Phillip Valys reviewed Leah Nanako Winkler's "Death of Syney Black", presented by Thinking Cap Theatre, for the Sun-Sentinel.
Your South Florida Theatre's Production Pictures Here
Contact SFTN to find out how to get your production pictures posted here on our blog.
Your South Florida Theatre's Production Pictures Here
Contact SFTN to find out how to get your production pictures posted here on our blog.
Your South Florida Theatre's Production Pictures Here
Contact SFTN to find out how to get your production pictures posted here on our blog.
Your South Florida Theatre's Production Pictures Here
Contact SFTN to find out how to get your production pictures posted here on our blog.
Your South Florida Theatre's Production Pictures Here
Contact SFTN to find out how to get your production pictures posted here on our blog.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
New show reviews for the week of Nov. 14
Bill Hirschman reviewed Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" being performed at The Broward Center For The Performing Arts for Florida Theater On Stage.
Camille Lamb reviewed The Alliance Theatre Lab's production of Kenneth Lonergan's "Lobby Hero" for the Miami Culture Blog: The Cultist.
Christine Dolen reviewed The M Ensemble's production of August Wilson's "Radio Golf" for The Miami Herald.
Richard J. Simon and the Mosaic Theatre presents "Lombardi" staring Ray Abruzzo.
Roger Martin has reviewed the production for Miami ArtZine.
J. Barry Lewis and the Palm Beach DramaWorks presents Arthur Miller's "All My Sons".
Christine Dolen has reviewed the production for The Miami Herald.
Genie Croft and The Boca Raton Theatre Guild presents Charles Busch's "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife".
Rod Stafford Hagwood has reviewed for the production for Sun-Sentinel.
Dan Kelly and The Stage Door Theatre (Broward) presents "Guys and Dolls".
J.W. Arnold has reviewed the production for South Florida Gay News.
"...this refurbished and re-imagined production has rediscovered some of the loveliness and magic that the road has worn off..."
Camille Lamb reviewed The Alliance Theatre Lab's production of Kenneth Lonergan's "Lobby Hero" for the Miami Culture Blog: The Cultist.
"..the script's shades of gray are painted with a capable hand, with some exceptions."
Christine Dolen reviewed The M Ensemble's production of August Wilson's "Radio Golf" for The Miami Herald.
"Radio Golf isn’t Wilson’s finest play; but seeing a great playwright’s final work, with its themes and links to his other plays, serves as a reminder of Wilson’s wondrous achievement. "
Richard J. Simon and the Mosaic Theatre presents "Lombardi" staring Ray Abruzzo.
Roger Martin has reviewed the production for Miami ArtZine.
"There's a thinness to the story, no surprises, a life led and then it's over."John Thomason has reviewed the prodution for The Broward/Palm Beach New Times.
"A 'Sopranos' Star Revives a Paragon of Pigskin."Christine Dolen has reviewed the Production for The Miami Herald.
"Mosaic Theatre brings a winning form to a drama that isn’t quite playoff caliber."
J. Barry Lewis and the Palm Beach DramaWorks presents Arthur Miller's "All My Sons".
Christine Dolen has reviewed the production for The Miami Herald.
"Dramaworks stages a tour de force."Mary Damiano has reviewed the production for Florida Theater On Stage.
"..the new space has allowed Palm Beach Dramaworks to amp up the quality work they’ve always done, resulting in a production that should keep the house full every performance.."
Genie Croft and The Boca Raton Theatre Guild presents Charles Busch's "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife".
Rod Stafford Hagwood has reviewed for the production for Sun-Sentinel.
"...the play just can't wrench itself away from a strong sitcom feel."Mary Damiano has reviewed the production for Florida Theater On Stage.
"...a handsome production by the Boca Raton Theatre Guild."
Dan Kelly and The Stage Door Theatre (Broward) presents "Guys and Dolls".
J.W. Arnold has reviewed the production for South Florida Gay News.
