Betrayal
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Betrayal

You may wonder if the affair was a secret at the end of this reverse chronology play. Questioning that and your relationship, I believe it was Pinter's primary goal. As the quote suggests, "The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from enemies; it comes from those you trust the most." 

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A Raisin In The Sun
Rick McCain Rick McCain

A Raisin In The Sun

Drawing inspiration from Langston Hughes' poem, Harlem, "What happens to a dream deferred?" suggesting that when ambitions are shelved or ignored, they can lose their essence and vibrancy — Lorraine Hansberry's powerful play, A Raisin in the Sun, delves deep into racism and systemic discrimination that African Americans faced throughout history.

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We Always Bounce Black
Brenda McCain Brenda McCain

We Always Bounce Black

There were some scripts in the revue that had the audience laughing with the Black Excellence Network (BEN) world, where the entertainment begins with hilarious skits, engaging game shows, and timely scripts that African-Americans can relate to,

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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is based on her fascinating life. King has made 25 solo albums and 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with more than 400 of her compositions recorded by more than 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles.

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Frida...A Self Portrait
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Frida...A Self Portrait

Vanessa Severo is as captivating as Frida; she has learned much about her since her first presentation of Frida … A Self Portrait.

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The Heart Sellers
Rick McCain Rick McCain

The Heart Sellers

Alcazar and Park's engaging charisma and chemistry on stage provide a delightful, emotional night of joy and laughter, combined with an enthralling sense of sorrow that's unforgettable.

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Avaaz
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Avaaz

Avaaz is one of the best one-person performances you will ever see. Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan's masterful and engaging solo theatrical play features Shayan embodying the character of his mother, Roya. In this heartfelt presentation, Roya invites the audience into her warm and vibrant home to celebrate the rich traditions of the Persian New Year, Nowruz.

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Fat Ham
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Fat Ham

Just like Hamlet, it can be somewhat confusing to follow the obscurities and complex characters and understand the parallels between Fat Ham and Hamlet, even if you saw them performed together. Still, Ijames' unique parallel is captivatingly entertaining while delivering a powerful message.

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Jaja's African Hair Braiding
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Jaja's African Hair Braiding

JaJa shattered previous records by attracting an unprecedented number of first-time individuals purchasing theater tickets to see a live performance. The excitement surrounding this production drew in audiences eager to experience the JAJA of the stage, marking a significant achievement that even surprised Bioh, who stated she always looks for her plays to bring in new audiences.

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Too Hot To Handel -              The Jazz-Gospel Messiah
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Too Hot To Handel - The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

The two-part production featuring 28 curated songs has captivated audiences at The Auditorium. Blending the rich traditions of classical, jazz, and gospel music with each performance has garnered rave reviews, and this year's rendition was no different.

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Shucked
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Shucked

The story centers on Maizy, Beau, and the plight of the local farmers as their cornfields begin to wither. Seeking to live a life of simplicity and nostalgia, the people of Cob County have isolated themselves from the outside world. Still, the mysterious plague on their crops threatens their desire to maintain their hominy lifestyle.

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Hitt Records
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Hitt Records

The two-act musical, featuring a final concert performance, is Black Ensemble's most substantial musical attribute, perfecting their ability to bring stories to life on stage.

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Little Women
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Little Women

The chemistry among the cast of sisters, featuring Tyler Meredith (Jo), Janyce Caraballo (Meg), Yourtana Sulaiman (Amy), or one of my favorite actors, Demetra Dee as Beth, felt authentic and relatable to Alcott's desire to illuminate each sister's unique personality traits.

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& Juliet
Rick McCain Rick McCain

& Juliet

Romeo who? This rockstar jukebox musical rewrite gives females of all ages a voice, declaring, "I'm here, so hear my roar!"

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A Christmas Carol
Rick McCain Rick McCain

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday season. This enchanting tale is a must-see for the family.

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Falsettos
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Falsettos

Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of Falsettos. However, this production, including memorable performances by Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, and young star Charlie Long as "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," Sharriese Hamilton, Elizabeth Stenholt, and an outstanding performance by Sarah Bockel as Trina…

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The Little Mermaid
Rick McCain Rick McCain

The Little Mermaid

The beauty of this Disney classical tale is seeing the glimmering joy in the children's eyes as they watch the play. It's a magical performance that the entire family would love

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A Beautiful Noise
Rick McCain Rick McCain

A Beautiful Noise

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, "A Beautiful Noise" is a captivating biographical jukebox that delves into Neil Diamond's extraordinary life. The production is a thrilling spectacle, bursting with iconic songs that resonate deeply with audiences.

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Leroy and Lucy
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Leroy and Lucy

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience at the theater, don't miss Anyanwu's "Leroy and Lucy" at the Steppenwolf Theater. This captivating production will leave you spellbound and is a must-see!

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BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE
Rick McCain Rick McCain

BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE

That's where The Second City's hidden gem, BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE, steps in. This comedic experience is precisely what the doctor—better yet, your therapist—prescribed to lift your spirits

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