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02-05-15 |
The Millionairess |
REP - Thompson Theatre |
Newark, DE |
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Elizabeth Heflin has developed into a star. We have watched her for many years, but she really seems to taking command of her performances lately. While the play was funny and the set was phenomenal, I was left somewhat under whelmed. (review) |
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02-19-15 |
Peter and the Starcatcher |
The Playhouse on Rodney Square |
Wilmington, DE |
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Being based on a Dave Barry book, as well as being a fan of Peter Pan, I really wanted to like this, but was disappointed. Pushed the boundaries of some Broadway traditions and had several laughs, but not enough. |
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03-06-15 |
Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles |
The Playhouse on Rodney Square |
Wilmington, DE |
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We have seen a number of Beatles tribute bands, but I believe this was the best. Others have come closer to the original voices but this was the complete package. with impressive multimedia enhancements. (photos) |
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03-12-15 |
Juno and the Paycock |
REP - Thompson Theatre |
Newark, DE |
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My Celtic heritage usually attracts me to all things Irish, but this is the second time they have put on this play and it just doesn't do it for me. Fine acting, but too depressing. |
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04-16-15 |
Camelot |
The Playhouse on Rodney Square |
Wilmington, DE |
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While well aware of the story, I think this was the first time I actually saw the show. The leads all did very well and the staging was quite effective. (review) |
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04-30-15 |
The 39 Steps |
REP - Thompson Theatre |
Newark, DE |
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While we enjoyed the touring Broadway show a few years ago, our locals did it even better. As always, both the acting and staging rival Broadway productions. One minor complaint. Michal Gotch seemed to have a hard time projecting. We sit in the 5th row and it was sometimes difficult to hear him. |
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05-14-15 |
Guys and Dolls |
The Playhouse on Rodney Square |
Wilmington, DE |
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Another Broadway staple that we had not seen. I don't recall seeing the movie version either so was unfamiliar, and unimpressed, with the storyline. Well acted, but forgettable. |
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05-23-15 |
A Prairie Home Companion |
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts |
Vienna, VA |
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In what has become a semi-tradition, spent Memorial Day weekend in the nation's capital and took in Garrison Keillor's patriotic themed show. Somehow scored front row seats this year which made it that much more enjoyable. Guests were Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan. |
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06-26-15 |
Les Misérables |
Milburn Stone Theatre |
North East, MD |
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While this remains my favorite play of all time, I knew that this local production would be somewhat disappointing. Several of the performances were quite good, especially Javert, but the lead fell short. While he had the potential, and nailed one number, he was far too understated for such a big role. |
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08-14-15 |
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum |
Milburn Stone Theatre |
North East, MD |
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Funny this was not. A few talents in the cast, but a very disappointing performance. We left at intermission. |
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09-17-15 |
Tappin' Thru Life |
Delaware Theatre Company |
Wilmington, DE |
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Maurice Hines gets a lot of credit for being so nimble for a man in his 70's, but frankly I was disappointed that there was so little tappin'. He let the others seen on the stage do the heavy lifting and spent most of the evening singing standards and telling stories. He has a pleasant enough voice, but nothing special. What was interesting were the show biz tales, and especially the poignant family stories. Points off though for some inappropriate sexual innuendos. |
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10-01-15 |
The Patsy |
REP - Thompson Theatre |
Newark, DE |
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Silly, sometimes bawdy, French farce, impecably performed as usual. Three full sets, increasingly impressive. Great to see so many PTTP alumni, especially lead Victoria Adams. Loses one star since the audience was unusually and puzzlingly reserved. |
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10-22-15 |
Playing The Assassin |
Delaware Theatre Company |
Wilmington, DE |
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The benefit of lowered expectations. Didn't know much about the play and only attended because we subscribed to the full season this year. More than just a football story, a very engaging struggle between right and wrong and life's regrets. |
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10-24-15 |
Sweeney Todd |
Milburn Stone Theatre |
North East, MD |
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Much better production than their recents efforts, and the two leads were quite good, but as is to be expected, a number of the other cast members were passable at best. Poor sound continues to plague enjoyment of their performances, and the story was implausible and unappealing. |
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11-12-15 |
Heartbreak House |
REP - Thompson Theatre |
Newark, DE |
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Reprise of one of the very first PPTP performances we saw way back in 1994. In theory, I should have liked it. Intelligent, witty dialog, the usual superb acting and set, with a socialist/secular bent, but it still left me unimpressed. Great theatrical ending if you can endure the first 2 1/2 hours. |
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12-02-15 |
Diner |
Delaware Theatre Company |
Wilmington, DE |
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Feel privileged to be in the first audience to preview this new musical being developed by Delaware Theatre Company. With heavy hitters Barry Levinson writing the script based on his movie, and Sheryl Crow providing the music, the chances seem excellent that this will make it to Broadway. The story includes the most memorable scenes from the movie but updates it a bit with a more feminist edge. The songs follow the Grease template with a 50's vibe, yet contemporary. Good set and cast, though a few tweaks to the sound system are needed. |
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12-02-15 |
Annie |
The Playhouse on Rodney Square |
Wilmington, DE |
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Yes it's corny and sappy, but what's wrong with that for a little Christmas joy. Annie was played by Angelina Carballo, an understudy, but she did a fine job, though Lynn Andrews as Miss Infauna and Sandy stole the show. |
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