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REVIEW: American Repertory Theater’s world premiere an imaginative and optimistic ‘Wonder the Musical’

Posted on January 20 by The Sleepless Critic

A violet pixelated galactic sky is marvelously portrayed from a spaceship bed and that is only the beginning.

Garrett McNally delivers a moving portrayal as inquisitive Auggie whose vibrant imagination spans the vast cosmos. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Auggie’s world has always been limited to home schooling. However, when Auggie is about to attend fifth grade, Alison Luff as Auggie’s practical mother Isabel insists he attend public school. With guarded optimism, Auggie ventures apprehensively on this new journey.

Nathan Salstone, Garrett McNally, and members of the cast of Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Insightfully directed by Taibi Magar with Katie Spelman’s enchanting choreography and Ryan Cantwell’s uplifting music direction, American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) continues its world premiere of Wonder the Musical recently extended through Sunday, February 15 live and in person at Loeb Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This family-friendly and engaging production is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

In 2012, R.J Palachio’s first novel Wonder became a New York Times best seller before it was adapted into a heartwarming 2017 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. It seems only natural that this remarkable story has now been warmly transformed into a compelling musical.

Wonder Production Photo Nathan Salstone, Javier Muñoz, Alison Luff, Garrett McNally, and Kaylin Hedges in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Though Wonder is not based on a true story, Auggie’s story draws from real life experiences of individuals who struggle with this craniofacial condition. It tackles bullying, prejudice, empathy and kindness, but what sets this intriguing musical apart is how it delves into perspectives. Auggie may be the central figure in this musical, but a large part of the story focuses on each character’s perspective and the unexpected struggles of those who seem to have it better than Auggie at first glance. Learning to walk in another’s shoes has never been so important.

Set designer Matt Saunders with lighting designer Bradley King richly articulates this glowing musical’s significant themes symbolically through a multicolored and animated pixilated landscape rhythmically peppering a revolving stage. These pixels can enhance, enliven and moderate the musical’s weightier scenes, but particularly illuminating Auggie’s amazing cosmic universe. Imaginative backpacks, colorful streamers, expressive T-shirts and detailed, fanciful costumes are just a sample of Linda Cho’s exuberant costume design.

Wonder Production Photo Alison Luff and Garrett McNally in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Wonder boasts its share of feel good moments featuring a strong cast. The chiming pop-infused score with lyrics and music by A Great Big World with Cody Spencer’s robust sound design keeps the show hopeful and optimistic even in the face of its heavier and poignant moments. Alison Luff as Isabel, Javier Muñoz as Nate, Kaylin Hedges as Via and Garrett McNally share a natural tight-knit chemistry facing the world as Hedges as Via affectionately calls her family ‘our little galaxy.’ There is a quiet earnestness built into this family when they step aside for one another. Hedges brings an affinity to this complex role with quiet yearning as Via through soaring vocals who consistently puts Auggie first in her solo, Around the Sun. Luff and McNally share a stirring bond in a fiddle-laden and powerful rendition of You are Beautiful.

Led by Melvin Abston as energetic Mr. Tushman, Beecher Prep School teachers share an idyllic infectious glee, enthusiasm, and occasionally lovable awkwardness as they navigate the curriculum with verve and charm.

Wonder Production Photo
Garrett McNally and Donovan Louis Bazemore in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Skylar Matthews charismatically shines as excitable and precocious theatre student Charlotte, especially during her engaging solo, You Didn’t Hear it From Me as she waltzes across the stage. Donovan Louis Bazemore seamlessly navigates conflicted Jack who brings warmth and sincerity to the number, Shoes. Paravi shows off sharp comedic timing while lightening a heartfelt moment with Hedges.

Garrett McNally (Auggie) and the cast of A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Wonder bow in front of the Opening Night audience.

Nathan Salstone is no ordinary Moon Boy. From the exciting 3-2-1 Blast Off and throughout the production, Salstone’s mellifluous vocals and reflective demeanor with Auggie brilliantly elevates each scene.

Wonder is an intuitive, imaginative and heartfelt creation that celebrates the value of loyalty and friendship while sharing significant life lessons prevalent for all ages. You may step away from Wonder the Musical seeing a brighter world too.

American Repertory Theater continues its world premiere of Wonder the Musical recently extended through Sunday, February 15 live and in person at Loeb Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: North Shore Music Theatre’s ‘Grease’ hits a solid groove and then some

Posted on August 22 by The Sleepless Critic

As North Shore Music Theatre’s The Wizard of Oz took audiences inside a powerful tornado, this Grease takes place inside a multicolored lit jukebox.

