“All the world’s a stage…” Shakespeare said and I couldn’t agree with him more. Theater has always been my first love, perhaps because it is the art form that I had the most experience in before launching my career as an arts journalist. It was the beat I was first hired to cover as a Lansing State Journal freelancer and the one for which I attended an NEA fellowship that forever inspired me.
Here are just some of my theater features and previews (for reviews…go here).
A Journey Into Forever: ‘Kairos’ explores eternal commitments in dystopian romance, Pasadena Weekly, Apr. 4, 2024
Moulin Rouge promises to dazzle during two-week run at Wharton Center, Lansing State Journal, March 29, 2024
Kristine Thatcher, well-known playwright in Lansing, has new work premiering in Chicago, Lansing State Journal, March 15, 2024
From Tragedy to Hope: Antaeus explores forgiveness in ‘The Winter’s Tale’, Pasadena Weekly, March 7, 2024
A New Narrative: Kellet’s play at Pasadena Playhouse dismantles tropes in Latino representation, Pasadena Weekly, March 7, 2024
Dramatizing Betrayal: Theater tackles Jan. 6 case that turned father against son, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 29, 2024
Tale of Courage and Resistance: ‘These Shining Lives’ reveals corporate injustice, tragedy, Tucson Weekly, Feb. 28, 2024
A realistic approach: A Noise Within offers an authentic take on “Sweeney Todd”, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 1, 2024
20 years later, actors–now married–reunite on Williamston stage in ‘Maytag Virgin’, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 31, 2024
Starlight Dinner Theater cancels remaining shows in season, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 25, 2024
An American Story: Three community colleges bring ‘A Mexican Trilogy’ Downtown, Los Angeles Downtown News, Jan. 15, 2024
World Premiere: Hal Linden and Sally Struthers offer new take on original sin, Pasadena Weekly, Jan. 11, 2024
Fighting Antisemitism: The Braid opens season with stories about Jewish resilience, Argonaut, Jan. 11, 2024
Michigan actor comes full circle when ‘Mamma Mia’ hits Wharton Center stage, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 10, 2024
Journey Through History: Audio docudrama gains recognition for telling stories of Shanghai Jews in the 1930s, Argonaut, Dec. 28, 2023
Dancer journeys from backstage to onstage, Tucson Local Media, Dec. 20, 2023
Fete the Holidays: Broadway stars celebrate the season, Pasadena Weekly, Dec. 14, 2023
‘The Harvest’: Immersive show puts magic in audience’s hands, Los Angeles Downtown News, Dec. 4, 2023
Invisible Theatre spotlights star who started scientific revolution, Tucson Weekly, Nov. 29, 2023
Incredibly Timely’: Alfred Molina takes center stage in ‘Inherit the Wind’, Pasadena Weekly, Nov. 2, 2023
Spring Awakening’ : East West Players challenges taboos with intersectional cast, LA Downtown News, Oct. 30, 2023
Journey into Enchantment: A Noise Within enters magical forest in ‘Midsummer’, Pasadena Weekly, Oct. 19, 2023
This is not your mother’s Tupperware party. Adult-rated Wharton show full of laughs, Lansing State Journal, Oct. 11, 2023
Latino Theatre Company: Group celebrates humanity, community, Los Angeles Downtown News, Oct. 2, 2023
It’s for Everyone’: SHE survives COVID-19 bouts to make it to Antaeus stage, Pasadena Weekly, Sept. 28, 2023
Broadway professionals collaborate with Michigan State, local students on marijuana musical, Lansing State Journal, Sept. 9th, 2023
A Play About Jesus–With Jesus Seen Through the Eyes of an LGBTQ+ Activist, PrideSource/Between the Lines, Sept. 8th, 2023
Scripts to Spotlight: New theatrical works compete in Brisk’s artistic showdown, Argonaut, August 31, 2023
Bloody Injustice: Open Fist Theatre Company depicts a haunting reality in upcoming Dominique Morisseau Play, Pasadena Weekly, August 31, 2023
