Author Archives

• Mental Captivation with Mark Toland’s “Mind Reader”

  By Laura Caton on July 3, 2019

  Mystery, mentalist Mark Toland notes in his new show Mind Reader, is in fairly short supply these days. After all, most of us carry infinitely-knowledgeable computers in our pockets; at a moment’s notice, we can access any piece of information we… Read More ›

• It’s the One That You Want: Pittsburgh CLO’s “Grease” Serves Up Summer Fun at the Benedum

  By Laura Caton on June 12, 2019

    I have the sneaking suspicion there’s not much point in writing a review of Grease: your initial reaction to even the word is probably all you need to know. If your reaction is a positive one, I’m happy to tell… Read More ›

• Elevating Magic in Billy Kidd’s “Bridging the Gap”

  By Laura Caton on May 28, 2019

  If you’ve walked down Liberty Avenue around 9th Street in the last few months, you’ve doubtlessly noticed the storefront for Liberty Magic (and maybe even recognized the trick it depicts): a life-size replica of Houdini’s water torture cell, complete with… Read More ›

• Front Porch Theatricals Assembles A Constellation of Talent in “Bright Star”

  By Laura Caton on May 21, 2019

  As has often been noted, the original Broadway production of Bright Star had the misfortune of opening in the same season as Hamilton, which would have left any competitors in the dust; but Bright Star faced the additional hurdle of never really being destined for… Read More ›

• Fringe Day 3: Laura Experiences Some Holy Ghosting

  By Laura Caton on April 16, 2019

  By LAURA CATON A friend of mine likes to say his favorite comedies are the ones that are hilariously funny right up to the moment they aren’t—a moment when the truth of the humor tips into just plain truth, and… Read More ›