Solitary Solidarity: Theatre Reviews from the Present to the Past

      On the fall afternoon of September 25th, 2024, I saw a performance of the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Westside Theatre/Upstairs in New York City.  The show is about a down-on-his-luck flower shop worker who raises a blood-thirsty plant.  "Little Shop of Horrors" is based on the 1960 dark comedy film.  I lucked out with the Ticket Lottery again and got to see this show, which I'd never seen before.  Awhile back, I listened to a cast recording of a Broadway Revival, and have seen the film that starred Jack Nicholson.  Other than that, this was my first time experiencing such a fun, yet unusual show.        First off, I absolutely love the Westside Theatre--both the exterior and the interior.  The outside looks like the venue was once a mansion, and the inside was a surprisingly large theatre.  It reminded me of photos I've seen of the Grand Opera House, which used to be located in Chicago.  T...

      On the afternoon of September 18th, 2024 I saw a performance of the musical "Empire" at Stage 1 of New World Stages in New York City.  This is an Off-Broadway Production that began previews July 1st, 2024, opened July 11th, and will close September 22nd.  "Empire" (the musical) is about the people who built, or inspired the building, of the Empire State Building.  While I wasn't expecting the musical to be amazing (I read a couple reviews), I was still a little disappointed in the show.  However, I did enjoy the show, and the historical relevance of an iconic building being constructed during such turbulent times.        When I saw "Empire," the cast included Danny Iktomi Bevins (Jesse Bland), April Ortiz (Mohawk-Grandmother/Hazel/Speakeasy Chanteuse), Jessica Ranville (Sylvie Lee), Kaitlyn Davidson (Frances Belle "Wally" Wolodsky), Paul Salvatoriello (Al Smith), Howard Kaye (John J. Raskob/Abe Klayman), Albert Guerzon (C...

      On September 11th, 2024, I saw the matinee performance of the musical "The Notebook" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City.  I wasn't sure if I was going to get a chance to see the show before it closes on December 15th.  But, lucky for me, I won the Telecharge Ticket Lottery for "The Notebook," and got an amazing seat for an amazing show, which features a book by Bekah Brunstetter, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.  I saw two other shows at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, which were "Come from Away" and "Life of Pi."      At the performance of "The Notebook" that I saw, the cast included Maryann Plunkett (Older Allie), Dorian Harewood (Older Noah), Joy Woods (Middle Allie), Ryan Vasquez (Middle Noah), Jordan Tyson (Younger Allie), John Cardoza (Younger Noah), Andréa Burns (Mother, Nurse Lori), Carson Stewart (Johnny, Finn), Kim Onah (Nurse Joanna, others), Chase Del Rey (Lon, others), Hillary Fisher (Sara...