Excerpted from Nealspaper.com by kind permission.In HAMILTON, Lin Manuel Miranda manages to ace a feat that has daunted and defeated many. He has taken a…
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Author: Neal Zoren for NealsPaper
Neal of the Nealspaper is a fan of all forms of live entertainment, movies, and television. He is also a constant reader and a frequent traveler. He writes for NealsPaper.com, a place for people to come to read one authoritative voice in the dialogue, and find out what might be worthwhile — or not — as you plan your entertainment outings.
OUTSIDE MULLINGAR (DTC): An Irish love story
A love story in which the course of love would run smooth if it weren’t for stubbornness, misunderstanding, and Irish prudery
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ELEANOR: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY (Media Theatre): 60-second review
Pleasant to watch and quite informative, but little seems at stake
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Neal Zoren’s 2019 Philadelphia Theater Critic’s Award Winners
For the 40th year, Neal picks his favorite Philadelphia-area productions and performances
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Neal Zoren’s Plays to See in Philadelphia This December
Previewing December theater in Philadelphia
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Neal Zoren’s Shows to See in Philadelphia This November
Rundown of Philadelphia theater shows onstage this November
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Neal Zoren’s Shows to See in Philadelphia This October
Preview of Philadelphia theater this October
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Neal Zoren’s Shows to See in Philadelphia This September
September is most active month in Philadelphia theater
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One Eclectic Season — 2019-2020 in Philadelphia
A rundown of an enticing season of theater in Philadelphia
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THE NICETIES (McCarter Theatre): What revolution?
Eleanor Burgess’s play addresses current debates with careful but sweeping intelligence.
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Neal Zoren’s Philadelphia Theater Critic Awards, 2018
A theater critic chooses his best theatrical works of the last year
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ELLA: FIRST LADY OF SONG (Delaware Theatre Company): Channeling Ella Fitzgerald
Freda Payne does some lovely singing in ELLA: FIRST LADY OF SONG, a biographical tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
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BULLETS OVER BROADWAY (Resident Theatre Company): Good work from a fledgling theater
Neal Zoren reviews BULLETS OVER BROADWAY
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NOISES OFF (Walnut St): Hi-jinks prevail
The chestnut sails in Frank Anzalone’s production of NOISES OFF at the Walnut Street Theatre, but not consistently.
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I WILL NOT GO GENTLY (People’s Light): Third time’s a charm
I’ve gone from a fan and admirer to an enthusiastic supporter of Jen Childs in I WILL NOT GO GENTLY.
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SCHOOL OF ROCK (National tour at the Academy of Music): Amiable mediocrity
Most things are destined to be average, even musicals that have managed to stay on Broadway for a couple of years.
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FROZEN (Isis Productions): Forgiveness, redemption, and moving on
Neill Hartley’s ensemble for FROZEN makes the most of all the emotion and thoughtfulness Bryony Lavery invests in his play of forgiveness, redemption, and moving on.
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THE BLUEST EYE (Arden): Bringing Toni Morrison to the stage
In adapting THE BLUEST EYE, Lydia R. Diamond trusts Toni Morrison.
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CROWNS (McCarter): 60-second review
Regina Taylor’s CROWNS is an entertaining and telling musical about traditions among African-American women
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ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE (Media Theatre): 60-second review
Republished by kind permission from Neals Paper. Vocally, Jenny Lee Stern channels Patsy Cline. The clean, heartfelt sounds register. Physically, I kept seeing Judy Garland and…
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