LEHIGH VALLEY STAGE An initiative of Crowded Kitchen Players since 2012
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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: 1408

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: 1008

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: 1121

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

Act 1's "Little Shop of Horrors" deliciously dark and wildly entertaining

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 28 September 2024
Hits: 1350

DeSales University Act 1’s “Little Shop of Horrors” is deliciously dark and wildly entertaining. The horror musical boasts great performances, hilariously kitschy visuals and some top notch singing.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” is on the main stage through Oct. 6 at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.

In the story, hopeless nerd Seymour is toiling away at a thankless job at a failing flower shop on New York’s Skid Row, when he chances upon a strange flytrap-type plant while shopping in Chinatown during an eclipse.

Read more: Act 1's "Little Shop of Horrors" deliciously dark and wildly entertaining

Cedar Crest stages clever, funny parody with "Disenchanted!"

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Written by: Kathy Lauer-Williams
Category: Play Reviews
Published: 27 September 2024
Hits: 1175

Cedar Crest College has staged a clever, funny and ribald romp with  “Disenchanted! The Musical,” a
subversive take on what happened to all the fairy tale princesses after the “happily ever after.”

The musical revue is being presented through Sept. 29 at Samuels Theater, 100 College Drive, Allentown.

Don’t expect traditional princesses is this comical parody of the Disney princess brand (definitely not sanctioned by Disney). The musical humorously imagines how the princesses would react today to how they have been portrayed in pop culture.

Read more: Cedar Crest stages clever, funny parody with "Disenchanted!"

More Articles …

  1. Between the Lines' "The Moors" an evocative roller coaster ride
  2. Strong leads elevate Playhouse's "Kiss Me Kate"
  3. Boisterous, satisfying "Cymbeline" at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
  4. PSF's "The Color Purple" exuberant production filled with passionate performances
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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