REVIEW: ‘FANCY, a Country Jukebox Musical’ Sends a Strong Message of Moxie and Self-Sufficiency in World Premiere at MBT

Ladies and gentlemen, intermission is officially over! After 19 long months, Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) came to life Wednesday evening for the delayed world premiere of FANCY, a Country Jukebox Musical, which runs September 8 through October 3, 2021, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Wednesday night was the first preview performance, and you could feel the enthusiasm rippling through the audience and radiating from the actors. L to R: Larissa Klinger as "Fancy" and … [Read more...]

REVIEW: Give Yourself the Gift of Avon Players’ Holiday Variety Show ‘Forever Christmas’

Three years ago as I sat waiting for this show to start, I was worn out and my Christmas spirit was nearly nonexistent. I had doubts if a holiday variety show would be able to change the way I felt, but it did. And I’m happy to say this year’s production, playing until December 14 in Rochester Hills, MI, sent my spirits soaring once again! In an age where you start to wonder if anyone has anything new or relevant to say, Avon Players President John (JD) Deierlein gifts us with his original … [Read more...]

REVIEW: Come Have the Time of Your Life at Avon Players’ ‘Mamma Mia!’

There is good news and bad news regarding Avon Players Theatre’s 2019-20 season-opening production of Mamma Mia! the smash-hit musical. First the good news: if you have tickets to see this show, you’re in for a fun time. The bad news? The entire run is completely sold out.* Last season I was extremely impressed with Avon Players musical production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. And I’ll be honest when I saw Mamma Mia! was on this season’s schedule, I wondered how it would compare. … [Read more...]

Avon Players Invites Theatre-goers to the Party of the Season with ‘Mamma Mia!’

The Hits of Super-Group ABBA will have Audience Members of all Ages Dancing in their Seats The end may be in sight for the summer travel season, but Avon Players’ upcoming musical will whisk theatre-goers away to an idyllic setting for infectious pop tunes, sun-drenched romance, and nonstop fun with Benny Andersson and  Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia!, running September 6-21. On a small Greek island, Sophie (Mackenzie McIlroy) is soon to marry Sky (Salvatore Sbrocca). She dreams of a perfect … [Read more...]