Fun Home @ the Circle in the Square Theatre

Great shows seem to be a dime a dozen this Broadway season. Amazing shows are also pretty prevalent, but a little rarer. Fun Home is one of those amazing shows-mixing humor and poignancy in a profoundly moving way.

Fun Home tells the story of the life of cartoonist Alison Bechdel in a non-linear time bending way. It looks back on her childhood growing up in a funeral home/living museum (the Fun Home of the title), and how she came out to her parents in college only to discover her father was gay as well and had been sleeping with men throughout her entire childhood.

This play focuses on three different versions of Alison Bechdel and each one is a triumph. One of the quietest roles, and yet still the most compelling is Alison played by Beth Malone. She is a constant unobtrusive presence looking back on her life, and sometimes commenting as well.
Malone strikes the perfect balance of sometimes being at the forefront of the scene and then deftly stepping back to let the other characters have their moment. It’s a difficult skill that Malone makes look easy. Emily Skegg wonderfully plays up the awkward college years of Middle Alison, while making her endearingly heart-felt. Her first encounter with Joan (Roberta Colindrez) is a high spot of comedy and heart. Small Alison (Sydney Lucas) is a little firecracker with youthful energy, but with some hint of being wise beyond her age.

The supporting cast is outstanding as well, with a particular focus on Bruce (Michael Cerveris) and Helen (Judy Kuhn), Alison’s parents. Kuhn, a Broadway legend, was extraordinary as always. She created enormous depth to her character out of just a little, as the script mostly focuses on Bruce. Her eleventh-hour number “Days and Days” is a wonder to behold. Cerveris is also a Broadway vet, and he deftly moves between the loving father and the stern authoritarian, easily showing that underneath a lot of swagger, he feels something is wrong. Both Cerveris and Kuhn more classical voices translate gorgeously to the more contemporary score.Speaking of the score, the music by Jeanine Tesori blends beautifully with the book and lyrics by Lisa Kron.

In supporting the theme of shifting time, the music shifts through singing and underscoring like moving through water. Themes happen and then move away and slide back for more poignancy and thought. Particular standouts go to Kuhn’s “Days and Days”, Middle Alison’s bombastic declaration of love in “Changing My Major,” Small Alison’s first hints at homosexuality in the anthem “Ring of Keys,” and my personal favorite, the awkward moving attempt at a serious conversation that never really happens between Bruce and Middle Alison, replaced by Alison for a moment in “Telephone Wire.”

Fun Home is beautiful, stark, and full of life with just the right amount of “fun.” Do. Not. Miss. This show is one for the books.

Review By: Chrissy Cody
Photos By: Joan Marcus

Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill @ The Circle in the Square Theater

You may have thought you missed your chance to see the legendary Billie Holiday perform live, but her voice and spirit are brought to life through the extraordinary gifts of Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill.

Five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway to take on the role of the legendary Billie Holiday in the Broadway premiere of Lanie Robertson's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, recounting Holiday's life story through the songs that made her famous, including"God Bless the Child", "What a Little Moonlight Can Do", "Strange Fruit" and "Taint Nobody's Bis-ness". In 1959, Holiday puts on a show in a small intimate bar in Philadelphia that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witness to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her poignant voice, one of tthe greatest jazz singers of all-time shares personal tales of difficult choice, bad breaks, worse men and some of the most glorious songs ever written.  

Entering through the theater doors of Circle in the Square you are transported back to 1959 south Philadelphia inside Emersons Bar and Grill thanks to the simple scenic design by James Noone. A jazz trio sets the mood as drinks are poured to a few patrons seated at cocktail tables on the floor below the stage. A light veil of smoke dances against the ambient blue lighting filling the room. Soon Billie Holiday (Audra McDonald) enters and takes the stage.

To say that McDonald embraces the essence of Lady Day is an understatement. If you are familiar with McDonald's gorgeous voice and elegant stage presence, you will not recognize her in this role; McDonald disappears and Holiday is materialized. Close your eyes and you hear the haunting and unmistakable voice of Billie Holiday. Gazing at McDonald in a white strapless gown (a Billie Holiday classic look) by Esosa, it is sometimes necessary to remind yourself that Miss Holiday herself is not standing in front of you. Look at her closely and it is impossible to find any reminents of Audra. Everything from her posture, to her cloudy speech to her drooping eyes is wrapped and delivered to the audience as the most authentic depiction of Billie Holiday with ease. This may easily be some of the best acting Broadway has ever seen.

