Studio Tenn's DRIVING MISS DAISY Beautifully Captures The Spirit of Alfred Uhry's Play
by Jeffrey Ellis - Mar 11, 2024
Alfred Uhry is a Southern writer who knows our region better than most and he uses the power of his words and the artistry of his pen to create moments and scenes in plays and musicals that are as authentic as the little rivulets of condensation that snake their way down the outside of a glass of iced tea on a too-hot afternoon in March, for goodness’ sake.
Review: RIDE THE CYCLONE at Theatre South Playhouse
by Joseph Harrison - Mar 3, 2024
It is hard to tell when a piece of pop culture is going to have a cult following. Would Richard O’Brien have believed you back in 1973 when THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW premiered in London if you told him that his quirky, but outrageously fun, musical would still be creating midnight madness all around the world some 50+ years later? The formula for a phenomenon like that is hard to nail down. Is it the bold characters? The catchy and electric music? The slightly subversive undertones? As exciting as they can be, they don’t come around every day. Which is why it was so electric to be in the room at Theatre South Playhouse in Dr. Phillips on opening night for the Central Florida premiere of RIDE THE CYCLONE, a musical that has been growing a cult following of its own over the last few years, mostly due to a viral explosion of content on social media especially with the younger generation of musical theatre fans. And, based on the packed house of enthusiastic and excited theatergoers, seeing this performance was something special for many, and I can see why. In the highly skilled creative hands of the folks at Theatre South Playhouse, RIDE THE CYCLONE, is a thrilling, entertaining, energetic, and sometimes poignant evening of theatre that you don’t have to be a super-fan to thoroughly enjoy.
Review: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at New Theatre & Restaurant
by Alan Portner - Feb 17, 2024
Victor Trevino, Jr. as Elvis Presley is brilliant in New Theatre & Restaurant’s new Tribute Concert to the “King” called “Aloha from Vegas.” To get much closer to Elvis, you need a time machine.
Review: BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL at Bass Concert Hall
by Joni Lorraine - Feb 7, 2024
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.
Review: A CHORUS LINE at Toby's Sings And Dances Its Way Into Your Heart
by Cybele Pomeroy - Feb 4, 2024
A CHORUS LINE at Toby’s in Columbia through March 10th, 2024- Staff are warm and helpful, the atmosphere is welcoming and the production is wonderful. If you’re a fan of musical theater, A CHORUS LINE will resonate. It’s a visual and auditory delight, with complex dance numbers and Marvin Hamlisch’s memorable melodies.
Review: WHISKEY & SODA at The Off-Central Players
by Drew Eberhard - Feb 3, 2024
“IMAGINE...” a table is set, where a meeting is to soon take place between Britain’s First Female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and an Ex-Beatle, John Lennon. This is what is laid forth in Ben Randall’s Whiskey & Soda currently onstage at the Off-Central Players.
Review: The McCallum Theatre Hosts an Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth
by Gilmore Rizzo - Jan 29, 2024
From the moment her iconic voice could be heard singing a gentle ballad version of 'Que Sera Sera' from off-stage the audience could feel that familiar warmth of authenticity fill the entire theatre. A friend, an ally, a spiritual powerhouse of talent was about to enter. When the gorgeous 4'11' frame dressed in a navy blue sequin knee-length dress, and silver three-inch bejeweled platform heels walked into the spotlight she was greeted by thunderous applause. With every word she sang of the 1956 Doris Day hit it felt like a large invisible hand reached out and captured all 1,127 people in attendance; we gladly remained there for the duration of the evening.
Everything Coming to Max This February
by Michael Major - Jan 23, 2024
Max announces programming coming to the platform this February, including the debut of the twelfth and final season of HBO Original CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (2/4). Check out the full list of everything coming to stream on Max in February!
Review: Broadway Talents Honor Olivia Newton-John at OC's Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Jan 19, 2024
Hosted by Scott Coulter at OC's Segerstrom Center, this beautifully-curated 'greatest hits' showcase celebrating Olivia Newton-John provided an entertaining tribute, delivered via superb performances from the likes of Jessica Hendy, David Burnham, and Mike Schwitter, plus a first-person testimonial from her longtime producer John Farrar.
Barbra Streisand to Receive the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
by Michael Major - Dec 14, 2023
Barbra Streisand will be honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment in 2024. The SAG Life Achievement Award will join Streisand's numerous accolades, including being an EGOT winner. Recent honorees include Sally Field, Helen Mirren, Carol Burnett, Morgan Freeman, Lily Tomlin, and more.
Dylan Alcott AO Will Star as The Narrator in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW in Sydney
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2023
The 50th Anniversary world tour continues its global celebrations in honour of iconic Rock ‘N' Roll musical The Rocky Horror Show in 2024. This new Australian production will return to Theatre Royal Sydney from March 31 starring Jason Donovan and joining him and the cast as the Narrator will be Dylan Alcott!