Our Dear Dead Drug Lord’ captures complex lives of teenage girls, Argonaut, August 24, 2023
The Bluest Eye’: A Noise Within brings Toni Morrison classic to life, Pasadena Weekly, August 24, 2023
An Aging Ache: Real-life couple revive their roles 17 years later, Pasadena Weekly, August 17, 2023
Summer Shakespeare moves to Hundred Acre Woods, Argonaut, August 17, 2023
Real-life couple revive their roles 17 years later, Argonaut, August 17, 2023
Wonder of Wonders: Pasadena site to transform into an immersive experience, Arroyo, August 1, 2023
From classroom to spotlight: Young creatives take center stage at Emerging Playwrights Festival, Lansing State Journal, August 1, 2023
Finding Farce: Kentwood Players spreads laughter with Ken Ludwig’s traditional comedy ‘Moon Over Buffalo’, Argonaut, July 13, 2023
Bitter Crabs: New play’s world premiere skewers people’s inability to boost others, Pasadena Weekly, July 13, 2023
Williamston Theater’s ‘Be Here Now’ about finding joy amid changing perspective, Lansing State Journal, July 13, 2023
Mama Makes a Meal: Grief and emotion simmer over in Pasadena Playhouse’s ‘Stew’, Pasadena Weekly, July 6, 2023
Iconic Figures: Debbie Allen directs story of Muhammad Ali and Stephen Fetchit, Argonaut, June 22, 2023
A feast of sound: Antaeus fills the air with magical music for “The Tempest”, Pasadena Weekly, June 22, 2023
Can a live video game connect “Dot’s” to real-life housing activism?, American Theatre, June 12, 2023
Bernadette Peters caps off Playhouse series, Pasadena Weekly, June 8, 2023
50th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar making stop at Wharton Center, Lansing State Journal, June 8, 2023
Breaking Barriers: A.B.L.E. redefines Shakesepeare with an inclusive, modern Dream, The Chicago Reader, June 6, 2023
Puppet-filled musical explores Michael Jackson’s world, Los Angeles Downtown News, June 5, 2023
Cultivating Artists: Storied outdoor theater celebrating 50th year, Argonaut, June 1, 2023
Retro Sci-Fi Musical Fetes the 80s, Pasadena Weekly, June 1, 2023
Love and family bonds unfold in classic play, Pasadena Weekly, June 1, 2023
Tony Awards Name Pasadena Playhouse Outstanding Regional Theater, Pasadena Weekly, June 1, 2023
Celebrating Relationships: Comedy combats anti-Semitism at Santa Monica Playhouse, Argonaut, May 25, 2023
Alabaster’ makes art from women’s scars and talking goats at Williamston Theater, Lansing State Journal, May 17, 2023
Sycamore Creek announces community performing arts center to open in October, Lansing State Journal, May 11, 2023
Peppermint Creek elevates voices of local health care workers, Lansing State Journal, May 10, 2023
Kiss of the Spider Woman’: Intimate rendition plays out at A Noise Within, Pasadena Weekly, Apr. 13, 2023
When Disaster Strikes: Comedy, art raise climate change awareness, Argonaut, Apr. 6, 2023
Alumni clash over memories in dark comedy at Williamston Theatre, Lansing State Journal, Mar. 30, 2023
Brave New Translation: Odyssey Theatre launches U.S. premiere of Israeli classic play, Argonaut, March 16, 2023
Cardenio: Santa Monica theater reveals lost Shakespearean comedy, Argonaut, March 2, 2023
Victorian women capture modern passions in play, Tucson Weekly, Feb. 23, 2023
Sweatshop Overlord: One-woman show offers catharsis to 2020 traumas, Argonaut, Feb. 23, 2023
Experimental play explores intimacy, isolation, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 23, 2023
Tucson theaters serve up smorgasbord of stories, Tucson Weekly, Feb. 16, 2023
Playhouse director extends lifelong love affair with ‘Sunday in the Park’, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 16, 2023
One-woman show offers catharsis to 2020 traumas, Downtown Los Angeles News, Feb. 13, 2023
Theater works travels back in time with epic musical, Peoria Times, Feb. 9, 2023
