A Christmas Story: Ja’Duke Brings on the Kids
A Christmas Story tells the tale of Ralphie, a kid who desperately wants a BB gun for Christmas but has to work to get it—review of Ja’Duke Theater.
Weekend of Skiing and Friendship: What Made it Great
Another great weekend, made special by my old friend Harry Garton arriving for a visit and skiing at Stratton Mountain in Vermont.
They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! Italian Comedy at UMass
Tonight at Rand Theater: They Don’t Pay, We Won’t Pay, a 1974 socialist play by Dario Fo, performed by 8 UMass actors. This is the review.
Port of Entry: A Topical Start to Play by Play 2023
Port of Entry is a play by Talya Kingston, the first production in the six-play reading series in Northampton, MA, by upcoming playwrights.
‘Shorts and Briefs’ at Springfield College
Shorts and Briefs at Springfield College. A presentation of seven plays that were all around ten minutes long, a combination of all 7 different couples.
Roundabout Books Opens a Huge Store in Greenfield
It’s not every day in 2023, that someone decides to go all in on books. Printed books, the kind we all used to read a lot more of and even take out of the library. Yesterday in Greenfield, Mass, I visited one of the biggest bookstores in New England, and […]
Lizzie at Ghost Light Theater: A True Rock Musical
Lizzie is the story behind the famous ax murders in Fall River Mass in 1892, the production by Ghost Light Theater tells the back story of what made Lizzie do, or not do, the deed.
Iolanthe Brings Back the Pomp of 1882 London
Iolanthe, a perennial favorite by Gilbert and Sullivan, is Valley Light Opera’s new production, Academy of Music in Northampton, in their 48th year.
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.