Living on Love @ The Longacre Theatre

 There are obviously funny shows on Broadway all the time. And there are some that like have laughs from start to finish. Living On Love is one of those shows-there were laughs galore from the opening announcement to turn off your cell phones (in a pseudo-Italian English) all the way to the final bows.

Living on Love is a screwball comedy set in the penthouse of “El Maestro” Vito De Angelis (Douglas Sills) and “La Diva” Raquel De Angelis (Renée Fleming) and chronicles the dramatic turns as two highly overdramatic people attempt to outdo each other and each write an auto-biography, which is really written by two ghost writers, Robert Samson (Jerry O’Connell) and Iris Peabody (Anna Chlumsky). Hijinks, thrown cutlery, and fabulous music occur at every hilarious turn.
One of the most pleasant surprises of the show is just how dang funny Flemming is as Raquel. She has one of the greatest voices on the planet, which is shown off to lovely effect and got applause practically every time she sang one stunningly beautiful note. But Flemming’s comic timing is also superb. She is well adept at the overly dramatic moments, which stem from the larger than life opera world, she comes from but was also poignant in the quieter moments that she shared, particularly the striking moment where Raquel explains exactly why opera is better than real life.

Sills as Vito fully matches up to the dramatics needed for the Maestro and is a master of physical comedy and wonderfully quippy one-liners. He also has some lovely quieter moments shared with his wife of 35 years and when discussing the music that has so shaped his More down to earth, but no less hilarious are the “straight men” of the show, writer Robert Samson and editor/accidental writer Iris Peabody. Movie star Jerry O’Connell deftly plays the neurotic high-energy Robert who melts at the feet of “La Diva.” Chlumsky’s wide-eyed portrayal of the ambitious Iris is a breath of fresh air 1/3 of the way into the show and simultaneously grounds the plot, and yet sparks even more hijinks along the way.





In a show with such high-energy, over-the-top characters andsituations, it’s hard to pick out one particular scene stealer. In this case, there’s two: the long-suffering servants of the De Angelis’, Bruce (Blake Hammond) and Eric (Scott Robertson). Every time they would enter the scene, it would be delightful, especially during their high energy set resets, particularly one featuring some excellent four-hand piano playing.

Living on Love is deftly directed by Kathleen Marshall, with the quips and physical comedy moving seamlessly almost like a dance. Or just like an amazing opera. The opulent scenic design by Derek McLane pairs wonderfully with the lavish costumes by Michael Krass. You never want to blink while watching this show for fear of missing out on another gorgeous treat for the eyes or simply for another laugh.



For a barrel of laughs mixed with some amazing music, go see Living on Love at the Longacre Theatre. This is definitely not one to miss. Living on Love opened on April 20th and will remain on the stage for a limited engagement so don't wait, buy your tickets here!

Review by Chrissy Cody
Photos by Andrew Eccles

Hamlet @ Classic Stage Company

    Classic Stage Company’s production of Hamlet was extraordinary. Director Austin
Pendleton took Shakespeare’s age-old prose and brought it to life with a masterpiece set, designed by Walt Spangler. This thrust theatre was decorated to suit a lavish wedding—complete with an alcove stage left equipped with a bar and a separate sitting room stage right.

Atop the reception table was a gorgeous canopy of white flowers, perfectly accented by Justin Townsend’s lighting design. Each corner of the stage was accompanied by white settees which Pendleton oft chose to place Ophelia—consistently watching the mania unfold. With this, we were transformed into a modestly modernized Hamlet. The performance itself was peppered with eerie music, designed by Ryan Rumery. The play was indeed an event, with superb blocking and never an empty glass of wine, brandy or vodka. Constance Hoffman outfitted each actor with an appropriate modern suit and gown.
 
