“Tootsie” at the North Shore Music Theatre

August 1, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

The cast of TOOTSIE at North Shore Music Theatre. Photos by David Costa Photography

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

North Shore Music Theatre’s fourth show of their 69th Season is “Tootsie,” a regional debut of this musical. “Tootsie”, the musical, is based on the 1982 comedy movie of the same name written by Larry Gelbart, Barry Levinson, Elaine May, and Murray Schisgal from the story by Gelbart and Don McGuire. The musical opened on Broadway on March 29, 2019. Like the film, the musical tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but volatile actor whose reputation for being difficult forces him to adopt a new identity as a woman in order to obtain a job. The original movie revolved around a daytime soap opera, while this show involved a Broadway musical. The musical has music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Robert Horn. Director Richard J. Hinds cast these roles splendidly and elicited strong performances. He also choreographs some phenomenal dance numbers to keep the audience enthralled all night long. His associate director and choreographer, Elyn Collier aids Richard in his task. Musical director Sam Groisser not only conducts a terrific ten-piece orchestra but plays lead keyboards. Sam taught the cast all the melodious songs with soaring harmonies and brought out the best in the cast and orchestra. Together Richard and Sam bring a new original musical to North Shore Music Theatre for audiences to enjoy and savor. The talented cast is rewarded with a thunderous standing ovation at the close of the show.

“An American In Paris” at Reagle Music Theatre

August 1, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The 2024 Olympics this year are being held in Paris, and since everyone can’t be there, Reagle Music Theatre’s third show of their 55th season this summer brings Paris to the audience with their fantastic production of “An American in Paris,” the musical. This show is based on the 1951 movie of the same name, which starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. I will give a synopsis since current-day audiences might be unfamiliar with this musical.

Hub Theater’s ‘46 Plays for America’s First Ladies’ a Darkly Comic History Lesson

July 31, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Cast of the Hub Theater Company’s “46 Plays for America’s First Ladies.” Photo: Andrew Keefe

‘46 Plays for America’s First Ladies‘ – Written by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Sharon Greene, Chloe Johnston, Bilal Dardai, and Andy Bayiates; Directed by Ilyse Robbins; Set Design by Justin Lahue; Lighting Design by Emily Bearce;Sound Design by Gage Baker; and Costumes by E. Rosser. Presented by Hub Theatre Company at Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA.

By Mike Hoban

If you’re going to Hub Theater’s 46 Plays for America’s First Ladies expecting a fawning third-grade history treatment of the women who “stood behind their men,” you’re in for a surprise. That premise is obliterated in the opening vignette when Martha Washington tells the audience, “I loved slavery” and describes her time as First Lady as akin to being a “state prisoner” – which is an actual quote from the wife of the “Father of Our Country.” Wow.

Weston Drama Workshop’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ The Stuff of Dreams

July 25, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Cast of Weston Drama Workshop’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Photos by George Lucozzi

‘Phantom Of The Opera’ – Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Charles Hart. Book by Richard Stilton & Andrew Lloyd Webber; Directed by Chris Brindley. Musical Direction by Chris Holownia, SJ. Choreography by Emily Craver. Scenic Design by Kyle Stamm and Chris Fournier. Lighting Design by Kyle Stamm. Sound Design by Elliot Dupcak. Costume Design by Cat Lawrence. Make-Up & Hair Design by Grace Graham. Presented by Weston Drama Workshop at Regis College, Weston, MA, through July 27, 2024.

By Linda Chin

Set on the stage of the Paris Opera in 1905, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a devious masked figure who lives in the Opera House and falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, who he wants for his own. Phantom took its final bow in April 2023 – after 35 years, nearly 14,000 performances, and audiences of over 20 million, creating the opportunity for community, professional, and regional theater companies to apply for the rights. (Prior to the Broadway close, licensing was available only to affiliated high schools). Typically, WDW’s blockbuster seasons include newly available titles, e.g. Something Rotten (WDW 2022), Mean Girls (WDW 2023), and Six and Phantom this season.

A Cavalcade of Timeless Tunes at Cape Playhouse’s ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’

July 17, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Julia Knitel as Carole King in *‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’* at the Cape Playhouse

The Cape Playhouse Presents ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’. Book by Douglas McGrath. Words and music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. Directed by David Ruttura. Choreographed and Associate Directed by Joyce Chittick. Music Directed by Nick Williams. Scenic Design by Ryan Howell. Costume Design by Gail Baldoni. Lighting Design by Kirk Bookman. Sound Design by Emma Wilk. Wig Design by Bobbie Zlotnick. At The Cape Playhouse, Dennis, Massachusetts, through August 3, 2024.

By Linda Chin

If the buzz and camaraderie during intermission at last Saturday’s matinée of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical was an indication, audience members were having “one fine day” at The Cape Playhouse. In the multi-generational audience, traditionalists and boomers (like my plus-one and me) were well-represented, and what we had individually and collectively just experienced in the first act was a stroll down memory lane. For me, being in the historic Playhouse (which was originally a 19th-century church; the seats are wooden pews with comfy cushions), hearing beloved songs from my younger days (recognizable and filling me with anticipation from the first three chords) – and being taken back in time to moments and memories from my teen/young adult years, was surreal, even other-worldly. And, to continue the metaphor, the actors’ pitch-perfect renditions of the iconic songs on the Playhouse’s small, intimate stage, with their glorious voices and the live orchestra’s music soaring to the rafters, was spiritually uplifting, even heavenly.