Ambitiously directed with smooth choreography by Kevin P. Hill and lively music direction by Milton Granger, North Shore Music Theatre continues its 70^th season with the hit musical, Grease live and in person at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, August 24. This upbeat musical has some adult language and runs approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Hank Santos (Kenickie) with Jeremiah Garcia (Roger), Nick Cortazzo (Danny Zuko), and Jayson Brown (Doody) in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Director Kevin P. Hill creates a few cleverly presented magic changes in perspective that brings major themes of this musical heightened meaning. Don’t expect to see a retread of the hit 1978 film or the stage musical, but a balance of both while staying true to the show’s themes with a few surprises along the way. Themes like bullying, adolescence, peer pressure and fitting in take center stage and are as relevant as any of the musical’s love stories.

Caroline Siegrist (Sandy Dumbrowski) and Nick Cortazzo (Danny Zuko) in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

From oversized vinyl records to famous 50s dance moves including the hand jive to classic cartoons to a cherry red convertible to an epic floor featuring a gleaming tapestry of images including Marlboro cigarettes, lipstick, and vintage roadsters, Grease offers plenty of warm 50s nostalgia using Alex Berg’s polished sound design with scenic and lighting designer Jack Mehler. A peek into Mehler’s illumination includes a starlit floor and sparkling vinyl records. Costume coordinator Rebecca Glick also helms a trip down memory lane in the T-Birds and Pink Ladies jackets right out of the film, pastel gingham skirts and frilly crinoline gowns, silks, and colorful vintage Rydell High school uniforms.

The cast of “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Taking place in the late 50s and featuring an array of hit songs including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin, Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, and We Go Together, Grease focuses on Caroline Siegrist as new Rydell High School student Sandy. Little does Sandy know that Nick Cortazzo as ladies man Danny in which they shared a fleeting summer romance, also attends the same school.

This well cast musical resembles their classic 1978 film counterparts and features songs that do not appear in the film in its entirety. Taking a cue from Stockard Channing in a short pixie cut and deep clipped vocals, Bailey Reese Greemon shares that frank, intimidating and guarded indifference as Betty Rizzo. The bullying seems more extreme and the T-Birds are depicted as macho juvenile delinquents albeit with plenty of comic relief touched upon in Hank Santos as Kenickie’s slick number, Greased Lightnin. Caroline Siegrist is a sweet Sandy with silvery soprano vocals that give off Olivia Newton-John vibes while Nick Cortazzo portrays Danny as a ladies’ man with comic zing. Hopelessly Devoted to You, a song written by the late great Olivia Newton-John for the Grease film, is perfection within Siegrist’s longing vocals.

Caroline Siegrist as Sandy Dumbrowski in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Brittany Zeinstra steps more into the spotlight as Marty, a glamorous and flirty romantic and resourceful pen pal. Her path to romance is examined in her coy number, Freddy My Love and Jeremiah Garcia as Roger and Sunayna Smith as Jan share a goofy yet humorous duet in Mooning boasting compelling harmony.

In a vision of silver and white, Beauty School Drop Out, featuring dynamite vocals by Avionce Hoyles as Teen Angel, is lighthearted, comical and one of the best numbers of the production. However, Kathy St. George is a scene stealer as English teacher Miss Lynch. A skilled and avid dancer, expect the unexpected from spitfire Kathy St. George who is delightful, especially during the number, Born to Hand Jive.

Avionce Hoyles (Teen Angel) with Lily Kaufmann (Frenchy) and the cast of “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

North Shore Music Theatre’s Grease remains slick and cool while still offering something new to this classic hit musical. North Shore Music Theatre continues its 70^th season with the hit musical, Grease live and in person at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, August 24. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Chilling and significant lessons in Arlekin Players’ historical drama, ‘Our Class’

Posted on June 24 by The Sleepless Critic

They were classmates with dreams beyond the classroom…and it all changed.

After a successful run in New York, Arlekin Players Theatre continued Tadeusz Slobodzianek’s historical drama, Our Class live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts for a limited run through Sunday, June 22. Directly sharply by Igor Golyak and based around true events, this experimental and interactive work is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission and the action is not limited to the stage. While the production is not graphic and bloody, it depicts violence through a mix of narration and dramatization that is remains raw and heartbreaking. Click here for information.

Richard Topol and cast in ‘Our Class’ Photo by Olga Maturana

Spanning from 1926 to 2007, Our Class traces a tumultuous time in history as a group of Polish students, composed of five Jewish and five Catholic students, connect and grow up together through World War II and beyond. While some students end up together, others live to regret ever knowing each other. From the innocence and mischief of childhood including sing-along, playtime, and crushes to turmoil, prejudice and much worse, this group of students make discoveries about each other in collective joy as well as pain and torment in a raw, unflinching, and harrowing account which includes the horrific Jedwabne pogrom massacre in 1941.

