On Your Feet, the jukebox musical based on the lives and tunes of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, opened at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre last night in colorful, vibrant fashion—but it was not one of Ms. Estefan’s hit songs that drew the loudest applause of the evening. A key scene in the first act depicts Gloria … More Theater Review: On Your Feet at the Pantages Theatre
The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show in Broadway history. For this reason alone, I suppose it makes sense that composer Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to write a sequel, Love Never Dies, the national tour of which is currently playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. But this misguided, messy, melodramatic musical fails … More Theater Review: Love Never Dies at the Pantages Theatre
There is an inescapable nostalgia factor attached to Disney Theatrical Productions, and it was on full display at the Pantages in Los Angeles last night as the national tour of Aladdin opened to a very receptive crowd. For the most part, this stage adaptation of the 1992 film, which debuted on Broadway in 2014 and … More Theater Review: Aladdin at the Pantages
So much has been written about Hamilton since its debut two and a half years ago. This musical, which has won just about every award it was eligible for including the Best Musical Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, has embedded itself in the pop culture zeitgeist more than any musical ever has. … More Theater Review: Hamilton at the Pantages
Before Hamilton came along, there was another modern musical that took the world by storm, achieving rare crossover appeal with both theater and mainstream audiences and earning a place in the pop culture zeitgeist. That musical was The Book of Mormon, which premiered on Broadway in 2011, is still playing to sold-out New York audiences … More Theater Review: The Book of Mormon at the Pantages
Not many musicals literally start with a bang. In the case of The Bodyguard: the Musical, now playing at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, an opening gunshot was both very startling and pretty effective at getting the stragglers to settle into their seats. Featuring music by Whitney Houston (as well as songs written … More Theater Review: The Bodyguard at the Pantages
“When you think of Paris, what comes to mind?” This question, posed somewhat oddly to the audience, sets the tone for An American in Paris, the musical adaptation of the 1951 film of the same name now playing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. While it is a bit off-putting to hear audience members shouting … More Theater Review: An American in Paris at the Pantages Theatre
The production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic The King & I that won four Tony Awards, including Best Revival, in 2015 has made its way to Los Angeles just in time for the holidays. Now playing at the Pantages Theatre, this traditional, sweeping musical that is fun for the whole family will leave you … More Theater Review: The King & I at the Pantages
“Whether you like it or not…Hedwig!” LA’s Pantages Theatre is the latest home of the national tour of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a rock musical that grips your attention in its first minutes and never lets go. With music and lyrics by Stephen Trask and a book by John Cameron Mitchell, Hedwig premiered Off-Broadway … More Theater Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Pantages
“If Times Square and hell were the last two places on earth, the nice people would live in hell.” Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which closed last week at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles as part of its ongoing national tour, has many snappy lines like this to offer, along with plenty of recognizable tunes. It’s … More Theater Review: Beautiful at the Pantages
ON STAGE & SCREEN 