Spider-Man: Brand New Day

I have been anticipating Spider-Man: Brand New Day ever since the trailer dropped because it looked really good! I finally had a chance to see it last night at a Thursday preview I am happy to say that it lived up to my impossibly high expectations!  In fact, it equals Spider-Man 2 (with Tobey Maguire in the title role) as my favorite movie featuring the web-slinger.  Four years after Dr. Strange made the world forget Peter Parker (Tom Holland), Spider-Man anonymously protects New York City from villains such as Mac Gargan/ Scorpion (Michael Mando) and members of the Hand as an unofficial liaison to NYPD Det. Jean DeWolff (Liza Colon-Zayas) and an uneasy rival to Frank Castle/ Punisher (Jon Bernthal).  He is feeling increasingly isolated and an emotional encounter with his former friends MJ Watson (Zendaya) and Ned Leeds (Jacob Balaton) triggers a mutation that enhances his spider senses.  He eventually turns to Dr. Banner/ Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) to help him control his new abilities and to Yelena Belova/ Back Widow (Florence Pugh) to help him uncover a powerful new villain (Sadie Sink) for Bill Metzger (Tramell Tillman), the head of the Department of Damage Control.  I really enjoyed this more grounded and character-driven story as Peter grapples with the personal sacrifices that come with being a superhero (the message that no one is really alone is a powerful one) and I think this is Holland's best performance as the character (I also think this is the most comic book accurate depiction in the MCU).  I especially loved several poignant interactions that Peter has at various times with MJ, Castle, and Sink's character (Zendaya and Bernthal are really great and have palpable chemistry with Holland but Sink gives an amazing performance and I am really excited to see more of her character).  I also loved the fun action set-pieces, particularly a spectacular fight between Spider-Man and members of the Hand and all of the exhilarating web-swinging sequences.  My only minor criticism is that the scenes with Black Widow don't really add much to the narrative and seem shoe-horned in to set up future events in the MCU (the Hulk's inclusion is a bit more organic).  Still, I really loved seeing this with a large and enthusiastic crowd (I'm actually more excited for Avengers: Doomsday) and I highly recommend it.

Note:  I am now completely obsessed with the song “Loser” by Tame Impala.

Hadestown: The Musical

I really love the musical Hadestown so, even though I had just been to a production the day before, I was thrilled to see the pro shot now playing in theaters last night.  It is absolutely amazing and I felt like I was inside the Lyric Theatre in London where it was captured but with a much better seat than I could probably afford.  The dynamic camera work and editing really give you a feel for the whole experience with lots of wide shots of the entire stage and the crowd along with close ups of the cast which emphasize details that may be missed during a live performance.  I was particularly struck by a shot of Hades and Persephone sitting on the balcony during "Epic I," because my eyes are normally on Orpheus during this scene and it was interesting to see their current dynamic as he sings about their early romance, and by the shot of Orpheus writing his song during "Hey Little Songbird," because my focus is usually on Hades and Eurydice as he tries to lure her to the underground and seeing Orpheus so oblivious makes Eurydice's decision even more relatable.  Of course I loved seeing the five original members of the Broadway cast and all of them gave me goosebumps at various points.  Strangely, Andre de Shields is probably the most restrained Hermes I've seen but I think this really works for the character because he is reacting to the narrative as it unfolds along with the audience.  I especially enjoyed the subtle changes in his voice and facial expressions as the tone becomes darker in "Way Down Hadestown (Reprise)," "Wait For Me (Reprise)," and "Road to Hell (Reprise)." I have always found Reeve Carney to be a bit tentative (I have listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording hundreds of times) but seeing his performance changed my mind about his interpretation because he is absolutely captivating (I couldn't take my eyes off him during all of his songs).  I was impressed by his facial expressions and physicality during "Doubt Comes In" but I was blown away by his vocal performance of "If It's True" because, even though it is somewhat breathy, it is powerful in context because it shows his desperation.  I get his appeal now!  I love Eva Noblezada's voice so I think I got goosebumps during every one of her songs but her emotional version of "Flowers" just about destroyed me (I had a similar reaction when she calls out for Orpheus during "Wait For Me (Reprise)" because it is so plaintive).  Her chemistry with Carney (her real-life husband) is off the charts, especially in "All I've Ever Known."  Amber Gray is a force of nature as Persephone (see what I did there?) and she absolutely owns the stage in her over-the-top rendition of "Our Lady of the Underground."  I have always been a big fan of Patrick Page (I was able to see him in the title roles for Macbeth at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cyrano de Bergerac at PTC) and I am so happy that he was able to perform after rupturing his Achilles tendon (I think the boot and cane he uses makes him even more menacing).  I also got goosebumps during every one of his songs but the smirk on his face when the Workers first respond to him in "Why We Build the Wall" is especially chilling because it shows that he enjoys having them under his complete control.  One of the most poignant moments for me was when Hades and Persephone dance at the end of "Epic III" because Gray cannot hide her emotions when an injured Page is able to execute the choreography!  Finally, I also enjoyed seeing the current West End cast members integrated into the production.  Allie Daniel, especially, is mesmerizing as Fate 3 and I liked seeing each of the Workers (Lauren Azania, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, Waylon Jacobs, Christopher Short, and Ryesha Higgs) have a moment to shine as individuals in "Chant (Reprise)."  I loved this (it is up there with the pro shot of Hamilton for me) and I cannot recommend it enough, especially for anyone who has not seen a live performance of the show.  It is in theaters for a limited run (but I've heard rumors that it has been extended).

Note:  I saw this with The Odyssey (my fourth viewing!) as part of a Greek mythology double feature that the kids are calling "Hadessey."  I spent over six hours sitting in a theater but I regret nothing!

