Just in: a theatre review

  Peter and the Starcatcher   is the origin story of Peter Pan that follows a lonely orphan boy and his friends as they embark on a dangerous adventure to protect a trunk of "starstuff" from the notorious pirate Black Stache. Aided by Molly, the daughter of a Starcatcher, the boy discovers the true potential of friendship and the responsibility that comes with growing up, ultimately leading to the creation of Peter Pan. The play is based on the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with music written by Wayne Barker. Direction: The director for this production was Beth Bruner. Bruner took a different approach to this production, that I had never seen done before. She made it feel like a bunch of friends came together to play make believe and put on the show. (I found this idea delightful.) Durning the announcements the actors came on in their base layer and put on their costume on stage when it was their c...

 (This review is a little different, because I am reviewing the show from the perspective of an actor.) Tarzan   is a musical based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1999 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Phil Collins, and a book by David Henry Hwang. The musical follows Tarzan, who is raised by gorillas in West Africa. He meets Jane, a young English naturalist, and falls in love, unknowing that Jane's entourage plans to kill the gorillas. Direction: The director for this show and wig master is Cheryl Cripps Richardson. This show is her first time directing for a show and you wouldn't know it. I've worked with Cheryl on production teams before and I knew how skilled she was at what she does before I ever auditioned for her. She took everything that she saw that other directors did and didn't like, and made sure she never did those things. Cheryl values our time as actors and made sure we were called at times appropriate for what we were needed. She cast...

Shrek the Musical   tells the story of Shrek, an ogre who retreats to his swamp to live in isolation, only to have his home invaded by fairytale creatures banished by the diminutive Lord Farquaad. Shrek makes a deal: he'll get the creatures' homes back if Farquaad gives him his swamp back. Farquaad counters with a deal that Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona. Shrek and Donkey embark on the adventure, with Shrek finding himself drawn to Fiona, but she has a secret that unfolds as the story progresses.  The music is written by Jeanine Tesori and the book and lyrics are by David Lindsay-Abaire.  Direction: The show was directed by Sadie Day and assistant directed by James Boley. This duo made sure that all parts of their production team knew their vision. As a result, all parts of the show were cohesive and made this production magnificent. This team did something with  this production that I have never seen done before. The opening narration was made into a film that was...

Xanadu  is a musical comedy that follows Kira, a Greek muse sent from Mount Olympus to inspire a struggling artist in 1980s Venice Beach. But when gods, mortals, forbidden love, and a dream of opening a roller disco collide—chaos, music, and divine hilarity ensue.  Based on the cult classic film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is a whirlwind of glitter, pop culture, and self-aware comedy. With a hit-filled soundtrack featuring Electric Light Orchestra and John Farrar—including “Magic,” “Evil Woman,” and “Suddenly”—this show is part musical, part parody, and all-out fun. Direction: The show was directed and choreographed by Jake Anderson. Anderson played up all jokes in the show to make it a true parody. He made sure that when the muses talked together it was in perfect unison. He elevated the choreography for "I'm alive" by adding ribbons to it. The choreography for "Suddenly" had a lot of moments that brought laughs from the audience. The cho...

  Hairspray  is a show placed in  1962, Baltimore. Dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion. Tracy tries to topple Corny's reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show.  The music is by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.   This production was directed by Tammy Ross.  Direction: The show was directed by Tammy Ross. Ross took care while casting this show, making sure the right people were in the right roles. She worked with her team to make sure that all members kept true to the story and the time period of when Hairspray takes place. Multiple times Ross had a clever use of the set. She had the actors sing through scene changes and had actors take pieces with them when they left the stage, which lessened transitions. Ross made sure that she used t...

  Once Upon a Mattress   is a musical adaptation of "The Princess and the Pea" and features Princess Winnifred's journey to win Prince Dauntless, battling royal rules and a meddling queen.  The music is by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.   This production was directed by Adam Cannon.  This was my second time seeing the show, so I could see the other cast in action. Direction: The director for this production was Adam Cannon. Cannon took a modern take to the show, where the characters weren't wearing the classic Renaissance costumes, but modern clothes. With the show being double casted, he took the strengths of each lead and let them develop their own character, separate from their counterpart. He was able to make sure that most of the actors could be seen on stage and that they all could have their moment. (There were some funny moments that I knew existed, but couldn't see them from where ...