Lanie Robertson's book is heartbreaking while offering some smiles along the way. It is an honest form of storytelling that allows the audience to see Holiday through a transparent magnifying glass, enhanced by the casual direction of Lonny Price. Robert Wierzel's lighting design enhances the emotional journey of the storyline, often using the stark white dress McDonald is wearing as a canvas to paint on. Tim Weil's stylistic lounge-like  orchestrations are performed flawlessly by conductor/pianist Shelton Becton (also appearing as Jimmy Powers), Clayton Craddock on drums and George Farmer on bass. If you love live jazz music you will adore the sights and sounds of Emerson's Bar and Grill.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill will captivate you with it's classic music, aching story and authentic delivery. Make sure you see it - this one could be Miss McDonald's 6th Tony!.

Review By: Staci Morin

Photos By: Evgenia Eliseeva & Picasa

Soul Doctor @ The Circle in the Square Theater

The new Broadway musical Soul Doctor is an exhilarating musical journey through the triumphs and tribulations of a cultural phenomenon. It tells the fascinating story of the father of popular Jewish music, Shlomo Carlebach, and his unlikely friendship with Nina Simone. A modern-day troubadour, Shlomo ignited the spirit of millions around the world with his soul-stirring melodies, trans formative storytelling and boundless love.  After his escape from Nazi Germany, the young Rabbi befriended the legendary jazz singer Nina Simone who introduced him to soul and gospel music. With the high Priestess of Souls  as his inspiration, Shlomo created a joyous new sound with melodies that fused his roots with American popular music. With his meteoric rise as a "Rock Star Rabbi, he struggled to harmonize his traditional beliefs with the "free love" generation of the 1960s. Today, his uplifting music and message help to define America most defiant era.

Soul Doctor is the first inspiring celebration to hit the stage since Hair in 2009. Leading the cast is Eric Anderson fresh out of Kinky Boots, Anderson is back to the role the won him the 2013 Drama Desk Nomination before the Broadway transfer. Anderson perfectly embodied Shlomo and delivered a stunning performance but unfortunately his singing was not leading man material, the audience was looking for something a little more demanding. Amber Iman, who is making her Broadway Debut, steals the light for Anderson in her role of Nina. Iman brings such warmth and sass to stage and steal focus whenever she is onstage. Soul Doctor is a true ensemble piece with killer movement and constant audience interaction, it was hard not to love this show!


The award-winning design team for Soul Doctor includes scenic design by Neil Patel ([title of show]), costume design by Maggie Morgan), lighting design by Jeff Croiter (Newsies) and sound design by John Shivers (Kinky Boots) and David Patridge.  Orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Steve Margoshes, music supervision and arrangements are by Brian Koonin and music direction and arrangements are by Seth Farber.

Soul Doctor has music by Shlomo Carlebach, book and direction by Daniel S. Wise, lyrics by David Schechter and choreography by Benoit-Swan Pouffer, the acclaimed former artistic director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet.  Circle in the Square Theatre is located at 1633 Broadway, entrance on 50^thStreet between Broadway and 8^th Avenue. Dont miss this celebration of a true legend! 

Review By: James Russo

Godspell @ The Circle in the Square Theater

Down the row of theatres on 50^th and Broadway, Steven Schwartz is a very busy man.  It is not easy to have one dominating show on Broadway, Wicked, yet alone another one trying to make the same climb, Godspell.  Do not let the name of this rock musical fool you, the theme of religion runs through it; however, the ideas of life, love, and passion are at the very core of this piece.  An ensemble of ten performers creates an organic theatre experience that takes musical theatre to a whole new level.  Director Daniel Goldstein, has the audience become a part of what can only be described as a master acting and movement class with God as the teacher.  The ensemble gives an authentic and real performance – they simply have fun!  This is definitely one of the best revivals to hit Broadway this year – Godspell is simply irresistible.