Culture L’amor: Theatre Kabbaz celebrates French culture with season of theater, music, dance and film, music, dance and film, Argonaut. Feb. 2, 2023
A Noise Within Making Much Ado about the 1940s, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 2, 2023
One-woman show captures Taylor’s glamour, Pasadena Weekly, Feb. 2, 2023
When Heritage and Personhood Collide, The Gay and Lesbian Review, January/February
Students collaborate for a musical trip into the woods, Pasadena Weekly, Jan. 26, 2023
Wild Horses’ comedy at Williamston recalls recklessness, freedom of youth, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 25, 2023
Remembering the Present: The Braid shares stories of Holocaust descendents, Argonaut, Jan. 19, 2023
Waverly grad joins national Broadway tour of ‘Ain’t Too Proud’, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 19, 2023
Cirque-Inspired Holiday Extravaganza: Actor’s Gang offers irreverant, immersive show, Argonaut, Dec. 15, 2022
Holt High School Graduate Em Hadick comes home to Wharton for ‘Pretty Woman’, Lansing State Journal, Dec. 11, 2022
Reclaiming male myths: City Garage uses Margaret Atwood play to give classical play a new perspective, Argonaut, Nov. 24, 2022
Riotous Theatre: Actor’s Gang revives a raucous, down-and-dirty comedy, Argonaut, Nov. 10, 2022
Supernatural tale thrills, scares while exploring immigration, Los Angeles Downtown News, Nov. 7, 2022
Executive leaves A Noise Within to pursue domestic adventures, Pasadena Weekly, Nov. 3, 2022
Altadena podcast explores memory loss and sibling love, Pasadena Weekly, Nov. 3, 2022
Playwrights open the curtain on ten new works, Tuscon Weekly, Nov. 2, 2022
Plenty of treats at the Playhouse: October tradition invites kids to help save Halloween, Argonaut, Oct. 27, 2022
Robey explores pressures of an unethical workplace, Los Angeles Downtown News, Oct. 24, 2022
APU brings Phantom to its student stages, Pasadena Weekly, Oct. 20, 2022
Latino Theater Company show calls out dehumanization of immigration policies, Los Angeles Downtown News, Oct. 19, 2022
Playwright converts fantasy thriller to audio format, Pasadena Weekly, Oct. 13, 2022
August Wilson play offers political hope with challenging choices, Pasadena Weekly, Oct. 13, 2022
Bad to the Bone, Argonaut, Oct. 13, 2022
Williamston Theater explores racism, homophobia in new work, Lansing State Journal, Oct. 13, 2022
Opera gives insight into wounded soldiers lives, Ahwatukee Foothills News, Oct. 10, 2022
Haunted by the Past, Argonaut, Oct. 6, 2022
Stories of Sacrifice, Sound of Freedom, September/October
Dark comedy turns tables on high school bullies, Pasadena Weekly, Sept, 29, 2022
Live Theatre’s one-man show reflects on big ideas, Tucson Weekly, Sept. 22, 2022
Theaters of color share little-known American history, Los Angeles Downtown News, Sept. 19, 2022
LIfelong journey brings Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell to Wharton Stage, Lansing State Journal, Sept. 17, 2022
Sowing Anarchy (Cover Story), Argonaut, Sept. 15, 2022
East West debates community relations with world premiere, Los Angeles Downtown News, Sept. 12, 2022
Sanctuary City explores expressions of love, Arroyo Monthly, Sept. 8, 2022
Conjuring the Future: Indigenous performer summons audience into healthier relationships with the natural world, The Argonaut, Sept. 8, 2022
Disability takes center stage with Babes with Blades, The Chicago Reader, Sept. 1, 2022
Modern morality play has Antaeus artists expl
oring the meaning of living, Pasadena Weekly, Sept. 1, 2022
‘Animal Farm: Orwell Classic gets musical treatment at A Noise Within, Pasadena Weekly, Sep. 1, 2022
‘Rise’ immerses audience in a school-shooting lockdown, Los Angeles Downtown News, Aug. 29, 2022
Season Reveal: BroadStage blazes a bold new look and name, The Argonaut, Aug. 25, 2022