Hadestown: Teen Edition at the Ruth

Yesterday both my sisters and I went to see Hadestown: Teen Edition featuring students from The Ruth Academy and we think it is the best version of this show we have seen!  It might even be better than the Broadway touring production!  The teens in this show are insanely talented and there was not a weak link in the entire cast (even in the ensemble because they were all amazing dancers).  Hermes acts as a master of ceremonies on the road to Hell and Ezekiel Binkerd was incredibly charismatic in the role.  I could not take my eyes off him as he strutted around the stage in the songs "Road to Hell" and "Way Down Hadestown."  I also really loved his interactions with the audience and the emotion in his voice in "Road to Hell (Reprise)" was very moving.  Orpheus is a poor boy with the gift of music who sees the world as it could be and William Madsen (who played Hermes in SCERA's recent production) gave the best performance as this character that I have ever seen.  Orpheus requires an impressive vocal range and most actors who play him are a bit tentative and soft.  Madsen's voice was incredibly clear and powerful, without losing any vulnerability, and I was amazed at his enunciation (my sister and I commented that this is probably the first time we've heard all of the words to "Epic I," "Epic II," "If It's True," and "Epic III").  Eurydice is a hungry girl who has only experienced the world as it is and I loved Sarah Kenny's performance because her voice reminded me of Eva Noblezada (she originated the role of Eurydice on Broadway).  She sang all of her songs with tremendous passion, including my favorite "Any Way the Wind Blows," but her rendition of "Flowers" was on another level (it brought tears to my eyes).  Persephone is the vibrant goddess of spring and Claire Hendershot was an absolute hoot as she juggled her life above ground with her life with Hades in the underworld.  She had the stage presence of someone much older and her versions of "Livin' It Up on Top" and "Our Lady of the Underground" definitely got the crowd cheering.  Hades is the ruthless ruler of the underworld who believes he is keeping his people safe by keeping them oppressed and Jackson Marsh played him as a bitter old man.  His deep raspy voice was menacing in "Hey Little Songbird" and angry in "Why We Build The Wall" (this song always gives me goosebumps and the way the ensemble reacted to his rage in the final note was devastating).  I loved how his expression slowly changed in "Epic III" and the way this characterization continued as he sang "His Kiss, The Riot."  The Fates act as a Greek chorus who whisper their doubts in the ears of the characters and Fletcher, Jane Pollard, and Lexi Williamson (she performed this role in SCERA's recent production) harmonized beautifully in "When the Chips Are Down" and "Doubt Comes In" but I was especially impressed by their a capella performance of "Nothing Changes" (more goosebumps).  I was also struck by how they continually circled Eurydice throughout.  In addition to the brilliant performances, I loved the staging because the ensemble was integrated more than usual in this production.  Several couples mimicked the movements of Orpheus and Eurydice during "Come Home With Me," "Wedding Song," and "All I've Ever Known" and I think this really emphasizes their connection.  I also loved the addition of a Young Persephone (Jocelyn Schrader) and a Young Hades (Jacob C. Parson) who acted out the love story described in "Epic I," Epic II," "How Long," and "Epic III." Finally, I loved the choreography in "Wait For Me (Reprise)" and "Doubt Comes In" because the ensemble formed a maze that Orpheus and Eurydice must find their way through.  Even though there were no live musicians performing on stage (which has always been a highlight for me), I found this show to be absolutely exhilarating!  I would shout from the rooftops for people to go see it but, unfortunately, the run ended yesterday.  After this incredible production I will definitely be seeing more shows featuring the Academy in the future!

The Lightning Thief at Empress Theatre

I have been obsessed with Greek mythology all my life for obvious reasons (google my first name) so I was really excited when the Empress Theatre announced The Lightning Thief as part of their 2026 season. I was so excited I got a ticket for opening night and I had the best time watching this energetic show with a large and boisterous crowd! Perseus "Percy" Jackson (Elias Silva) is expelled from his fifth school in as many years after he kills a Fury masquerading as a substitute math teacher named Mrs. Dodds (Cheryl Cripps) on a field trip. His mother Sally (Monique Derr) takes him to the beach to explain why he has powers that he cannot control but, before she can reveal anything, they are attacked by a Minotaur who kills her before Percy can kill it. Soon after, his Latin teacher Mr. Brunner reveals that he is really Chiron (Konnor Hafen), a centaur, and that his best friend Grover Underwood (Parker Skeen) is really a satyr, a goat-like creature, before taking him to Camp Half-Blood, a refuge for the children of humans and gods. The camp counselor Dionysius (Josh Starr) introduces him to Luke Castellan (Beck Bassett), the son of Hermes, Annabeth Chase (Eloise Derr), the daughter of Athena, Silena Beauregard (M. Francis Le), the daughter of Aphrodite, Kate Gardner (Fiona Derr), the daughter of Demeter, and Clarisse LaRue (Lucy Bawden), the daughter of Ares. He also eventually discovers that he is the son of Poseidon (Josh Starr). However, he is accused of of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt and must go on a quest to retrieve it from the real thief, Hades (Konnor Hafen), to prevent a war between the gods. On the journey to the Underworld, Percy, Grover, and Annabeth encounter three Furies, Medusa, and the Chimera but, when they finally arrive, Hades informs them that they have been manipulated by Ares. This culminates in an epic battle in which Percy is helped by Poseidon. They return to Camp Half-Blood heroes but learn that they must face an even bigger threat. I really love this show because, while it is an amusing and clever take on Greek mythology that will make you laugh, it is also a poignant story about the struggle to fit in and feel good enough and seeing this young and talented cast embody this struggle so well is incredibly moving. Silva is an enthusiastic and charismatic Percy who is very entertaining to watch but I was most impressed by his touching performance of "Good Kid." I had a similar reaction to "My Grand Plan" by Derr and "The Tree on the Hill" by Bassett because the emotion is palpable and they gave me goosebumps. The ensemble cast, most of whom play multiple parts, is also outstanding but my favorites are Hafen because he is absolutely hilarious as both Chiron and Hades and Cheryl Cripps because she brings the house down as Charon in the song "D.O.A." The minimal set, which features three large columns made of fabric and plaques representing all of the gods, and the contemporary costumes (I especially loved the Camp Half-Blood t-shirts) are very effective and I really enjoyed the energetic choreography. Finally, one of the reasons I love seeing shows at small community theaters is because they have to be really clever when it comes to special effects (they usually don't have the technical wizardry or the budget for elaborate spectacles) and this production does a brilliant job of portraying the monsters with just colored lights, shadows, and projections. This is so much fun and it has an important message about belonging so I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through August 8.

