Rochester University Presents ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

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

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, Are There Any Alternatives to Elf on a Shelf?

Dear Crabby, My kids are getting to the age when a lot of their friends are doing Elf on a Shelf. Personally, I’m not a fan, but I’d love to still do something fun. Do you have any suggestions for alternative ideas?Thanks!Elfie Noëlle Dear Elfie Noëlle, I looked over my vast vault of posts, thinking I’d already answered this question. But it turns out, another reader wanted to know what I thought of the little devil, I mean, Elf. Can you tell I think it’s a whole lotta hype for nothing? … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why Are People So Obsessed with Disney?

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?’

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?

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?

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

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...]

Dear Crabby, What Do You Think of the Space Force?

Dear Crabby, I love anything related to space, so I was excited to hear President Trump’s plans to get us back out there. What do you think of the proposed Space Force? Thanks, Starr Nuit Dear Starr Nuit, Well, I won’t lie. When I first heard the name I just assumed it was an announcement for a new movie franchise like Star Trek or Star Wars that my grandkids would try to dupe me into seeing. I was further confused when I saw the proposed logos since they looked like something you’d … [Read more...]

Summer Music Theatre Program Celebrates 45th Season

The Rochester Community Schools Summer Music Theatre (SMT) program is celebrating its 45th season with the 2018 production of Disney’s “Newsies.” Local students in grades 4-12 comprise the SMT cast and crew of “Newsies,” which was inspired by the real-life newsboy’s strike of 1899 in New York City. The story was released as a Disney film in 1992 and became a Broadway musical in 2012. SMT “Newsies” will run nightly at 7:00 p.m. from July 25 - July 28, with a 1:00 p.m. matinee on July 28. … [Read more...]