Hanover Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Thoroughly Embodies the Spirit of Timeless Classic

December 18, 2022 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Hanover Theatre in Worcester

by Mike Hoban

With so many different takes on the iconic Dickens holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol” over the years – from the 1938 Alistair Sim movie to the surprisingly accurate 1962 Mr. Magoo cartoon to the well-intentioned but heavy-handed progressive versions now appearing on some New England stages – the production now underway at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester is a welcome return to the original story, but one that also reflects the diversity of today’s society and audiences. Faithfully adapted by director Troy Siebels, this version brings us back to the streets of Victorian England, where income inequality and the attitudes of the moneyed class towards the working poor will look all too familiar.

‘The Prom’ at Hanover Theater is a Musical Comedy Blast

April 27, 2022April 28, 2022 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of ‘Prom’ at Hanover Theatre in Worcester

The Prom – Music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Book by Bob Martin and Beguelin. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Scenic design, Scott Pask; costumes, Ann Roth and Matthew Pachtman; lighting, Natasha Katz; sound, Brian Ronan; wigs and hair, Josh Marquette; arrangements and orchestrations, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Larry Hochman and Glen Kelly; music direction, Chris Gurr. Presented at the Hanover Theatre through May 1.

by Mike Hoban

The Prom, now playing at Worcester’s HanoverTheatre through Sunday, is a show that really accentuates the ‘comedy’ in musical comedy. This witty send-up of celebrity activism hits its comic mark far more often than not, as a quartet of chronically self-absorbed Broadway actors try to rehabilitate their reputations by embracing a cause célèbre, with painful but often hilarious results.

THT Rep Takes On COVID with (Live) ‘Edgar Allan Poe Double Header’

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

‘Edgar Allan Poe Double Header’ – Written by Edgar Alan Poe. Directed by Olivia D’Ambrosio Scanlon. Presented by The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts at the BrickBox Theater in the Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20 Franklin St., Worcester 01608 through October 25.

“You fancy me mad.”

That phrase is taken from “The Telltale Heart”, the chilling short story which makes up the first half of The Hanover Theatre Repertory’s (THT Rep) much-appreciated Edgar Allan Poe Double Header, serving as the de facto opening line of the show’s first preview. But it could just have easily have been spoken by attendees of the performance to friends and family who may have questioned the sanity of those who dared to go back to live theater.

National Tour of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Lands in Worcester

March 5, 2020 michaelhobanLeave a comment

*Ryan Umbarila, Cody Garcia in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Hanover Theatre*

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The magical musical that is Hanover Theatre’s current National Tour of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” brings us into the world of Willy Wonka, the world famous candy creator. Dahl wrote over 30 books throughout his career. This version is based on the author’s 1964 classic book and uses some of the Academy Award nominated songs from the 1971 movie version “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley as well as fresh new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman who also wrote “Hairspray, the Musical.” Hidden in Willy Wonka chocolate bars are five golden tickets which will allow five children into his factory. Charlie Bucket and four others are the winners of these tickets, granting them access into this marvelous and mysterious factory. The five of them begin a mesmerizing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination where each of these children learn life lessons as well as having tantalizing treats and seeing incredible inventions along the way. The children have to learn to follow Wonka’s rules or face the consequences. The moral of the story in all these incarnations is telling the truth and being a nice person does always pay off. Though audiences might think this is a show just for children, it is one for the child in all of us (at any age) who yearn for the days of nice people and truth tellers to return to the forefront once again. This high energy musical is beautifully directed by Matt Lens, and excellently musically directed by Kelly Thomas, with an 8 piece orchestra and some incredible and breathtaking choreography by Alison Solomon, who mold their 28 multitalented cast members into these iconic roles. Their marvelous insight into this show wins all of them a prolonged standing ovation.

