Michael Gordon Shapiro

Shubop-Dubay-Had: The No Matter Watt PreQuel

michael gordon shapiro · June 18, 2022 certified reviewer
I enjoyed it! I left confused, but the catchy songlets, positive energy, and indefatigable sincerity won me over. To the newcomer I say: don't worry if you haven't seen the original No Matter Watt. It won't hurt if you haven't, and it won't help if you have. Shubop feels like a topical revue, perhaps in the spirit of Hair. It's structured like an AA meeting, full of direct-to-audience confessions, fragments of personal journeys, chanted mantras, random hugs, and gobs of mutual support. Do... full review

Your Own Crown

michael gordon shapiro · June 11, 2022 certified reviewer
Fringe is for all ages! A troupe of junior-high-age actors portray the story of an unmotivated class, and the substitute teacher who finds a way to reach them. ... full review

Flamencodanza

michael gordon shapiro · June 06, 2022 certified reviewer
I'm not the most sophisticated consumer of dance, but wow. The virtuoso guitar work and expressive solo dance is mesmerizing. The hour flew by and I could have easily listened for another. Don't miss this. ... full review

She Stoops to Scandal

michael gordon shapiro · August 26, 2021 certified reviewer
Most one-person shows appeal because of the performer, and a few because of the material. This one wins with both. Chamber Stevens' charming and authentic-feeling 19th century British high-society-mystery/romance is expertly conveyed first person through a half dozen distinct character voices. Delightful for both the material and Darbianna Dinsmore's skillful and endearing performance. I was dimly aware of the story wrapping around the events of Pride and Prejudice, sort of Rosencrantz-and-Gui... full review

Yes, No, Maybe So

michael gordon shapiro · August 23, 2021 certified reviewer
A confessional slash personal journey of gathering the courage to hold a harasser accountable, presented with humor and abundant energy.... full review

La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas

michael gordon shapiro · August 23, 2021 certified reviewer
You don’t need to be an opera aficionado to be blown away by this powerful portrayal of a legendary artist.... full review

No Matter Watt - The Musical!

michael gordon shapiro · August 23, 2021 certified reviewer
It seems that most people reviewing this musical agree that there's a solid idea here that needs more development. I'm inclined to agree. The benevolent intentions of this show are evident at every step, and the road from self-destruction to recovery is a very worthy subject for a musical. What I'd love to see is a more coherent narrative, simpler and clearer lyrics, and more choice and action on the part of the protagonist. ... full review

REDEEMher

michael gordon shapiro · August 22, 2021 certified reviewer
A poignant depiction of a doomed marriage, its institutional enablers, and an idealistic woman's struggle to break free. Presented with humor and self-compassion through a variety of characters, real and imagined.... full review

The Ivory Thread.

michael gordon shapiro · August 15, 2021 certified reviewer
An affable storyteller shares excerpts from a life dedicated to the arts, with some stunning piano self-accompaniment.... full review

(It's Been 76 Years And We're) Still Waiting for Lefty

michael gordon shapiro · August 13, 2021 certified reviewer
A smartly-written quartet of contemporary vignettes about sticking to your guns in times of conflict. The play depicts integrity under pressure, as four characters face the temptation of the easy way out versus fighting for a higher cause — be it a delivery worker's strike, or keeping a beloved sibling accountable. Thought-provoking in a way that goes beyond the ripped-from-headlines subject matter. I don't think the play is as indebted to its titular ancestor as it implies. Having never seen ... full review