Rose of Nevada

I was absolutely mesmerized by the movie Enys Men so I was excited to see Mark Jenkin's latest, Rose of Nevada, at the Broadway yesterday.  When the fishing vessel Rose of Nevada disappeared from a Cornish village thirty years ago, the effect was catastrophic.  The community has not yet recovered economically and the families of the lost fishermen, Alan and Luke, are still mourning the loss.  The boat mysteriously reappears and Mike (Edward Rowe), the former owner, decides to hire a new crew and send it back out to sea.  He recruits Nick (George MacKay), a husband and father who desperately needs money to repair his roof, and Liam (Callum Turner), an itinerant worker who sleeps on the dock.  Even though neither one of them have experience, they return with a substantial catch but the village they return to is thirty years in the past.  Liam is mistaken for Alan and is warmly welcomed by Alan's wife Tina (Rosalind Eleazar) and his young daughter while Nick is mistaken for Luke and is taken in by Luke's parents (Adrian Rawlins and Mary Woodvine).  They both realize that something is amiss and go back out on the boat thinking that they will reset the timeline but, when they return to the past again, Liam happily settles into a life with Tina.  However, Nick is increasingly distraught and goes to extraordinary lengths to return to his wife Emily (Mae Voogd) and young daughter but eventually becomes conflicted about condemning his community to poverty and grief again.  What I love about Jenkin as a filmmaker is the way he uses images rather than dialogue to tell the story.  He opens with a series of static shots and it is immediately clear that the village is suffering from an economic depression.  He also uses several extended sequences of Nick and Liam working on the boat (fishing is hard work) to establish that they have an aptitude for the job despite the fact they have no experience.  I also love the ambiguity in his movies, especially in this narrative, because you are never really sure if Nick has been displaced in time or if he is suffering from madness.  I was particularly struck by a recurring photo of Alan and Luke taken on the boat because the movie ends with Nick and Liam in that same photo.  Finally, I loved the use of degraded 16mm film, because this emphasizes that these characters are in another time, as well as the unsettling sound design and otherwordly score, because it creates such a haunting atmosphere.  I really dug this and am now eagerly awaiting the next movie from Jenkin.

Note:  I basically spent the whole day at the Broadway because I saw The Odyssey in 35mm (my third viewing!) next.  It gets better every time I see it!

Once at CPT

I went back to CPT last night to see Once on the Mountain America Main Stage with both of my sisters. I love this show so much and, because the people sitting around me didn't know anything about it, I was really hyping it up! Luckily they all enjoyed this production as much as I did! A Guy (Nathan Bowser) is busking on a Dublin street when a Girl (Lindsea Garside) strikes up a conversation with him because she likes his music. He reluctantly tells her that he wants to give up on music because all of his songs are about a girl who left him to move to New York. The Girl encourages him to play more of his music for her and eventually helps him record a demo. He begins to have feelings for her and reveals that he may have written the songs for another girl but now he is singing them for her. She knows that she needs to reconcile with her estranged husband for the sake of her daughter and that he needs to go to New York and play his music for his former girlfriend so, even though she loves him, she tearfully convinces him to go. The ending is bittersweet (I always get tears in my eyes) but I think the theme is universal because most of us have had people enter our lives for a brief moment and have a profound impact on us. I absolutely loved the staging of this production (every version I have seen has been slightly different) because the set features a Dublin street and the exteriors of a repair shop, a music store, the Girl's house, and a pub. Minimal set pieces for the interiors of these locations are brought on by the ensemble through a large garage door on the street and the lights inside each building are illuminated to denote where the scene is taking place (I think this is really clever). Every member of the ensemble, including Brandon Garside, Theresa Chatelain, Faith Driggs, Isaac Carrillo, Ryan Boam, Kristen Alley, Jacob Draper, David Johnson, Alec Halpin, and Katie Lewis Higbee, plays multiple instruments live on stage and the way they are integrated into the narrative is brilliant (they are all unbelievably talented). The folk music is beautiful and hearing my favorite songs, "Falling Slowly" (even if you are not familiar with this show you might recognize this), "If You Want Me," and "Gold," gave me goosebumps! Bowser and Garside are outstanding as the leads and they give incredibly passionate performances (Garside's rendition of "The Hill" is especially powerful). Finally, the original Broadway production features a lot of profanity but this version, much like the one at HCTO, omits it so it is suitable for everyone. This show is grand and it definitely deserves to be seen by more people so I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs on the Mountain America Main Stage at CPT through August 18.