    Peter Sarsgaard manifested a contemptuous Hamlet. Ever sarcastic, Sarsgaard swept somewhat ancient lines into a layman’s understanding. Suddenly, the Shakespeare that crawled across our desk during high school was swept from its pages and brought to life in ways I could scarce have imagined. His stage presence was palpable and his supporting cast did not disappoint.  King Claudius was played by Harris Yulin. An older gentleman, Yulin did not come to the
stage a murderer, but a loving husband. Deliberate in his speech, Yulin demonstrated a steady new king rather than a cold-blooded usurper.


His new wife, Gertrude (Penelope Allen) was the ever-attentive and loving mother.
Longing to understand Hamlet’s madness, Allen went to great depths of emotion throughout her
performance. Her tears were moving and her misunderstanding of her husband’s original
intentions believable.
   Laertes burst onto the stage, red faced and loud. Glenn Fitzgerald was entertaining where necessary and a noticeable force where essential. His chemistry with Ophelia was endearing and his connection with his own character noticeable. Lisa Joyce revealed a strange Ophelia. While we could follow Sarsgaard’s descent into psychosis, Joyce’s was abrupt. Ophelia’s fall into hysteria over her father’s death was not mis-presented by Joyce. However, its chosen direction was not as predictable and therefore mildly disjointed with the rest of the performance.
     Stephen Spinella gave the audience a laughter eliciting Polonius. Spinella’s interpretation of Polonius’ character was both witty and quirky. I found my eyes often on the king’s steward, awaiting his next line and my answering laugh or smile. Hamlet’s faithful Horatio was presented by Austin Jones. The silent observer, Horatio frequented the bar and took stock of Hamlet’s story—later surviving its tale. Whereas Ophelia moved from corner to corner, Jones would float into the scene.
     Daniel Morgan Shelley (Reynaldo, Guildenstern, Lucianus, Priest, Fortinbras), Scott Parkinson (Rosencrantz, Player Queen, Gravedigger) and Jim Broaddus (First Player, Player King, Captain) completed Hamlet’s cast. My personal favorite was Scott Parkinson who was a mostly silent but highly enjoyable Player Queen and Gravedigger. Jim Broaddus’ take on the First Player was superb.
     Classic Stage Company’s rendition of Shakespeare’s classic was both impressive and thought provoking. Take the time to see the play, this seasoned cast reckoned a distinct interpretation of his/her character you shouldn’t miss. You can purchase tickets here! And hurry in, Hamlet will only be on the stage until May 10th!

Pictures by Carol Rosegg
Review by Alexandra Lipari 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame @ Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse presents Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame: a truly stunning and emotion grabbing hit. Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel and the only stage collaboration between two giants of American musical theater. Music by Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin). An intimate retelling of the famous love story, with a lush, emotionally rich score and a production that will leave you inspired.

Leading the cast is the incredible Michael Arden. Arden is a force to be reckoned with, when he first walks out on stage, he grabs the audience in his fists and drags them along for a performance of a lifetime. Patrick Page portrays the Froillo, Quaz's guardian, Although in the disney movie and original story Froillo is presented as evil and unlikeable, this productions give his a back story that allows you to feel for him. Page's Hellfire was truly stunning to the point where the audience was brought to their feet in the middle of the act. Rounding out the cast is Ciara Renee as the sexy gypsy Esermelda. Renee is lovable and sexy, and her voice is just as electrifying as her dancing. 


The Hunchback of Notre Dame opened at Paper Mill Playhouse on March 4th 2015 and plays through April 5thth, 2015. If this production doesn't move to Broadway, then you will mess out on a truly remarkable production.

Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Kevin Berne

Brooklynite @ The Vineyard Theater

This electrifying world-premiere musical helmed by director Michael Mayer (Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Spring Awakening), with music and lyrics by Peter Lerman (winner of the Jonathan Larson Award), book by Peter Lerman and Michael Mayer, and choreography by Steven Hoggett (Once, American Idiot) will be a must-see theatrical event. In Brooklynite, Trey Swieskowski is an idealistic hardware store clerk who dreams of becoming a superhero. Astrolass, Brooklyn's most celebrated superhero, is determined to throw in the cape and live like a normal Brooklynite. When they meet they hatch a plan that will change their lives forever. But can they save Brooklyn when it suddenly teeters on the brink of disaster? Brooklynite is inspired by the real Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company located in Park Slope, with characters created by Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman.

