• Bat Out of Hell:  The Musical       
• Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
• Kansas City, Missouri   

Score 3.5 out of 5 stars   

I’ve always been a fan of the collaboration between Meat Loaf and composer / lyricist Jim Steinman and the “opera rock” style of presentation made so famous with the album Bat Out of Hell in 1977.  I confess I had no idea of how far back the creative parts and pieces that were to become the record setting 40 million plus copies sold.  Also, Jim Steinman was prolific with his writing and music for other artists, probably the most success with Bonnie Tyler, think Total Eclipse of the Heart, or Air Supply with Making Love Out of Nothing At All.  He even had some radio success in the early 80’s recording his own composition “Rock and Roll Dreams come Through”. There are many, many other examples of his vast career, and if I have a personal favorite, it would be “Nowhere Fast” from the “Streets of Fire” soundtrack.

Pulling heavily from Bat Out of Hell, with several others as previously mentioned, the musical tells a story of young love…. Ala Romeo & Juliet with nods to a Peter Pan influence.   There is a group of underground – literally – kids (The Lost) who are forever 18 yrs old.  Except for “Tink” who is stuck being a younger age (and resents that) led by Strat.  The girl, Raven and her domineering parents, Falco and Sloane live in a tower above the war ravaged and earthquake damaged city.

Sloane meets Strat, is immediately stricken with desire but plays hard to get….at her 18^th Birthday party, Raven attempts to run away with him, has second thoughts and abandons him.  Strat is involved in a motorcycle wreak and seems to be killed. The performance moves through scenes where the lovers are reunited, the parents break up, Tink is killed, Raven is rejected by Strat, and then after many months apart, they are reunited with Strat pledging his forever love, no matter what age they are.

I found the music performance to be crisp and on point…. the touring band should be commended!

I thought the acting was “pushed” a bit too much at times, but there were very good moments by many of the cast.

On a scale of zero to five, “Bat Out of Hell:  The Musical” receives ★★★  ½

Musical Highlights:

Two out of Three Ain’t Bad

Paradise by the Dashboard Light

Making Love Out of Nothing at All

You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth

Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now

I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)

REVIEW BY KARRA SMALL

• Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
• Kauffman Center
• Kansas City, Missouri

Our Score:  4.5 out of 5 Stars

In this age of division and anger, it seems like only one person can bring us together- and that person is Dolly Parton. With that in mind, it should be no surprise that guests young and old alike packed the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to see “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.”

The Kansas City Symphony, along with guest conductor David Hamilton, put on a spectacular performance of some of Dolly’s biggest hits. Alongside vocalists Katelyn Drye, Hollie Hammel and Julie Williams, Dolly’s songs filled the air with the merriment that only Dolly could bring. 

Even though Dolly wasn’t there in person, she did make recorded appearances throughout the show, playing a role of emcee. 

As a Dolly fan myself, hearing Dolly talk about the inspiration behind her catalog of music was my favorite part of the show. 

Spoiler alert ahead: Jolene was based on a real woman that Dolly’s late husband Carl Dean was a little too chatty with at their local bank back in Tennessee. “It’s okay,” Dolly said,”Jolene made me a lot of money.” 

Dolly also talked a lot about her relationship with Porter Wagoner and the seven years she spent on “The Porter Wagoner Show.” I can only imagine that he would’ve found the symphony performance as a fitting tribute to their time together. 

The vocalists and symphony put on a touching performance of “Travelin’ Thru,” a pro-transgender acceptance song that Dolly wrote for the 2005 film “Transamerica.” The song earned Dolly critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination. 

As I sat in the audience hearing the story behind that song for the first time, Dolly preached acceptance and happiness on the screen and it was personally touching to see an older couple gladly clapping and nodding in agreement. 

There’s something inherently beautiful about people working together for a common goal, or in this case, putting on a tribute to a living legend. 

“Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” will have you tapping your toes…and it just might warm your heart.   

BRUCE DICKINSON AND Z2 RETURN WITH
THE MANDRAKE PROJECT: YEAR TWO

The next volume in Dickinson’s phantasmagoric epic contains the next four chapters of the saga, interviews with Bruce Dickinson

Featuring a foreword by film director Sacha Gervasi (Anvil) and a brand new die-cut cover by Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin)

In the middle of his 2025 solo tour of North America, Bruce Dickinson was simultaneously hard at work crafting the next volume in his critically-acclaimed graphic novel saga, THE MANDRAKE PROJECT. This next installment is sure to send readers reeling, as everything they thought they knew about the world of Necropolis and Dr. Lazarus is turned on its head as the second book descends deeper into a world of surreal and mystical madness.

