NationalTours Theater Reviews

BWW Reviews: FLASHDANCE Splashes Down on the OC

Despite having a cast of incredible triple threats, overall, FLASHDANCE: THE MUSICAL---the new, Broadway-bound stage musical based on the popular 80's-era movie of the same name---seems like a well-meant endeavor that needs a serious overhaul in its disjointed execution. The national tour company continues its Costa Mesa stop at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts through May 19. (more...)

BWW Reviews: PRISCILLA Is Anything But a Drag

I never thought I'd see the day where a bus and truck company would actually put their bus on stage. The national tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert is here to delight Austin audiences through May 12th, and there must be a RuPaul's Drag Race contestant somewhere out there who is completely out of glitter and sequins. This is one production that does everything it can to entertain and please the audience. Though it may be light on plot (at times It makes Mamma Mia look like Les Miserables), the lavishly flamboyant look and feel more than make up for any shortcomings. Priscilla is a campy, overblown, over the top, jeweled showgirl of a musical. Even Cher might suggest that the show could tone it down a bit. She'd be wrong. The zanier the show gets, the more the audience eats it up. (more...)

BWW Reviews: THE ADDAMS FAMILY Moves into the Majestic

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're altogether ooky, the Addams Family. I bet you just sang that in your head as you read it, am I right? You maybe event went back to read it again, snapping your fingers through the imaginary iconic musical intro to one of the most memorable television show theme songs in history. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Quick Take of MARY POPPINS National Tour in Denver

I must say that there was plenty of Disney magic in this visual extravaganza and it delighted my inner-child ever so much. (more...)

BWW Reviews: WAR HORSE - A Brilliant Spectacle of Puppet Mastery

Every once in a great while, the stars align just right where a story is beautiful, the music is gorgeous, the acting is spot-on, the sets are astounding, the lighting is impeccable, and everything comes together for the magic that is theatre. Such is the case with Nick Stafford's magnificent adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's children's book, WAR HORSE, now playing at the Ohio Theatre through April 28, 2013. (more...)

BWW REVIEW: BOOK OF MORMON IS GOD AWFUL

'The Book of Mormon' may be outrageous, irreverent, and puerile in the extreme, but the most offensive thing about this insipid show is its insulting lack of wit. (more...)

BWW Reviews: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Rocks Austin

You may see some construction around Downtown Austin next week, because the National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet just blew the roof off of the Bass Concert Hall. The show, a rollicking 110 minute salute to iconic, classic rock and rollers, seems almost tailor made for Austin, the live music capitol of the world. The only thing louder than the music is the screams and hollers from the crowd. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Charmingly Flawed CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Lands in L.A.

While certainly a fun, buoyant little show---featuring some enjoyable music from HAIRSPRAY composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, as well as a very likable, extremely talented young actor, Stephen Anthony, at the center of its semi-autobiographical tale of successful grifting---CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL focuses much of its creative raison d'etre on its eye-catching razzle dazzle, and not enough on the fascinating story that's bubbling underneath. The non-Equity touring version of the short-lived 2011 four-time Tony nominated show, is now on a two-week layover at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles through March 24. (more...)

BWW Reviews: JERSEY BOYS - Strong Performances Marred by Flimsy Book and Poor Sound Design

My first experience with JERSEY BOYS was the Broadway company's rousing performance at Broadway in Bryant Park last summer. After their fun, toe-tapping set, I was looking forward to seeing the 2nd National Tour company perform in Houston, TX. Last night, I took my seat for JERSEY BOYS anticipating hearing some timeless pop classics of yesteryear brought to dazzling life with an intriguing book that strings the hits together for a cohesive and moving story. However, after the 2 hour and 30 minute performance, I felt I was robbed of what should have been a completely entertaining and extravagant theatrical treat. (more...)

BWW Reviews: ANYTHING GOES is a Hit in Durham

The 2011 Tony Award-winning Best Revival has docked in Durham and brings honest-to-goodness Broadway talent to the Triangle. Anything Goes is tap dancing its way into the hearts of audiences who are eager to see a traditional musical get new life. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT Gets You Out of Suburbia

Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day's vocalist/guitarist wrote the lyrics for 'American Idiot' in the rock opera style of 'The Who', with songs that follow three disenfranchised young men- Johnny (Alex Nee), Will (Casey O'Farrell), and Tunny (Thomas Hettrick) as they attempt to leave their stifling suburban selves in the hopes of not becoming another 'American Idiot'. (more...)

BWW Review: VOCA PEOPLE - Thrills with Electrifying Energy

The engaging and amusing show VOCA PEOPLE started life as an overnight YouTube sensation. It is now a world-renowned theatrical experience that has been produced in over 20 countries since its inception in 2009. It recently closed a long and highly successful Off-Broadway run at New World Stages before going on tour in the United States. My personal love for VOCA PEOPLE began when I had the pleasure of seeing them perform at Broadway in Bryant Park this past summer and was solidified by seeing the full show in Houston on Saturday. (more...)