"Despite the reliance on canned tracks, this production consistently delivers with even musical performances all around."Bill Hirschman has reviewed the production for Florida Theater On Stage.
"..Broward Stage Door misfires.."Rod Stafford Hagwood has reviewed the production for Sun-Sentinel.
"..heavy on the visuals, light on the charm..", but still a safe bet.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
News from last week in case you missed it.
Manuel Carbonell, the man who re-designed the award that honors the best of local theater every year and whom that award is named after died last Thursday at the age of 93. Christine Dolen wrote a wonderful obituary for the man on her blog, The Drama Queen and then expanded upon it for the readership of the Miami Herald.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Mod Musical: SHOUT!
The Lake Worth Playhouse Presents
The Mod Musical: SHOUT!
Co-Creators: Phillip George and David Lowenstein
Nov 17 – Dec 4
The Mod Musical: SHOUT!
Co-Creators: Phillip George and David Lowenstein
Nov 17 – Dec 4
Only 3 more chances to get THRILLED and get $5 off the ticket price
You only have one more week to see the South Florida premiere of THRILL ME and get $5 off the admission price when you use the promotional code BLOG at checkout from the Rising Action Theatre Website Box Office. . THRILL ME is the true story of Leopold and Loeb, the so-called thrill killers, who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to try and commit the perfect crime. Critics have been raving about and (Dare I say it.) THRILLED (Yes, I went there!) with this production.
Michelle Solomon, wrote: "The intimate space provides yet another layer of drama for Rising Action Theatre’s taut productionas. Bryan C. Ortega, as the arrogant and confident Richard Loeb, plays the character true to its writing as a Nietzsche-worshiping “superior being.” Christopher Michaels, as Leopold, inhabits his character, giving a strong performance, both dramatically and vocally. This is the more demanding role of the two as the script calls for his character to frequently change moods. Thrill Me isn’t an easy undertaking, but the verdict is more than clear; Rising Action Theater’s production is must-see thrilling.
And Christine Dolen wrote: Thrill Me explores myriad facets of ugliness in what becomes a killer relationship. (Bryan) Ortega and Christopher Michaels sing well, individually and together, as they bring their characters to creepy fruition. (Bryan) Ortega is particularly chilling as he sings Roadster, smiling and improvising as he entices the unseen Bobby into the car where death awaits. The production values are simple yet moodily effective, the piano so much better than recorded music, and the small-scale musical just right for the space.
And Christine Dolen wrote: Thrill Me explores myriad facets of ugliness in what becomes a killer relationship. (Bryan) Ortega and Christopher Michaels sing well, individually and together, as they bring their characters to creepy fruition. (Bryan) Ortega is particularly chilling as he sings Roadster, smiling and improvising as he entices the unseen Bobby into the car where death awaits. The production values are simple yet moodily effective, the piano so much better than recorded music, and the small-scale musical just right for the space.
Come by and see the show during this last week and say hello to the sound guy running the show, for he shall be me.
Current Productions for the week of November 14, 2011
54 Forever at The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
on the University of Miami campus Until Nov 19
Once upon a time in New York City, there was a magical disco that everyone clamored to get into. Passing through Studio 54’s velvet ropes were the world’s most famous stars, politicians, and athletes — the glitterati of the 1980s. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is presenting the first production of Tommy Tune’s exciting and glamorous musical portrait of the world’s most famous nightclub. South Florida theatre audiences are the first to experience this exciting new musical.
Thrill Me - The Leopold and Lobe Musical
at Rising Action Theatre Until Nov 20
The South Florida premiere of the acclaimed musical based on the true story of Leopold and Loeb, the so-called thrill killers who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit the perfect crime. While this crime was previously depicted in the film dramas Hitchcock's Rope and Compulsion, this is the first musical version, and the most frank in revealing the couple's mutual sexual attraction.
