

What did our critic think of COWARDY, COWARDY, CUSTARD at The Arch, Holden Street Theatres?