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...
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Your Own Crown
michael gordon shapiro
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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. ...
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Flamencodanza
michael gordon shapiro
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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. ...
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She Stoops to Scandal
michael gordon shapiro
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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...
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Yes, No, Maybe So
michael gordon shapiro
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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....
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La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas
michael gordon shapiro
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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....
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No Matter Watt - The Musical!
michael gordon shapiro
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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. ...
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REDEEMher
michael gordon shapiro
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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....
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The Ivory Thread.
michael gordon shapiro
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August 15, 2021
certified reviewer
An affable storyteller shares excerpts from a life dedicated to the arts, with some stunning piano self-accompaniment....
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(It's Been 76 Years And We're) Still Waiting for Lefty
michael gordon shapiro
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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 ...
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