By SHARON EBERSON A dictator’s wife behaves like a spoiled child, oblivious to her people’s cries of anguish. What could possibly go wrong? The First Lady of the USA premiere play First Lady is named Ishtar (borrowed from the infamous… Read More ›
review
Review: High-Octane Effects Power ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’
From the first appearance of the iconic DeLorean time machine on the Benedum Center stage, “Back to the Future: The Musical” takes off with the whoop and wow of a theme park attraction, powered by high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing special effects wizardry. Just as in the original 1985 movie, there’s magic in the DeLorean’s journey to the past, with the added thrill of seeing it all happen live, courtesy of the national tour presented by Pittsburgh CLO.
Review: ‘Some Like It Hot’ Dances Up a Storm to Reheat a Film Classic
“Some Like It Hot,” the musical, pays tribute to the “enduring treasure” of a film, with antics and jokes that are a throwback to the Roaring ’20s, plus an updated twist or two, for a rollicking, old-fashioned, good-time night at the theater.
Review: Timely Satire Fuels Public’s Fiery ‘Trouble in Mind’
By SHARON EBERSON Actress Wiletta Mayer has been invisible in plain sight, without even realizing it. But that’s about change. After 25 years as a performer, the Black actress has earned what should be the role of a lifetime. She… Read More ›
Review: Hear ‘& Juliet’ Roar, With Sparkle, Wit and Pop Hits
By SHARON EBERSON For those of you who give jukebox musicals a general thumb’s down, even you might find yourself giving a high five to & Juliet. Star-crossed though they may seem, it turns out that the Renaissance and the… Read More ›
Review: Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘The Music Man’ Remains as Americana as Apple Pie
By SHARON EBERSON The Music Man reminds us of a time when hardworking, small-town folk cherished simple pleasures, a time when women gossiped, men feuded, teens rebelled, and a charming, cunning con man could make a dishonest living among them. … Read More ›
Review: ‘Fishy Woo Woo’ Possesses Sitcom-Ready Laughs, With Lots of Heart
By SHARON EBERSON Let’s get right to it, because I know you’re wondering: What the heck is Fishy Woo Woo? By the time the newly minted, uproarious comedy by Monteze Freeland reveals the answer, you’ll find that there’s nothing fishy… Read More ›
Review: Kinetic Theatre’s World-Premiere Comedy Gives Moliere and Enemas Their Due
By Sharon Eberson The highest praise for a comedy that strives to honor the French master Moliere is that it pummels hypocrisy and is as thought-provoking as it is laugh-inducing. Simon Bradbury’s The Illustrious Invalid accomplishes all of the above…. Read More ›