Anything Goes Theatre Review

Emma Stratton (center) stars in Anything Goes

A Nautical Swell of Classic Comedy
by Josh Simon (Contributing Editor)

According to the “rules” of farce, when one door closes, another door must open immediately. This rule is impeccably followed in Anything Goes (at Warner Theatre through February 26), with the delightful addition of portholes and a cache of classic Cole Porter tunes.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Theatre Review

The Enchanted Objects of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. (Photo: Amy Boyle)

Magic Stuff... for Kids Only
by Josh Simon (Contributing Editor)

It’s a tale as old as time; but quite frankly, it's beginning to show its age. Then again, I might be biased... considering I'm over ten years old, and have had more than enough exposure to the story, characters, and merchandise. But with the current touring production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (at Warner Theatre through January 11) familiarity brings along inevitable tediousness.

Pippin Theatre Review

More than Enough Magic to Do
by Josh Simon (Contributing Editor)

There isn't one singular talent among the cast of Pippin, currently performing at the National Theatre (through January 4, 2015.) That's because each cast member is so multi-talented, that they will amaze, astound, and amaze all over again at every turn.

The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo Theatre Review

Pauline Malefane as the Queen of the Night (Photo: Keith Pattison)

Mozart on Marimbas
by Josh Simon (Contributing Editor)

Mozart on marimbas? It’s more endearing than it sounds; and it already sounds pretty darn endearing. Eight wooden African instruments flank the raked stage of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre; and the cast is already roaming the bare bones set of wood and metal, before the show even starts. Could eight wooden xylophones be enough to carry the weight of The Magic Flute, one of Wolfgang Mozart’s most beloved (and soaring) operas? Sure enough, the show begins and several cast members perform Mozart’s Overture... Percussion mallets on wooden blocks, turning the usually massive orchestration into a hollow, jingle-jangling peal.