Review: FOREVER PLAID at 42nd Street Moon
Stuart Ross’ 1989 jukebox homage to boy bands of the 1950’s is a pleasant whiff of nostalgia sure to remove you from the stress of today’s less naïve and chaotic present. Forever Plaid follows The Plaids, a youthful quartet with stardom in their eyes killed in a car accident in 1964. Like the baseball players in Field of Dreams, they return to perform one final concert and we’re here to bear witness.
REALLY BIG SHOW Opens at MUSE/IQUE This Month
MUSE/IQUE’s next show in their 2024 season, themed Make Some Noise: Music and Stories of American Defiance and Hope, is Really Big Show: How Ed Sullivan Changed America Every Sunday Night.
Ben Platt Will Play 3-Week Concert Residency at Broadway's Palace Theatre
Ben Platt will play a three-week concert residency at Broadway's recently refurbished Palace Theatre this May, in celebration of the release of his upcoming third album Honeymind. The historic Broadway theatre has now been raised to create space for retail shops underneath. Past residencies at the Palace include Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Bette Mider, and more.
Review: Rian Keating is a Masterful Storyteller in WOMANSONGS at Don't Tell Mama
Rian Keating's stories are very careful observations of what it means to be kind, strong, nurturing, independent, and free. It is a feminist show from a source you wouldn’t immediately expect. He tells stories about teachers, mentors, and family members that are vivid and empowering. We should all be so lucky to have such women in our lives.
Review: FOREVER PLAID at Castle Craig Players
On Saturday, March 2nd, I had the pleasure of seeing another phenomenal performance put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT, FOREVER PLAID, a comedic jukebox musical written by Stuart Ross. Director Melanie Del Sole, with help from musical director Nick Ciasullo and choreographer Stephen Koehler bring out the best in this amazing cast featuring Henry Tobelman, Stephen Koehler, Jeffrey Rizzo and Brandon Gregoire, accompanied by David Marottolo on piano. The show reflects the music of the male 1950s harmony groups, placing it into a highly entertaining storyline! The actors have incredible stage chemistry with each other, and amazing vocal harmony. Their dance maneuvers are performed with sharp synchronicity. Most importantly, it is clear that they are having an excellent time performing their roles, radiating positive energy throughout the audience.
Review: BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL at Bass Concert Hall
Maybe BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL, is Gen Z’s ROCKY HORROR SHOW. When THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW first premiered in London in 1973, it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its campy humor, catchy songs, and provocative themes, others found its content shocking and controversial. However, it quickly gained a cult following among audiences. Fast forward to BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL. It has campy humor, (somewhat) provocative themes, and a cult following. It has a strong presence on social media platforms, with the cast and creative team actively engaging with fans through channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. This has helped to cultivate a dedicated fan base among younger audiences who are drawn to the show's behind-the-scenes content, fan art, and discussions.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Director Norman Jewison Dies at 97
Fiddler on the Roof director Norman Jewison has passed away at 97. He was nominated for an Oscar for directing the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, and Paul Mann. Jewison also directed Moonstruck, which won Cher an Academy Award.
MUSE/IQUE Announces 2024 Six Concert Season
MUSE/IQUE announces its 2024 season: “Make Some Noise: Music and Stories of American Defiance and Hope”; six concerts that celebrate transformative American artists and thinkers who rejected norms and limitations to forge a new and better future.