Moonglow: Neary’s Latest at the Majestic
Moonglow, a play set in 1967 by Jack Neary, tells the story of Ray and two women who want his heart.
The Hatmaker’s Wife at UMass, a Bittersweet Comedy
The Hatmaker’s Wife by Lauren Yee tells a mystical story about a sad wife, a couple and a hatmaker who loses his hat.
What Makes a Perfect Dinner Party?
I have often pondered and tried to figure out the perfect recipe in this life for the perfect dinner party. In my 65th year I’ve discovered you can always improve any party you host, and that is the challenge. So this year I brought with me a theme from our […]
The End of an Era in Blawenburg
Today, I’m driving down to New Jersey with Mary for a ceremonial final look at the house I grew up in, which my family has lived in since 1960 in Blawenburg, NJ. The place that we called The Tavern was an Inn way back in the days of stagecoaches. I […]
‘Bright Star’ Shines Brightly in the Majestic Opener
Bright Star the season opener for the 26th season at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, is a musical story set in 1945 with great old music.
Travel is What’s Missing for Me
Travel is what’s missing. I’m feeling restless and bored with work and finding home projects to entertain me, but what I really need is to take a trip.
FOMA, Even in Old Age
FOMA, when so many people don’t wanna leave their house to come to a party or a get together. It’s the new normal. Stay home, arghh.
Circle Mirror Transformation: Theater’s Best Topic: Acting
Circle Mirror Transformation: A review of Annie Baker’s play performed by Chester Theatre Company in August 2023, by critic Max Hartshorne.
Tanglewood, Tanglewood, You Never Let Us Down
It’s another summer for enjoying the Boston Symphony Orchestra at their lovely green summer home in Lenox Mass at Tanglewood.
The Light: The Best Local Show I’ve Ever Reviewed
Chester Theater’s production, The Light, knocks the ball far, far out of the park. A story of two lovers and the vast differences between them.
Grease at Ja’Duke, Rolling Back to the Good Old Days
Grease, the musical, at the Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts, a review of the play performed by local actors in Turners Falls.
The Making of a Great Moment: Chester Theater’s Funny Debut
The Making of a Great Moment, the first play of the summer season at Chester Theatre Company, Chester, Mass. A full review of the show directed by James Barry, written by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb.
It’s a Great Time to Buy Solar Panels
I’m in the hunt for solar panels, hoping that they can be installed on top of my garage roof, as long as west-facing will generate enough electricity.
The Cake: Silverthorne’s New Play at Hampshire
The Cake, about a hot button topic–making wedding cakes for same-sex couples in North Carolina. A full review of Silverthorne Theater’s latest show at Hampshire College.
Damned If You Do: France’s Prescription Catch-22
Trying to refill a prescription is almost impossible in France unless you want to meet a new doctor…No fax, no email, no phone, tough luck for American travelers.
Star Clipper: A Glorious Week on the Med
The Star Clipper Offers the Adventure of a Sailing Trip with Luxury Last week in Civitavecchia, the Port of Rome, we boarded the 362-foot-long Star Clipper and set out on a weeklong adventure with about 104 other passengers and 75 crew. Our first port of call was Portaferraro, on the […]
Green River Festival for 2023
An interview with Jim Olsen of Signature Sounds about some favorite artists at this year’s Green River Festival at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
God of Carnage: A Strong Debut in Easthampton
God of Carnage, the debut performance at the new CityStage Blue Room by Easthampton Theater Company.