Kate Elliott

FLY BY NIGHT at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is not a traditional musical. It is not strictly a love story. Nor is it strictly a New York City story, nor a pop/rock musical, nor a folk musical. Leave expectations at the door, let the story unfold in its unique and circuitous way, and you may discover the stuff of stars.

A booming voice narrates a seemingly ridiculous fable to a lively pantomime. Blinding smiles of eager missionaries vigorously ring doorbells and sing 'Hello.' Sharp choreography and multiple vocal parts layer in an energetic and infectious opening number. It takes just ten minutes of the THE BOOK OF MORMON to know that you are in for a fun but over-the-top ride.

Disney's NEWSIES is a high-energy powerhouse of dancing, gymnastics, and rafter-raising singing. If you have ever enjoyed a Disney film in which a ragtag group of underdogs overpower 'the establishment,' then you'll know exactly what to expect from this storyline -- but that doesn't mean you won't be smiling and tapping your toes the whole time.

IF/THEN begins well enough with a compelling musical number. The song 'What If?' weaves a tapestry of tight harmonies and interesting staging. It immediately establishes the premise: a woman paralyzed by the song's title question proceeds to live out two possible life paths for the audience. Think 'Sliding Doors,' but with more supporting characters and a lot more songs. Unfortunately, this ambitious multi-layered premise proves too much for the authors, and the show ultimately loses its way.

BWW Review: PRELUDE TO A KISS at Falcon Theatre a 'sweet serenade'

Cincinnati's second-largest producer of theatre celebrated the announcement of its two 2016-2017 seasons on Saturday, January 16. Titles include [TITLE OF SHOW], GOD OF CARNAGE, ROCKY HORROR SHOW, EQUUS, and MY FAIR LADY.