Brooklynite also offers a chance to check in with some familiar talents and discover new ones. Cordero, the bullseye of Bullets Over Broadway, is delightful here, as is the veteran Ann Harada in a number of small roles. Doyle is sweet and disarming, though his voice sometimes sounds a little thin, and Robinson, who has few stage credits, is fantastic. She may have superpowers of her own.

The rest of the super heroes Gerard Canonico, Andrew Call, & Grace McLean were a well oiled machine that made you want to laugh and love this group of misfit heroes. The rest of the ensemble was hardly your ordinary ensemble, each person developed a quirky and honest character just to round out an already stunning cast!

Brooklynite opened at The Vineyard Theater on February 25 2015 and plays through March 29th, 2015. Hurry up and get your tickets for this Broadway ready performance. 
Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Carol Rosegg

Can Can @ The Paper Mill Playhouse

An old Cole Porter classic finds it was over to Papermill this fall. Can-Can delivers thrilling combat, stunning talent and the highest kicks you have ever seen. Kate Baldwin leads this high flying cast in a production that would make Cole Porter proud. 

Set in the year 1893, Can-Can tells the tale of Paris dance hall owner, La Mome Pistache, and her battle with a self-rightious judge, Aristide, who is determined to shut her business down. The sexy Can-Can dance has become popular and Judge Aristide is determined to stop it. When Judge Aristide investigates the Bal du Paradis, La Mome Pastache seduces him and the two eventually fall in love. By the time her case comes to trial, Aristide has had a change of heart and works to win her acquittal.

Kate Baldwin leads the cast as Madame Pistache, the owner of the Paris dance hall.  Baldwin knocks this performance out of the park. She was sincere, strong and sexy, and has the vocal talent of a god. Jason Danieley played Aristide, the new judge in town the is trying to shut down Madame Pistache's night club. Daniely's performance started out rocky but as the show went on, he won the audience over with his smooth baritone vocals. Overall this cast was extremely well developed, each person had a equally memorable character, a truly strong performance by all.

The one person who truly deserves a bow every night would have to be Patti Colombo, choreographer. Colombo created an exciting display of organized chaos which left the audiences jaws on the floor.

Can-Can opened at Paper Mill Playhouse on October 5th, 2014 and plays through October 26th, 2014. Hurry up and get your tickets for this Broadway ready performance. 

Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Matthew Murphy

Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter @ The Minetta Lane Theatre

Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter is a surreal and philosophical story of a small and somewhat naïve nation located in the elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson and their desire for greatness. Roiled by passion and great ambition, what will this once-idyllic community find... riches, ruin or redemption? The heart of Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter lies in its songs, which were written over the course of several years by Ívar Páll Jónsson — a gifted Icelandic songwriter who pursued fronting a rock band several years ago and released an album, but felt confined in the spotlight. He worked as a journalist but kept writing songs, and ultimately, with the encouragement of his younger brother Gunnlaugur, found his comfort zone behind the curtain. He wrote the entire score and, with his brother, the book for the musical.

Revolution is like no musical you have ever seen before, it's comparable to Urinetown: The Musical but edgier and a more intense score. Leading the cast is Cady Huffman(The Nance) as the "evil" Mayor of Elbowville. Huffman is seductive, satanic, and just all around perfect. Kate Schindle(Wonderland) stops the show with her legendary vocals. Marrick Smith, Graydon Long, and Brad Nacht are the perfect brothers, that is until they betray one another. Smith's incredible range leaves the audience in awe. Jesse Wildman is adorable, sweet, and sexy. This cast as an ensemble is a straight up knock out.