After The Revolution
at The Caldwell Theatre Company Until Nov 20
After the Revolution is the story of the brilliant, promising Emma Joseph who proudly carries the torch of her family's Marxist tradition, devoting her life to the memory of her grandfather, much revered for refusing to “name names” during the McCarthy hearings. But when history reveals a shocking truth about the man himself, the entire family is forced to confront questions of honesty and allegiance they thought had been resolved.
Captiva
at Zoetic Stage Until Nov 20
Over the course of a weekend reunion, three siblings come together in the hopes of celebration and re-connection.When their parents join them, rivalry, sex and a hurricane turn the family upside down. Stranded together, they are forced to face each other with honesty and bottles of wine. Captiva is a smart and stinging contemporary comedy about family, fear and the future.
The Tale Of The Alergist Wife
at The Boca Raton Theatre Guild Until Nov 20
Marjorie Taub: shopaholic, avid reader, loved by her devoted husband...but her beloved psychiatrist has just died, her mother obsesses about her gastric tract and her husband is now retired and devoted to sinus infections for the homeless. After a breakdown in the Disney store...what is Marjorie to do? Enter her friend from the past, Lee Greene...who has a few secrets of her own!
Lobby Hero
at The Alliance Theatre Lab Until Nov 27
When Jeff, a luckless young security guard, is drawn into a local murder investigation, loyalties are strained to the breaking point. As Jeff's tightly wound supervisor is called to bear witness against his troubled brother, and an attractive rookie cop finds she must stand up to her seasoned partner, truth becomes elusive and justice proves costly.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Until Nov 27
Based on the Academy® Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity
Death for Sydney Black
at The Thinking Cap Theatre Until Nov 27
Death for Sydney Black represents offoffBroadway-style theatre at its best!! Set at the fictitious Northeast Valley High during cheerleading tryouts and prom season, the play is a biting, quirky, and hilarious response to cult films such as Heathers, Mean Girls, and Bring It On. Girls, guns, gore, and more! Don't miss this world premiere!
Radio Golf
at The M Ensemble Until Nov 27
RADIO GOLF, the final play in August Wilson's unprecedented 10-play cycle chronicling African-American life in the 20th century, is a fast-paced, dynamic and wonderfully funny work about the world today and the dreams we have for the future. Set in Pittsburgh in the late 1990's, it's the story of a successful entrepreneur who aspires to become the city's first black mayor. But when the past begins to catch up with him, secrets get revealed that could be his undoing.
Guys and Dolls
at Broward Stage Door Theatre Until Dec 4
Nathan Detroit, the organizer of the oldest permanent floating crap game, bets Sky Masterson that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. Featuring “Guys and Dolls”, “Luck Be a Lady Tonight”, and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”, this beloved musical is also a great American classic and multiple Tony-Award Winner!
RED by John Logan
at The Gable stage at the Biltmore Until Dec 4
It is 1958 and abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art; a series of murals for New York's famed Four Seasons Restaurant. Raw and provocative, this 2010 Tony Award-winning play is a searing portrait of the ambition, vulnerability and agony inherent in the art of making art.
Lombardi
at The Mosaic Theatre Until Dec 4
Don't miss this story of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi and his wife Marie. The play takes place mostly in November of 1965, when a young journalist from New York City, Michael McCormick, comes to live with the Lombardi family in order to write a story.
All My Sons
at The Palm Beach Dramaworks Until Dec 11
This morality play about the cost of lying and the price of truth-telling examines a troubled family and a father who placed duty to his family above the lives of others, and now must face the consequences.
on the University of Miami campus Until Nov 19
Once upon a time in New York City, there was a magical disco that everyone clamored to get into. Passing through Studio 54’s velvet ropes were the world’s most famous stars, politicians, and athletes — the glitterati of the 1980s. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is presenting the first production of Tommy Tune’s exciting and glamorous musical portrait of the world’s most famous nightclub. South Florida theatre audiences are the first to experience this exciting new musical.