Can’t Help Falling In Love With Reagle Music Theatre’s ‘All Shook Up’

July 15, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Cast of ‘All Shook Up’ at Reagle Music Theatre. Photos by Robert Pascucci.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents ALL SHOOK UP. Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. Book by Joe DiPietro. Arthur Gomez, Director. Mindy Cimini, Music Director. Larry Sousa, Choreographer. Jay Pension, Producer. Janie Howland, Set Designer. Franklin Meissner, Jr., Lighting Design. Emerald City Theatrical, Costume Design. Sebastian Nixon, Sound Design. At Reagle Music Theatre, Waltham MA, through July 21, 2024.

By Linda Chin

‘All Shook Up’. Inspired by the songs of Elvis Presley; Book by Joe DiPietro. Directed by Arthur Gomez; Music Direction by Mindy Cimini; Choreography by Larry Sousa; Set Design by Janie Howland; Lighting Design by Franklin Meissner, Jr; Costume Design by Emerald City Theatrical; Sound Design by Sebastian Nixon. Presented by Reagle Music Theatre, 675 Lexington Ave Waltham, through Sunday, July 21

All Shook Up is a jukebox musical inspired by and featuring two dozen hit songs from the Elvis Presley songbook, including “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and the titular song. Two-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro’s (Memphis) book is inspired by the comedies of William Shakespeare, including Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream,and Much Ado About Nothing. The mix of rousing (and arousing) Elvis R&B songs and Shakespearean sonnets, with some Footloose, Hairspray, and Bye Bye Birdie influences, make for a delightful and refreshing rom-com combination.

An Enchanted Evening At Goodspeed With Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’

July 10, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Cast of Goodspeed’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’

Goodspeed Musicals Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton & Managing Director David B. Byrd present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC. Music by Richard Rodgers. Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Book by Oscar Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan. Directed by Chay Yew. Choreographed by Parker Esse. Music Direction by Adam Souza. Scenic Design by Alexander Dodge. Costume Design by Juinghyun Georgia Lee. Lighting Design by Amith Chandrashaker. Sound Design by Jay Hilton. Wig & Hair Design by Tommy Kurzman. At The Goodspeed, East Haddam, CT through August 11, 2024.

by Linda Chin

When Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II’s South Pacific premiered on Broadway in 1949, it garnered massive critical and audience acclaim, sweeping the Tonys with ten awards, including Best Musical, Libretto, and Musical Score. It also was a box-office success, running for nearly two thousand performances until its final bow in 1954. Seventy years later, the show’s sensational score remains one of the most impressive in the American musical theater canon and enjoys mass appeal. Theatergoers attending Goodspeed Musicals’ production of South Pacific (through August 11, 2024) will be treated to an enchanting evening (or afternoon matinee) of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s magnificent music.

Ogunquit Playhouse’s ‘Crazy For You’ has Got Rhythm, Music, and Starlight

June 21, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

‘Crazy For You’ –Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Book by Ken Ludwig. Direction and Choreography by Angelique Ilo. Music Direction by Ken Clifton. Scenic Design by Adam Koch. Lighting Design by Richard Lara. Original Costume Design by William Ivey Long. Sound Design by Daniel Lundberg. Wig/Hair & Make-Up Design by Roxanne De Luna. Presented by Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine, through July 13, 2024.

By Linda Chin

Written by sensational songwriters George and Ira Gershwin for their 1930 musical comedy Girl Crazy, the much-loved tune “I Got Rhythm” was introduced to the New York theatre world by a young singer with a sensational belt who was making her Broadway debut. Practically overnight, the catchy song became a hit, and before long, the newbie – whose stage name was Ethel Merman – became a star. The song’s brilliant chord progressions inspired new jazz variations by Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker; its inventive rhyme sequences and uplifting lyrics sparked recordings by Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and other notable artists; and tap dance greats Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines. “I Got Rhythm” was featured prominently in the Gershwin’s’ 1992 Tony Award-winning Crazy for You.

Jennifer Ellis Shines in Reagle’s ‘South Pacific’ Revival

June 18, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific – Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Adapted from James A. Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific” Direction And Choreography by Rachel Bertone; Music Direction by David Coleman; Set Design by Janie Howland; Lighting Design by Franklin Meissner Jr.; Costume Design by Emerald City Theatrical; Sound Design by Sebastian Nixon. Presented by Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St. in Waltham, MA, through June 23, 2024.

By Mike Hoban

It’s almost summertime, and that means it’s time to roll out the classics at Waltham’s Reagle Music Theater. Artistic director Rachel Bertone has chosen two American musical theater standards, opening the season with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific and closing with Sondheim’s An American in Paris in August, with the Elvis-themed jukebox musical “All Shook Up” sandwiched in between. American musical theater standards are what Reagle does best, and it’s tough to go wrong with a show that offers a score like South Pacific’s, especially with a cast that features Boston musical stalwarts Jennifer Ellis, Christopher Chew, and Lisa Yuen.

Alice Ripley Takes Us To Dizzying Heights

June 17, 2024April 11, 2026 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Linda Chin

It is a rare actor who, when telling a story through song, can take you to dizzying heights and dark depressing nights in under four minutes. With her riveting rendition of “I Miss the Mountains” (Next to Normal) at Boston Public Radio’s Live Music Friday series on June 14th, the astonishing Alice Ripley took me up, down, and back fifteen years to Broadway’s Booth Theatre, where I saw her pitch-perfect, Tony Award-winning portrayal of Diana Goodman, a suburban housewife and mother with bipolar disorder. Ripley also sang a sensational “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserables (she played Fantine in the 1998 Broadway run). Theatre producer, composer, arranger, pianist, Grammy and Emmy winner, and force of nature John McDaniel is accompanist for both numbers.