Tag Archives: Curtis J. Williams

Romeo and Juliet: An Immersive Experience with Jacksonville University’s Theatre Program

Romeo and Juliet: An Immersive Experience with Jacksonville University’s Theatre Program

Jacksonville University’s Theatre Program presented “Romeo and Juliet,” William Shakespeare’s masterpiece, during October 1 – November 3, 2019. The tragedy of the star-crossed lovers was staged in the Swisher Theatre and directed by Deborah Jordon. Scholars think The Bard wrote the play around 1594; a printed edition was released in 1597. And while we don’t know the date or location of the play’s debut, we do know that Renaissance plays were longer than those of today; productions could easily extend to three or four hours. From the director’s perspective, some editing was needed. She shortened the stage time to two …

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Something Rotten: Funniest Musical Ever Seen at Theatre Jacksonville, Photo by Maya Adkins

Something Rotten: Funniest Musical Ever Seen at Theatre Jacksonville

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Something Rotten at Theatre Jacksonville Theatre Jacksonville officially opened on November 1, 2019 with the North Florida premier of what you will find is the funniest musical ever seen on this historic stage, “Something Rotten.” At least that was our reaction which, judging from the laughter and thunderous applause we heard, was also shared by the full-house audience on opening night.  “Something Rotten” remains on stage through November 17th. The book is by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. The musical officially opened on Broadway in April, …

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Sister Act at Theatre Jacksonville_ Sara Beth, Felecia Ewing and Susan Roche

A Gorgeous Set and Superb Entertainment in ‘Sister Act’ at Theatre Jacksonville

A DUAL CRITICS THEATRE JACKSONVILLE REVIEW is closing its 99th season with the musical comedy Sister Act, which opened on June 7, 2019. The story was first presented in a 1992 hit film starring Woopi Goldberg. Little Shop of Horrors composer put the romp to music; the setting was changed from Reno to Philly. In October 2006, it opened at the Pasadena Playhouse and grossed over one million dollars in less than two months. The Broadway production opened in April 2011, ran for over 560 performances, and received multiple Tony nominations.   Director and Choreographer brilliant casting brought twenty-one actors to …

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Legally Blonde The Musical, JU College of Fine Arts

Sixty-Plus Performers Light Up the Stage at Jacksonville University in ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’

A JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY LINDA BERRY STEIN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS THEATRE DUAL CRITICS REVIEW  Jacksonville University opened Legally Blonde – The Musical at Swisher Theatre on their Arlington campus (at 2800 University Boulevard North) on March 28, 2019. Additional evening performances are scheduled during March 29 – 31 at 7:30 pm; followed by a concluding matinee on March 31 at 3:00 pm. Legally Blonde began as a novel based on the real-life experiences of author Amanda Brown, was adapted as a film starring Reese Witherspoon in 2001 which became a blockbuster, and transformed into a musical in 2007 which also …

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MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION Opens at Jacksonville University College of Fine Arts

DUAL CRITICS REVIEW “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” a social-issues play by George Bernard Shaw, opened on the Swisher Theatre Stage at Jacksonville University on February 15th, with additional shows scheduled February 22 and 24, at 7:30 PM.  The Irish playwright was a Nobel Prize winner, who wrote more than sixty plays during his lifetime. His best known works include “Man and Superman,” “Saint Joan,” “Major Barbara,” “Caesar and Cleopatra,” and “Pygmalion,” the basis for the ever- popular musical “My Fair Lady.” He died at age ninety-four, while in the process of writing still another play. “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” was written in …

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A Game's Afoot, Theatre Jacksonville, Dual Critics

HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Theatre Jacksonville’s “THE GAME’S AFOOT”

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW BY DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM THEATRE JACKSONVILLE THROUGH NOV 20 Jacksonville’s legendary playhouse located in San Marco has opened “The Game’s Afoot,” an exciting comedy/farce by contemporary playwright Ken Ludwig, who is well-known for his humorous inventive scripts. The play received an Edgar Award in 2012 from Mystery Writers of America for Best Play. Over the years Ludwig’s plays have frequently graced the stages of many of our local theatres: other award-winning hits include” Lend Me a Tenor,” “Leading Ladies,” “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Crazy for You.” What most theatre patrons don’t know is that …

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Photo by Maya Adkins, DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Jane Austin's "PRIDE & PREJUDICE", Theatre Jacksonville, EU Jacksonville

DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Jane Austin’s “PRIDE & PREJUDICE” A Classic at Theatre Jacksonville

THEATRE JACKSONVILLE REVIEW A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW BY DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM [email protected] This week opened its annual Summer Classic in San Marco on September 16, 2016 with “.” The production will be on stage through October 2, 2016. Visit theatrejax.com or call (904) 396-4425 for additional information and reservations. You can take a late summer vacation at Theatre Jacksonville and briefly and delightfully enter the world of and experience the challenges and triumphs the characters she created faced during everyday life in England during the Regency period. Austin’s famous and beloved novel, which was first published in 1813, …

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“ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID” serves up a heaping platter of laughs

THEATRE JACKSONVILLE REVIEW DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM [email protected] opened a comedy about brides and bridesmaids with an outstanding all-female cast on November 6, 2015, which will run through November 22. Theatre goers are invited to experience the hilarious festivities through November 22 at 2032 San Marco Boulevard. For reservations and additional information, call the box office at 904-396-4425 or visit theatrejax.com. The play was written by the team of , , and , who wrote “The Dixie Swim Club,” which was such a big hit at Jacksonville’s and St. Augustine’s . This play has four scenes which span seven …

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“Hairspray” is loaded with great voices and zany characters

THEATRE JACKSONVILLE REVIEW and present the blockbuster musical “” on stage at 2032 San Marco Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida during June 12-27, 2015. For reservations, call 904-396-4425 or visit theatrejax.com. The musical, which is based on a 1988 film, debuted on Broadway in August, 2002 and was a big hit from the beginning, with audiences at 99% capacity for the first year. The story is based on events related to Baltimore’s real life “Buddy Dean Show,” a popular televised teen dance show that was on the air from 1957 to 1964. The play received eight Tonys, and had a six-year …

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