Yikes. Critics didn't care for Almost Famous, the latest film-to-stage adaptation to hit the Great White Way. With pandering over-the-top jokes, a not-at-all-adapted for the stage story, and abysmal lyrics, set and staging, the only saving grace were standout Broadway premiere performances by Casey Likes and Solea Pfeiffer. Overall, critics wished this production had leaned in to truly adapting the show for the stage, rather than creating a semi-original half-jukebox musical rehash of the film.
Critics have weighed in on the latest Broadway opening, and with the exception of the New York Times, all came out yelling: "Go see this show!!!" Though they all agree than Katrina Lenk, the Tony-winning Actress from The Band’s Visit, doesn't quite step up to fill the shoes of the regendered lead either vocally or emotionally, the wonderful music, ensemble and design behind this production make up for her performance, and combine to make it a marvelous production none-the-less. Patti LuPone delivers a career toppling turn as Joanne, and with a couple notable exceptions, the gender-swapping worked far better than critics had feared. They found this sharp reconception of a Sondheim masterpiece surprising, exciting, moving and well worth a trip to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater.
The reviews for Bandstand are in, and while the critics universally respect the ambition of the original musical, they also universally feel it fell just short. Director and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Hamilton, is creative in tackling the principle challenge of the piece - establishing both the peppy and somber sides of 1945…
The reviews for The Color Purple are in and the critics universally admire this new production based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel. This powerful musical, unlike its 2005 predecessor, feels stripped bare, leaving the raw heart of the story in clear focus. The design, the direction, and the performances - most notably from the soon-to-be-star…
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