22 Feb 2024

The Wonder as I Wandered: “The Stacks: An Immersive Mystery,” at the Sound Conservatory through March 2

By Pamela Briggs

You're invisible to the characters; there's no interaction between performers and audience, and no talking between spectators. But you can prowl and eavesdrop at will. Everyone witnesses the happenings differently.

19 Feb 2024

Elle-ated: “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” at the Spotlight Theatre through February 25

By Pamela Briggs

Director Rebecca Casad and musical director Christine Rogers have wrangled a large, impressive cast, crew, and staff into an energetic singing, dancing, overall good time.

22 Jan 2024

Choo-choo-dunit: “Murder on the Orient Express,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through March 2

By Pamela Briggs

Mysteries should surprise you. Murder on the Orient Express, the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's current offering, did so for me in … well, surprising ways.

13 Nov 2023

Flock to This Shepherd: “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through December 30

By Pamela Briggs

Director/choreographer Ashley Becher, her performers, and her crew have whipped up one merry and delicious fudging indulgence. You don't need to know the movie to love this show.

13 Nov 2023

Baby, It's Cold Outside: “Almost, Maine,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through December 2

By Pamela Briggs

If you're one of those folks excitedly looking forward to snow, and this week's forecasted highs in the 60s are bringing you down, you can step into a cold New England night this weekend and bask (sort of) in that chilly atmosphere – plus get a warm, bountiful evening of entertainment – at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre.

12 Oct 2023

Down for the Count: “Dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy,” through October 15

By Pamela Briggs

Bram Stoker sucked the life force from the works of Transylvanian folklore scholar Emily Gerard for his 1897 novel Dracula. His immensely popular book, in turn, has been drained of its essence by many adapters. Playwright Kate Hamill's version is Dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy, currently running at Augustana College. But this show is probably not what you think it is.

09 Oct 2023

Red-Hot Poker: “The Seafarer,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through October 15

By Pamela Briggs

The world seems to be rampant with disappointments, disasters, and persistent obstacles. Conflict drives drama, but does real life have to be so hard so often? Sometimes, theatre can provide answers, comfort the life-weary, or entertain so thoroughly that you forget your problems. The Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's production of The Seafarer does all three.

02 Oct 2023

Dewey's Decibel System: “School of Rock: The Musical,” through October 8

By Pamela Briggs

School of Rock: The Musical was directed by the theatre's co-owner (and set, lighting, and sound designer) Brent Tubbs, aided here by musical director Laura Hammes and choreographer Becca Johnson. Onstage, we have 30 actor/singer/musicians, plus seven musicians in the pit, and they and the crew have staged an ambitious, complex production that runs smoothly, sounds great, and will leave you grinning.

01 Sep 2023

Judge, Jury, and Executioner: “Witness for the Prosecution,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through September 4

By Pamela Briggs

The Playcrafters Barn Theatre has kept us in suspense for months since postponing Witness for the Prosecution in March due to cast illnesses. Now the play is on its feet at last, with most of the original cast.

21 Aug 2023

The Actors Prepare: “Circle Mirror Transformation,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through August 27

By Pamela Briggs

The Playcrafters Barn Theatre's current production Circle Mirror Transformation sounds très à l'avant-garde. However, though it's unconventionally staged, it's one of the most authentic theatrical slices of life I've ever tucked into.

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