Broadway Show Reviews & Critics' Ratings

Ending on a a fervent note, spurring the audience to go forth and enjoy their holidays in the best way possible: with music in their hearts and minds

The New York Pops are always a delight to watch and this year’s holiday show, Merry and Bright, featuring guest vocalist Jessica Vosk, was no exception. The 12/20 and 12/21 show at Carnegie Hall continued the Pops' annual holiday tradition.

Kidwell is a storyteller with an extraordinary ability to capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Through her powerful vocals, thoughtful selections, and deeply personal reflections, her performance was as moving as it was memorable.

Norm Lewis brought his signature charisma and warmth to 54 Below in a performance that left the audience thoroughly enchanted. This show was a true gift, one that will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone lucky enough to witness it!

The nuns hit the road and visit Vienna for the most wonderful time of the year. Opening in town on December 23rd for a strictly limited run, the show, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, is bringing loads of nun fun back to Vienna, where it once played at the RONACHER, starring Ana Milva Gomes as Deloris van Cartier.

ALL MY EX LOVERS ARE DEAD is part confessional, part intimate chat with a good friend. Written and directed by Dara Beth, this one-woman show is “an all too honest, mostly autobiographical reflection on love, desire, poor life choices, and how many cups of tea it takes to wake up and smell the coffee”. The production stars Qondiswa James as Echo, a hopeless romantic who probably wouldn’t describe herself that way.

In December 2022, I had the honour of seeing Veronica Paeper and Cape Town City Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER. The same talented production team returns this season to stage this timeless ballet again. The result is just as beautiful as when I watched it two years ago. While this year’s production takes place in the Theatre rather than the larger Opera House, the production does not lose any of the magic from the 2022 production.

Just recently, Jakarta Art House hosted its latest stage production, Catch Me If You Can the Musical. This was an adaptation of the 2002 movie of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio, following the same storyline: the alleged true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a convicted felon who committed plenty of frauds at his young age and has now reformed as a security consultant. 

Napoli 1841 is a great piece bringing a spirit of Italy, sun, and holidays. There is sea, great choreographies, freshness, and a flow that makes you feel young and full of life. Is a festive and energetic classical version of Bournonville's ballet, one of the most outstanding works of this remarkable choreographer. This ballet is recreated and updated for the Wroclaw Opera Ballet by Danish dancer and choreographer Johan Kobborg.

As the year drew to a close, Broadway World selected Pauline Bureau’s play Neige to cap off 2024. Premiering on December 17th at the Grand Théâtre of Luxembourg, this heartwarming reimagining of Snow White proved to be a fitting finale.

NOW it's Christmas! Thanks to Carole J. Bufford's unique, one-of-a-kind Yuletide show.

Swing on by Birdland Jazz Club for A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS with Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, and Klea Blackhurst. It will get you into the holiday spirit just in time. The show, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is in full swing through 12/25.

Somewhere in that creative space between cinema and live drama, Please Right Back looks at family, fantasy and the place fiction plays in difficult times.

With a clever script, beloved music, and strong teams both on and off the stage, '& Juliet' is an incredibly witty, thoughtful, and joyful show, and the National Tour’s run at the Kennedy Center is the perfect way to cap off the year.

There was plenty of old-fashioned fun at the Randy Andy’s Holiday Spectacular. The trio’s 12/19 show featured plenty of special guests, song, dance and enough laughter and holiday cheer to keep you warm all through New Year’s.

This story is definitely geared to young females. They do identify with it. It was apparent in the audience. It is about respecting yourself but also treating each other with respect. Believe in yourself. Have faith in others but ultimately, have faith in yourself. We all need to remember these important things. Music Works presents these ideas in an enjoyable and fun production. A nice way to ring out the year.

The holiday season is in full swing at The Joint Comedy Theater, located at 301 Main Street in North Little Rock! The Main Thing Comedy Trio—featuring my favorite comedians, Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Brett Ihler—brings the uproarious Fertle family to life in A FERTLE HOLIDAY this Friday and Saturday and again on New Year’s Eve, where they’ll host a spectacular party complete with catering, champagne, and live music to ring in the new year in style. 

The heart and soul that this cast and crew put into the 25th year of A Christmas Carol at Open Stage is a testament to the staying power of the show itself as well as to the magic that Open Stage creates with every production.

Duchess, the four-member female harmony group made one night during the week before Christmas full of comfort (zone) and joy with songs from their EP and their retro fun songs.

It’s a treat and a half; I can earnestly say: If you miss out on Cirque, you will be désolé.