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord” because a hip new prophet named Jesus is in town to share the word of his Father and save the people of Earth.  Step one: get baptized.  Step two: share the lessons that will save all of mankind – the parables of the Prodigal Son, Lazarus, the Good Samaritan, and more.  Step three: have one last supper.  Step four: be betrayed by one of your own, Judas.  Step five: die to save the entire world.  Step six: rock out while doing all of the previous five steps.  While it is true that the center of the story is Jesus and the Bible, there is so much more to this production.  The cast comes together to share their passion – performing.  The life and energy of this show is so authentic; the cast is clearly having a blast on the stage each night.  Godspell comes to Broadway with soulful performances, stunning imagery, and a message of hope!

In a piece that can tend to feel heavy and preachy, this cast of ten makes audiences believe in the power of theatre.  Hunter Parrish (Spring Awakening and television’s Weeds) as Jesus leads this troupe to the ways of the Lord with style, sexiness, and warmth.  His depiction of the Son of God might not be what typical Christians learned about in CCD, but it is sure as hell entertaining.   Parrish finds the humor and soul in the piece making the audience captivated by his charm and wit; however, he was also able to step away from that element to deliver a performance that is deeply emotional and moving.  Wallace Smith (American Idiot) as Judas with a whole new look is magnificent to watch.  Smith’s approach feels almost innocent – the audience sees it as if Judas’s actions were out of love not hate.  This made his character much more loveable and open to faith and friendship.  Surrounding these two is an ensemble of eight talented actors singing, dancing, and performing their asses off in order share their story.  Uzo Aduba (Coram Boy) owns the stage with her quick wit and soulful voice.  Nick Blaemire (Cry-Baby) takes the song “We Beseech Thee” to new heights.  Celisse Henderson (television’s 30 Rock) takes out all of the stops playing the bongos and ukulele while whaling and rapping.  Telly Leung (television’s Glee) imamates every famous movie and actor, all while playing piano.  Lindsay Mendez (Grease revival) takes on the gospel showstopper “Bless the Lord” and bring the house down.  George Salazar (Spring Awakening national tour) uses his strong comedic timing to bring each parable to life.  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (film’s Fame remake) takes on the classic hit “Day by Day” and does a stunning job.  Understudy Julia Mattison, who has been in this role for a few weeks following a minor injury of original cast member Morgan James, uses a laid back approach that works wonders when see opens Act Two with “Turn Back, O Man.”  There are truly not enough positive things to be said about this company!

The John-Michael Tebelak and Steven Schwartz musical, which was originally written as a Master’s thesis, has landed back on Broadway under the direction of Daniel Goldstein (Mamma Mia! national tour resident director).  Goldstein has created organized chaos in the round at the Circle In The Square Theatre.  The piece is set up to feel like ten actors found a script of Godspell on the floor and decided to put all of their acting techniques to work.  It is truly a giant acting class complete with Pictionary, charades, and jokes on current events.  This master class takes place in a space that looks like a rundown vaudeville theatre thanks to designer David Korins (Lombardi in the same theatre).  With the band spread throughout the audience, trampolines, a mini-pool, and a piano built into the stage, this design is original and fresh – matching the feel of the show perfectly.  Flashy lighting, designed by David Weiner (The Normal Heart), that takes over each time a song breaks out truly adds to the rock n’ roll feel of the show.  And, pulling the whole look together, are smart costumes from designer Miranda Hoffman (Well).  The mix and match of the costumes brings that acting troupe feel together beautifully – especially when they physically throw away the traditional Superman tee-shirt!  The whole design just enhances the brilliance of this fresh concept!

It is time to learn your lessons well while preparing day by day in the beautiful city where this light of the world musical is playing.  Ignoring the phrase of puns, Godspell is an absolute delight!  It is hard to imagine another revival being any more brilliant than this one!  Schwartz defiantly has a reason to rejoice once more!

Lombardi @ Circle in the Square Theatre

Vincent Lombardi once said, “Nobody’s perfect. Some of us strive for it, but nobody’s perfect.” Clearly, he never saw the play Lombardi, the new Broadway smash currently playing at the Circle In The Square theatre, because it quite simply is “perfect.”