Thrill Me - The Leopold and Lobe Musical
at Rising Action Theatre Until Nov 20
The South Florida premiere of the acclaimed musical based on the true story of Leopold and Loeb, the so-called thrill killers who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit the perfect crime. While this crime was previously depicted in the film dramas Hitchcock's Rope and Compulsion, this is the first musical version, and the most frank in revealing the couple's mutual sexual attraction.
After The Revolution
at The Caldwell Theatre Company Until Nov 20
After the Revolution is the story of the brilliant, promising Emma Joseph who proudly carries the torch of her family's Marxist tradition, devoting her life to the memory of her grandfather, much revered for refusing to “name names” during the McCarthy hearings. But when history reveals a shocking truth about the man himself, the entire family is forced to confront questions of honesty and allegiance they thought had been resolved.
Captiva
at Zoetic Stage Until Nov 20
Over the course of a weekend reunion, three siblings come together in the hopes of celebration and re-connection.When their parents join them, rivalry, sex and a hurricane turn the family upside down. Stranded together, they are forced to face each other with honesty and bottles of wine. Captiva is a smart and stinging contemporary comedy about family, fear and the future.
The Tale Of The Alergist Wife
at The Boca Raton Theatre Guild Until Nov 20
Marjorie Taub: shopaholic, avid reader, loved by her devoted husband...but her beloved psychiatrist has just died, her mother obsesses about her gastric tract and her husband is now retired and devoted to sinus infections for the homeless. After a breakdown in the Disney store...what is Marjorie to do? Enter her friend from the past, Lee Greene...who has a few secrets of her own!
Lobby Hero
at The Alliance Theatre Lab Until Nov 27
When Jeff, a luckless young security guard, is drawn into a local murder investigation, loyalties are strained to the breaking point. As Jeff's tightly wound supervisor is called to bear witness against his troubled brother, and an attractive rookie cop finds she must stand up to her seasoned partner, truth becomes elusive and justice proves costly.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Until Nov 27
Based on the Academy® Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity
Death for Sydney Black
at The Thinking Cap Theatre Until Nov 27
Death for Sydney Black represents offoffBroadway-style theatre at its best!! Set at the fictitious Northeast Valley High during cheerleading tryouts and prom season, the play is a biting, quirky, and hilarious response to cult films such as Heathers, Mean Girls, and Bring It On. Girls, guns, gore, and more! Don't miss this world premiere!
Radio Golf
at The M Ensemble Until Nov 27
RADIO GOLF, the final play in August Wilson's unprecedented 10-play cycle chronicling African-American life in the 20th century, is a fast-paced, dynamic and wonderfully funny work about the world today and the dreams we have for the future. Set in Pittsburgh in the late 1990's, it's the story of a successful entrepreneur who aspires to become the city's first black mayor. But when the past begins to catch up with him, secrets get revealed that could be his undoing.
Guys and Dolls
at Broward Stage Door Theatre Until Dec 4
Nathan Detroit, the organizer of the oldest permanent floating crap game, bets Sky Masterson that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. Featuring “Guys and Dolls”, “Luck Be a Lady Tonight”, and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”, this beloved musical is also a great American classic and multiple Tony-Award Winner!
RED by John Logan
at The Gable stage at the Biltmore Until Dec 4
It is 1958 and abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art; a series of murals for New York's famed Four Seasons Restaurant. Raw and provocative, this 2010 Tony Award-winning play is a searing portrait of the ambition, vulnerability and agony inherent in the art of making art.
Lombardi
at The Mosaic Theatre Until Dec 4
Don't miss this story of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi and his wife Marie. The play takes place mostly in November of 1965, when a young journalist from New York City, Michael McCormick, comes to live with the Lombardi family in order to write a story.
All My Sons
at The Palm Beach Dramaworks Until Dec 11
This morality play about the cost of lying and the price of truth-telling examines a troubled family and a father who placed duty to his family above the lives of others, and now must face the consequences.
