Boch Center Wang Theatre

REVIEW:  ‘Riverdance’s 30th Anniversary:  The New Generation’ combines mesmerizing visuals and fancy footwork to a show stopping rhythm

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

‘Tall and straight my mother taught me.  This is how we dance.’

Flourishing Celtic landscapes, glimmering international city sidewalks, star studded cosmic atmospheres, and mystical seaside sunsets as well as a journey frolicking through roaring fire, threatening lightening, and changing seasons are just a few of the spectacular settings that unfold through driving rhythms while integrating other forms of captivating dance along the way.  Accompanied by a partial onstage orchestra, Riverdance is as innovate and imaginative as ever marking three decades of sparkling toe tapping zeal and ethereal vocals with memorably dramatic flair.

The cast of Riverdance

Audaciously directed by John McColgan and composed by Bill Whelan,   Riverdance 30th Anniversary: The New Generation was live and in person at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, April 13, but continues on its national tour all over the country.  The show is approximately two hours including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Riverdance, Fergus Fitzpatrick

Whether battling the elements or showing off their skillful steps, Fergus Kirkpatrick and Olivia Nachtigal are among the leads in this enthusiastic and daring dance troupe as drummer Mark Alfred, fiddler Haley Richardson, saxophonist Emma McPhilemy, and Cathal Croke on Uilleann Pipes with Michael O’Gorman’s immersive sound design combine to deliver a mix of modern and traditional Irish works through Ireland and beyond. 

Riverdance, Dervish

Whether performing solo or playfully challenging other band members and the dancers, these harmonious instrumentalists set the varying tone from serene ballads to rhythmic beats.  Richly narrated with Celtic history and poetry as angelic vocals lift, Riverdance has a unique way of building excitement through razor sharp Ceili formations and urgent melodies.  Adorned regally in silvery tiaras, detailed velvet flowing dresses, tailored shirts vests and tights by Joan Bergin, the dancers exude confidence exacted in heads held high and the militant precision of their movements gathering in rows, circles and two hand reels. 

Riverdance Countess Cathleen with lead dancer Maggie Darlington

In Firedance, Rosio Dusmet commands the stage swirling in a shimmering red gown as fire surrounds her and the flames progressively turn blue to a driving beat.  Adventurous, freeing and empowering, Dusmet’s amazing performance is equal parts grace, athleticism, and charisma flowing through the scene.

Alan Farquharson’s fantastical and compelling set design with innovative motion graphics by Cosmo AV and Andrew Voller’s stellar lighting in scrupulous perfection enhance tappers Darmesh Patel and Kenji Igus who perform to rollicking rhythms in street clothes with Fergus Kirkpatrick showing off their skills under the bright city lights.  In Trading Taps, they all demonstrate fantastic footwork with charm and exuberance to rousing applause and stands as a particular highlight of this production.

Riverdance, Amy Mae Dolan and Will Bryant

Through a variety of dynamic rhythms, Riverdance’s 30th Anniversary: The New Generation is a whimsical, thrilling and visually splendid journey steeped in Celtic charm while integrating other forms of dance that keeps it refreshing and imaginative.  Having seen it for the first time and watching it with someone who has witnessed it since Riverdance began, it remains a joyous and impressive experience for the whole family.

The cast of Riverdance

Riverdance 30th Anniversary: The New Generation was live and in person at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, April 13, but continues on its national tour all over the country.  The show is approximately two hours including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Boasting a heartwarming and zippy soundtrack, a marvelous ‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  The Musical’ revels in the wonders of the beloved book

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Whether you like the Grinch or not, be sure to witness this remarkable version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  The Musical.  It is a humorous and dazzling way to spend 85 minutes taking in the holiday spirit with the family.

By sticking to Dr Seuss’ imaginative vision, the beloved book springs to life onstage in a vibrant and thrilling way.  Past film adaptations have been overdone and bogged down with side stories and imagined history, but not this musical.  As an avid fan of the book and the famous 1966 animated TV special, I was thrilled to see this musical firmly faithful to Seuss’ literary vision.  Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  The Musical expands parts of Seuss’ vision that already exists in the book for a heartwarming and interactive experience about the value of love and camaraderie.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

With steadfast direction by co-directors Matt August and Bob Richard while Richard also navigates the musical’s energetic choreography, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical continues live and in person at Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Monday, December 23.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

From the reflective perspective of Evan Blackwell as Old Max and Chamberlin Little as Young Max who both play their parts to perfection as Narrator and character respectively, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a musical comedy about a Grinch who claims to hate Christmas and feels he must stop Christmas from coming…but how?

