Broadway Review

West Side Story Broadway Show Review

2009-11-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

Show Summary
West Side Story transports Shakespeare's classic romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet to the streets of 1950s Manhattan. Instead of warring Montague and Capulet families, there are warring gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Instead of swooning young lovers Romeo and Juliet, we have Tony and Maria, two teenagers who are torn between ethnic loyalty and their intense love for each other. The amazing score includes "Tonight," "Somewhere," and "Something's Coming."

Broadway Review
This exciting new production of the Broadway classic features a very energetic cast and faithfully re-creates Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography and Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's extraordinary score. The production is directed by the show's bookwriter, Arthur Laurents, who has also added a bit of a twist (and authenticity) by having the Sharks speak and sometimes sing in their native Spanish tongue.

Superior Donuts Broadway Show Review

2009-11-15T00:56:00.001-05:00

Show Summary
Arthur Przybyszewski (Michael McKean), the proprietor of a dilapidated Chicago donut shop, hires a clever young black man from the neighborhood named Franco Wicks to help out - and gets a lot more than he bargained for.

Broadway Review
Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts' newest play is nothing like his two best known works, the creepy psychological thriller Bug and the epic family drama August: Osage County. Unlike those plays, Superior Donuts is a surprisingly conventional comedy about a man with a painful past who finds that an unexpected friendship is what he needs to finally move forward with his life. It is a solid effort, both funny and touching, with notable performances from Jon Michael Hill as Franco and Yasen Peyankov as the Russian business owner who wants to buy Arthur's donut shop.

After Miss Julie Broadway Show Review

2009-11-08T20:17:00.004-05:00

Show Summary
This is Patrick Marber's version of the Strindberg classic Miss Julie, now set in 1945, just as the war has ended and the Labour Party has achieved a major political victory. With this backdrop, the privileged Miss Julie finds herself attracted to John, a servant in her household who also happens to be engaged.

Broadway Review
English writer Patrick Marber has "updated" Swedish playwright Strindberg's 1888 drama about power, sex, and class to make it relevant to a turning point in the British class system. The pscyho-sexual power struggle between privileged but frustrated Miss Julie and her servant John (who is smart and proud, but class conscious to the core) is all the more interesting when played out against the political change that is meant to sound the death knell of the old class system that these two are so hampered by. Jonny Lee Miller and Sienna Miller play their roles well, and Marin Ireland, as John's fellow servant and intended bride, is excellent as always.

South Pacific Broadway Show Review

2009-11-06T01:18:00.000-05:00

Show Summary
Set during World War II, this classic Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein musical is about a United States Navy nurse named Nellie, who finds love with a handsome French plantation owner while stationed out on an island in the South Pacific.

Broadway Review
A glorious production that truly does justice to one of the finest musicals of the Golden Age of Broadway, Lincoln Center Theatre's South Pacific deals with themes such as love, war, loyalty, and intolerance - and it does so with great memorable songs like "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime," and "There's Nothing Like a Dame".

Shrek the Musical Broadway Show Review

2009-11-03T18:11:00.000-05:00

Show Summary
Based on the adventures of the grumpy green ogre Shrek in the William Steig book and the Oscar-winning film, this new Broadway version of the funny, enchanting story features Shrek, his wisecracking sidekick Donkey, lovely Princess Fiona, vain Lord Farquaad, and a wacky chorus of neurotic fairytale creatures, with a fun, original new score.

Broadway Review
Seeing the giant cartoonish ogre live on a Broadway stage might be a bit of a shock, but the people behind Shrek the Musical have taken care to enlist Broadway's very best talents. Among them are performers Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Daniel Breaker as Donkey, and Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona; bookwriter David Lindsay-Abaire (author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Rabbit Hole and off-kilter plays Fuddy Meers and Wonder of the World); and songwriter Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change). They're sure to provide lots of fun for the whole family.

Oleanna Broadway Show Review

2009-10-31T16:04:00.002-04:00

Show Summary
A college professor (Bill Pullman) faces off with one of his female students (Julia Stiles) in this revival of the 1992 David Mamet play.

