Michael Gordon Shapiro

This is a work by young artists and it therefore has to be greeted with appreciation and encouragement. It is a vast and ambitious piece (and production), an effort to imbue a mythological fantasy story with poignant and relatable human emotions. It's accompanied by a sometimes-diagetic acoustic score, admirably by live musicians. I'd like to see what the creators do in the future, as there's a lot of talent on display here.... full review

I went all the way down to the Broadwater to support Blake. I didn't even want to go, but I felt guilty throwing away his promotional card after he spent 20 minutes describing his show to me at the Plunge. And then THIS happens?... full review

Part biography of the grandfather of supernatural horror lit, part historical reenactment of vignettes from Lovecraft's life, and part exploration of how we can connect to works of art despite having strong issues with their creators. Presented in a manner that draws some inspiration from Lovecraft's own works.... full review

Charmingly eccentric, larger-than-life yet ultimately addressing real human foibles. Delivered with chuckle-inducing grandiosity and delightfully expressive personality by Elise Dewsberry. (It's always fun when seeing someone you know onstage and having the performance be so thorough that you forget that you know them, and only perceive the character .)... full review

A charming mix of tap dance, mime, clowning, live looping, (non-traumatizing) audience participation, and dazzling group and solo percussion with mundane objects, orchestral drums, and the human body. ... full review

A funny and unflinchingly honest account of navigating the waters of self-discovery and wrestling with lifelong anxiety. Blends anecdotes, humor, personal philosophy, and real-life drama. Atop it all, the show asks whether something positive can be spun out of the experience of anxiety. ... full review

A light and charming emigration of Gilbert and Sullivan style operetta to the Wild West. Expect the familiar Savoy music and story traditions, now set in a world of cowhands, call girls, and six-shooter shootouts. Given the brothel setting the show's a little more PG than typical G&S, but retains the genre's innocence and warm silliness.... full review

A frenetic recounting of Lady Di's life through a series of meticulously choreographed funhouse-mirror vignettes and eclectic songs. Through the strength of the performance and direction, Di Lady Di manages to entertain while remaining respectful to its subject matter.... full review

The risky world of prostitutes and pimps backdrops an unexpectedly benevolent Motown-flavored musical, based on a striking real-life autobiography.... full review

A gripping historical drama about the power and hazards of revenge, staged with tremendous ambition.... full review