“Williamston Theatre offers an intense night at the theater with “9 Parts of Desire.” It’s the kind of work that is meaningful, one that fosters empathy and reminds those who have been gone from the theater for too long why we need it, why we need to be in the same room participating in a story that is a communal work of art.”

Overall, “Candlelight” was a beautiful and heartbreaking play about young love and trauma that will leave audiences with feeling of joy and overwhelming sorrow all wrapped up in a beautiful little package. And, despite a few moments that I had questions about, I very much enjoyed it and will be thinking about it for many days after.

“When it comes to holiday classics, the recipe for success tends to contain dollops of laughter and a sprinkling of joyful tears. Williamston’s “This Wonderful Life” by Steve Murray has just the right mix to make their production a welcome return to their theater.”

“It’s a show that has always been over-the-top and ultra-aware of its role as a musical spoof. It never forgets there is an audience and never forgets that they are a performance.”

“The end product is about lonely, confused, wounded people needing to heal, making a connection regardless of nationality or the color of their skin. The judicious outcome is that there are no illegal human beings and in a benevolent world.”

““The Jigsaw Bride” presents so many conundrums in ways that provide no easy answers. Who is right? Who is wrong? What happens when needs clash?”

““Legally Blonde” is always a fun, feel-good musical and the one at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center has much to recommend it, even if it falls short of all that it could be.”

“Every piece feels full of great reverence and respect for mothers and the women we have in our lives. After viewing you will likely go and call all of the strong women in your life and thank them and tell them you love them.”

“There is something about “Happy Days” that feels very 2021. Watching a woman sink slowly into an inescapable morass while being as determined as possible to stick to a routine, to keep a stiff upper lip and to remain calm doesn’t seem all that strange this year.”

“Farmer’s Alley reopened its indoor, in-person season with a production that testified to the courage of the human spirit, to its resilience, to the way everyone has persevered through hard times unique to each individual.”

“I don’t know if there is any more coming in this story or in this world but it feels as though this creative team has left themselves with a rich enough story to make anything possible. And I will be eagerly waiting for it.”

“Theatre Nova has re-opened its doors with a thoughtful show that entertains while presenting challenging questions.”

“Ms. Patterson is the epitome of a star – any of her many fans who have stage doored her shows and anyone who has worked with her in any capacity can attest to that. But she is the kind of star we should all aspire to be – not just because of what she can do in a pair of tap shoes, but because of her generosity of spirit, and kind but unflinching honesty.”

“What the Blue Man Group show did on opening night was to welcome people back to what they had missed and to remind them that no matter how otherly someone might look, it is possible to share a community and to celebrate the world we share.”

“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.”

“The Earth Moves is another great audio play by Mac Rogers that takes a giant worldwide disaster and filters it through the lens of a radio show. Giving us a very small story that feels massive by the end.”

‘So Take A Break’ of being cooped up at home and buy tickets to one of the most epic and award-winning American musicals in history. It will leave you “Satisfied” and “Blow Us All Away.”

“Sometimes what you really need from a night at the theater is to sit back with a smile, enjoy old favorites and leave humming or singing the songs from the night. It’s one reason why Mamma Mia is such a popular musical that can draw big crowds—as it did on the opening night of Music Theater Works production at their new venue, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, north of Chicago.”

“‘The Karens’ sets up a world where the three characters we are following are larger-than-life-wacky characters that we can enjoy engaging with. However, just as we are getting comfortable and laughing along, it hits us with some startlingly poignant truths.”

“Stamm is closing out Mason Street Warehouse’s season with a thoroughly enjoyable revue that not only delights—it makes one hungry for the return of musical theater.”