Category Archives: 3 πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ Rating

The Gardens of Anuncia

The Gardens of Anuncia
A New Musical by Michael John LaChiusa
Directed and Co-Choreographed by Graciela Daniele
Lincoln Center Theater at the Mitzi E. Newhouse
December 1, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

The Gardens of Anuncia is an ode and celebration of the brilliant choreographer and director Graciela Daniela.Β Β It is perfectly staged at Lincoln Center – in that she was, at one time, the Director in Residence for the Lincoln Center Theater. Danielle has directed in choreographed eight shows on the stage – –Β Β this being her ninth. Her career is that of a theater legend. From her childhood as a baby ballerina in Buenos Aires to working as Bob Fosse dance, captain and Michael Bennett’s assistant to a collection numerous awards, and Tony Award nominations.

The Book of Mormon (seeing it a second time)

The Book of Mormon (seeing it a second time)
Book Music and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone
Choreography by Casey Nicholaw
Directed by Casey Nicholas and Trey Parker
Eugene O’Neill Theatre
September 12, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

This was my second time seeing this show – – but this time almost a decade separated my first time seeing the show and my recent visit.Β  As I recall, the first visit, this musical was so naughty, edgy, and avant guard.Β  My how times have changed.Β  Now, some ten years later, it has joined the ranks of other β€œtourist shows” with its tables of β€œmerch” sold in the lobby.Β  It’s β€œnastiness” now is handled with no more than a small reminder on the ticketing site that it does contact some adult language. Β  What I noticed with this recent version is how much the production has missed Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.Β 

The Savior

The Saviour
Written by Deidre Kinahan
Directed by Louise Lowe
Irish Repertory Theatre
July 14, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

The Savior was a tough play to watch.Β Β The play is a one act in two parts. The first part involves an elderly Irish woman who has just had physical relationships with a much younger man who seems to bow to her every wish.Β Β The play opens with the woman in bed while the man is off stage getting her coffee. She has an extended monologue where she talks about how wonderful it is to find love and physical affection this late in her life. She attributes much of it to Jesus and how he has been looking after her for a long time. Then as we move into the second-half of this one act her son arrives with a birthday present for her.Β Β He also arrives with some bad news.Β Β 

Once Upon a One More Time

Once Upon a One More Time
Based on the music performed and recorded by Britney Spears
Book by Jon Hartmere
Directed and Choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid
Marquis Theatre
May 25, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

Act 1 is a marvelous thrill ride for any fan of Britney Spears! The premise of story-time female characters getting a bit fed up with their role and treatment in their story – and starting a revolution is set up – and then the fun begins. We get to essentially match the best of Britney Spears to the stories we have known since childhood. Cinderella provides the best connections between pop music and story possible. Cinderella working away on the hearth to please her wicked mother becomes, “You Better Work Bitch.” Prince Charming becomes a “Womanizer” and certainly “Toxic”. THE moment that the Britney Springs song begins the audience is blown away by the connection. It is electric! AND the dancing is easily some of the best on the street!

Becky Nurse of Salem

Becky Nurse of Salem
Written by Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
Lincoln Center Theater at the Mitzi E. Newhouse
December 31, 2022
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

Sarah Ruhl’s latest play is about a descendant of a tried and convicted American witch.Β  The play was inspired by the rage that the playwright Ms. Ruhl felt after seeing a production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and how it distorted the motivation of the Salem Withc Trials to make them about young women’s desire for an older man. Β  – ie – – Abigail was 17 in the play but in real life she was 11.Β  That changes everything.