“Thrown Stones’s mission statement includes that they “honor and celebrate local character, culture, and history.” And, they strive “to engage our region with new and reimagined theatre in intimate settings, creating a body of work that moves, connects, and challenges all who join the conversation.” This production certainly embodied these values.”

‘“A Shayna Maidel” is a remarkably smart and sensitive play, with beautiful performances and a highlight of the season.”

“Goodspeed Opera House’s production of Elton John and Lee Hall’s “Billy Elliot” running through Nov. 24 is at times one of the best shows I’ve seen at the Opera House, and at other times feels like Goodspeed overreached.”

“Plays by Chekhov may appear intimidating -- understandably so considering the subject matter and names that are eternally long and difficult to follow. Thankfully, the program does have a character breakdown that details their relationships and Miller-Stephany has assembled a great cast, who has made a compelling and delightful production of classic 20th-century theater.”

‘“Quixote Nuevo” is a great start for the new season of Hartford Stage and a touching 2 ½ hours of drama and comedy.”

“Playhouse on Park kicked off their 11th season last week with a riotously hysterical production of the absolutely absurd musical comedy “Nunsense,” running through Oct. 13.”

If you’re a fan of Broadway musicals and particularly a fan of the musical “Hamilton” then “Spamilton” is a comedic evening of parody of the acclaimed Lin-Manuel Miranda musical. The national tour has stopped in West Hartford with performances through Sept. 8 at Playhouse on Park.

This is a “Cabaret” that has spent too much time showering, shaving and shampooing; a production whose edges have been eroded under the faucet. It’s more a missed opportunity than a total misfire.

It’s one of those near inevitable stops on the way to success for an actor to work at a restaurant, dealing with temperamental patrons, apathetic co-workers, and a pretentious supervisor or chef who feels that their work is the greatest gift ever given to man. Such is the case for Sam in Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed,” produced by TheaterWorks Hartford.

Armed with the knowledge that they have the ability to assemble a solid troupe of female actors, Little Theatre of Manchester has brought a light comedy about southern female camaraderie and the bonds of life long friendship in “The Dixie Swim Club” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

“Winn Dixie” wisely understands that real life is far more complicated and it doesn’t try to deliver easy answers. Its characters are real, flawed humans whose problems can’t be tap-danced away. Their demons won’t be cured tomorrow. It’s a good lesson for kids of all ages to learn, rolled up in a fun and charming package.”

I enjoyed myself at Ivoryton’s colorful and spritely production, mostly due to a terrific cast and some very smart decisions by director/choreographer JR Bruno.

John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical “The Scottsboro Boys” was not one of the duo’s more successful shows. The show opened on Broadway on Oct. 31, 2010 closed within six weeks amidst protests from people who were offended by the musical’s minstrel show themes.

Now, Playhouse on Park has chosen to take on this very timely, if possibly problematic musical, running through Aug. 4.

What’s most important though is bringing Irving Berlin to life and not have him feel too much like a caricature, but someone with a degree of depth. Felder achieves that depth with a delicate grace and degree of legerdemain.

The best part of “Luzia” is its very apparent love for Mexico and its people. The live music, the costumes, the effects, and the performances all engross the audience in a beautiful menagerie of life and is not a show to be missed.

“Waitress” is a sweet, well-constructed show that leaves you thoroughly entertained without having tread much new ground. But maybe that’s just fine. An apple pie doesn’t need to “tread new ground” to be satisfying.

Little Theatre of Manchester has assembled together a production of Larry Kramer’s “The Naked Heart” that is exceptional community theater, giving a solid production that reminds us of the dangers of ignoring people groups that are in severe and dangerous situations.

An exceptional leading cast of women and confident direction by Terrence Mann has made Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s production of “Mamma Mia!” a delightful show.

Every theater-goer knows that they’re in for a treat when they get to see Avenue Q, and that’s exactly what the CT Arts Player’s production of the show was: a treat! It’s truly a show that never gets old. I have seen a few productions of Avenue Q throughout my life, but now that I’m a young adult, I definitely connected to the show in ways I hadn’t before.

Consent and truth. What do these words mean to two people who recently met, went to a party, have sex afterward, and then one of them accuses the other of rape?

In her play, “Actually,” playing through June 23 as part of TheaterWorks Hartford’s residency at The Wadsworth Atheneum, Anna Ziegler attempts to challenge our assumptions of consent by making us look at the social, racial, and gender politics that arise when a night of irresponsible behavior ends with two young Princeton students in bed. The next morning, something has happened that will change both their lives forever.