Richard Topol and cast Photo by Irina Danilova

Presented in an experimental and documentary-style dramatization of historical events, Our Class delivers some beautiful moments through song, camaraderie and childlike wonder as well as how hate, fanaticism, hypocrisy and corruption set in and how those closest to you can turn on each other. Knowing it is true makes it all the more unsettling and difficult to watch as this account delivers a collection of significant lessons from an enormous and increasingly populated blackboard by chalk drawing designer Andreea Mincic and a steel ladder as part of Jan Pappelbaum’s innovative and unfolding scenic design.

Song of ‘Our Class’ Photo by Irina Dailova

The chalkboard serves multiple purposes as home video, illustration and various forms of cinematography by Projection and Video Designer Eric Dunlap and Igor Golyak who embellish the comic, tense, and heartrending portions of this production. The props and creations developed onstage by these characters veer from heartwarming to harrowing using balloons and various classroom objects to uniquely chronicle the events onstage.

From glaring brightness to starlight to lurking shadows, Jeff Adelberg’s evocative lighting varies from harsh to haunting and moody alongside Ben Williams’ striking sound design.

Kirill Rubtsov, Ryan Czerwonko, Jeremy Beazlie, Gigi Watson in ‘Our Class’ Photo by Pavel Antonov

Wearing numbered T-shirts for a classroom photo, this collaborative cast skillfully takes on dual roles and the same actors cleverly depict their characters growing up through improvisation and vocal dexterity as decades pass. In a particularly humorous ensemble moment which weaves in Or Schraiber’s dynamic choreography, the classmates contemplate whether or not to dance to a playful kazoo-infused medley. It is one of sparingly few pieces of lightheartedness amidst the turmoil.

Chulpan Khamatova Photo by Irina Danilova

It is difficult to single out standout performances when this production hinges so much on complex and seamless collaboration. However, it is amazing that Deb Martin as Zocha delivered a dedicated and stellar performance despite her recent real life injury improvising onstage using a wheelchair. Chulpan Khamatova as Rachelka and Kirill Rubtsov as Rysiek give multilayered performances while Richard Topol as charming and idealistic Abram, Zach Fike Hodges who is especially compelling in dual roles including Jakub, and Gigi Watson as Dora are all unforgettable.

Deborah Martin and Gigi Watson in ‘Our Class’ Photo by Olga Maturana

The production is lengthy and it feels like it at times, though that can also be expected covering over an 80 year time span. These creative and cautionary lessons are as poignant and significant as they are devastating as these characters face bullying, grief, death, impossible choices and shattered dreams in a world gone mad. It may be too chilling and tense for some, but powerful nonetheless.

Full cast of ‘Our Class’ Photo by Olga Maturana

Directly sharply by Igor Golyak and based around true events, Arlekin Players Theatre continued Tadeusz Slobodzianek’s historical drama Our Class live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 22. Click here for more information.

REVIEW: No stopping this beat in Sullivan Rep’s vibrant and uplifting ‘Hairspray’

Posted on February 28, 2025 by The Sleepless Critic

If only we can all have Tracy Turnblad’s unwavering optimism and this much dancing in my own life.

‘I’ll eat some breakfast and change the world’ is just one of the confident lyrics that Nora Sullivan as tenacious Tracy declares in Good Morning Baltimore while dreaming about dancing on television in 1962 Maryland.

Nora Sullivan as Tracy in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Sullivan Rep

With a glowing chandelier above, Sullivan Rep kicks off its second season fittingly lighting up an American Legion dance floor with scattered colorful platforms and an energetic groove in Hairspray, an upbeat romantic musical comedy that just might lift anyone’s spirits.

With exuberant direction and choreography by Dan Sullivan as well as creative music direction by Jenny Tsai, Sullivan Rep continues Hairspray live and in person at the American Legion in Newton, Massachusetts through Saturday, March 1. This theatre in the round production is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Featuring a large and lively cast, Hairspray has always been an upbeat production while infusing important messages about body positivity, bullying and racism boasting a hopeful and bubbly lead that believes anything is possible. What I enjoyed most about this particular production of Hairspray is its vibrancy and constant motion demonstrated while scenes unfold simultaneously on colorful platforms as dancers spin, turn and flow in DW’s vivid and elegant costumes into each changing scene. For example, Good Morning Baltimore depicts Tracy’s world with infectious rhythms and clever staging as Eve Harrison as Tracy’s best friend Penny and Tracy pour over an authentic retro television set surrounded by what they are seeing on the screen. Not only is the audience treated to the action onstage, but to Tracy and Penny’s reactions to what they are witnessing.