Tarzan at CPT

Last night I went to see Tarzan on the Second Stage at CPT. I was really excited for this show because I had heard rave reviews for the production and I was definitely not disappointed! This musical is based on the popular story by Edgar Rice Burroughs and features fantastic music by Phil Collins. Kerchak (Ben Fonoimoana Tutor), the leader of a tribe of gorillas, is unhappy when his wife Kala (Janzell Luika Kim Tutor) adopts a baby whose parents have been killed because he doesn't think a human belongs with their family. Young Tarzan (Levi W. Johnson) struggles to keep up with the rest of the tribe until he is befriended by Terk (Braden Hull) who shows him how to be a gorilla but when he teaches Terk to make a spear for picking fruit, Kerchak is afraid that he will hurt the other gorillas so he forces him into exile. Tarzan is distraught and wonders where he belongs so Kala decides to stay with him. Years later, Tarzan (Levi Larsen) is welcomed back into the tribe after he kills a leopard that has been terrorizing them. However, when Professor Porter (Nathan Jones) and his daughter Jane (Summer Sloan Alvey) bring an expedition to the jungle, Kerchak worries that Taran's interactions with the humans, especially Jane, will bring harm to the tribe. When Clayton (Hayden Henderson), a member of the expedition, threatens the gorillas, Tarzan must decide whether he belongs with Jane and the humans or with his adopted family. What makes this production so dazzling is the incredibly immersive set with dynamic projections on the LED screens that surround the stage and the audience (I loved watching the subtle movements of the leaves) and hanging vines from the rafters because these elements, along with the sound design, make you feel like you are actually in the middle of the jungle. I especially loved the staging of the shipwreck at the beginning of the show because it features the sound of waves and a projection of a ship on a scrim in the middle of the stage. It is incredibly realistic! The set also features a large tree that opens up to become Professor Porter's camp and a balcony that is transformed into the tree house built by Tarzan's parents. This stage is so intimate that Tarzan actually flies through the audience when he swings on the vines (he was literally a few inches from me)! Larsen is an incredibly athletic Tarzan who is really fun to watch (the three young girls sitting next to me were very enamored with him). I loved his performance of "Strangers Like Me," my favorite song in the show, but his version of "Everything That I Am" gave me goosebumps. Alvey has a wide-eyed wonder in the songs "Waiting For This Moment" and "For The First Time" (for both the flora and fauna and for Tarzan) and I loved all of her interactions with Larsen because she tries to hide the fact that she finds him attractive. Other standouts are Hull because he has a boisterous energy that is palpable and Johnson because he is adorable and his rendition of "I Need to Know" is so affecting. The choreography is thrilling and I especially enjoyed the rambunctious leaps and jumps in "Trashin' The Camp" and the aerialists in "Waiting For This Moment." The costumes are very vibrant and I also loved the puppets (the elephant made me giggle out loud). This production is outstanding and I highly recommend it for the whole family (all of the kids in the audience seemed to be having a lot of fun). It runs on the Second Stage through August 8 and tickets may be purchased here.

Note:  As I mentioned, the three girls sitting next to me were very vocal in their appreciation for Tarzan so Larsen high-fived them during the bows. I think it was the highlight of their lives!

The Odyssey

Last night I finally had the chance to see The Odyssey, one of my most anticipated movies of 2026, and I was absolutely blown away by both the spectacle and the storytelling.  Odysseus (Matt Damon), the king of Ithaca, leaves his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) to aid Agamemnon (Benny Safdie) on his quest to rescue Helen (Lupita Nyong'o), the wife of his brother Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), from Troy.  After successfully infiltrating the city by deception inside a large wooden horse, he sails home with his soldiers and Eurylochus (Himesh Patel), his increasingly distrustful second-in-command, but he chooses a slower route than Agamemnon because he is tormented by visions of Athena (Zendaya).  His journey is interrupted by battles with mythical creatures and angry gods until he takes solace with Calypso (Charlize Theron) who makes him forget his family and the loss of his crew for many years.  In Ithaca, Penelope is besieged by suitors wanting her to marry again, most notably Antinous (Robert Pattinson) and Polybus (Corey Hawkins), and is surrounded by duplicitous servants, including Melantho (Mia Goth) and her brother Melanthius (Logan Marshall-Green), while Telemachus is determined to find the truth about his father with the help of his loyal swineherd Eumaeus (John Leguizamo).  When Odysseus is finally able to return to Ithaca, he must confront the consequences of his actions.  What I loved most about this is that the immense scope and scale of Odysseus's physical journey, including some of the best action sequences involving practical effects that I've ever seen, is balanced by the intimacy of his existential journey of discovery.  The set pieces are big, loud, immersive, and sometimes terrifying, especially the scenes in which Polyphemus (a cyclops) and Scylla (a multi-headed monster) attack, with incredible visuals and sound design.  The third act, in particular, grabs you and doesn't let go with escalating tension that culminated in applause from my audience.  Damon gives the best performance of his career because his impressive physicality is coupled with some highly emotional scenes that brought tears to my eyes, particularly one with Penelope and Athena when he confesses to them.  I could also say the same for the entire cast but the standouts for me are Holland as Telemachus (even after watching him as Spider-Man for so many years I was truly not familiar with his game), because his restrained transformation from an overwhelmed boy to a man worthy to take the throne of Ithaca is very powerful, Samantha Morton as Circe, because her delivery of a monologue about the violence of men gave me goosebumps, Pattinson as Antinous, because he is just so sleazy and I loved his final confrontation with Damon, and Leguizamo as Eumaeus, because he steals every scene he is in.  Finally, my attention never wavered during the almost three hour runtime and I almost got a ticket to see it again as soon as it ended (I will see it again very soon).  This is a masterpiece and I cannot recommend it enough but definitely see it in IMAX with Dolby Atmos sound (you'll thank me later).

