Robert Andrews

Guest contributor David Appleford's review of Stray Cat Theatre's production of Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS, directed by Ron May. Runs through May 21st at Tempe Center for the Arts. A stunning reminder about the kind of emotional power that only a live theatrical experience can create.

Mercury Theater Chicago returns with SISTER ACT - and it's pure musical theater elation. This 'Joyful, Joyful' (SISTER ACT II reference intended) production, with direction from Reneisha Jenkins and choreography by Mercury's new Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter, meets the goal of delighting audiences. This is musical theater that's designed to entertain and not make audiences think too deeply, and Mercury's production capitalizes on the show's capacity for fun. While the material is not at all serious, the talent in this company is stacked, and the actors take their responsibility to deliver this fun seriously.

A critical review of Stray Cat Theatre's production of Alexis Scheer's OUR DEAR DEAD DRUG LORD on stage at Tempe Center for the Arts through November 13th.

When it comes to theatre and Disney fans alike, the stage production of Beauty and the Beast is a staple. For many a performer, the chance to personify the characters we've grown up with is a lifelong dream, envisioning our selves dawning the gown, the fur and claws, or not so reluctantly beating on our friends. When shows like these come to life, patrons are drawn to the nostalgia and get the chance to leave with the feeling of seeing it fresh and new. This is all due to amazing casts and crews, committed to giving us the magic that we the theatre-goers deserve to the best of their abilities, as they would do with any other show. Zao Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast brought the nostalgia, along with adding a few fresh touches that kept audience members like myself feeling as if it were our first time seeing the classic. As well, I had the opportunity to get a peek into the process through my interview with Zao's very own Gaston, Zac Bushman.

With a fresh take on a classic story, the steampunk revival of Hello, Dolly! showcases inventive choreography and a fantastic cast.

Following his inspired direction of THE ELEPHANT MAN, Zao Theatre's artistic director, Mickey Bryce, returns to themes that address the essence of humanity and expose societal hypocrisy in an equally moving and uplifting production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. The production runs through November 17th at Centerstage Church in Apache Junction, AZ.

Today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS announced KEN BURNS PRESENTS THE GENE: AN INTIMATE HISTORY, a new three-hour documentary executive produced by Ken Burns, will premiere over three nights in Spring 2020 on PBS. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D., and acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will collaborate on the new documentary inspired by Mukherjee's best-selling 2016 book, The Gene: An Intimate History. Award-winning filmmaker Barak Goodman will produce and, in addition to Burns and Goodman, the film will largely have the same production team behind the Emmy Award-nominated CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES, an adaption of Mukherjee's earlier 2010 book that aired in 2015 on PBS.

Maine State Music Theatre presents Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love, Guys and Dolls. Considered by many to be the 'perfect musical comedy,' Guys and Dolls runs from June 28 - July 15.