Lombardi tells the incredible true story of Vincent Lombardi, the best coach that football has ever seen. Getting nowhere with his football career, Lombardi (played by Dan Lauria) is about to pack it all in and become a banker; however, a call comes in from the Green Bay Packers offering him the head coach position. It is not long before Lombardi and his wife Marie (played by Judith Light) are off to Green Bay, where he is about to change the face of football forever. It is now seven years later, and Lombardi now has two NFL Championships under his belt, and is working towards his third. In the wake of this, news writer Michael McCormick (played by Keith Nobbs) is sent out to Green Bay to write an article about him and the 1965 Packers team. Famous players from this team included Dave Robinson (played by Robert Christopher Riley), Paul Hornung (played by Bill Dawes), and Jim Taylor (played by Chris Sullivan). McCormick desperately tries to capture the tempered but loveable Lombardi in his full glory just before a big game. With excitement, heart, soul, and style, the play Lombardi shines, and rightfully takes its place as the great new American play.

The six person ensemble of Lombardi works stunningly together to give this stunning new play affection that it deserves. Dan Lauria (known from television’s The Wonder Years) brings Vincent Lombardi back in a big way, delivering a performance that is truly moving. Lauria does a brilliant job at showing that many sides of Lombardi – husband, father, Christian, and coach. His vision of how soft the famous hot headed Lombardi was just stunning; he took the audience on a journey of the ups and downs of football and family. It was clear that Lauria loved playing this part as much as Lombardi loved football – a whole lot. Playing the sometimes tipsy but always loving Marie is Judith Light (known from television’s Guiding Light and Ugly Betty). Light delivers a sure to be Tony nominated performance in this role. She showed just how hard it can be to be in love with someone who loves something else more a few months out of every year. Light, as Marie, shows the love for husband, that Lombardi shows to his players. With moments of humor, pain, celebration, and remorse, Light give a truly radiant performance that was nothing short of brilliant. Playing the only fictional character in this production is Keith Nobbs (known for his works in The Lion in Winter and Dog Sees God) as the reporter Michael McCormick. Being the narrator of a production is never easy, but Nobbs does it with such ease and heart that the audience cannot help but feel for his character. He gives a grade A performance, which could not have come easy considering that he is the only member of the cast that could not fully research his character. Each of the other five actors, had access to countless photos, reels, and speeches of their characters. The partnership with the National Football League allowed for these talented actors to have access to anything that they needed to fully become that coach, player, and wife. These moves definitely pay off because the entire ensemble delivers a simply stunning performance.

Lombardi features wonderful technical aspects as well. With a script penned by Eric Simonson (who also penned Slaughterhouse–Five), based upon the bestselling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by David Maraniss, Lombardi delivers a truly heartwarming message of hope. This stellar script comes to life with a fantastic production team lead by director Thomas Kail (director of Broadway’s In the Heights). Directing and designing Lombardi was no easy feat, given the fact that the production is done in the round giving the play the awesome look and feel a football stadium. While putting a show in the round (meaning that audience members surround the stage) could cause some problems, Kail does a great job of constantly keeping the scenes moving in a way that is easefully and never slows down the movement of the show. Scenic design by David Korins (last seen on Broadway with The Pee-Wee Herman Show) and projection design by Zachary Borovay (currently with design in Rock of Ages) made this piece even more amazing. The scenic elements were all very simple, but never left the audience guessing where the scene was taking place; and, the projections were designed to show on the floor of the stage allowing for a great flow of scene changes. The stand out of this production technically was the brilliant lighting design by Howell Binkley (currently represented on Broadway by Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet, and Memphis). Mixing the styles of stadium lighting and theatre lighting, Binkley created the perfect atmosphere for Lombardi. His design was exceptional, intricate, and just plain beautiful.

Bringing together theatre lovers and football fans that have never before seen a theatre, Lombardi is a new Broadway must see! “We are never finished.” Hopefully, Lombardi’s words ring true and this great new play lasts on Broadway for a long, long time.


Review By: James Russo & Ryan Oliveti