Category Archives: Reviews

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Mark Evans as Elder Price. (c) Joan Marcus, 2013.

THE BOOK OF MORMON presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Dec. 22

The musical juggernaut that is THE BOOK OF MORMON comes to Cincinnati for a three week mission. As I hoped, this production definitely lives up to its reputation.

When writing a review, I try to choose my words carefully. So when I describe a show as hilarious, it means the show had me laughing out loud throughout its 2+ hours. This show is hilarious.

First National Tour Company. (c) Joan Marcus, 2013.

THE BOOK OF MORMON was written by the creators of South Park. Yes, there is profanity. In fact, there is alot of it. If you are easily offended, I suggest you gift your tickets to a friend. Profanity and sexual innuendo aside, the comedy is smart and very funny with several ongoing gags and well-timed call backs.

First National Tour Company. (c) Joan Marcus, 2013.

Vocally and visually the show is stunning. The talent level of the entire cast is impressive. Mark Evans as Elder Price and Samantha Marie Ware as Nabulungi do excellent work, but it is Christopher John O’Neill who steals the show as ne’er-do-well Elder Cunningham.

My only complaint was that the orchestra had a tendency of overpowering the lyrics in several of the ensemble numbers.

Mark Evans, Derrick Williams. (c) Joan Marcus, 2013.

Overall an excellent show that I would love to see again, especially to try to hear some of the lines I missed due to the audiences’ laughter. Creators Parker and Stone blunt, in-your-face comedy is balanced by the heart of the characters and the underlying themes of faith, humility and humanity.

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My rating: 4.95 out of 5

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

Grinch Company. Photo by PAPARAZZIBYAPPOINTMENT.COM

Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Dec. 1

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! is a great holiday musical for the young and the young at heart. Visually it’s very impressive. The sets, costumes and wigs succeed in bringing Dr. Seuss’ world to life. All your favorite songs from the classic cartoon are there plus several new, passable songs for the stage. Stefan Karl is very fun and funny as the title character. Bob Lauder looks and sounds great as Old Max. Brooke Lynn Boyd is adorable as Cindy-Lou Who. The company is vocally strong and very fun to watch. Opening night, the children who attended seemed to be mesmerized for the entire 90 minutes. I Hate Christmas #Grinch

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

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