Happy Days are here again at the ABT, Peoria Times, Aug. 22, 2022
A Star-Crossed Production: Santa Monica Theater invites patrons to create new endings to ‘Romeo & Juliet’, The Argonaut, Aug. 18, 2022
Hamby poised to transform Theater Works while honoring its past, Peoria Times, Aug. 15, 2022
Fun Home promises to move audiences with gamut of emotions, Tucson Local Media, Aug. 12, 2022
Sassy and Spunky, Junie B. Jones sings her way onstage, Peoria Times, Aug. 12, 2022
Beach People: A day by the Santa Monica shore invites laughter and existential panic, The Argonaut, Aug. 11, 2022
Detroit Repertory Theatre: Keeping it in the Neighborhood, American Theatre, July 25, 2022
Broadway Royalty: ‘Pretty Woman’ brings Adam Pascal to Tucson, Tucson Weekly, July 21, 2022
Visual Poetry: Acrobuffos fly fabric at BroadStage in unique, non-verbal show, The Argonaut, July 21, 2022
How this Detroit native is reshaping Broadway with Black, gay, fat representation, PrideSource, July 14, 2022
Tony-award winning musical lands in LA with local talent, LA Downtown News, July 11, 2022
Summer Magic: Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre presents two classic tales with twists, The Argonaut, July 14, 2022
Raucous with the Bard: LMU invites audiences to a celebration of outdoor Shakespeare, The Argonaut, July 7, 2022
Telling Tales: Theater premieres original treatment of American legends, Tucson Weekly, July 7, 2022
Artist combine two art forms for “Freestyle Love Supreme,” Pasadena Weekly, July 8, 2022
Midsummer finds the magic in enslaved people, Pasadena Weekly, June 30, 2022
A Black perspective on the French Revolution: Terry Guest’s Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes opens with Story Theatre, The Chicago Reader, June 23, 2022
Tender and Callow Fellows: Flint Rep’s Gay Fantastics, American Theatre, June 8, 2022
How the original Fantasticks lyricist crafted an LGBTQ+ reimagining of the play for Michigan audiences, Pride Source, June 6, 2022
All-blind cast takes on musical about creator of Braille, Los Angeles Downtown News, June 13, 2022 (also The Argonaut, June 23)
East West to premiere ‘Interstate,” Los Angeles Downtown News, June 13, 2022
All in the Gayme: About Face Theatre creates a culture of consent, The Chicago Reader, June 9, 2022
New operas explore ramifications of digital frontiers, Pasadena Weekly, June 2, 2022
Playhouse stages new version of Chekhov masterpiece, Pasadena Weekly, May 26, 2022 (byline on online article is incorrect)
Playwright dubs new show at Williamston a sad farce, The Lansing State Journal, May 30, 2023
Magical new play introduces a Latina Mary Poppins, Los Angeles Downtown News, May 23, 2023
Shakespearean expert brings ‘Hamlet’ to Antaeus stage, Pasadena Weekly, May 19, 2022
Dear Evan Hansen to take Wharton Stage May 17-22, The Lansing State Journal, May 13, 2022
Living the Americano Dream, American Theatre, May 12, 2022
Ukrainian Voices: City Garage Theatre reads war-time work by playwrights in Ukraine, The Argonaut, May 12, 2022
Getting Funky With It: Comedians open up backyard for monthly stand-up event, The Argonaut, May 12, 2022
Shakespearean giant: Debra Ann Byrd brings experience to the Valley, Entertainer! (Phoenix), May 3, 2022
Opera features Chinese immigrants and LA’s Chinatown, Pasadena Weekly, April 28, 2022
MTA’s Suessical is off to great places, Foothills Focus, April 18, 2022
Kentwood Players: Community theater celebrates rich history in Westchester, The Argonaut, April 14, 2022
Hero Theatre pours cup of Japanese “Tea,” Los Angeles Downtown News, April 11, 2022
Arts groups unveil opera for deaf and hearing audiences, Los Angeles Downtown News, April 11, 2022
24th street lets down its hair for young people, Los Angeles Downtown News, April 4, 2022
A Place to Speak: Say opens the stage to celebrate stutterers, Encore Monthly, Feb/March issue
