Category Archives: Reviews

August 18, 2026 · 6:19 pm

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES presented by The Carnegie through August 23rd. I attended the Opening Saturday matinee performance.

Kevin Kelly and Josh Walden. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The Carnegie is taking audiences to beautiful Saint-Tropez this August through its production of La Cage aux Folles with Book by Harvey Fierstein and Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman. La Cage is described as a “dazzling celebration of family, love, and unapologetic fabulousness”.

Director Rachel Stevens along with Music Director Jacob Priddy and Choreographer Josh Walden have assembled a strong and talented group of performers to spin the once ahead-of-its-time tale. Ms. Stevens use of space along with Mx. Walden’s smart assembly of dancers and movers is smart and never static. Scenic Design by Tyler Gabbard is of course impressive as his creative use of the canvas The Carnegie offers is second to none. Costume Design by John Faas is appropriately sparkly and loud while still keeping in mind those characters who should be loud in a different way. Drag Wig and Makeup Design by local drag artist Kora Sline unsurprisingly possesses wonderful attention to detail and realism (yes, there is realism in good drag, my friends).

It may seem like cheating to sing the praises of the two lead artists, but said praises are well-deserved. And make no mistake: the ensemble which surrounds them doesn’t have a shrinking violet anywhere amongst it! Kevin Kelly tackles the role of Georges, the owner and emcee of the titular club. Mr. Kelly talents include a lovely singing voice, a fundamentally likable demeanour, and an innate professionalism every moment he is present. Scenes with him feel very much like we are a proverbial fly on the way of a real person’s actual experiences.

Matching wits with Mr. Kelly at every swish is Josh Walden as Albin. The role of Albin can be a caricature in the wrong hands, but luckily Mx. Walden’s hands are the right one for the task. They are charismatic, sympathetic, outlandish, and – ultimately – human. Mx. Walden is a true artiste who can hold their own both solo and with scene partners. With exception of a very appropriate cry, I found myself smiling each time Albin took the stage.

While I acknowledge and respect how ground-breaking this musical once was, truth be told it has become rather dated. There are certainly moving moments and notable numbers, but it’s not a terribly dynamic show. However, I do believe it is worth the time to see it live, on stage, at least once in your life and The Carnegie’s presentation is top-notch. A reminder that queer people have always existed and will continue to exist never hurt anybody – especially when, queer or not, we have all felt the need to hide certain parts of ourselves at one time or another. I’ll take a musical which celebrates raw, honest-to-goodness existence without apology any day of the week.

Click here for more information about the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

June 24, 2026 · 4:59 pm

DEAR EVAN HANSEN at The Carnegie Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

DEAR EVAN HANSEN presented by The Carnegie through June 28th. I attended the Opening Saturday matinee performance.

As its 2026 season opener, The Carnegie presents Dear Evan Hansen with Book by Steven Levenson and Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The Tony Award-winning musical is an important social commentary on how each of us can feel isolated, alone, and invisible in the seemingly non-stop bustling world we must navigate each day.

Director Joe Bertucci leads this production with an appropriately sensitive POV. Pacing is flawless and use of the playing space is thoughtful and purposeful. Scenic and Media Design by Tyler Gabbard (with assistance on the Media portion from Angel Hardy) are both nothing short of perfection. Mr. Gabbard has a keen understanding of how to best use The Carnegie’s stage and I fail to be impressed each time his hand is involved. He along with Mr. Hardy found the perfect symmetry of “screen time” and it pays off.

Music Direction by Jacob Priddy is impressively strong. Mr. Priddy has been able to create a beautiful symphony of voices and instruments alike with the ideal balance between them. Much deserved shout-out to the band of talented musicians who helped to bring Evan Hansen’s world to life; they execute this excellent score beautifully.

Further credit to Mr. Bertucci for putting together a wonderfully mighty and cohesive ensemble of performing artists. Their chemistry is palpable and each actor truly gives it their “all”. I am hard-pressed to mention certain individuals above another but this is a review, after all. Denise Devlin (who plays Cynthia Murphy) graces The Carnegie stage once more after a long absence and we should all thank the Deities for it. Ms. Devlin is a consummate professional with a true understanding of her character’s role in this story. Sean Young excels in his portrayal of Connor Murphy, a role I daresay has some of the most fun. Mr. Young vacillates between brooding teen and caricature musical theatre narration with seemingly no effort. Not to be outdone by her stage sibling, Hannah Grace Ervin is a shining light as Zoe. Her voice is clear and lovely and her handle on the character’s arc is spot-on.