Note:  The only movie that even has a chance of dethroning this as my favorite of 2026 is Dune: Part Three.  Nolan has thrown down the gauntlet, Villeneuve!

The Invite

Last night my nephew and I went to the Broadway to see The Invite.  This movie got a lot of buzz at Sundance this year so I was really excited and it definitely lived up to the hype!  Joe (Seth Rogen) is a former musician who now teaches at a third-rate music academy and Angela (Olivia Wilde) is a bored stay-at-home mom who fills her days by endlessly remodeling and decorating their apartment.  They bicker back and forth until their upstairs neighbors, Pina (Penelope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), arrive for dinner.  Angela tries way too hard to impress them and Joe resents their intrusion but, after several extremely awkward encounters, they eventually become titillated by Pina and Hawk's unconventional sex life.  When Pina and Hawk invite them to participate in one of their orgies, everything that is wrong with Joe and Angela's relationship is revealed and they must decide whether they want to separate or make the changes needed to remain married.  This is absolutely hilarious (I don't think there was an empty seat in the theater and the audience laughed out loud through the entire runtime) and I especially loved a scene that cuts back and forth between Joe asking Pina how she knew when a relationship was over and Angela asking Hawk to help her make an important decision because it subverts expectations in a highly amusing way!  This is also an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of how couples lose connection and intimacy within a marriage when they become complacent (the ambiguous ending is quietly devastating).  This reminded me of a play performed live on stage because it takes place in one location in real time with an emphasis on dialogue rather than action.  However, this structure is surprisingly compelling because the scenes are framed in an incredibly dynamic way, particularly one in which the couples are placed opposite each other against the large cased opening to the dining room to highlight the distance between them, and the dialogue is very witty with brilliant performances that feature perfect timing (Rogen is outstanding).  I really enjoyed this and I am sure that it will be among my favorites this year.

The Scarlet Pimpernel at The Ruth

I was absolutely obsessed with Baroness Orczy's novel The Scarlet Pimpernel when I was a teenager (I also really loved the movie adaptation starring Anthony Edwards and Jane Seymour) so I always try to see the stage adaptation whenever it is playing near me.  I went to The Ruth's production last night and I had so much fun anticipating all of my favorite numbers.  Sir Percy Blakeney (Scott Hendrickson) disguises himself as the Scarlet Pimpernel and recruits a league of followers (Elijah Wolford, Maxx Teuscher, Kegan Bjornn, Charlie Flint, Tanner Garner, and Joshua Jones) from his fellow aristocrats in order to save the people of Paris from the sinister Chauvelin (Bronson Dameron) and the guillotine during the French Revolution.  He keeps his identity secret from his wife Marguerite St. Just (Malia Morley), a Parisian actress, because he believes that she is helping Chauvelin, her former lover.  He also keeps his identity secret from the Prince of Wales (Daniel Clegg) by pretending to be a foppish nincompoop!  However, he must make his most daring rescue yet when Marguerite and her brother Armand (Cole Hixson) are arrested.  When I entered the theater, I was really struck by the dramatic set, featuring large stone arches that become the Comedie-Francaise, Blakeney Manor, the prison at the Conciergerie, the square at the Place de la Concorde, and the Fisherman's Rest with just the addition of a few backdrops and set pieces (the most notable is the guillotine), as well as the bold red lighting which is extremely effective at creating a mood immediately.  I was also very impressed by the gorgeous costumes, particularly the flamboyantly frou frou outfits worn in "The Creation of Man" and the stylized wigs worn in "Storybook."  The staging of some of the most memorable scenes is simple but incredibly clever and I loved the transition from Percy's study to the ship as the league travels to France during "Into the Fire," the way they save people from the guillotine in "The Rescue," and the way Percy fools Chauvelin in "The Duel." I also really enjoyed the choreography during the intricate "Ouilles Gavotte" as Marguerite questions the men to learn the identity of the Pimpernel and the dramatic way that Percy, Marguerite, and Chauvelin circle each other during "The Riddle."  The three leads are outstanding but Hendrickson, especially, does an amazing job portraying Percy's strength as the Pimpernel, his vulnerability as a man who loves but can't trust his wife (his performances of "Prayer" and "She Was There" gave me chills), and his silliness as a man trying to hide his identity.  His interactions with Dameron are hilarious because the latter becomes visibly exasperated whenever he conspicuously mispronounces his name.  This show is a favorite with Utah audiences and The Ruth's production is one of the best I've seen so I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) before they are gone.  It runs in the Smith Grand Theater through August 22.