Creating accessibility programming benefits everyone: How COVID has changed theater for people with disabilities, The Chicago Reader, March 31, 2022
Classical theater shines light on new, timely works, Pasadena Weekly, March 30, 2022
Hamilton returns to Wharton Center for 16-show run, The Lansing State Journal, March 24, 2022
Performers invite teens to celebrate their creativity and curiosity, Pasadena Weekly, March 9, 2022
Tolleson, Theater Works team to help kids, West Valley View, March 8, 2022
Best Place to Read a Play, The Chicago Reader, March 2, 2022
Local actors return to sing, dance in the rain (Singin’ in the Rain), The Peoria Times, March 8, 2022
Peoria actor takes her first turn on Phoenix Theatre stage (The Color Purple), The Peoria Times, Feb. 28, 2022
Library to preserve photographer’s theater shots, LA Downtown News, Feb. 17, 2022
Comedian brings family story into theatrical film release, LA Downtown News, Feb. 9, 2022
Flint audiences see their reflection in ‘Wrong River’, American Theatre Magazine, Feb. 7, 2022
Putting on the Plaid: Cat McKay’s horror tale celebrates combat, queer women, The Chicago Reader, Jan. 20, 2022
Making a Return: Broad Stage announces triumphant return season with new works (cover story), The Argonaut, Jan. 20, pp. 20-21
Couple gets a fairy tale romance amid Frozen performance, Lansing State Journal, Jan. 19, 2022
New musical honors military exploits of women in WWI, West Valley View, Jan. 14, 2022
New theater provides play space for young people, West Valley View, Jan. 10, 2022
Kwanzaa play celebrates unity, community for all, Downtown Los Angeles News, Dec. 20, 2021
Transforming a classic, The Argonaut, Dec. 15, 2021
Elders plant seeds of resistance in 9th graders, Pasadena Weekly, Dec. 8, 2021
Community mourns jazz musician, playwright, Downtown Los Angeles News, Nov. 18, 2021
Opera’s Back, The Argonaut, Nov. 10, 2021
Purple Rose artistic director resigns following allegations, OnStage Blog, Nov. 5, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 7: Theater touts changes made since the pandemic shut-down, OnStage Blog, Nov. 4, 2021
Holt actor scores a spot on Pretty Woman tour, Lansing State Journal, Nov. 4, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 6: Purple Rose Theatre Company accused of crossing sexual boundaries and grooming, OnStage Blog, Nov. 3, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 5: LGBTQ+ artists feel unwelcome at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, OnStage Blog, Nov. 3, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 4: Theater and former employees disagree on diversity record, OnStage Blog, Nov. 2, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 3: Former employees cite violations of wage and hour regulations, OSHA, and other laws, OnStage Blog, Nov. 2, 2021
Empathy program diversifies offerings to understand homelessness, Los Angeles Downtown News, Nov. 2, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 2: Former employees share stories of hostile work environment, OnStage Blog, Nov. 1, 2021
Problems at the Purple Rose, Part 1: Michigan theater owned by Jeff Daniels accused of abuse, OnStage Blog, Nov. 1, 2021
October ushers in bride of Frankenstein at First Folio, Chicago Reader, Oct. 14, 2021
Pariah casts her gaze on Santa Monica, The Argonaut, Oct. 13, 2021
Love of LA: Poet honors all people in the City of Angels, The Argonaut, Oct. 13, 2021
Miguel Perez and the “Last, Best Small Town,” pp. 16-17, The Los Angeles Downtown News, Oct0ber 11, 2021
Ever After Take Two, The Argonaut, September 15, 2021
Epic story retold through 3 female lenses, Pasadena Weekly, August 19, 2021
Birds in the Moon chamber opera, The Argonaut, Aug. 18, 2021 (cover story)
Immersive Theater across the U.S., Encore Monthly, July/August 2021 issue