A Sweet Time

 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Academy Theatre         Growing up, I never read Roald Dahl’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” I also avoided the film versions due to the fact that Gene Wilder’s then later, Johnny Depp’s characterizations of chocolate czar, Willie Wonka, frankly creeped me out. So, besides flipping past the…

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“Tuck” Me In

 Tuck Everlasting  (The Musical)  at  Erie Playhouse  Would you want to live forever?  That’s the question that theatergoers – young and old – will be asking themselves after seeing “Tuck Everlasting” at Erie Playhouse.  Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents a musical based upon the classic children’s book by Natalie Babbitt.  The story revolves around Winnie Foster…

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Where Everybody Knows Your Name

(If You’re a Regular, That Is…) 6 Pack House of Beers A Restaurant Review Talk about a rebound. I was in Erie to cover an art exhibit. But it turns out I had the wrong information, since the gallery I visited didn’t currently have a show up (Thanks, GURU!). So I asked myself what else…

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Flippin’ for Pippin

Pipin musical poster featuring cast member.

Pippin A Theater Review         So my current paramour was really excited when I told him he’d be escorting me see “Pippin.”         Too excited.         I should’ve known why.         “Sure, why not? Who wouldn’t want to meet Scottie Pippen? Chicago Bulls extraordinaire and seven-time NBA All-Star?” he asked.         Oy! Welcome to my…

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Nate’s Valley Freeze

Valley Freeze ice cream shop with BBQ.

A “Drive-In” Review “It’s summer,” I reminded myself, “so why are we eating inside when we could be eating outside at so many local drive-ins?”         Rather than attend a restaurant I could visit anytime in any weather, my friend and I, while driving south of Albion, decided to stop at Nate’s Valley Freeze.        …

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Bye, Bye, Birdies?

Red hummingbird feeder hanging in a tree.

Hummingbird, don’t fly away, fly away! (“Hummingbird” Seals & Crofts song) I’m going to be late!         Six a.m. comes way too early—and nothing to look forward to except a long ten-hour day doing monkey work at a local side gig.         Nonetheless, as I begin to fill the bird feeders before I leave home…

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So Evil, It’s Good

A red sign with the words evil dead the musical on it.

Evil Dead: The Musical A Meadville Community Theatre Production A Review For theater lovers (and reviewers, too) any season is the right season for a worthwhile show. However, an outdoor performance in mid-October may test the mettle of some not-so-devoted attendees. Apparently forgoing a look at the Farmer’s Almanac, producers of the Meadville Community Theatre…

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“It’s Pronounced ‘Fronkensteen’”

A poster for the young frankenstein musical.

Young Frankenstein: The Musical at the Academy Theatre A Review Leave it to Mel Brooks to turn a classic horror movie into something funny. Young Frankenstein: The Musical, currently at Meadville’s Academy Theatre, demonstrates that lightning can strike twice. Another former Brooks’ film, The Producers, hit the boards in 2001 and was a phenomenal hit,…

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The 2023 Manhattan Short Film Festival

A newspaper ad for the 2 0 th annual short film festival.

Manhattan Travels to Meadville The 2023 Manhattan Short Film Festival Appears at Meadville Cinema LP A Review Recently–for one night only–Meadville Cinema LP hosted the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Established in 1998, this annual worldwide competition showcases 10 short films”with audiences getting to vote for their favorite film and actor. Meadville has had the distinct…

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Beautiful

A poster of the carole king musical beautiful.

Words Can’t Bring Her Down… Beautiful The Carole King Musical  Review In its current production, Erie Playhouse offers the audience a welcome musical re-education.  For while baby boomers may recognize the music of Carole King–whether it’s as a solo artist or with her collaborator-husband, Gerry Goffin, most younger generations have no idea who she is…

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