Jukebox biomusical. That inelegant term defines a popular, but problematic subgenre of theatrical songfests. But for every Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli) or Beautiful (Carole King), two popular and critical successes, there are at least as many Cher Shows and Beautiful Noises (Neil Diamond), unsatisfying and overstuffed also-rans. Into that latter camp we must now deposit … [Read more...]
Stellar ‘Carousel’ at The Wick reminds us what musicals used to be
When they say, “They don’t write ’em like they used to,” they are referring to shows like Carousel. The second collaboration of the landmark team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this musical drama packs an emotional wallop as well as a knockout punch of entertainment. True, it is a difficult show to pull off well, but you would never know that from the … [Read more...]
Designer-entertainer Mizrahi to bring cabaret show to Boca fest
Bringing his Café Carlyle cabaret show to Boca Raton will be even more fun and fabulous on the big stage at Mizner Park, says the multi-talented fashion designer, actor, singer and Project Runway All-Stars judge, Isaac Mizrahi. Mizrahi will present his cabaret show, “An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi,” on Saturday, March 9, at the Festival of the Arts Boca at the Mizner Park … [Read more...]
At the Kravis: ‘Jagged Little Pill’ is challenging, but rewarding
Here’s a question for fans of statistics. What Broadway musical contains the greatest number of trauma topics? The Guinness Book of World Records is mum on the subject, but based on a viewing of the show currently at the Kravis Center this week, surely the answer is Jagged Little Pill. Based on singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette’s decade-defining 1995 album, adapter Diablo … [Read more...]
‘Plaza Suite’ doesn’t age well, but lead performances save Maltz production
The three one-act playlets of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite have two things in common. They all take place in Suite 719 of New York’s swank Plaza Hotel and they all have a jaundiced view of marriage. OK, two more things. They each run a little too long for their own good and they each feel a little outdated in 2024. Plaza Suite hails from 1968, the fourth play by … [Read more...]
Simon’s ‘Plaza Suite’ not just for laughs, Maltz director says
You might think when the Maltz Jupiter Theatre takes a break from its usual musical menu to produce a comedy like Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite that the task is easier. Not so, says director J. Barry Lewis, the Maltz’s go-to guy when it comes to staging Simon’s plays. “They’re always a challenge, there’s no doubt about it,” he says. “It’s one of the oldest sayings in the … [Read more...]
‘Rooted,’ at Theatre Lab, sees actors dig rewardingly deep
Botany and belief systems, both real and dubious, are at the heart of Deborah Zoe Laufer’s Rooted, her latest exploration of life’s contradictions, served up with a strong measure of whimsy. Delivering her ultimately thoughtful outlook is a trio of eccentric souls whose search for meaning has them up a tree, quite literally. Consider Emery Harris, an unschooled … [Read more...]
Brilliant ‘Lauren Fein’ at Dramaworks deserves widest possible stage
Even if the world premiere play’s title, The Cancellation of Lauren Fein, did not give away the fate of its central character, there is an inevitability to the metaphorical noose relentlessly tightening around her neck. Justice may not be well-served by the escalating accusations against the renowned genetic biology professor, but theatrical impact certainly is. For more … [Read more...]
‘Cancellation of Lauren Fein’ brings culture wars to Dramaworks in world premiere play
Cancel culture, the effort to hold prominent individuals accountable for perceived verbal slights or deeds, has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary life. So perhaps it was inevitable that the phenomenon would make the leap from the headlines to the stage, as it does in The Cancellation of Lauren Fein, premiering at Palm Beach Dramaworks beginning this Friday, Feb. … [Read more...]
Green messiah: At Theatre Lab, Laufer’s ‘Rooted’ to explore mob mentality
Deborah Zoe Laufer gets a lot of ideas for her plays by listening to National Public Radio. That is certainly the case with Rooted, receiving its Florida premiere at FAU Theatre Lab, beginning this Saturday, Feb. 3. “I was listening to Radio Lab and there was a scientist, Monica Gagliano, on, talking about plant consciousness,” the idea that plants have innate … [Read more...]