Orange County Theatre Reviews

Musical
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October 5, 2019 | Costa Mesa, Musical, Review, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Uncategorized Comments (0) |

Miss Saigon @ Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Review

(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Written by Patrick Chavis

The subject of tragic love has been covered in plays and stories for centuries — think of the iconic example of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  Tragic love stories are told and retold because love is such a powerful and all-encompassing topic. Everyone can relate–whether for an object or a person, people search endlessly for some type of love. When told well, stories can show how fragile love can be and how easily it can be taken away.  It’s no surprise these tales strike a chord deep in our hearts. 

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July 17, 2019 | Musical, Review, The Chance Theater, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Ragtime @ Chance Theater – Review |

Ragtime @ Chance Theater – Review

All photos by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio

Written by Patrick Chavis 

American stories, Chinese stories, even Jamaican stories — there are stories that’s don’t just define individuals but define a collective idea, collective identity or at the very least a strongly perceived identity.  Ragtime is a true American story because it explores the collective idea of America, the idea that anyone, no matter where you come from can make it in America.  Not only does it tell this story but the musical also challenges this idea of anyone can make it in America — highlighting the real-life obstacles put against immigrants, people of color, and adherents of different faiths.  To tell a story of this magnitude, any production of Ragtime needs a wide stage and big cast. Continue Reading

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May 10, 2019 | Musical, Review, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Fiddler on the Roof @ Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Review |

Fiddler on the Roof @ Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Review

(Photo by Joan Marcus)

Written by Patrick Chavis 

When it comes to storytelling there is often overlap with certain themes.  Storytelling doesn’t happen in a bubble. Stories are told by humans, and because of similar life experiences, similar themes pop up in different stories. It’s the nature of the beast.  While watching Fiddler on the Roof at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts one of these themes pops up.  The philosophical struggle between tradition and an ever-changing world and how do we cope with it? Fiddler may have one of the most nuanced solutions.

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April 13, 2019 | Grand Central Arts Center, Musical, podcast, Review, Santa Ana, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Next to Normal @ Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana – Review |

Next to Normal @ Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana – Review

(Photo by Jordan Kubat Photography) 

The Wayward Artist is pleased to produce the pop/rock, hit musical ‘Next to Normal’! Join Diana Goodman and her family in their anything-but-normal suburban home. ‘Next to Normal’ explores the effects of extreme loss and the tolls mental illness can have on a modern-day family.

April 12 – 28, 2019 


A GOOD SHOW!
Review
8.2 Overall
0 Users (0 votes)
Story9
Acting7.5
Set & Design8.5
Costumes8
Entertainment8
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April 11, 2019 | Costa Mesa, Musical, Review, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Uncategorized Comments Off on CATS THE MUSICAL @ SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Review |

CATS THE MUSICAL @ SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Review

(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Written by Patrick Chavis 

Cats was, for nearly a decade, the longest-running Broadway show in history. Some of the songs in Cats are iconic. I’ve never seen Cats, but I found myself humming along to the tunes as if I’ve known them my entire life. Cats is playing now at the Segerstrom Centers for the Arts for a very short run of 6 nights. While this production will probably thrill the already initiated Cats fan. The spectacle of Cats can leave newbies a little confused with the direction of the story. Continue Reading

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March 30, 2019 | Musical, Newport Beach, Newport Theatre Arts Center, Review, Uncategorized Comments Off on You’re Trapped Underground! : Floyd Collins The Musical @ Newport Theatre Arts Center in Newport Beach – Review |

You’re Trapped Underground! : Floyd Collins The Musical @ Newport Theatre Arts Center in Newport Beach – Review

(photo credit: Ron Yee)

Written by Scotty Keister 

Spelunking, or the exploring of caves, seems to be an odd topic for a stage musical. Floyd Collins, based on the true story of a Kentucky man stuck underground for seventeen days in 1925, proves a little too odd to be a complete success. The musical, now running at the Newport Theater Arts Center, is a handsomely produced show featuring a remarkable set design and solid performances, but there is something missing in the play itself. Continue Reading

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