Hell's Kitchen at the Eccles

As a big fan of Alicia Keys, I have been looking forward to Hell's Kitchen ever since the 2025-2026 Broadway at the Eccles season was announced. I finally had the chance to see it last night and I loved it because the music, the choreography, and the performances are amazing! This features songs by Alicia Keys with a semi-autobiographical story about her experiences growing up in Manhattan in the 1990s. Seventeen-year-old Ali (Maya Drake) is trying to find her voice and place in the world with her overprotective mother Jersey (Kennedy Caughell), who is afraid that her daughter will make the same mistakes she did, and her absent father Davis (Desmond Sean Ellington), who prioritizes his music career over his responsibilities, while pursuing an ill-advised relationship with an older man named Knuck (JonAvery Worrell), who becomes a victim of discrimination and overpolicing. She finds refuge when Miss Liza Jane (Roz White), a resident of the subsidized artist housing where she lives, begins teaching her how to play the piano and she ultimately channels her anger, pain, and passion into her music. In my opinion, the weakest element is the story because there are a quite a few themes that are only explored on a superficial level as well as several underdeveloped characters who disappear in the second act after they are no longer needed to advance the plot but I did really enjoy the way the mother-daughter relationship is portrayed and the resolution between Ali and Jersey is very satisfying. The highlight is the music (I had to stop myself multiple times from singing along). I loved hearing several of my favorite Alicia Keys songs reinterpreted to fit within the narrative, such as "Girl on Fire" which Ali's friends Tiny (Gigi Lewis) and Jessica (Marley Soleil) sing as both an anthem to female empowerment but also as a cautionary tale, "Fallin'" as duet between Jersey and Davis as she criticizes him for his abandonment but still feels a romantic pull when he flirts with her, "If I Ain't Got You" as a duet between Davis and Ali as they sing the song he wrote for her to show he loves her even if he is not there for her, "No One" as a duet between Jersey and Ali as they reflect on their mother-daughter bond, and, of course, "Empire State of Mind" (my favorite Alicia Keys song) as a triumphant ode to the neighborhood that formed her. There are a few new songs included and my favorite was "Kaleidoscope" because it is such a pivotal moment when Ali's world expands after she meets Miss Liza Jane and plays the piano for the first time. I also really loved the dynamic choreography because the high-energy steps performed by the ensemble are a reflection of Ali's environment, especially in "The Gospel," "You Don't Know My Name," "Kaleidoscope" (this was my favorite because the ensemble seems to dance with the grand piano), "Girl on Fire," and "Empire State of Mind," and the more soulful movements performed by smaller groups embody Ali's internal journey, particularly in "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" and "Hallelujah." The performances blew me away! I was especially impressed by newcomer Drake (who is a recent high school graduate making her professional stage debut) because she effortlessly carries the show with her powerful vocals and electric stage presence. I also enjoyed Caughell because she brings the house down with her rendition of "Pawn It All" and White because her performance of "Perfect Way to Die" is absolutely devastating. Finally, towering metal structures and projections bring the high-rise building where Ali lives and the surrounding neighborhood to life very vividly (I loved the projections used for the elevator) and the costumes effectively transport the audience back to the 1990s. This show is on fire and I highly recommend it! There are five more performances at the Eccles through July 12 (go here for tickets).

Lukas Nelson at Sandy Amphitheater

I really love Lukas Nelson (he sounds a lot like his dad Willie Nelson but I think his voice is much more expressive) so I always try to see his band Promise of the Real when they come to SLC.  I bought a ticket as soon as I learned that he would be performing solo at Sandy Amphitheater and last night's concert was the fifth time I have seen him live (sixth if you count when Promise of the Real backed Neil Young on tour).  I was worried about how hot it might be but it actually started raining while we were waiting for the show to start.  The cute ladies sitting in front of me gave me an umbrella to use but then the rain stopped right when Nelson took the stage.  He began with "Entirely Different Stars" and "Fool Me Once," both Promise of the Real songs, but then it started raining again and we had to be evacuated from the amphitheater because of the lightning.  It looked like the concert might be canceled because lightning was in the forecast for the rest of the night but we were eventually allowed to go back in after about 30 minutes.  Nelson resumed the show with the Promise of the Real songs "Every Time I Drink," and "Wrong House" and then played a few songs, including "Pretty Much," "Born Runnin' Outta Time," and "The Last Wild River," from his recent solo album American Romance.  I really like this album and I definitely enjoyed hearing these songs live for the first time.  The rest of the concert featured all of my favorites and I think he sounded better than I have ever heard him!  I loved his acoustic performance of "Just Outside of Austin" while standing under a spotlight (it gave me goosebumps) but, when I heard the opening notes of "(Forget About) Georgia," I just about lost my mind and his passionate rendition of this song was the highlight of the night for me!  Next came "Carolina" and "Die Alone" but then he had to end with an extended version of "Find Yourself" because the venue has a very strict curfew of 10:00.  I was a little sad that we didn't get the full show because he has been performing "Set Me Down on a Cloud" (my favorite Promise of the Real song) as an encore during this tour but I got over it because he was amazing and he promised us that he would be back!  I will definitely be there!

Note:  This was my first concert of 2026 and it was certainly memorable!

Our Town at HCT

Last night was my first time seeing Thornton Wilder's classic play Our Town (you would think that someone with a literature degree and a love of theatre would have seen it by now) and it was also my first time seeing a production on the new Beehive Stage at HCT. I loved both the performance and the venue!  A Stage Manager (Michael Hohl) often breaks the fourth wall to introduce the audience to Grover's Corners, New Hampshire during the early years of the 20th century and the narrative unfolds on a minimal stage without props.  Act 1 includes the every day activities of the inhabitants: Joe Crowell (Samuel Karlinsey) delivers the newspaper, Howie Newsome (Austin Zimmerman) delivers the milk, Dr. Gibbs (Sanford Porter) returns home from delivering twins, Mr. Webb (Ben Parkes) observes the goings-on in the town as editor of the newspaper, Mrs. Gibbs (Cecily Ellis-Bills) and Mrs. Webb (Becca Ingram) make breakfast and get their children, George and Rebecca Gibbs (Timothy Quesenberry and Tessa Jensen, respectively) and Emily and Wally Webb (Mariah Grace Bowman and Wyatt Bills, respectively), ready for school, Simon Stimson (Jared Stewart) struggles to control his alcoholism, and Mrs. Luella Soames (Jayne Luke) gossips with the women of the town. Act 2, which takes place three years later, includes the courtship and marriage of George Gibbs and Emily Webb against the backdrop of these same every day activities (Joe's younger brother Si now delivers the newspapers). Act 3, which takes place nine years later, includes the funeral of Emily Gibbs, who died in childbirth, during which she observes the living before joining the dead of Grover's Corners.  This is very slow, deliberate, and episodic and I have to admit that I found it to be incredibly tedious until the reason for this restraint was revealed in Act 3. Emily ultimately realizes that life is fleeting and that the mundane activities we often take for granted are what make life beautiful and meaningful. This is a powerful and poignant message and I had tears in my eyes by the end of the act. I think the use of metatheatrical devices, such as having the Stage Manager give the characters direction as well as break the fourth wall, is absolutely brilliant because it blurs the line between fiction and reality and lets the audience observe what is happening from a distance much like Emily does after her death.  I also loved the minimal stage with just the hint of various locations, particularly the chalk drawings on the LED screen, because this emphasizes that Grover's Corners could be any town (the more intimate Beehive Stage is the perfect venue for this play). Finally, I found the performances to be very moving, particularly when Hohl speaks about eternity and when Quesenbery and Bowman finally reveal their feelings for each other, but also quite funny, especially when Parkes tries to give advice to his future son-in-law. I am so happy that I finally had the opportunity to see this groundbreaking play and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs on the new Miller Family Beehive Stage through Oct. 19.

