Posts by David Dixon
Friendship and Music in ‘Moonlight’s Wonderful ‘Beautiful’
Based on the title, audiences might think that Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will solely focus on the life of the famous singer-songwriter. In actuality, Moonlight Stage Productions wonderful staging is largely about the rivalry and friendship she shared with composer, Barry Mann, and lyricist, Cynthia Weil.
Read MoreNorth Coast Rep’s Latest Keeps the Laughs Coming
The comedy, Don’t Dress for Dinner, utilizes many elements of a classic farce: quirky characters, misunderstandings, false identities, and slapstick. All of these components are handled with strong timing by director, Christopher Williams, and a talented cast in the North Coast Repertory Theatre’s production.
Read MoreA Clever and Haunting OnStage Playhouse Show
Many people have worked at least one job that is overwhelming, psychologically harmful, and emotionally draining. This phenomenon is explored in OnStage Playhouse’s excellent production of the dramatic comedy, Gloria.
Read MoreAn Intense and Bleakly Funny Experience from Backyard Renaissance
For several decades, Martin McDonagh has garnered a lot of attention for his dark work as a playwright and a filmmaker/screenwriter. His sense of humor and handling of tough subject matter is evident in his 1996 play, The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Read MoreThe Funny Side of Lamb’s at the ‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’
For the last few seasons, Lamb’s Players Theatre has staged an eclectic selection of musicals during the summer. Last year, the company presented the New Testament-inspired Harry Chapin show, Cotton Patch Gospel, and in 2022, the organization staged the jukebox musical, Million Dollar Quartet.
Read MoreScripps Ranch Theatre’s ‘Vanity Fair’ Terrifically Adapts a Classic Story
Playwright, Kate Hamill, has written several theatrical adaptations of classic novels, such as “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Little Women.” Her writing often incorporates feminist storytelling and plenty of comic relief.
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