Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

Winter Garden Theatre

August 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The Broadway production of Beetlejuice is wild, crazy, and over the top.  Director Alex Timbers pulls out all the stops.  The minute you walk into the Winter Garden Theatre you are drawn into a fun house atmosphere.  Music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect establish an environment and pace that keeps the audience captivated and engaged.  The choreography by Connor Gallagher is energetic and creative.  The scenic design by David Korins, costume design by William Ivey Long, and lighting design by Kenneth Posner brilliantly come together, making the show a visual feast that exceeds the highest expectation.

Rob McClure, Alex Brightman, & Kerry Butler
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The show opens in a cemetery.  Lydia (played by Sophia Anne Caruso) is burying her mother.  Enter Beetlejuice (played by Alex Brightman), who lightens the mood by making it clear that the story we are about to see is “all about death.”  He needs to get a living person to say his name three times in order to achieve his quest, which is to be seen by the living.  He visits the home of Barbara (played by Kerry Butler) and Adam (played by Rob McClure).  They are about to die.  They will be able to see him as they pass over.  His plan is to trick them into helping him by getting them to haunt their house.  When the new owner, Charles (played by Adam Dannheisser) moves in with his daughter Lydia and their Life Coach, Delia (played by Leslie Kritzer), they all face one life and death encounter after another.

Leslie Kritzer & Adam Dannheisser
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The only way to make this raucous story work is with a cast that can bring it to life and make it believable.  Every member of the cast rises to that challenge.  Alex Brightman is absolutely amazing in this role.  He is a vocal powerhouse, instantly switching tone and intention.  His comic timing is impeccable.  His energy is sharp and awe-inspiring.  Leslie Kritzer  also delivers a phenomenal performance.  Her timing and physicality are perfect.  Her range is amazing.

Beetlejuice is playing at the Winter Garden Theater.  If you’re looking for a fun time, this is the show to see. 

Domenick Danza

The Robber Bridegroom

The Robber Bridegroom

Roundabout Theatre Company

Laura Pels Theatre

March 20, 2016

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of The Robber Bridegroom is creative and vivacious.  Director Alex Timbers and Choreographer Connor Gallagher have invigorated this “Mississippi Fairy Tale” with traditional story telling practices, flawless comic timing, and footstomin’ rhythmic patterns that make this show ninety minutes of high energized fun.  What they do on the small stage at the Laurel Pels Theatre is amazing. 

When the Bandit in the Woods, who “steals with style,” robs from Rosamund (played by Ahna O’Reilly), her father (played by Lance Roberts) asks his trusted friend, Jamie Lockhart (played by Steven Pasquale), to find the Bandit and restore his daughter’s honor.  Little does anyone know (except the audience) that the Bandit and Jamie are one in the same.  The plot thickens.  Rosamund realizes she has fallen in love with the Bandit.  Little Harp, a rival bandit (played by Andrew Durand), wants Jamie out of the picture.  Rosamund’s evil step mother (played by Leslie Kritzer) wants Rosamund dead.  After much expected Natchez-style mayhem, love wins out in the end.

Ahna O'Reilly & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The ensemble is strong and unified.  Their timing and vigor are impeccable.  Steven Pasquale is suave and commanding in the lead role.  Ahna O’Reilly’s singing voice is sultry and captivating.  Lance Roberts is endearing as father, husband, and wealthy land owner, Clement Musgrove.  Leslie Knitter is cunning and over the top funny as the envious step mother, Salome.  There are additional outstanding performances from Andrew Durand, Greg Hildreth, Evan Harrington, Nadia Quinn, and Devere Rogers.

The cast of The Robber Bridegroom
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The set design by Danyale Werle extends out into the audience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckons involvement.  The lighting design by Jake DeGroot and Jeff Croiter effectively transforms the space moment by moment.  The costumes by Emily Rebholz are simple and effective.

If you are a believer in love, passion, and happy endings then this show is for you.  If you are not, then you really need to see this show.  Just go and have fun!  The Robber Bridegroom runs at the Laura Pels Theatre through May 29.

Domenick Danza