BWW Review: It's a Big Bright Beautiful World with SHREK THE MUSICAL

Decorated with Monty Pythonesque humor, the touring production of 'Shrek' the musical contains enough tasteful pop culture and Broadway musical references to make the Genie at Disney California Adventure's 'Aladdin Musical Spectacular' proud. Creators lifted much of the dialogue from the original film and surrounded it with catchy music and endearing characters. (more...)

BWW Reviews: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN National Tour in Denver - Clear Skies with a Bit of Turbulance

As a fan of the true story and the movie, I wondered how they would tackle the complicated plot and several subplots that filled this boy's complex life (more...)

BWW Reviews: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - A Guaranteed Good Time

The musicalized version of Frank Abagnale, Jr.'s jet set life, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, flies into the Hobby Center this week. With a strong opening night crowd and performance, this toe-tapping musical is sure to put a smile on your face and make you feel great. Marc Shaiman wrote the catchy score with lyrics by Scott Whitman and Marc Shaiman. Yet, audiences may better recognize this duo as the real-life composing team behind the hit songs for the fictional musical BOMBSHELL on NBC's SMASH. (more...)

BWW Reviews: FOUR SEASONS and CANTATA by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal is Refreshing and Wholly Energizing

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal amazed and impressed Houston audiences with their fourth engagement in our city. Enthusiastic cheers, thunderous applause, and lengthy standing ovations greeted the company after each act in the Cullen Theatre at the Wortham Center last Friday night. In an effort to introduce Houston audiences to exciting contemporary dance makers, The Houston Ballet hosted Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal under the Artistic Direction of Gradimir Pankov and the direction of Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti as part of their Cullen Series. (more...)

BWW Reviews: THE BOOK OF MORMON Converts Des Moines Audiences

The Book of Mormon, which opened Thursday at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, anchors the 2012-2013 Broadway series just as it is an anchor on the Great White Way itself. (more...)

BWW Reviews: THE LION KING Roars Into Austin

Though there have been a few modifications to the tour over the last few years (the set design is slightly simpler and some moments have been cut for time) The Lion King is still majestic, astonishing, thrilling, and thoroughly entertaining. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Ian Patrick Gibb's THE TIME OF YEAR FOR MIRACLES

On December 4, 2012, Ian Patrick Gibb, currently touring in the 25th Anniversary Production of LES MISERABLES as Jean Prouvaire, released an enchanting Christmas EP entitled The Time of Year for Miracles. No stranger to thrilling music, Ian Patrick Gibb's EP soars with epic orchestrations and the sublime, ethereal splendor of his luxurious voice. (more...)

BWW Reviews: National Tour of LES MISERABLES at DC's National Theatre - Still Impressive in Revised Version

Making its tenth visit to Washington, DC, LES MISERABLES is still impressive, boasting a revised look and sound and a dynamic duo Jean Valjean and Javert, Peter Lockyer and Andrew Varela. The national tour makes a holiday season stop at the National Theatre through December 30. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Billy Dances, But BILLY ELLIOT Stumbles

When a show is as acclaimed as BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL, the worldwide megahit that won 10 Tony Awards, audience expectations are high to say the least. Mine were. And no matter how high my expectations can get, many a show surpasses them with ease. BILLY ELLIOT isn't one of those shows. Despite the incredibly talented cast of the national tour, now playing Austin's Bass Concert Hall, BILLY ELLIOT is wobbly on its feet due to the numerous missteps of its creative team. (more...)

BWW Reviews: PETER PAN is a Family Friendly Theatrical Treat

Each year, the magic of the holidays fills the hearts of both the young and old. Keeping that magic alive and offering a fun family outing, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is presenting Cathy Rigby in PETER PAN, which is a musical production of the play by Sir James Barrie with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Moose Charlap, and additional music by Jule Styne. (more...)

BWW Reviews: CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is a Perfect Christmas Gift

It may be Thanksgiving week, but Christmas is already in full swing at the Long Center. With Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the Long Center is alive with jugglers, acrobats, illusionists, dancers, and a healthy dose of Christmas cheer. (more...)

BWW Reviews: LES MISERABLES - A Pristine, Perfect Production From Top to Bottom

Laurence Connor and James Powell's direction of the current tour is energetic and lively from opening to close. There are cleverly paid notes of homage to Trevor Nunn and John Caird's original direction of the piece. Yet, the team really takes advantage of being able to breathe new life into the show, almost completely restaging every scene. Likewise, they have taken the opportunity to present a grittier and more realistic LES MISERABLES. (more...)

BWW Reviews: PPAC Welcomes Christmas Season with Festive ELF

'Elf the Musical' boasts a jazzy, highly enjoyable score by Doug Besterman, and traces Buddy the Elf's quest to find his biological father in the faraway land of New York City. (more...)