Finally, Tommy Sanders is exquisite as Evan Hansen. Playing the titular character is certainly a massive undertaking, but Mr. Sanders is the right man for the job. It is clear he gives in to the emotional journey and we see a very real, very raw human before our very eyes. Even while wrought with sentiment, he delivers impeccable vocals and character representation. Mr. Sanders’ use of his instrument is a master class in musicality and there is no doubt he will continue to impress audiences. Bravo!

While most of you know musicals are not my preference, a good musical is a special thing. Dear Evan Hansen has memorable songs, relatable stories, and wonderful visuals. On top of being a transparent look at how our hunger for acknowledgement can sometimes lead to poor choices, it is entertaining and free from judgement. No one is lauded for doing the wrong thing and it allows some grace to those who err which is something the world doesn’t offer us as easily. Even through painful topics, Dear Evan Hansen is fantastic art and well worth the trip to NKY to enjoy it.

Click here for more information about the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

May 27, 2026 · 5:14 pm

EMMA at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

EMMA presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through June 14th. I attended the Opening Night performance.

A.J. Baldwin, Ernaisja Curry, & Jasimine Bouldin. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincy Shakes is closing out its 2025-2026 season with Emma, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s charming novel by playwright Kate Hamill. While the play is set in the original text’s time period, many more modern references and Easter eggs make their appearance throughout.

Director Candice Handy has gathered a strong and energetic cast to tell the tale of Emma and her matchmaking skills. The stage action pacing is strong on this just-a-touch-too-long script and the separation of our “fourth wall” chats with Emma are staged and executed effortlessly. Scenic Design by Gabby Trice is detailed and delicate while still feeling larger than life. Costume Designer Lindsey McGee Jones had her work cut out for her, but delivers with flying colours. Choices with Emma’s looks in particular are both beautiful and clever (no spoilers from me). Special shoutout to Wig Designer Kayla Cieslinski for a great job as one of the most overlooked parts of any production crew; wonderful work on the coif choices.

Ernaisja Curry is exceptional in the production’s titular role. Ms. Curry has a wonderful quality about her acting where she masters the “sidebars” with the audience while still being entirely in the moment with her fellow cast members in action. Her grasp of the sweetness of Emma along with Emma’s flaws is excellent. A.J. Baldwin is utterly delightful as Harriet, Emma’s unwitting project. We see the character blossom before our very eyes and still wish to cheer her on even when she becomes a wee bit too enamored with herself thanks to Emma’s flawed tutelage. Kudos to the rest of the ensemble as well: Jasimine Bouldin, Brandon Burton, Burgess Byrd, Montez Jenkins Copeland, Sylvester Little Jr., Samuel Stricklen, Aleah Vassell, and Torie Wiggins.

While I’m admittedly not Kate Hamill’s biggest fan, I do think this is a fine adaptation of the original Jane Austen text – although it should be a bit shorter. I enjoy the penchant Ms. Hamill has for adding a speech or scene addressing the oppressive nature surrounding women in the times for which she adapts. Fortunately, this particular foray keeps true to the lovable heart of the story without losing its footing. This finale, as it were, for Cincy Shakes’ 2025-2026 season is simply a joyful time at the theatre.  

Click here for more information about the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

May 18, 2026 · 5:15 pm

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 31st. I attended the Opening Night performance.

The cast of THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

For its final show of the 2025-2026 season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing audiences a proverbial “blast from the past” via THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL with Book & Lyrics by Richard Oberacker & Robert Taylor and Music by Richard Oberacker. Based on true events, it tells the story of a group of teenaged misfits who try to make their mark in the summer of 1984 – the one before they venture into the world of high school.  