W. Scott Stewart as Old Max and Xavier McKnight as Young Max in the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Greeting the audience with a white wreath on a red Who populated backdrop, this cheerful and interactive musical is the perfect length at 85 minutes with no intermission and brings to life the book in a way the padded film adaptations never did.  Featuring a number of catchy and heartfelt numbers weaved through its rhyming dialogue, enhancing this tale into a musical is hardly a stretch because the Whos love to sing.

Boasting three dimensional illustrated moving set pieces directly from the book, John Lee Beatty’s innovative set design include an enchanting illustrated three dimensional tree lit with glowing white and red bulbs, the Grinch’s illustrated snow covered cave and the drawn fireplace mantel with colored stockings.  It also offers glimpses of the animated classic in red and gold bulbs hanging across the ceiling adding bursts of color. 

Craig Stelzenmuller’s playful lighting often follows the action and brings sparkle to an already bright and cheerful set design.  Blue and green lights flash, glitter and move along like its own character in this wonderful tale as it also creates brief and foreboding shadows as the Grinch makes his grand entrance. 

The Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Boasting piled high hairdos, Sarah Smith’s festive, textured and Seuss-centric costumes in red, pink, white and green form wild shapes accessorized with oversized bows, bowties and elf shoes.  However, the Grinch’s vivid green and furry costume with exacting makeup is ideal right down to his long and slender fingers. 

James Schultz as THE GRINCH in the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Occasionally frightful but more often comical with his deep and versatile baritone voice, Matt Forbes is excellent as the cool and temperamental Grinch sharing gripping and amusing scenes with Little as Max as well as endearing ones with Trinity Vittoria De Vito as angelic Cindy Lou Who.  De Vito’s chiming vocals and captivating demeanor impressively deliver the gentle and touching ballad, Santa for a Day as she interacts with Forbes with blind adoration.  Little as Young Max is devoted and lovable with an expectant grin to the Grinch’s perturbed scowl and dastardly smirk as they join together for I Hate Christmas Eve with the Whos and in a playful rendition of This Time of Year with Blackwell as Old Max.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH, Sofie Nesanelis as Cindy-Lou Who and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel.

Delivering the famous tunes you already know like Blackwell’s amazing rendition of You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Welcome Christmas, Mel Marvin also builds on famous excerpts from the book for original songs such as the warm Who Likes Christmas, thunderous I Hate Christmas Eve, and wild Whatamawho where the Grinch famously exclaims, ‘Oh, the noise, noise noise noise!’ 

James Schultz as THE GRINCH and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

With sing-along opportunities and thrilling special effects as Blackwell shares this classic children’s tale, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  The Musical holds its own to the book and the famous 1966 animated TV special live onstage reflecting on all the themes of the book such as materialism, bullying, and greed with a beautiful message and holiday treat fitting for the entire family.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical continues live and in person at Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Monday, December 23.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: ‘Hadestown’ a soulful and eternally hopeful journey

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

In Hadestown, there is nothing quite like a song.

Though I’m not normally a fan of mythology, Hadestown has a universal appeal as a soulful journey through faith and love with idealistic expectations and earnestness of what could be.  A dream awakened of a love not tethered to a world of capitalism and poverty.   Pure and untarnished was Orpheus and Eurydice.

Will Mann, Amaya Braganza, J. Antonio Rodriguez and Company in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023 Photo by T Charles Erickson

Directed intuitively by Rachel Chavkin with pulsing and dynamic choreography by David Neumann and stirring music, lyrics and book by Anaïs Mitchell, Tony award-winning Hadestown continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts live and in person through Sunday, April 28.  The production is two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and tickets and here for its next stop on its national tour.

Will Mann and company in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023 Photo by T Charles Erickson

Set in a New Orleans-style depression era with a steam punk vibe and fueled by Bradley King’s brilliant lighting, Hadestown explores a mystical world of gods, men, and the social divide of the haves and have nots.  This world is dark in more ways than one, but King’s amazing lighting dances like the characters onstage through spotlights to glowing lanterns to strobe lights to illuminating headlights – fierce, occasionally harsh, luminous and lively.   Accented with a wrought iron balcony, etchings and green walls, scenic designer Rachel Hauck infuses classic New Orleans finesse with hidden tunnels and functioning railroad whistle.  A sparkling black umbrella is just a hint of the unique, Victorian, steam punk-inspired costumes by Michael Krass steeped in mostly black and white that emphasize vibrant bursts of color featuring pinstripes, metal, and leather.

J. Antonio Rodriguez and company in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023 Photo by T Charles Erickson

With a haunting horn and fiddle-infused soundtrack that blends folk, blues, and New Orleans-style jazz delivered by an intimate onstage band, Hadestown boasts a plethora of edgy, powerful and distinctive vocals unique to each character.  Chant and Way Down Hadestown are especially catchy and inventive tracks in a unique collection of pops, clicks, and layered harmonies. 