Broadway Review
Although this is not considered to be one of Mamet's best plays, and both the director and actors have made a few less-than-effective choices in this production, Oleanna still succeeds at being a fantastic conversation starter (in fact, each 80-minute performance is followed by a lively audience talkback with special panelists). Serving as a virtual Rorschach test for viewers, the play provokes questions about sexual politics, higher education, political correctness, feminism, male aggression, and class differences that will have you arguing with your theater companions for the rest of the night.

Memphis Broadway Show Review

2009-10-28T02:08:00.004-04:00

Show Summary
Inspired by the real-life story of a 1950s rock 'n' roll deejay, Memphis is about the man who brought black music to white listeners in the segregated South.

Broadway Review
Chad Kimball finally gets the breakout role he deserves as Huey Calhoun, a guy who is going nowhere until his love of "race music" - combined with his brash style and quick wit - makes him the most popular radio personality in town. Both his ego and his refusal to acknowledge the barriers of a racist society threaten his relationship with a black singer (Montego Glover). Though David Bryan's score is not nearly as strong as the real rock 'n' roll and blues music of that era, it is enjoyable and includes some standout songs; Joe DiPietro's book, with the exception of a few predictably cheesy moments, is generally smart, funny, and well-constructed; Christopher Ashley's direction is superb. Overall this is a great new Broadway musical with a good look, a hot band, an engaging story, and an excellent cast of performers to bring it to life.

Hair Broadway Show Review

2009-10-20T09:24:00.001-04:00

Show Summary
Led by the charismatic Berger, a group of spirited young idealists enjoy lives of free love and pacifism in New York City's bohemian East Village. But soon "the tribe" is faced with the harsh realities of the Vietnam War draft.

Broadway Review
Even the most jaded theatergoers can't help but enjoy classic songs like "Age of Aquarius," "Good Morning Starshine," "Easy To Be Hard," "Hair," and "Let the Sunshine In" in this sensitively directed, well-choreographed, and Tony Award-winning production of the 1967 classic musical about NYC hippies. Although many of the show's other songs are less-than-classic, and the humor can be sophomoric at times, the energetic show certainly resonates emotionally. And the Baby Boomers just love it - especially the part where the audience is invited to go up onstage and dance with the cast at the end of the show!

Mary Poppins Broadway Show Review

2009-10-15T01:23:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
A very unusual nanny (who happens to be practically perfect in every way) helps two rambunctious young children connect with their distant parents - and she shows them a bit of magic along the way. Disney's new Mary Poppins musical on Broadway is based on the beloved P.L. Travers stories and the Disney film of the same name.

Broadway Review
Fans of the books will be happy to see that this Broadway adaptation of Mary Poppins includes characters and adventures that the classic Disney film left out. Fans of the movie, on the other hand, may miss its simplicity (and a few of the songs). But everyone is sure to appreciate the excellent cast and impressive sets. Be aware that there are a few darker moments in the show that might scare smaller children.

Rock of Ages Broadway Show Review

2009-10-11T13:03:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
Former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis stars as an aspiring rocker who arrives on L.A.'s Sunset Strip with dreams of fame and glory, but instead he finds heartbreak and hard times in this tribute to the era of hard rock "hair" bands.

Broadway Review
From the little lighter-shaped flashlights they hand you when you enter the theater to the beer being served during the performance, Rock of Ages has the feel of an awesome rock concert. Oh, yeah, and then there's the music. If you lived through the '80s (and have happy memories of listening to the radio or watching MTV during those years), then you'll be grinning like an idiot and desperate to sing along as the energetic cast belts out melodic rock favorites such as Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again," and Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is". Sure, the story and dialogue is pretty silly (sometimes deliciously, sometimes cringingly), but when they start singing "Don't Stop Believing," you'll be waving your lighter in the air with everyone else.

Wishful Drinking

2009-10-06T13:18:00.001-04:00

Show Summary
In this hilarious and sometimes twisted autobiographical one-woman show, actress and writer Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies) talks about her career, the perils of growing up as the child of Hollywood stars, and her battle with substance addiction.

Our Recommendation
Fisher has already gained some practice with this solo show, which she has performed around the country. Thanks to Roundabout Theatre Company, New Yorkers are now getting a chance to see Princess Leia herself perform this non-stop funny, Hollywood anecdote-filled, theatrical memoir live on Broadway.