The South Florida Theatre News Is Here
- Mondays: A list of current productions and posts for each new show opening that week. If a show begins on an odd day, say Tuesday, then it will be posted earlier to give you time to plan for it.
- Wednesday or Thursday: A list, with links, of the new reviews that of been posted online.
- Friday: Blog Watch - A list of what I feel are the most interesting or note worthy posts from the past week of blogs, both locally and nationally, that I follow. Among this will be a "This week in Theater" post.
- In addition: I would like to ask any theatre with auditions coming up to e-mail them to me at sfltnews@gmail.com. For now I will post them as I get them. If they start coming in regularly, I will try and pick a day that they all will post. I would like this blog to become a place where theatre patrons and professionals can come to get information and in the future gather together online.
Thank you!
David W. Hart
South Florida Theatre News
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Auditions for "Top Gun!: The Musical"
Anagram Entertainment is pleased to announce AUDITIONS of the upcoming South Florida premiere of...TOP GUN! The Musical.
book and lyrics by Denis McGrath
music by Scott White
Rehearsals begin in December, Run starts February 3rd, 2012
Auditions are Saturday November 12th and Sunday November 13th. At Empire Stage.
Auditions are by Appointment only
The following roles are available:
CHARLIE (Soprano 20s-30s) - Sexy and bitchy with a flair for comedy and comfortable with an upper register
BILLY (Tenor 30s) - Former boy wonder who is losing touch
ICEMAN (Baritone 20s-30s) - Hot,sexy and butch with the occasional flamboyant moment
The GENERAL (Baritone 50s-60s) Former military General who now invests in musical comedies
Non-Equity, Paid
To Schedule an appointment or for more information call 954-871-0168
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
17 SILVER PALMS TO BE AWARDED FOR THEATRICAL EXCELLENCE IN 2011
November 8, 2011
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- The Silver Palm Awards committee – founded four years ago to honor theatrical excellence in South Florida – hasannounced that this year it will present the coveted award to 17 individuals, including two for direction of plays, two for playwriting and one for creating a memorable fighting sequence. Also among the honorees is Mosaic Theatre for its ensemble work in the 2011 production of The Irish Curse.
"The Silver Palm Awards are presented annually to those who've made an outstanding or unique contribution to the South Florida Theatre season," explained Silver Palm Awards Chairman Tony Finstrom. "There are no nominees, no winners or losers, and no limit to the number of citations given in any 'category,' though there really are no official categories."
Finstrom (a (playwright), TV personality Iris Acker and Press Club President Ron Levitt compose the Silver Palm committee, which receives recommendations from South Florida journalists and theatre critics before the final list of recipients is presented.
This year's Silver Palm Advisory Council consisted of Christine Dolen (Miami Herald), Bill Hirschman (FloridaTheaterOnStage.com), Hap Erstein(Palm Beach Post & Palm Beach ArtsPaper), John Lariviere(TalkingBroadway.com), J.W. Arnold (South Florida Gay News), Mary Damiano (FloridaTheaterOnStage.com & South Florida Gay News), and Roger Martin (MiamiArtzine.com).
Silver Palms have gone to some 45 individuals and/or groups during the previous three theatre seasons.
The awards presentation will, this year, be held at the annual Theatre League holiday party on Monday, Dec. 5th, at the Bimini Boatyard in Fort Lauderdale. The party is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:00 PM. The party is open to the public, but there is a $25 admission charge. Theatre League members attend free of charge. Call League Executive Director Andie Arthur for reservations – 954-557-0778.
2010-2011 Silver Palm Award recipients are:
SFTN congratulates all the honorees!
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- The Silver Palm Awards committee – founded four years ago to honor theatrical excellence in South Florida – hasannounced that this year it will present the coveted award to 17 individuals, including two for direction of plays, two for playwriting and one for creating a memorable fighting sequence. Also among the honorees is Mosaic Theatre for its ensemble work in the 2011 production of The Irish Curse.