A BRONX TALE, THE MUSICAL – Hanover Theatre

January 2, 2020January 21, 2020 michaelhobanLeave a comment

‘A Bronx Tale: The Musical’ at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The current Broadway National Tour to play the historic Hanover Theatre in Worcester is “A Bronx Tale, the Musical” which is based on the play by the same name. The book is by Chazz Palminteri while the music is by Alan Menkin, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The original one man play was a story of a young New York boy’s tough childhood in the 1960’s where he is torn by his father’s old school ethics and a life of crime which is based on Chazz’s traumatic childhood encounter with murder. It is a coming of age story about reaching your full potential and trusting your heart. This version took ten years to write and be developed from a one man show eventually being adapted into a new musical. It premiered at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey on February 4, 2016. It opened on Broadway on December 1, 2016, ran for 700 performances and was co-directed by Robert DiNero, who directed the original film, and Jerry Zaks who directed the one man show in 2007. This touring version is directed by Stephen Edlund. The fabulous high energy choreography was by Sergio Trujillo in the original Broadway show while the touring choreographer is Britanny Conigatti. Conductor David Alan Brown keeps the harmonic balance between the performers and his 10 piece orchestra splendidly with the dance numbers performed in perfect unison. This coming of age musical will leave you laughing and crying in all the right spots. Bravo on a job very well done and a spontaneous standing ovation as its reward.

‘Waitress’ Charms at Hanover Theatre

May 1, 2019May 28, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Sugar, butter and flour are the ingredients needed by Jenna, the waitress who is the leading character in The American Repertory Theater’s “Waitress”, the musical which is part of the Broadway series at the historic Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. This big hit musical is an adaptation of Adrienne Shelley’s 2007 movie about a small town girl trapped in an unhappy marriage but able to bake absolutely scrumptious pies. Jenna’s unhappy marriage is just like her mother’s marriage to her thuglike father who constantly abused her. Jenna’s mother took solace in baking pies which in turn is what her daughter does, too. The premise is reminiscent of “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” movie as well as the TV version “Alice” with Mel’s Diner in it. Diane Paulus is the director while Lorin Latarro is the choreographer. Jessie Nelson wrote the libretto for this show while pop singer, Sara Bareilles wrote the musical numbers. Her songs include country flavor for the most part and some Broadway pop style numbers thrown into the mix, too. Musical director Robert Cookman and his six piece orchestra are onstage with their incredible musical accompaniment. Both the storyline and musical numbers charm and entrance the audience from start to finish with some of the most unique working class characters ever written for a Broadway show. Their struggles and hoping for a brighter future hit home with contemporary audiences yearning for the same things.

THE KING & I Soars at Hanover Theatre

May 16, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The closing Broadway series musical of Hanover Theatre’s ninth season is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s, “The King & I”, one of the duos best work. This version won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2015. They based this musical on the true story of English school teacher, Anna Leonowens and the seven years she spent in Siam. This story is as fresh and meaningful as it was in her autobiography called “Anna and the King of Siam” which was turned into a movie under the same title. Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the modernistic King sends for the schoolteacher to tutor his many children and wives in the chauvinistic culture of the Eastern world. Two worlds collide in this exquisite and breathtaking musical and is told against the backdrop of the Orient. It also makes a strong statement about a woman’s place in the male dominated society of the 1860’s and by using the example of star crossed lovers, it shows the evilness of slavery. College of Holy Cross graduate Bartlet Sher returns in triumph to Worcester with the musical hit that he directed on Broadway to entrance audiences at the historic Hanover Theatre. He brings this meaningful musical masterpiece to life winning it and his multitalented cast a resounding and well deserved standing ovation as its reward.

Hanover Theatre Delivers an Exuberant ‘JERSEY BOYS’

March 16, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The latest National Tour musical at the historic Hanover Theatre is the Tony Award winning musical “Jersey Boys”, about the lives and career of the pre-boomer pop group, The Four Seasons. The show is set to a dozen of classic rock tunes by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe. Writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice have fashioned a touching bittersweet book from the real life stories of Frankie Valli (Castelluchio), Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio, four guys from the ‘hood’ who became the original members of the Four Seasons. It takes place in the Garden State in the 1950’s and contains unsavory elements found in “The Godfather” films and “The Sopranos” TV series including jail, loan sharks, drugs, OD’s and causal sex.

A Timeless “CHRISTMAS CAROL” at Hanover Theatre

December 16, 2017December 21, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Hanover Theatre’s holiday show this year is the 10th Anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol” which is an annual favorite. This musical version of this well known holiday tale was adapted and directed by Troy Siebels. “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless story that still resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is as genuine and poignant now as it was when it was first written back in 1843. This splendid musical version captures the true spirit and meaning of the holiday season for everyone.