Will Mann in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023 Photo by T Charles Erickson

Narrator, advisor, and consoler Will Mann affably portrays Hermes with self aware warmth and an interactive hint of wistfulness skillfully drawing the audience into this multilayered tale.  With soaring vocals and an exuberant yet tough exterior, Amaya Braganza glows as wanderer Eurydice.  Sporting blue hair, ripped stockings, and black boots, Braganza as Eurydice is vibrant and helplessly taken by naïve, romantic, humble, and spontaneous musician Orpheus, depicted with endearing charm by J. Antonio Rodriguez.  Together they perform a soothing and vulnerable rendition All I’ve Ever Known.  High tenor Rodriguez has an angelic falsetto hitting notes that seem otherworldly for Doubt Comes In. 

J. Antonio Rodriguez and Amaya Braganza in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023. Photo by T Charles Erickson

With a rock star swagger and strut, Matthew Patrick Quinn breaths into Hades a rich and authoritative baritone and scene stealing wit behind thin dark shades.  He wields the atmosphere driven by coal, capitalism, and soulless innovation especially prevalent in Quinn’s rendition of Why We Build a Wall.  With electric blue eye shadow and a lustrous lime dress with florals, Lana Gordon is striking as Persephone with fervent vocals to match.  Gordon performs a memorable duet with Quinn for How Long and navigates Our Lady of the Underground with a remarkable belt. 

Lana Gordon and company in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023. Photo by T Charles Erickson

Marla Louissaint, Lizzie Markson, Hannah Schreer depict three mesmerizing and elusive Fates.  They personify the conscience, the doubt, the fear, and the creeping proclamation of humanity’s shortcomings in a trio of chiming harmony.  Burning into the psyche, their ascending vocal prowess is emphasized in an impressive and partially acapella rendition of Nothing Changes, soaring When the Chips are Down and in their role in Hadestown’s signature number Wait for Me.

J. Antonio Rodriguez, Marla Louissaint, Lizzie Markson and Hannah Schreer in ‘Hadestown’ North American Tour 2023 Photo by T Charles Erickson

Hadestown reflects the shortcomings of being human while the pettiness of the gods weighs in the balance of everyone’s fates culminating into a gripping finale.  Eternally hopeful, Hadestown is a profound journey definitely worth the trip.

Directed intuitively by Rachel Chavkin with pulsing and dynamic choreography by David Neumann and stirring music, lyrics and book by Anaïs Mitchell, Tony award-winning Hadestown continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts live and in person through Sunday, April 28.  The production is two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and tickets and here for its next stop on its national tour.

REVIEW:  Full of flash and dry humor, ‘The Cher Show’ turns back time with empowering style

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers infuse an original and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a limelight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian busted out of her shy demeanor to become as she proudly calls ‘a warrior goddess.’ 

Morgan Scott in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Bathed under dazzling spotlight-soaked florescent lights by Charlie Morrison, Star, depicted with Cher’s pitch perfect dry humor and rich vocals by Morgan Scott, emerges in sequined black donning her signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone.  Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help to navigate her life based on all she knows now.

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time live and in person through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour.  Outside this production, MassArt showcased Cher’s legendary looks.  The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.  Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight.  As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with a powerful belt and discomfort in her own skin naiveté by Ella Perez, Cherilyn was often shy and felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half Armenian heritage and her dynamic looks.  However, Lucy Werner as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia who was always a source of strength, sage advice and beauty said, ‘The song will make you strong.’  Cher’s unique qualities are actually what set her apart.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes through this musical.  Not only can Star turn back time, but accompanied by Ella Perez as Cher or Babe and Catherine Ariale as Cher or Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past.  Three Chers that interact, are aware of each other, and support each other is not just a source for a wealth of humorous moments, but it breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in a lighthearted and spectacular way.  Perez, Ariale, and Scott have a fascinating bond where anything can happen in a life where Cher was required to grow up fast.

The cast of ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit to Big League Productions

Kelly James Tigne’s visually spectacular set is an array of glitter and glitz which includes the bright lights of Hollywood and Vegas but also beautifully nostalgic photos of 50s California before Cher sets her sights on stardom and the set develops a more classic sophistication in black and white as Cher’s star power matures.    

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and equally daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical.  Tyler Pirrung, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam in his eye, especially during Aint Nobody’s Business.  Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production.  The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Janine Loesch and wig designer Roxanne DeLuna presents all these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.   