"The Silver Palm Awards are presented annually to those who've made an outstanding or unique contribution to the South Florida Theatre season," explained Silver Palm Awards Chairman Tony Finstrom. "There are no nominees, no winners or losers, and no limit to the number of citations given in any 'category,' though there really are no official categories."
Finstrom (a (playwright), TV personality Iris Acker and Press Club President Ron Levitt compose the Silver Palm committee, which receives recommendations from South Florida journalists and theatre critics before the final list of recipients is presented.
This year's Silver Palm Advisory Council consisted of Christine Dolen (Miami Herald), Bill Hirschman (FloridaTheaterOnStage.com), Hap Erstein(Palm Beach Post & Palm Beach ArtsPaper), John Lariviere(TalkingBroadway.com), J.W. Arnold (South Florida Gay News), Mary Damiano (FloridaTheaterOnStage.com & South Florida Gay News), and Roger Martin (MiamiArtzine.com).
Silver Palms have gone to some 45 individuals and/or groups during the previous three theatre seasons.
The awards presentation will, this year, be held at the annual Theatre League holiday party on Monday, Dec. 5th, at the Bimini Boatyard in Fort Lauderdale. The party is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:00 PM. The party is open to the public, but there is a $25 admission charge. Theatre League members attend free of charge. Call League Executive Director Andie Arthur for reservations – 954-557-0778.
2010-2011 Silver Palm Award recipients are:
- Tim Bennett - Outstanding Set Design, for STUFF at Caldwell Theatre
- Clay Cartland - Outstanding New Talent, for his performance in SONG OF THE LIVING DEAD at The Promethean Theatre
- Marckenson Charles - for his Outstanding Performances in SUPERIOR DONUTS at GableStage, in A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE at GableStage, and in STUFF at Caldwell Theatre
- David Cohen - Outstanding Musical Tracks, at Broward Stage Door
- Dennis Creaghan - for his Outstanding Performances in A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE at GableStage, in FREUD'S LAST SESSION at Palm Beach Dramaworks, and in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY at Actors' Playhouse
- Renata Eastlick - Outstanding New Talent, for her performances in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN at Slow Burn Theatre Company, and ECLIPSED at Women's Theatre Project
- Elvire Emanuelle - Outstanding New Talent, for her performance in ECLIPSED at Women's Theatre Project
- Jeffrey D. Holmes - Outstanding Direction, for THE PILLOWMAN at Infinite Abyss
- Paul Homza - Outstanding Fight choreography, for SUPERIOR DONUTS at GableStage
- Michael Leeds - Outstanding Direction, for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Broward Stage Door
- Sean McClelland - Outstanding Set Design, for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY at Actors' Playhouse
- Michael McKeever - Playwright, for his Outstanding New Work STUFF at Caldwell Theatre, and for his Outstanding New Work SOUTH BEACH BABYLON at Zoetic Stage
- THE IRISH CURSE - Outstanding Ensemble of Actors at Mosaic Theatre -- (trophy goes to the producer, Richard Jay Simon), cast: Ken Clement, Ryan Didato, Todd Allen Durkin, Shane R. Tanner and Barry Tarallo, directed by Avi Hoffman
- Deborah L. Sherman - for her Outstanding Performances in GOLDIE, MAX & MILK at Florida Stage, in NO EXIT at Naked Stage, and in THREE DAYS OF RAIN at The Promethean Theatre
- David Michael Sirois - Playwright, for his Outstanding New Work THE BROTHERS BECKETT at Alliance Theatre Lab
- Slow Burn Theatre Company, Boca Raton - Outstanding New Emerging Theatre Company
- Karen Stephens - for her Outstanding Performances in BRIDGE & TUNNEL at Women's Theatre Project, in ECLIPSED at Women's Theatre Project, and in CLYBOURNE PARK at Caldwell Theatre
SFTN congratulates all the honorees!
