By PAM HARBAUGH Riverside Theatre’s production of “West Side Story” opens with that Jerome Robbins’ iconic dance move — arms outstretched, body balancing high on one foot. The Jets gang soar over the dingy streets of New York City’s upper west side, falling into graceful step with one another. Their heady...
Review: Henegar’s ‘God of Carnage’
L – R: Aaron Karnes, Holly McFarland, Mark Blackledge and Lauren Maleski in the Henegar’s production of “God of Carnage.” Photo by Dana Niemeier. By PAM HARBAUGH A thin veneer of civility is all that separates two couples from their true blood thirsty selves in the Henegar Center’s emotional thrill ride...
Review: Orlando Shakespeare Theatre ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
Photo by Tony Firriolo features Kennedy Joy Foristall and Warren Kelley in Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ By PAM HARBAUGH ORLANDO — The story may be set in 1935 Alabama, but the themes ring with universality in the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s riveting production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Masterfully...
REVIEW: Riverside Theatre’s ‘Underneath the Lintel’
Jim Van Valen in ‘Underneath the Lintel’ at Riverside Theatre. By PAM HARBAUGH VERO BEACH — Despite its slow beginning, an undercurrent of intrigue pulls you to stay with Glen Berger’s unusual one-person play on the boards now in Riverside Theatre’s second stage. For just as you fear it might be...
Review: Cocoa Village Playhouse ‘West Side Story’
Dillon Giles and Isabel Prado in Cocoa Village Playhouse’s ‘West Side Story.’ Photo (detail) by Megan Abbott Photography. By PAM HARBAUGH From the first downbeat in the splendid overture to “West Side Story,” you know you are in for a treat with Cocoa Village Playhouse’ marvelously sung, beautifully staged and exquisitely...
Review: ‘The Explorers Club’ at Mad Cow Theatre
(L to R) Simon Needham, Heather Leonardi and Eric G. Pinder in Mad Cow Theatre’s ‘The Explorers Club.’ Photo by Tom Hurst. By PAM HARBAUGH For witty new comedy well done, you don’t get any better than Mad Cow Theatre’s exhilarating production of “The Explorers Club” — from scrumptious visual design...
Review: ‘It Runs in the Family’ at MCT
By PAM HARBAUGH A London hospital turns into a place for madcap antics in Ray Cooney’s farce “It Runs in the Family,” currently reaping laughs at Melbourne Civic Theatre. The ever-accelerating action in this farce revolves around Dr. David Mortimore (Gordon Ringer) as he is about to deliver an important speech...
Review: ‘The Color Purple: The Musical’ at the Henegar Center
Shari Milia’n and Precious Evans in ‘The Color Purple’ at Henegar Center. Photo by Dana Niemeier. By PAM HARBAUGH Theater is a temple and the spirit is being served on the stage and in the audience at the Henegar Center for the Arts, where a passionate, full-voiced production of “The Color...
Review: Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins: the Musical’ at Titusville Playhouse
Jeffrey Gauvin, Melissa Whitworth and Emma Budsberg in Titusville Playhouse’s ‘Mary Poppins: The Musical.’ Photo by Doug Lebo. By PAM HARBAUGH Childlike magic woven into a tender story combine into one of the most endearing productions you will see this season — Titusville Playhouse’s “Mary Poppins: The Musical.” Yes, TPI scored...
Review: ‘Crazy for You’ at Riverside Theatre
Photo of Riverside Theatre’s “Crazy for You” by Benjamin Hager. By PAM HARBAUGH The wild joy of terrific Tony Award winning choreography and big production numbers will leave you beaming at Riverside Theatre’s thoroughly entertaining, professional production of “Crazy for You.” This delightful musical, called the “New Gershwin Musical,” is a...