Why see it:
But for me The Color Purple was from the Blockbuster era, meaning this touring show had VHS-like shortcomings and there are now better options. Still, I’m pleased to have seen the landmark musical and know the story, despite critiques you’ll read here.
What Does Love Sound Like? -by Padgett Gerler
The pace at which this book progresses is as perfect as any I have read. It is imaginative but does not wander. Upon wading in, there is a flow like waves on the ocean as segments of the story well up to capture your full interest. When one element passes, an equally interesting aspect is there to take its place.
When will the movie be made?
Continue reading Book Review: “What Does Love Sound Like?”
To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters– by Kathryn Quigg, G.C. Hendricks
My review begins in the book-of-letters style for “To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters.”
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author Kathryn Watson Quigg,
Brilliant! Your letters communicate the sprouting of a flower, the search for understanding, and the striving mind of youth.
Fondly,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author G. C. Hendricks,
Equally brilliant! Your letters remained focused, cut like a scalpel, and expose vulnerabilities below a hardened surface.
Faithfully,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Continue reading Book Review: “To Any Soldier”
Disney delivers a classic with impressive staging.
The Frozen musical began previews when I visited New York City. It was elected (1 in favor, 1 abstention) that I should see the Broadway creation drawn from this modern film classic.
The show began eagerly, with costumed characters taking their positions … in the seats! Scores of children came dressed as Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Staff passed out booster cushions. “Abracadabra.” There was magic in the air from the outset.
Act 1: The cast had their roles honed.
Act 2: Some roughness showed the necessity of previews.
Continue reading Frozen -Musical
Off-Broadway drama cast with characters to savor
Summary and thoughts:
Dramatic plays have been my favorite stage craft. In this era they are drowned out by musicals, but some digging may uncover a gem.
The shiny object drawing me to Party Face is Hayley Mills, who acquired fame in movies as a child. A handful of partners glow equally under these lights, each a unique character. Six actresses give a solid effort.
Continue reading Party Face -Drama
Those grounded without choice meet those grounded with character.
Summary and thoughts:
This is a musical to be seen and a story to be known. The non-stop performers wonderfully portray the actions of plain and plane folk under extraordinary stress.
The term “Come From Away” refers to the unexpected influx of 38 aircraft with nearly 7,000 international passengers to Gander, Newfoundland, diverted there September 11, 2001. The Canadian town’s population is only slightly greater than the guest list, but it has one out-sized asset and discovers another.
Continue reading Come From Away -Musical
> > > humor on < < <
Paris: The City of Light
-Les Mis tour: Not enough light.
Les Misérables aficionados talk about it “24 / 7”
-Les Misérables fanatics rave about it “2,4 / 6,0,1”
> > > humor(?) off < < <
“Les Misérables” returned to the DPAC stage in early February, more familiar and more reliable than any groundhog (American cultural reference for February). This show is partly spectacle, reminding me that it was the first on Broadway to stun me with its staging. It is mostly classic musical theater, reminding me that I’m not a pure fan of that genre (see below). This night there was much to like.
Continue reading Les Misérables -Musical
