Broadway Reviews

A Tale of Two Cities

A Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus.It is the not the best of shows; it is not the worst of shows.It is, rather, a "Les Mis" remake, a reunion of Mis-ites (which is not surprising given that the original ran for 6680 performances and probably employed every musical actor in New York at one time or another). It's anthem song is not "One Day More," but "Until Tomorrow." And, "At The End of the Day," as the peasants sing in "Les Mis," the French and English in the new musical "A Tale of Two...

'The Book of Mormon' review

Read our five-star review of The Book of Mormon on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri ManusTake one slimy green ogre with a bad attitude, one less than delicate belching princess, one sassy donkey, and a vertically challenged would-be prince; add music and a set that is downright swampical and watch an odd fairy tale come true. But "Shrek the Musical" is more than a feel-good children's story with a twist: it digs deep into our inner mush to find out where inner beauty lies and how we recognize our self-worth.Based on William Steig's 1990...

Equus

A Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus.In his book, "Love's Executioner," Stanford University psychiatrist Irvin Yalom explains that "I do not like to work with patients who are in love�because love and psychotherapy are fundamentally incompatible. The good therapist fights darkness and seeks illumination, while romantic love is sustained by mystery and crumbles upon inspection. I hate to be love's executioner."Prominent psychiatrist, Dr. Martin Dysart, hates it as well when he realizes he...

Company

If a theatrical gimmick works once, will it work twice?Last year John Doyle won a Tony for best director of a musical for the revival of Stephen Sondheim�s masterpiece Sweeney Todd. Unlike previous productions of that show, it featured a unit-set, dispensed with the orchestra in favor of having the music played by members of the cast, and provided the distinct pleasure of watching Patti Lupone sashaying around with a tuba.This year, Doyle and Co. have elected to revive Sondheim�s Company...

Review of Christmas Spectacular starring The Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

Yes, it's (already) that time of the year again, folks! We haven't even carved the Thanksgiving turkey yet, but that doesn't stop those fabulous Rockettes from donning a sparkling outfit or two and bringing us their annual Christmas Spectacular once again. No siree bub!Last night, I found myself in the vast Radio City Music Hall, sat across the aisle from an 8-year old boy and how I wished I could have been in his shoes for the night. Childhood should be brimming with awe, wonder and magic, and...

White Christmas

A Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus.In 1942, Irving Berlin signed a contract with Paramount to write songs for a film with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire called "Holiday Inn." It was expected that the big single to come out of that movie would be "Be Careful, It's My Heart," but things didn't turn out that way. The blockbuster hit from the movie was "White Christmas."Some 12 years later, Bing was back, teamed up with Danny Kaye, Rosie Clooney and Vera-Ellen to make "White Christmas," a...

'Wicked' review

There have been moments in the history of musical theater when, like a twister, the sheer talent and whirling spectacle of a production have flattened any negative criticism that stood to get in its way. Take October, 2003 for example. That was the month that Wicked opened in New York to generally dour reviews. But since then, more than 8.8 million people have found the heart, nerve and wisdom to pay a visit, resulting in the happy scene of a Broadway house filled with as many teens as adults,...

IN THE HEIGHTS

Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus 9 May 2008"In the Heights," which was transported from a little off-Broadway theater to the big time is soaring with its original cast largely in tact, and you can expect to see it win a bunch of Tonys this season. This exhilarating hit musical has made the precarious transition more effortlessly than the gentrification of the neighborhood it portrays.In a perfect blend of ethnic groups, musical genres, and lovable characters, Lin-Manuel Miranda, its...

Dear Evan Hansen

When my eyes are wet and it's all I can do to not join the dialogue on the stage and my giggle box has completely turned over, I am having a really really good time. This reviewer is not a huge fan of musicals by any means - too much distraction and not enough story in most cases - but Dear Evan Hansen is a show that holds you tight with its honesty of story told in a way that delights you to your very toes.Every aspect of what you see, hear and feel hums in perfect harmony throughout the piece....