Author Archives
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Feature: ‘Come From Away’ Spotlights the Fearlessness of Humanity Amidst Aftermath of 9/11
In the wake of 9/11, came stories of compassion, including the story of the “plane people” who landed in Gander, Newfoundland after the U.S. airspace was closed. Over 6,500 passengers on 38 planes were diverted to Gander nearly doubling the population of the town. In the course of four days, foreigners became friends and found solace in the kindness of strangers. Learn more about one of the real-life stories that inspired the musical COME FROM AWAY.
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Theater Review: Solid Performances Can’t Rescue ‘The Last 5 Years’
It’s hard to reconcile the Temple Theatre/RhinoLeap production of Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST 5 YEARS. On the one hand, the performances are quite good and well worth seeing. On the other hand, the haphazardness of the show, from its structure to some of the creative choices, is puzzling. Read Lauren Van Hemert’s RDU on Stage review of the Temple Theatre/RhinoLeap production of Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST 5 YEARS.
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2019 Year-End Review
Recap of the productions and performances that stood out to RDU on Stage Theater Critics Lauren Van Hemert and Kim Jackson in 2019.
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Theater Review: Theatre in the Park’s ‘The Santaland Diaries’ Hauls Out the Holly (and Laughs) for a 13th Time
Read Lauren Van Hemert’s RDU on Stage Triangle theater review of the Theatre in the Park production of THE SANTALAND DIARIES.
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Theater Review: The Justice Theater Project’s Praiseworthy ‘Black Nativity’ Delivers a Joyful Noise
There is something so smile-worthy about The Justice Theatre Project’s Black Nativity, it’s divine. Read Lauren Van Hemert’s review of The Justice Theater Project’s production of Langston Hughes’ BLACK NATIVITY.
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Theater Review: Raleigh Little Theatre’s Production of ‘Cinderella’ is Big, Beautiful, and Beginning to Move in the Right Direction
It takes more than a team of mice and a Fairy Godmother to get Raleigh Little Theatre’s annual holiday production of Cinderella off the ground. In fact, it takes a cast of 29, a band of six, two dozen production staff members, and nearly 100 volunteers to make this production happen. Read Lauren Van Hemert’s review of the 2019 production of RLT’s CINDERELLA.
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Theater Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ is a Holiday Happy Pill
The touring production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is akin to a cup of hot cocoa on a blustery winter day. It’s theatrical comfort food that stirs up memories of a seemingly simpler time and leaves its audience feeling all warm and cozy inside. Read Lauren Van Hemert’s review of the show.
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Feature: For Kelly Sheehan, ‘White Christmas’ is a Holiday Tradition
For White Christmas’ Kelly Sheehan, tap dancing is just part of her DNA. “I’ve been tapping since I can remember,” she says. “It’s always been, you know, just what I do.”
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Theater Review: The PlayMakers’ Production of ‘Ragtime’ Brims With Provocative Choices
There are only a few musicals I would classify as a masterpiece: Rent, Caroline or Change, and perhaps even Les Miserables. After processing the PlayMakers’ production of Ragtime, and there is a lot to process, I might guardedly add this… Read More ›