Set & projection design were done by Petr Hloušek. Hloušek delivers a truly stunning atmosphere, that at first glance leave the audience uncomfortable as we watch Ragnar Agnarsson sleeping on his couch, then as the show opens and the show goes on, his designs prove to be brilliant. Costume design is by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir and Edda Gudmundsdottir were different, riskay and groundbreaking. Rounding out the design team was lighting design by Jeff Croiter (Tony winner for Peter and the Starcatcher) and Cory Pattak which brought the entire show together as a whole. 

Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter began performance on July 31^st at the Minetta Lane Theatre and it official opening night took place on August 13th, 2014.

Review By: James Russo

Photos By: Carol Rosegg

Wayra: Fuerza Bruta @ The Daryl Roth Theatre

S2BN Entertainment and OZONO Productions bring the hit off-Broadway show, Fuerza Bruta, back to New York City with Wayra, the electrifying and innovative immersive theater experience. Wayra takes the audience on an 80-minute thrill ride from beginning to end, with heart thrashing fun, fast paced and upbeat live music, on-stage musicians, and breathtaking aerial displays. The newly designed set and scenes are sure to present fans of the previous incarnations (and new fans alike) with fresh experiences, and guarantee that Wayra will be a theatrical thrill that floods the senses.

Fuerza Bruta is back and it is better then ever! Wayra forces the audience to stand become part of a world like they have never seen before. This new experience brings everyone's favorite acts from the last Fuerza Bruta and mixes it with complete new ideas as well as live band. This is a show that seriously CANNOT be missed.

Wayra began performances at the Daryl Roth Theatre (101 E. 15th Street, NYC) on Friday, June 27, 2014. and The official opening night for Wayra is set for Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Fuerza Bruta is here to stay folks, this production is flawless.

 
Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Brian Harkin 

 

The Realistic Joneses @ The Lyceum Theater

Playwright Will Eno looks at people's interaction and what our conversations reveal not only about us — but human existence as well. The Realistic Joneses is packed tight with Broadways most anticipated and starred studded cast: Toni Collette, Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts and Marisa Tomei.

In The Realistic Joneses, we meet Bob and Jennifer and their new neighbors, John and Pony, two suburban couples who have even more in common than their identical homes and their shared last names. As their relationships begin to irrevocably intertwine, the Joneses must decide between their idyllic fantasies and their imperfect realities.

Eno's dark comedy takes a while to warm up to the audience, all the action sneaks up on us and then jumps out from behind then corner and drags us along a highly emotional, quick witted and thought provoking journey. This truly ensemble piece could easily fall apart if one of the four actors were to fall short but it wasn't the case here. Toni Collette is warm, snarky and shuttered, she brings a mysterious quality to Jennifer that makes the audience want to dig deeper. Tracy Letts is pretty much playing the same character he won his 2013 Tony Award for, luckily for him it worked out in his favor. Marisa Tomei is bubbly, frantic and dim witted; Tomei brought a smile to the audiences faces, even in the darkest moments in the show. Lastly, Michael C. Hall in this critics opinion is the driving force and show stealer. It was truly amazing watching him portray John as we watch his psyche decline and deteriorate.

The production will be directed by Obie Award-winner Sam Gold, who recently received critical acclaim for his production of Fun Home at the Public Theater. The show features the scenic design by David Zinn, which consisted of a black wall, a sliding door and some outdoor trees, leaving the whole experience incomplete. The sound and lighting by Mark Barton and Leon Rothenberg worked very well together to create a daunting atmosphere that didn't seem to belong with this show.

The Realistic Joneses officially opened night on Sunday, April 6th, 2014, at the Lyceum Theatre and will play through Friday June 6th, 2014.

Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Joan Marcus

Mothers and Sons @ The John Golden Theater

Mothers and Sons, the new play by 4-time Tony Award® winner Terrence McNally, is a timely and provocative new play that explores our evolving understanding of family in today’s world. At turns funny and powerful, Mothers and Sons follows a woman (Daly) who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son's ex-partner (Weller), who is now married to another man (Steggert) and has a young son. Challenged to face how society has changed around her, generations collide as she revisits the past and discovers a new connection she never expected.

