Theater Reviews Praise Recent Productions

The national tour of "The Sound of Music" playing at the Ohio Theatre is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien. The production stars Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria, a role she has taken on for the second time after previously playing Mary Poppins, and Kevin Earley as Captain Georg von Trapp. Haddie Mac, who plays the witty and observant Brigitta, is noted for her truth-telling portrayal of the character who first notices the budding romance between Maria and the Captain. The production is being praised for its spirited performance and shifting scenery that reconnects audiences with the classic story many know from the 1965 Oscar-winning film. The opening night of "Legally Blonde The Musical" at the Mayflower Theatre was momentarily halted after the first number due to a crashed lighting rig. The show resumed after about a 30-minute delay to an enthusiastic, packed audience, many of whom are "Delta Nus," a term for the show's superfans. The production stars Amber Davies as Elle Woods and features two scene-stealing dogs: a Chihuahua named Sprout playing Bruiser and an English Bulldog named Milo playing Paulette's dog, Rufus. The stage version stays true to the 2001 film but includes small script updates, referencing current celebrities like Timothy Chalamet. The touring production of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" is a "Made at Curve" production directed by Nikolai Foster. It frames the story of King's rise to stardom by starting and ending at her successful 1971 Carnegie Hall performance, with the narrative unfolding as a look back on how she got there. Molly-Grace Cutler leads the cast as Carole King, and her performance has been noted for its quirky and compassionate take on the music legend. The musical's book, written by Douglas McGrath, focuses heavily on King's personal and professional relationship with fellow songwriter and husband, Gerry Goffin, as well as their friendly rivalry with songwriting duo Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.