Jack Magan as Link Larkin and Nora Sullivan as Tracy in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Sullivan Rep

Another highlight is demonstrated in Big Doll House which infuses tap and portable and intersecting bars that elevate the comedy and the chemistry between the actors and as hula hoops spin, teen rebellion takes charge as Eve Harrison, Emily Lambert as Amber Von Tussle and Sullivan sound off on their own individual microphones for Mama I’m a Big Girl Now.

Kevin Hanley as Corny Collins and cast in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Sullivan Rep

Tracy dreams of performing on Baltimore’s teen dance TV show The Corny Collins Show and winning the heart of Link Larkin, a council member and heartthrob performer on the show as Tracy demonstrates in the love struck and beautifully staged I Can Hear the Bells. Sullivan exudes charm and an imaginative turn of phrase as Tracy in a jovial performance with pretty vocals that expel spontaneous and comical shrieks of teen excitement during various parts of the production. Eve Harrison as Penny and Sullivan’s Tracy share a fun loving rapport in exciting teen high jinks. Jack Magan depicts heartthrob Link with smiling eyes and a mix of openness and charisma sharing some amusing scenes with Tracy. Marell Perry is cool and collected delivering smooth and distinctive vocals as Seaweed J Stubbs, especially for the catchy number Run and Tell That. Kevin Hanley is disarming as classically handsome Corny Collins for its title track while Katie Van Clark as Velma Von Tussle and Emily Lambert as Amber Von Tussle make for an impressive egotistical, calculating, manipulative and at times a bit unhinged mother daughter team out to win. One of Lambert’s funniest moments was when she shouted, ‘What happened to the bland and spineless guy I fell in love with?’ and boasts sharp vocals in the number Cooties.

Jack Magan as Link Larkin in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Sullivan Rep

Tim Lawson revels in his role as Tracy’s once aspiring designer mother Edna and Kai Chao is delightful as Tracy’s inventor father Wilbur during a sweet rendition of You’re Timeless to Me.

Lizzy Pierre Saint as Little Inez and Hanifa as Motormouth Maybelle in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’

Whether delivering the playful and bluesy Big Blonde and Beautiful or a moving rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been, Hanifa offers passion, charisma, and stylish vocals as Motormouth Maybelle. Whether portraying a principal at the end of his proverbial rope, a wild bailiff or taking control of a TV shoot, Anthony Rinaldi manages to make each of his roles amusingly memorable.

The Dynamites of Sullivan Rep’s ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Sullivan Rep

Get up and see Hairspray continuing live and in person at the American Legion in Newton, Massachusetts through Saturday, March 1. 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 December 18, 2024 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!’

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.

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: Massasoit Theatre’s Company’s ‘Heathers the Musical’ is big fun with a razor’s edge

Posted on April 12, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

At first glance, Massasoit Theatre Company’s Heathers the Musical possesses the earmarks of a classic musical production. Enter calculating villains and an unlikely hero singing thought-provoking songs in a retro setting wearing distinctive, colorful costumes. Every meaningful musical usually also delivers a powerful message and it is part love story. Yes, Heathers delivers all these things, but like its satirical film predecessor, does it in the unlikeliest of ways. A musical quite faithful to the original film right down its vocabulary of memorable catch phrases, here is fair warning that this production is not suitable for children and contains mature themes.

Massasoit Theatre Company’s ‘Heathers the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Directed skillfully by Nathan Fogg, Massasoit Theatre Company presents Heathers the Musical continuing through Sunday, April 15 at Massasoit Community College in the Buckley Performing Arts Center at 1 Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Going into Heathers the Musical, it was difficult to imagine a musical as dark as the satiric comedy film starring Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, and Christian Slater. However, Massasoit captures the film’s high energy, blunt, and darkly humorous look at high school where being popular is seemingly the only means for survival. With an array of songs that are both humorous and shocking, it also deals with many social issues that high school students face today, but stands outside reality from it just enough to see from the outside.

Arrive early because Heathers the Musical does an excellent job setting the 80s mood through vintage Mtv videos and commercials as well as a unique introduction from the show’s producer, Mark Rocheteau. Not only does Heathers feature a multi-layered set design with its share of special effects, but Jennifer Spagone’s symbolic costume design contrast bold colors with pale to represent different high school personalities while exacting the iconic fashion from the film.