Note:  I cannot recommend Harmony enough!  It is also playing at HCT on the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage through August 1 (go here for tickets).

Young Washington

I went back and forth about seeing Young Washington (for reasons) but I ultimately decided that I wanted to and did so last night.  I actually really liked it!  Eleven-year-old George Washington (Will Joseph) is forced to withdraw from school to work on the farm after the death of his father but his older half-brother Lawrence Washington (John Foss), a commissioned officer in the British Army, encourages him to continue learning and improving himself on his own.  Washington (William Franklyn-Miller) grows up to be incredibly ambitious but becomes a surveyor after he is refused a royal commission due to his lowly colonial background.  Eager to impress Lord Fairfax (Kelsey Grammer), and the young noblewoman (Mia Rodgers) betrothed to his son, he volunteers to survey the Ohio territory adjoining his land with his friend Christopher Gist (Leo Hanna) and, during their expedition, they discover that French forces are building a fort on land claimed by the Crown.  He reports this information to Virginia Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddle (Ben Kingsley) who appoints him a Major in the Virginia Militia and sends him to deliver a message to Joseph Jumonville (Clement Toyon) ordering him to leave.  Washington forms an alliance with a group of Seneca led by Tanacharison (Ryan Begay) after Jumonville refuses to leave but they have their own agenda and open fire which precipitates the French and Indian War.  Washington hastily builds the stockade known as Fort Necessity in an area open to attack and is eventually forced to surrender to the French after a bloody battle which kills Gist.  Washington is demoralized and resigns his commission but his mother Mary (Mary-Louise Parker) convinces him to stay the course and he volunteers to act as aide-de-camp to General Edward Braddock (Andy Serkis).  He attempts to convince Braddock to abandon the traditional British battle formations based on his experience at Necessity but he is rebuffed and their forces are ambushed during the Battle of Monogahela.  He ultimately forms a rear guard using his own battle tactics to save the men from Virginia and this brings him great acclaim.  The narrative leans into the idea that Washington was successful because of divine providence and, while there is a scene in which the Seneca tell him that he was protected by the Creator's Spirit in battle, it is definitely not as heavy-handed as I feared it would be.  In fact, much of the criticism that I had read beforehand about belabored metaphors is very much exaggerated.  I really enjoyed Washington's character arc as a inexperienced soldier who learns from his mistakes and an ambitious leader who develops humility.  The cast is outstanding and Franklyn-Miller, especially, gives a compelling performance, particularly during the heartbreaking surrender of Fort Necessity.  I was also very captivated by Begay because he reminded me so much of Graham Greene (one of my favorite actors).  The battle sequences are exhilarating and the locations and production design are stunning.  I found this very entertaining and I encourage you to ignore the criticism and decide for yourself!

Toy Story 5

The second movie in my animation double feature last night was Toy Story 5 and, even though we probably didn't need another installment in this franchise, I loved it!  When Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) receives a tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee), she spends all of her time online so Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the other toys start to feel neglected.  Jessie confronts Lily by saying that Bonnie is losing opportunities to find friends so Lily connects her to some of her classmates online.  However, when Bonnie is ridiculed by these new friends, Lily feels guilty and finds a way to be donated.  Meanwhile, Jessie and Bullyeye are inadvertently sent to the home of their first owner and meet Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), the little girl who lives there now.  She thinks that Blaze would be a good friend for Bonnie so she enlists the help of Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), and some of Blaze's toys but eventually realizes that she needs Lily to connect them.  Jessie also realizes that it is natural for children to outgrow their toys when she learns how much she meant to her first owner, Emily.  There are several fun sub-plots involving Buzz trying to work up the courage to ask Jessie to marry him and a group of Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyears who crash land on a deserted island stuck in demo mode and aid Jessie when they attempt to reach Star Command (the scenes in which they engage in covert missions are incredibly amusing).  I loved this because it is funny (with lots of hilarious interactions between all of the toys, both old and new), compelling (with a powerful message about finding a healthy balance between imaginative play and technology), and quite poignant (the scene in which Bonnie is cyberbullied brought tears to my eyes and so did the scene in which Jessie finds Emily's box of memorabilia).  I loved Jessie's character arc as she comes to terms with being abandoned by Emily (Cusack is wonderful and gives a highly emotional performance) and I enjoyed the bickering between Woody and Buzz but I sometimes felt like there were too many characters who either don't add much to the story (especially Smarty Pants, voiced by Conan O'Brien) or are little more than cameos (I still liked seeing my favorite character Duke Caboom, voiced by Keanu Reeves).  Nevertheless, I think this is a worthy addition to the franchise and I highly recommend it.

