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NCC's "The Minutes" a devastating comedy

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 26 October 2024
Hits: 864

“The Minutes” is an unsettling and ultimately devastating indictment of American politics as seen through the eyes of a small-town council meeting.
Northampton Community College Department of Theatre has skillfullly mined the satire written by Tracy Letts, for both the laughs and the unexpected horror in its production through Oct. 27 at Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 
That this benign seeming collection of barely-paying-attention council members devolves through the play’s swift 90 minutes to a denouement reminiscent of “Lord of the Flies,” leaves audience members shocked and shaken as decorum gives way to tribalism.

Read more: NCC's "The Minutes" a devastating comedy

PA Playhouse stages raw, emotional "Stick Fly"

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 16 October 2024
Hits: 1030

Pennsylvania Playhouse explores issues of race and class in its intriguing production of “Stick Fly” through Oct. 27 at the playhouse at 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 
Filled with complex characters and strained relationships, “Stick Fly” is raw, emotional and poignant, as ably directed by Torez Mosley.
The story follows two brothers from an upper-class Black family who are bringing their respective girlfriends to the family’s vacation home in Martha's Vineyard to meet their parents and it seems everyone has something to hide.

Read more: PA Playhouse stages raw, emotional "Stick Fly"

Thoroughly delightful "The Sound of Music" at Civic

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 14 October 2024
Hits: 1375

Civic Theatre of Allentown’s “The Sound of Music”  is a thoroughly delightful production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.On stage at Civic’s historic 19th Street Theater through Oct. 27, “The Sound of Music” features strong performances and lovely singing.
Solidly anchoring the show is the adorable Gianna Neal as Maria, the young postulate who is sent to be a governess to the seven mischievious children of Captain von Trapp.
Neal is charming as the naive Maria, and her voice soars on beloved favorites like “My Favorite Things,” and  "The Sound of Music," as well as the playful yodeling of “The Lonely Goatherd.”

Read more: Thoroughly delightful "The Sound of Music" at Civic

Crowded Kitchen's "Death By Lullaby" presents important insights in crackling murder mystery, at The Ice House

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 12 October 2024
Hits: 975

Things are not what they seem in the premiere of “Death By Lullaby,” a play that smartly tackles some of the very serious problems that can occur in senior living situations, while being packaged in a crackling murder mystery story.

The pitfalls that result from staffing shortages, medical mismanagement and lack of oversight are illuminated in the intriguing new play written and directed by Ara Barlieb, and being presented by Crowded Kitchen Players through Oct. 26 at Charles A. Brown Ice House in Bethlehem.

Mrs. Tigert, outstandingly played by Trish Cipoletti, is the newest resident at Wheatland Retirement Community. Mrs. Tigert, who it seems has  apparently had a stoke, awakens in the home in the middle of the night, screaming and lost.

Read more: Crowded Kitchen's "Death By Lullaby" presents important insights in crackling murder mystery, at...

MunOpCo's "Rock of Ages" enthusiastic and energetic

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 30 September 2024
Hits: 1087

If you’re a fan of 1980s hits like “Any Way You Want It,” and “Don’t Stop Believin,” then MunOpCo Music Theatre’s enthusiastic and energetic “Rock of Ages” will be a raucous walk down memory lane.

The juke-box musical which features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister,  Whitesnake, Poison, Europe and more, is rocking the stage through Oct. 6 at  Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1533 Hamilton St., Allentown. 

Thin on plot, but heavy on hits like “Can't Fight This Feeling,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and “The Final Countdown;” “Rock of Ages”  is more a send-up of the indulgent ‘80s than a typical musical. The show keeps its tongue firmly in its cheek with inside references to everything from 1980s pop culture to the “Rock of Ages” film adaptation.

Read more: MunOpCo's "Rock of Ages" enthusiastic and energetic

More Articles …

  1. Act 1's "Little Shop of Horrors" deliciously dark and wildly entertaining
  2. Cedar Crest stages clever, funny parody with "Disenchanted!"
  3. Between the Lines' "The Moors" an evocative roller coaster ride
  4. Strong leads elevate Playhouse's "Kiss Me Kate"
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PLAY REVIEWS

  • "Allies" debates cultural identity, at Between the Lines Studio Theatre
  • "Clue: The Musical" wacky and colorful fun, at Pines Dinner Theatre

AUDITIONS

  • Auditions for "An Explosion by the Ballyseedy Woods", third part of CKP's Irish trilogy
  • Crowded Kitchen Players seeks singers and actors for new musical comedy

UPCOMING SHOWS

  • "An Explosion by the Ballyseedy Woods", a tale of the Irish Civil War at The Ice House March 13-16
  • Coming to The Ice House: “Earth Woven: Stories of Connection, Creation, and Wonder," a storytelling concert