Before the Plastics leapt onto the screen in the hit film Mean Girls, there were the Heathers. If the Plastics ruled with a heavy hand, the Heathers ruled with an iron fist. Adorned in strictly bold, primary colors and slinking into the school as if on a catwalk, CJ Hawes in red depicts Heather Chandler with charismatic cruelty, her head held high and an ego as inflated as her big hair. CJ’s soprano vocals have an appealing belt and growl while she shares great chemistry with the other Heathers, especially during the numbers Big Fun and Candy Store. She barks orders to sympathetic subordinate Heather Duke portrayed by Stephanie Wallace. Dressed in emerald green, Stephanie portrays Heather with a suppressed, bullied demeanor. Morgan Campbell in yellow portrays anxious, but friendly Heather McNamara with flair and offers a great rendition of the number, Lifeboat.

Sara Comeau portrays Veronica and Sean Neary as J.D. Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Sara Comeau in blue plays awkward and conflicted Veronica Sawyer. A complicated role, Sara captures Veronica’s clever, contemplative, and at times, sarcastic demeanor with great comic timing. Veronica and Sean Neary as quiet and mysterious J.D. have compelling chemistry as they navigate the dark side of high school.

Jack Cappadona as Kurt and Anthony Light as Ram Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Anthony Light and Jack Cappadona are immensely comical as mindless and merciless jocks while Emily Buckley as Martha evokes a sweet and impalpable loneliness. Kels Ferguson plays a dual role as Mrs. Fleming and Mrs. Sawyer. She brought down the house with her upbeat version of Shine a Light.

Shine a Light Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

With a retro and dark, but powerful message, Massasoit Theatre Company presents Heathers the Musical continuing through Sunday, April 15 at Massasoit Community College in the Buckley Performing Arts Center at 1 Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets. Follow Massasoit Theatre Company on Facebook.

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Urban Improv, celebrating its 25th anniversary, presents annual, celebrity-filled improv fundraiser, ‘Banned in Boston’

Posted on March 26, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Urban Improv is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and presenting their annual fundraiser, Banned in Boston, an evening of delicious food from top restaurants, celebrity improv, and much more on Friday, April 7 at House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts at 6 p.m. This is a 21+ event.

Photo courtesy of Urban Improv

Hosted by Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, this year’s celebrity roster is once again brimming with acclaimed faces in entertainment such as WGBH’s Jared Bowen and Emily Rooney, Matt Siegel from Kiss 108, WCVB’s JC Monahan, Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith, and musician Sally Taylor. Political leaders such as Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh, arts and educational leaders will be present such as Matthew Teitelbaum of Museum of Fine Arts and Anita Walker, Massachusetts Cultural Council. Enjoy delicious food from a wide array of restaurants such as Mei Mei, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, East Coast Grill, Eastern Standard, and Area Four. Click here for the full guest list, ticket information, and more.

Cissa Campion, Marketing Director of Urban Improv, offers a closer look at Urban Improv, its mission, and why their annual musical revue Banned in Boston is the funniest fundraiser of the year.

Jeanne Denizard: The annual Banned in Boston fundraiser provides educational workshops guiding youth on how to best deal with tough, real life situations such as racism, violence, and bullying. Please tell me more about the workshops.

Cissa Campion: Banned in Boston is Urban Improv’s only annual fundraiser. Urban Improv’s highly effective, interactive drama programs help young people explore challenging situations in their lives. We work with kids from 4th grade through high school. Whether it is peer pressure, cyber bullying, racism, homophobia, or violence, students role-play scenarios based on their own choices and experience the consequences of their actions in a safe environment.

Our atmosphere of openness and respect allows students to express themselves, leading to stronger self-esteem and improved conflict resolution, cooperation, and leadership skills. Urban Improv helps students grapple with issues they face every day and equips them with the skills they need to become leaders who communicate our messages of nonviolence, tolerance, and respect. We call it “A Rehearsal for Life.”

Urban Improv has presented to thousands of students at schools and community groups throughout Boston, New England, and beyond. It has been able to provide thousands of free workshops to Boston schools since its inception in 1992, 25 years ago.

JD: What would you say is the best reason one should attend Banned in Boston?

CC: Come for the laughs and because it’s such a good time. It’s a one-night-only event on Friday, April 7. We have this incredible roster of celebrities under one roof and all bets are off! No rubber chicken and boring speeches at this fundraiser and enjoy delectable food provided by the city’s top restaurants. Support a great cause that is having a powerful effect in this city.

Click here for more information and tickets to this hilarious, one night only event starting at Lansdowne Pub for a cocktail reception at 9 Lansdowne Street at 6 p.m. Banned in Boston musical revue at House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street kicks off at 7:45 p.m.

Urban Improv is located at 670 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Click here for more information on Urban Improv, its upcoming events, and how to support this dynamic organization.