by LISSI CORBETT The Guthrie Theater’s production of Native Gardens, a topical and often hilarious new play written by Karen Zacarías and directed by Blake Robison, is “not about flowers,” as one of its characters asserts, “it’s about principles.” In a mere 90 minutes, Native Gardens confronts some of the most salient and complex sociopolitical…
by JACOB FROELICH The lesser-known story behind the founder of one of the most influential record labels in history makes for quite the Broadway musical. Motown the Musical is captivating and enthralling from the opening number through the tribute mini-concert finale. The show is a sing-along for many and the music appeals to a broad…
Anyone who has ever seen the 2001 Dreamworks animated movie Shrek will find themselves right at home at the Stages Theatre Company production of Shrek the Musical.
by CHRISTINE SARKES What does it mean to be a misunderstood, visionary artist and how does suffering for your art impact those you love? These are the themes of Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Gypsy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, et al.) and James Lapine’s…
In this musical based off of the hit movie, young couple, Sam and Molly, have just moved into an apartment in Brooklyn with help from their friend – and Sam’s business partner – Carl. Everything seems to be going well, if only Sam would say three little words. Everything changes when Sam is shot and killed. He becomes a ghost, unable to communicate with Molly except through a formerly fraudulent psychic, Oda Mae Brown. Together they work to solve Sam’s murder and bring the two lovers peace after death.
by CHRISTINE SARKES Aethem Theatre Company’s world premiere adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, June 15-18, is a superbly acted delight. The company’s founding member Kayla Hambek has accomplished a nearly herculean task in adapting the book to stage given that much of Austen’s exposition is the protagonist’s inner monologue. Hambek cleverly uses Anne Elliot’s (Audrey…
by CHRISTINE SARKES Refugia at the Guthrie Theater explores transition–as life stages, border crossings, displacement of people as refugees and immigrants–using an avant-garde and innovative mix of movement, music, poetry and comedy. Through interconnected chapters, the piece is formed from “devised theater,” differing from traditional theater in that the rehearsal process does not begin with…
When offered the chance to see Collide Theatrical‘s latest production, Le Petit Moulin, I didn’t even check my calendar before saying yes (side note: always check your calendar first; I had to reschedule a family dinner. Worth it.). I love all things French and particularly early 20th century history, but more to the point, Collide has always impressed me…
by CHRISTINE SARKES Wicked is so good on so many levels, there really is no need to write a review – just go see it, if you can. The lyrics and music are achingly beautiful, the underlying messages touchingly resonant and topical, and the costumes and sets are simply fabulous. I love this show with…
by CHRISTINE SARKES The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, a 2014 finalist for Pulitzer Prize for Drama at Park Square Theatre, is truly a curious case. It is a lightly entertaining and well-acted confusing mix of steampunk meets Sci-Fi time travel meets Sex and the City. The website’s synopsis won’t help much either: “Four…
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Teatro Del Pueblo present West Side Story, April 4-16. The musical, based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, places a new pair of star-crossed lovers in Manhattan’s Upper West Side during the 1950’s.
by CHRISTINE SARKES Frank Theatre’s Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine at the Intermediate Arts center packs a huge emotional punch. Focusing on the complex inner and outer lives of its characters, the play dissects daily occurrences of racist micro-aggressions that are designed to denigrate and render invisible minority populations. These micro-aggressions are explored…