Tyne Daly stars as Katherine, the mother of her lost son just trying to look for answers. Daly is incredible. There is nothing more to be said other than this is her finest work to date. Frederick Weller is heartwarming. Bobby Seggert is vicious and loving. Grayson Taylor is making his Broadway debut, and he comes out swinging. After originating the role, Taylor brings his a refreshing innocence to Bud. He is a great looking glass to what is yet to come! Overall this cast get a much deserved standing ovation.

The design team for Mothers and Sons includes scenic design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, and sound design by Nevin Steinberg. Terrence McNally delivers a play that will truly draw you to tears, the only complaint is that it left the audience wanting more. The ending seemed abrupt and could have been stretch out longer to get a better conclusion. 

Mothers and Sons had its world premiere production at Bucks County Playhouse on June 13, 2013. It opened on Broadway on Monday, March 24th, 2014.

Review By: James Russo
Photos By: Joan Marcus

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man @ The 777 Theater

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man was written by Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman.  First published in 1997 -- before TV shows and films such as “Will and Grace,” “Sex and the City” and My Best Friend’s Wedding reflected the straight girl/gay guy friendship in mainstream pop culture; and years before the “Queer Eye” guys introduced the world to the notion of better living through gay advice -- the book instantly became a national best-seller. Now it has hit New York City with a live interactive bang, leaving the audience, laughing, full of knowledge and thoroughly turned on!

This new comedy is set inside a local university auditorium, where the featured event is an interactive discussion with the author of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man.  With the help of Stefan, a hunky stage assistant, author Dan Anderson encourages the shy and studious moderator of the event, Robyn, to follow her dreams while following his tips.  Based on the international best-selling book, this world premiere production welcomes audiences into a fun-filled world of foolproof moves and insider advice that could only be culled from that most insightful of individuals: the gay man.

The cast includes Jason Michael Snow (Book of Mormon, South Pacific, Saved) as Dan, Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Lysistrata Jones, Forbidden Broadway, “Submissions Only”) as Robyn, and Andrew Brewer (Cougar The Musical) as Stefan. These three drag the audience in and capture their undivided attention for a hysterical ninety minutes. Chambers is adorably awkward, Snow is quick, sharp and incredibly sassy and lastly Brewer is sexy as hell. This stunning talent combined with the lighting, sound, audience participation, awkward sex talk, and a strip tease on the moon leaves the audience begging for more.

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man is now playing Off-Broadway at The 777 Theater. This show is highly encouraged for audiences over the age of 18, gay, straight, married or single, its a great show for everyone.

Review By: James Russo

Photos By: Jeremy Daniel

The Bridges of Madison County @ The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale enrapture the audience in The Bridges of Madison County.

The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of photographer Robert Kincaid (Steven Pasquale) and his life-changing, four-day love affair with Iowa farm wife Francesca Johnson (Kelli O’Hara). For those that are familiar with the novel or film versions of Bridges of Madison County, it may be a shock to see two people as young as Kelli’O Hara and Steven Pasquale in the roles of Francesca and Robert. This typical coming of "middle” age story is now given a new life and new depth with its younger leads. They are old enough to have experienced life but not yet passed their prime; giving a vibrant sensual energy to this piece.

Kelli O’Hara (The Light in the Piazza) steals hearts as the discontented housewife Francesca. Her sweeping vocals could rival those of angels and immediately engross the audience into Francesca’s soul. You care about her, her dreams, her past and her future. With every movement down to the smallest gesture O’Hara makes, she is Francesca. Her flawless performance is equally matched by Steven Pasquale. Pasquale decorates Robert with a rugged yet sincere charm delivered with swoon worthy vocals. Hunter Foster also gives a note-worthy performance as Francesca’s husband, Bud. Foster finds a delicate balance of arrogance, ignorance and love,giving Bud an inner complexity many actors might err to demonstrate.

