As Avon Players brings another successful season to a close, it goes out on a hilarious high with the cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors running now, through June 8, 2024, in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Little Shop of Horrors is a quirky blend of genres that includes comedy, sci-fi, camp, and romance all set to a lively musical score of doo-wop, rock ‘n roll, and Motown sounds. And it was evident that the full house on opening night loved every minute of the energy happening on … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Avon Players’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is Razor-Sharp Entertainment
May 25, 2024 by 3 Comments
Have a Bloody Good Time with Avon Players’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
April 29, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Horror and hilarity meet in this campy classic musical comedy Avon Players’ season ends with a beloved musical comedy that blends sci-fi, and horror, romance, and an electrifying pop/rock score. Little Shop of Horrors runs May 24-June 8. Seymour Krelborn (Alex Pedica) is a meek and dejected assistant at the failing skid row floral shop owned by Mr. Mushnik (Tim Falk). When he’s not breaking things or pining for his co-worker Audrey (Amanda Murray), Seymour is learning about … [Read more...]
Rochester University Presents ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
November 6, 2022 by Leave a Comment
RU Students London Nesbitt, Nathan Freundl, and Nilla Kanjoma (L to R) in rehearsals for Peter and the Starcatcher. Photo by Rachel Corp. Rochester University’s Theatre & Music Department presents Peter and the Starcatcher, a play by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by Wayne Barker, and directed by Courtney Dunbar. Originally produced on Broadway by Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Greg Schaffert, Eva Price, Tom Smedes, and Disney Theatrical Productions. In … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Quirky and Charming, Meadow Brook Theatre’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Gives Audiences Plenty to Root For
October 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The campy noir musical Little Shop of Horrors has invaded Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. from now until Oct. 30, 2022. Confession: I have never watched the movie or attended a live performance before, so this review is about as unvarnished as it comes. Also, I’m glad my first exposure was courtesy of MBT's talented cast and crew because this production is fantastic! Little Shop of Horrors is absurdly funny. It shouldn’t work. You shouldn’t … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Why Are People So Obsessed with Disney?
October 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 1. All the images of people waiting in Black Friday-type lines to snag the anniversary merchandise and the photos of the crowds were insane! I guess I don’t understand this level of obsession. Do you? Thanks!H.J. PotterDear H.J. Potter, I’ve come to the conclusion that when it comes to Disney there are three groups of people. Those who hate anything Disney-related, those who like Disney, and Disnerds. The last group is … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What’s All the Hype About ‘Hamilton?’
June 24, 2020 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, Lately, my newsfeed has been filled with people geeking out over Hamilton the musical. Since all the theatres are closed, I can’t figure out what all the fuss is about. Do you have any clue? Thanks, K. George Will Dear K. George Will, I know we’ve all been sheltering at home these past few months, but it sounds like you’ve also been sheltering under a rock. First, a little background for those of you who slept through American history. Good old Alexander Hamilton is … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Do You Have Any Ideas For a Spring Break Staycation?
April 1, 2020 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, Another month and everything is still shut down. Since most of us were looking forward to spring break plans (which are now canceled) I wondered if you had any great staycation ideas we could try to alleviate the endless boredom we all feel. Thanks, Serenity Ahora Dear Serenity Ahora, Staycation? I believe you mean Coronacation. That is what all the hip kids are calling this moment in history. But lucky for you, this introvert has plenty of ideas to help you get over … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Has Hollywood Run Out of Original Ideas?
June 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, When I was watching the Tony Awards®, I noticed a number of the musicals are based off movies. For example, “Mean Girls,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Tootsie.” That got me thinking about how it seems recently there are more and more remakes happening in TV and movies. It seems to be everywhere. So, are the folks in Hollywood just lazy or have they run out of original ideas? Thanks! Chanel Changer Dear Chanel Changer, I was asked something similar last year and at the time I … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Avon Players’ ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Inspires and Enthralls on an Epic Scale
November 27, 2018 by 6 Comments
At first blush, The Hunchback of Notre Dame seems like an odd choice for a holiday play. Especially when you consider past Avon productions such as A Christmas Story, Forever Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street have much more overt seasonal messages. However, as the story unfolds it becomes clear that this play is absolutely perfect for this time of year with its message about kindness, love, and the need for refuge in an all too chaotic world. And if that’s not enough to sway you, then … [Read more...]