Note:  I love the song "I Knew It, I Knew You" by Taylor Swift even more now that I've heard it in context!

Minions & Monsters

I had a lot of fun at an animation double feature last night.  I started with Minions & Monsters and this homage to Old Hollywood is so much better than I was expecting!  A tour guide (Allison Janney) leading a group through a film history museum tells the story of how a trio of minions named James, Henry, and Ed influenced Hollywood and saved the world.  A tribe, led by Dick, serve a series of evil villains throughout history, with disastrous results, until they discover a Wild West train robbery and decide to become the robber's henchmen.  They pursue the train only to discover that they have disrupted an elaborate movie shoot.  The director Max (Christoph Waltz) is furious because he believes all of his footage has been ruined but Frank and Elwood Bright (Jeff Bridges), the heads of Bright Brothers Studios, love the new scene and demand that the minions be hired.  They become big stars but, when silent movies transition to "talkies," they are unable to adapt because they are incomprehensible and are fired.  James, Henry, and Ed decide to make their own movie, called Minions and Monsters, but Dick and the rest of the minions leave the studio to find another evil villain to serve.  They become henchmen to Dort (Jesse Eisenberg), an alien robot who intends to invade Earth, but his plans are sidetracked when he meets a suffragette named Debbie (Zoey Deutch) and the minions are used to woo her, instead.  Meanwhile, James uses a spellbook, once owned by the sorcerer they served during the Middle Ages, to summon a monster but is disappointed when a Cthulhu named Goomi (Trey Parker) appears because he is not scary enough.  Goomi then helps them summon Irene, an amorphous blob of orange goo filled with eyeballs, but he has his own plans to use Irene for world domination.  James and Henry are soon overpowered until Dort and the other minions return in spaceships to help destroy Irene and they eventually cast another spell on Goomi.  It turns out that Ed was filming the whole attack and the movie Minions and Monsters becomes a huge hit!  I think the minions, who are all voiced by Pierre Coffin, are absolutely hilarious and I laughed out loud at all of their chaotic antics (I think I am even starting to understand their language).  However, as a self-described cinephile, I really enjoyed the story (which reminded me of Babylon and Singin' in the Rain) and all of the movie references, especially The Great Train Robbery, Citizen Kane, The Maltese Falcon, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and, of course, The Blob.  The visuals are a lot of fun, particularly the train derailment, and the performances are great (Eisenberg is hilarious).  I loved this and, even though I still think the funniest scene involving the minions is in Despicable Me 2 when they sing "I Swear" at Gru and Lucy's wedding, it is definitely my favorite movie in the franchise!

Urinetown The Musical at Hopebox Theatre

I went to the national tour of Urinetown The Musical when it came through SLC in 2004 but I haven't seen it since so I was very excited for a production at the Hopebox Theatre last night. I loved it and I think it is my new favorite show at this theatre. In a dystopian future in which a 20-year drought has caused a severe water shortage, consumption is controlled by a ban on private toilets. The Urine Good Company, under the control of the megalomaniac Caldwell B. Cladwell (Jim Dale), owns all public toilets and charges an exorbitant fee to use them. Anyone who breaks the law by peeing for free is sent by Officer Lockstock (Dylan Watson) and Officer Barrel (Kaltin Kirby) to the mysterious "Urinetown" from which no one ever returns. After Cladwell bribes Senator Fipp (Jen Morgan) to vote for an increase in fees, Bobby Strong (Sean Bishop), the assistant custodian of Amenity #9 in the poorest part of town, decides to take control from the warden Penelope Pennywise (Elizabeth Rossander) and eventually stages a rebellion. Bobby takes Cladwell's daughter Hope (Allison Hogge) hostage and, when this results in tragedy, she leads the people to victory and sends her father to "Urinetown" with unexpected consequences. This is a hilariously self-aware spoof of musical theatre and I especially loved it every time Officer Lockstock and Little Sally (Morgan Richards) break the fourth wall to describe all of the tropes that are being used in the show. My favorites were the use of stock characters (the omniscient narrator, the innocent ingenue, the plucky hero, the melodramatic villain, etc.) as well as the amusing names (I laughed out loud every time I heard lock, stock, and barrel). However, in addition to the humor, this show is also uncomfortably thought-provoking with themes of diminishing resources, corporate greed, late stage capitalism, corruption, and social inequality. These themes are particularly compelling in a state facing a severe drought with leaders who seem to be more concerned with their own greed than the public good. As uneasy as the message made me feel about the current state of the world, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this production. The cast is one of the best I have seen at this theatre. The leads, Bishop and Hogge, have beautiful voices and give lovely performances that balance the satire but I think Watson steals the show with his over-the-top facial expressions and campy delivery. The ensemble is also very strong and the standout for me was Jack Dwyer because of his exaggerated physicality. The choreography is incredibly dynamic (my favorite numbers were "Too Much Exposition," "Cop Song," "Why Did I Listen to That Man," and "We're Not Sorry" because they feature the entire cast and utilize the small space very well), the minimal sets evoke a bleak and dystopian world, and the costumes do a great job in differentiating the economic classes. As with every production at the Hopebox Theatre, the proceeds are going to help someone in the community battling cancer and the recipient for this show is Carla Avis (go here to learn about her). I highly recommend getting a ticket because, not only is this show outstanding, it is for a good cause (go here for tickets). Act quickly because there are only three performances left!