Co-Directors D. Lynn Meyers and Dee Anne Bryll (who also serves as Choreographer) work well together in using the entire space at hand. Their use of unconventional parts of the set as beds or couches or seats in a basement is genius. Scenic & Lighting Design by Brian c. Mehring is sleek and stark punctuated by neon lights and…it really works! It is the ideal setting for a show which is trying to make the story itself and the characters the focus. Specific shoutout to the hardworking production staff who created the Spencer’s carts as I was immediately back in SoCal circa the 1980s trying to navigate the store without a parental figure catching me doing it. Music Director Steve Goers and his band (Joel Greenberg, Brian Malone, and Matt Wiles) certainly possess a knowledge of the time period’s music, but I fear a lot of Mr. Goers’ work with the vocalists is lost due to the volume of said accompaniment. It feels like the singers are fighting for their lives and no one wants to hear someone blow out a vocal cord.

While the show boasts a strong ensemble of performing artists, there are certainly some standouts. Sara Mackie, who plays Adult 2 (aka multiple roles throughout) gives us her usual extra effort. She is a delight to see and hear and provides us with some grounded character connections. Julianne Ferreira Da Silva plays Jennifer, a character whom embodies everything I would have been as a teen in the 1980s with the Pat Benetar-esque vocals to boot. Gavin Poronsky is utterly likable as Tim, a character of whom I’d loved to have seen more!

While clearly a deeply personal piece, I do think The House on Watch Hill could use some further workshopping. I can myself relate to being a “weird little kid” (hell, I’m a weird not-so-little adult), but that isn’t always enough motivation to care about a character or where they are headed. The nostalgia is real, the visuals are fantastic, and the heart is clearly present; it could all just use a wee more depth. Some things are timeless, however: dealing with liking someone or something to a precarious degree, finding your way through the world in your own skin, and holding dear the people who helped you survive those formative times.

Click here for more information about the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

May 18, 2026 · 5:14 pm

SUFFS at Broadway in Cincinnati Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

SUFFS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through May 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The Cast of SUFFS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati. Photo by Joan Marcus.

As a 2025-2026 Broadway in Cincinnati season option, the Aronoff Center is presenting SUFFS with Book, Music, & Lyrics by Shaina Taub. The Tony Award-winning musical gives an inside, more personal look at the women who helped drive the fight for the right to vote.

Director Leigh Silverman masterfully takes the helm of this strong ensemble piece by producing many stunning stage pictures and setting up excellent pacing. Ms. Silverman allows for individual moments when appropriate while still keeping the spirit of camaraderie constant. Choreographer Mayte Natalio has an incredible gift for movement, even with a large cast on a smaller stage than other cities may offer. Gavotting is seamless and natural, but remains impactful. Tour Scenic Design by Christine Peters appears opulent and reads as wonderfully functional for the performing artists. Ms. Peters incorporation of the “key colours” (purple, white, and yellow for those who may not know) is done smartly and pops against the time-period appropriate darker aspects of the set.

In an piece written to empower women and educate all, do you include men in on the bit? Well…sort of – but you have the women portray them, of course! This all-female cast is the definition of an ensemble and choosing standouts is a tall order. Every vocalist is top-notch, mastering perfectly blended harmonies like it’s just another day at the office and their acting is superb.

Monica Tulia Ramirez is nothing short of perfection as Inez Milholland. You will either wish you could be like her or be with her – or both, in my case. Danyel Fulton as Ida B. Wells is a show-stopper. The audience is left suitably uncomfortable and on the edge of their seats from the first to the last words of “Wait My Turn” thanks to Ms. Fulton’s incredible vocal talent and acting prowess. Additional kudos to Jenny Ashman as Woodrow Wilson; Marya Grandy as Carrie Champman Catt; and Maya Keleher as Alice Paul.

Most of you probably know that, in general, I am not a huge fan of musicals. Sure, there are exceptions – and I will say without any pretense that SUFFS is one of those exceptions and has easily become one of my top three favourites. In fact, this particular performance is on the top list of best shows of any kind I’ve ever seen, full stop. It is original, informative, rife with talent, and just plain entertaining. The music will stick with you long after you leave the theatre and the reminder of how obstacles once deemed insurmountable have been overcome is necessary. I will personally be making the effort to see this show any time it comes through.  

Click here for more information about the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as