Bartlett Sher’s direction for the ensemble is unique. They not only support the story as characters of the small Iowa town, but they remain the prying, peering community as they openly move sets and props. The ensemble is also seated on the side of the stage for the majority of the show. These elements allow the audience to empathize

with Francesca, feeling the fishbowl effect of 1960’s Iowa life.

Jason Robert Brown’s score lends an eclectic blend of music to Bridges. The styles range from songs with a true 1950’s quality, to a Joni Mitchell sound, to a Bluegrass Blues-like number and of course the contemporary Broadway style show stoppers. There are some majestic moments and highlights of this piece are arguably his best work, including “Falling Into You”, “One Second and a Million Miles” and “It All Fades Away”. However, there are also moments where the music or lyrics shackle the momentum of the storyline.

The Bridges of Madison County will make you fall in love with the love of Francesca and Robert and leave your heart aching for more. A must see for any hopeless romantic!

Review By: Staci Morin
Photos By: Joan Marcus

Love and Information @ The Minetta Lane Theatre

New York Theatre Workshop presents an unusual and unique state-of-the-nation play, which examines, explores, celebrates and questions where we are in our contemporary society. Rather than giving us an answer or presenting a moral tale, Love and Information offers us snapshots of ourselves, existing, loving and figuring, and it is up to us to decide what we make of it. We are adrift in a sea of internet, religion, mathematics, communication, news, advertisements and Facebook. How does this affect our relationships? How does it affect our memories?

The cast of the New York Theatre Workshop production of Love and Information includes Phillip James Brannon, Randy Danson, Susannah Flood, Noah Galvin, Jennifer Ikeda, Karen Kandel, Irene Sofia Lucio, Nate Miller, Kellie Overbey, Adante Power, John Procaccino, Lucas Caleb Rooney, Maria Tucci, James Waterston and Zoë Winters. (Cast member bios may be found at the end of the press release.)

The production team is as follows: scenic design is by Miriam Buether; costume design is by Gabriel Berry and Andrea Hood; lighting design is by Peter Mumford, sound design is by Christopher Shutt.

Love and Information opened February 19th at the The Minetta Lane Theatre located at 18 Minetta Lane.

Outside Mullingar @ The Samuel Friedman Theatre

Outside Mullingar is a story of love, death, and seizing happiness told with charming simplicity.  

Rosemary Muldoon and Anthony Reilly have been farming neighbors in Ireland since birth. Throughout her childhood and an ongoing dispute over land with the Reilly’s, Rosemary (Debra Messing), has harbored feelings for the introverted Anthony (Brian F. O’Byrne). The perpetually morose Anthony is blind to Rosemary’s ever growing affection and also has difficulty articulating his own emotions when his father (Peter Maloney) threatens to exclude him from inheriting the family farm. 

The play opens on a rainy day inside the Reilly house, and from the moment the audience enters the home there is a distinct sense of reality thanks to the detailed scenic design by John Lee Beatty.  Clothes piled in one corner, dirty dishes stacked on the table, and running water in the kitchen sink help to draw the NYC theatre-goer further into the truth of this Irish farmhouse. Playwright John Patrick Shanley (Doubt) gives the characters both comfortable and challenging conversations frosted with sweet -- sometimes bittersweet -- humor. This compliments the welcomed pregnant silences during poignant moments that director Doug Hughes allowed the actors.

The cast is solid. Though sometimes difficult to understand through the thick Irish accents, they collaboratively serve both laughter and tears with seamless authenticity. Maloney scores many chuckles as the cantankerous Irish father. His character’s humorous lines are highlighted by Maloney’s “matter of fact” delivery.  O’Byrne is tragically endearing as Anthony. He gives the character life and depth without becoming a cliché. Rosemary is the most colorful of the characters and Messing is enchanting as the chain smoking romantic.

Outside Mullingar makes the heart ache and smile, reminding us to live in the present moment.

“Now, the sky is for now” ~ Rosemary Muldoon/Outside Mullingar

Outside Mullingar opened January 23rd,2014 and is now playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Photos by: Joan Marcus

Review by: Staci Morin