Hamlet

2009-10-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
A Danish prince wants to avenge his father's murder in William Shakespeare's most famous tragedy.

Our Recommendation
Following sold-out runs in both London and Elsinore (where the play takes place), this production of Hamlet finally arrives on Broadway. It's a great opportunity for fans of major screen star (and frequent stage actor) Jude Law to see him tackle every actor's dream role.

A Steady Rain

2009-10-02T13:02:00.003-04:00

Show Summary
Hugh Jackman (X-Men and Wolverine on screen, The Boy From Oz on Broadway) and Daniel Craig (the James Bond series) star as Chicago cops in this two-man drama by Keith Huff.

Our Recommendation
Who would want to pass up the chance to see these two major movie stars (who already proved their stage chops before they gained fame on the silver screen) go head to head in a tough-guy play?

Bye Bye Birdie

2009-09-30T13:56:00.001-04:00

Show Summary
This musical theater classic follows what happens when popular Elvis-style rock 'n' roll singer Conrad Birdie is drafted into the army.

Our Recommendation
This is a great choice for a family looking for some good clean fun and who don't want to see yet another Disney show. The production stars John Stamos (TV's Full House) and Gina Gershon, and the score features classic songs like "Put On A Happy Face," "Kids," and "A Lot of Livin' To Do".

Mamma Mia Broadway Show Review

2009-09-26T01:19:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
Set in the Greek islands, Mamma Mia incorporates nearly two dozen songs by international pop sensation ABBA into its lively story about soon-to-married Sophie, her free-spirited single mom Donna, and three men from Donna's past -- one of whom, Sophie hopes to discover, is her father.

Broadway Review
Mamma Mia has become a global smash since its West End debut in 1999, and its biggest fans are usually the middle-aged crowd who fondly remember the disco days of ABBA. Women in particular enjoy watching fun-loving Donna and her two wacky best friends reminiscing about their wild youth, when they were in a singing trio. Since the plot is a bit thin and the tone decidedly silly, the upbeat musical Mamma Mia is best appreciated as a big Broadway-style ABBA concert.

The Lion King Broadway Show Review

2009-09-22T01:11:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
Based on the beloved Disney animated film of the same name, Disney's The Lion King is about a young lion who flees his home after being convinced that he was responsible for his father's death.

Broadway Show Review
Though some aspects of this Broadway adaptation of the original movie still seem a bit too cartoonish, the new African-inspired music and director/designer Julie Taymor's breathtaking puppetry and gorgeous stage effects make The Lion King Disney's most innovative stage show so far.

Jersey Boys Broadway Show Review

2009-09-19T00:38:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
This fascinating biographical Broadway musical tells the amazing story of how a group of tough young guys from New Jersey became the internationally renowned hit-making pop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Broadway Review
Jersey Boys is a both a smartly-written play about four men chasing after -- and dealing with the pitfalls of -- fame, and an unforgettable concert rolled into one terrific Broadway show. Wonderfully sung and staged versions of all the Frankie Valli/Four Seasons hits are here, including "Walk Like a Man," "Oh What a Night," "Sherry," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".

In the Heights Broadway Show Review

2009-09-16T00:28:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
The vibrant northern Manhattan neighborhood called Washington Heights comes to thrilling life in this rhythmic and heartfelt Broadway musical about the denizens of a changing community.

Broadway Review
One of the most exciting new Broadway musicals of the last few years, the Tony-winning sensation In the Heights has an original musical score by newcomer Lin-Manuel Miranda that includes Latin, hip-hop, and plain old-fashioned Broadway ballads. With Andy Blankenbuehler's electric choreography and terrific performances by a diverse and talented cast, In the Heights brings the flavor of the New York City streets to the Broadway stage.

Wicked Broadway Show Review

2009-09-13T18:55:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
In this popular Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire's bestselling novel (a kind of "prequel" to The Wizard of Oz), we learn how Elphaba, a sensitive and misunderstood green-skinned college student in the land of Oz, came to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Broadway Review
This Broadway musical spectacle is especially loved by tweens, who can relate to its tale of a different young woman struggling to fit in, but audiences of all ages can appreciate the show's themes about prejudice and friendship, as well as the pop-infused score by Stephen Schwartz featuring songs like the soaring "Defying Gravity". If you're thinking of bringing your pre-tweens, bear in mind that, as in The Wizard of Oz itself, there are some scary scenes.