Tyler Perrung as Bob Mackie, Ella Perez, Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and cast Photo credit Big League Productions

Lorenzo Pugliese is full of magnetic charm and quirky sense of humor as Sonny Bono.  Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Pugliese shares some amazing chemistry with each Cher and one of the best moments of the production is their wonderful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with cheers from the audience.  He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You.

Ella Perez and Lorenzo Pugliese in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a stirring Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone.  Perez, Ariale, and Scott form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely as Perez flaunts a distinctive belt.  The Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is a sleek standout as well as sultry chorography featuring Emma Jade Branson of The Dark Lady in candlelight.

Lorenzo Pugliese and Catherine Ariale in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show celebrates her remarkable career and her variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurity, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs.  No matter what, Cher shows the beat goes on.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez and cast in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theater in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.  Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

REVIEW: Optimism knows no bounds in radiant and enchanting family classic, ‘Annie’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

No one delivers plunky optimism quite like Annie. 

Even in the worst of circumstances, Annie can always find a silver lining which can be demonstrated in a moment when a homeless person complains of empty pockets to which Annie responds, ‘At least you got pockets.’

Set designer Wilson Chin has beautifully captured a classic and overcast New York landscape with rolling fog over the towering Brooklyn Bridge that illustrates Annie’s signature phrase that the sun will come out tomorrow.  Blending costume designer Alejo Vietti’s gradually bursting hues in 30s-era fashion, Phillip Rosenberg’s rich and colorful lighting, and Chin’s transformative and exceptional rolling set design, Annie is absolutely right.

Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace Farrell Christopher Swan as Oliver Warbucks and Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie and cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Generations have grown up with some version of little orphan Annie who by chance meets gruff billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks during Depression-era New York.  It is a classic family tale for all ages with the eternal promise that no matter what happens, there is always hope.  As the brilliant orchestra chimed its first triumphant, horn-infused notes beautifully orchestrated by Dan Delange, the national tour of Annie proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.

With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkable Music Direction by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11.   Click here for more information and for tickets.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie Mark Woodard as FDR as cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

What is such fun about Annie is although the tale remains the same, there is always room to perform it a little differently each time.  Having seen the beloved 1982 film adaptation featuring a brilliant cast including Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Aileen Quinn, and Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage musical version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs.  A group of homeless New Yorkers offer a spirited version of Hooverville, which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression.  Christopher Swan as dapper, tough-minded tycoon Oliver Warbucks pays tribute to the Big City with N.Y.C. before later performing a touching rendition of You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long.  These are just a few of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical.

From wealthy city shoppers to house staff to radio personalities during the Golden Age of Radio to government officials including FDR depicted with warmhearted humor and gravitas by Mark Woodard to the glittering Radio City Rockettes, this delightful ensemble fueled by euphonious vocals seamlessly enhances the lighthearted atmosphere of this captivating production including You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile a particular highlight with Kaleb Jenkins as a stellar Burt Healey.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie with Sandy Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Donning straight red hair, burgundy cardigan, and black boots, Rainier “Rainey” Treviño delivers spunky charm as Annie, her stirring vocals navigate through various renditions of Maybe, each version implying new meaning and later a soaring rendition of her signature song, Tomorrow that is sure to bring a lot of smiles.  Treviño shares some endearing chemistry with Daddy Warbucks and Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace.  Annie’s trusty dog Sandy is a ringer for the dog in other adaptations and the pair establish themselves as immediate kindred spirits.

Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan in the 2022 company of ANNIE. Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Stefanie Londino relishes in the fiery role of sarcastic and snarky Miss Hannigan making a wobbly yet grand entrance as only Miss Hannigan can.  In a multi-patterned dress with curly brown hair and a thick Brooklyn accent, Londino makes the role her own while certain inflections wonderfully resemble Carol Burnett’s delivery.

Rainier “Rainey” Treviño as Annie and the cast Photo credit Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Londino’s sharp, comedic timing and a powerful belt never shines brighter than during the hilarious number, Little Girls as the orphans mischievously make their presence known in various surprise antics.  The orphans skillfully navigate the memorable number It’s a Hard Knock Life as buckets slide and brooms glide in a rhythmic chorus.  With Jade Smith’s standout performance as adorable Molly, the orphans are strong, talented, and enchanting.

In a wide brimmed hat, Jeffrey T. Kelly conveys sleazy charisma as ‘Rooster’ and Samantha Stevens articulates shrill and seeming airhead with panache.  They make quite a pair especially joined by Londino in a rollicking rendition of Easy Street.

With soaring and silvery vocals and a sophisticated dual toned blue suit, Julia Nicole Hunter elegantly depicts Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary.  Hunter participates in a frequent battle of wills with Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan and their smug verbal exchanges are a riot.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to see this marvelous Annie.  With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkably musically directed by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11.   Click here for more information and for tickets.