God of Carnage Broadway Show Review

2009-09-07T00:19:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
This new dark comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza (author of the Tony Award-winning play Art) is about the aftermath of a playground fight between two boys and what happens when their parents meet to talk about it.

Broadway Review
Reza's latest Broadway show, starring Marcia Gay Harden, Sopranos' James Gandolfini, Hope Davis, and Jeff Daniels, is a very funny but very dark look at marriage and manners. Though the ultimate point of the Tony-winning God of Carnage - other than perhaps to illustrate that seemingly well-behaved adults can act with as much unthinking cruelty as their young children - is unclear, it is a great delight to watch its four talented stars throw themselves into verbal and physical combat with such relish.

The Phantom of the Opera Broadway Show Review

2009-09-02T01:23:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
A disfigured man who secretly lives beneath the Paris Opera House becomes obsessed with a beautiful young singer and "haunts" the owners until they make her the star of the opera.

Broadway Review
This romantic musical tends to be especially liked by female audiences, but in its 20-year Broadway run it has become popular with viewers of all kinds. The lush Andrew Lloyd Webber score boasts modern classics "Music of the Night," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "All I Ask of You". Despite the Phantom's penchant for seductive ballads, he's a disturbed guy, so be aware that this often eerie musical does feature kidnapping and murder.

Chicago Broadway Show Review

2009-08-28T00:14:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
Blonde bombshell Roxie Hart kills her lover and becomes an overnight celebrity as a result of her crime in this cynical satire of corruption in the criminal justice system set in 1920s Chicago.

Broadway Review
There is virtually no set in Chicago, so don't go to this particular Broadway musical expecting fancy visuals or bright colors. The appeal of this long-running Broadway revival is its sharp sense of humor, the sexy Bob Fosse-style choreography, and the jazzy tunes by the songwriting team of John Kander & Fred Ebb ("All That Jazz"). Skimpy costumes, suggestive dancing, and sassy anti-heroines who murder without remorse make this musical suitable for more mature audiences.

Burn The Floor Show Review

2009-08-23T17:07:00.004-04:00

Show Summary
Burn the Floor takes the viewer on a journey through time and around the world with Latin and ballroom dance (with a modern twist), as championship dancers Foxtrot, Lindy Hop, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive, Waltz, and Tango their way across the stage.

Our Recommendation
This blazing hot show (which has already toured the world before finally arriving on Broadway) is an homage to the best of international dance, showing the audience nearly every style of dance imaginable. Fans of TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance? will appreciate the opportunity to see this passionate artform in a live setting.

Avenue Q Broadway Show Review

2009-08-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
A recent university grad moves into his first apartment and navigates love, work, friendships, and the challenges of everyday life in this Sesame Street-style satire of post-college life.

Broadway Review
The combination of puppets and actors may make Avenue Q look like a kids' show, but songs such as "The Internet is for Porn" and "If You Were Gay" point to a much more adult sensibility. Clever jokes about everything from racism to the difficulty of finding your purpose in life make this modern musical comedy a particular favorite among the twenty and thirtysomething crowd. But just about anyone who has ever made the transition to adulthood (and, preferably, has also seen Sesame Street) can relate to the people and puppets of Avenue Q.

Billy Elliot Broadway Show Review

2009-08-14T18:19:00.000-04:00

Show Summary
Set against the backdrop of a lengthy and massive coal miners' strike that took place in Northern England in the 1980s, Billy Elliot is about a motherless boy who wants to give up his boxing lessons and learn to be a dancer instead.

Broadway Review
A musical version of the British independent film of the same name, Billy Elliot has been a huge hit in London's West End and is now wowing Broadway. Lee Hall has written a solid and sometimes pleasantly surprising adaptation of his own screenplay, and together he and famed singer/songwriter Elton John have created a functional score that is pretty good, though seldom soars. Billy Elliot's greatest strengths are its stars (a few extraordinarily talented boys alternate in the title role), director Stephen Daldry's inspired staging, and Peter Darling's electric choreography.