Now, Z2 is proud to announce the impending release of THE MANDRAKE PROJECT: YEAR TWO as the war between magic and science for the control of immortality reaches a hallucinatory fever pitch. Starting with a near-death experience that propels Necropolis into a parallel world where he learns the dark secrets of his twisted family tree, he’s exposed to revelations that leave him shocked, wondering if he can escape the family legacy of self-destruction in the name of ambition, or if he is simply a cog in a greater cosmic machine, controlled by supernatural forces?

When asked about how YEAR TWO expands on the story in the first volume, Bruce Dickinson said “Oh, just hold on to your proverbial hats folks… This one gets REALLY weird!” and writer Tony Lee, laughed, following it up with “You thought the first book was going to get us sued and bring out the pitchforks? You haven’t seen anything yet!”

The 184 page volume also includes an extensive series of interviews and essays recounting Dickinson’s life on tour supporting THE MANDRAKE PROJECT album in 2025, as well as insight with the creative team into the development of this next terrifying chapter of the Mandrake Saga. With an introduction by Avil director Sacha Gervasi, the 12”x12” Deluxe and Platinum Editions are housed in an elegant die-cut slipcase and are bound with a sealing ribbon and gilt paper edging. The oversized Deluxe and Platinum Editions also include a holder inside the back cover that contains four new foil collectors cards and a new edition of the antiqued metal MANDRAKE PROJECT medallion held by Dr. Lazarus in the comic. This book is the must have item for all lovers of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, and supernatural tales!

Continuing the tradition of heralding the influences contained within the saga of The Mandrake Project, YEAR TWO also contains an extensive article on Wilhelm Reich, the sociologist and mystic whose controversial work led to him being imprisoned by the FBI, where he died in jail in the 1954.

The Bruce Dickinson-signed oversized 12”x12” Deluxe editions and signed platinum editions both come with collector cards and Mandrake Coin in a die-cut slipcase with foil page edging, and will be available directly from Z2 at Z2Comics.com, while a 9”x9” smaller hardcover edition without slipcase will be available via Z2’s retail partners Amazon and Barnes and Noble in the United States, and at HMV UK, as well as many independent comic and music shops worldwide.

When asked about THE MANDRAKE PROJECT: YEAR TWO, Z2’s Editor-in-Chief, Rantz Hoseley shared “I thought I knew the limits and boundaries of Bruce’s mad vision for this world, but one thing YEAR TWO has made brutally clear… there are no limits to where the story will go! And, let me just say, we are all the luckier for it!”

For pre-order details, visit: Z2comics.com/BruceDickinson

ABOUT THE MANDRAKE PROJECT: YEAR TWO CREATORS:

BRUCE DICKINSON – a Polymath best known as the vocalist of Iron Maiden, and for his solo albums, Bruce has never been one to take the easy, expected, or pre-defined path in his life. Trained in aviation, Bruce had an additional career as a commercial pilot – eventually flying three versions of Iron Maiden’s Ed Force One culminating in a 747 that traversed the world with the band, crew, and all their stage gear on board. He’s hosted his own radio show on the BBC, has a podcast, starred in television documentaries & and produced films, created a multi-million-selling beer with Robinsons Brewery, and competed internationally in the art of fencing. Were that not enough, he’s written novels, non-fiction memoirs, film scripts, and comics. He’s developed the mythology & and story of The Mandrake Project for over a decade.

TONY LEE is a 1# New York Times bestselling author. Tony has written comics for international publishers including DC, Marvel, Hachette, IDW, Del Rey, and Z2. In 2008, he became the writer for the ongoing IDW Doctor Who comic, as well as the 2012 Doctor Who / StarTrek crossover series. He’s also known for his work in audio drama, notably the Confessions of Dorian Grey, Robin of Sherwood, Doctor Who, and Dodge & Twist, adapted from his own bestselling novel, and has written for both BBC One and ITV Studios. In 2021, Tony revealed he was the writer behind the bestselling series of Jack Gatland procedural crime novels.

PIOTR KOWALKSI Started his professional career in Europe working on series such as Gail, La Branche Lincoln, Urban Vampires and Badlands. He published his first comic series in the American market in 2010 and since then has produced almost 150 issues, including Marvel Knights: Hulk, The Dark Tower, The Witcher and Wolfenstein. A big fan of horror, you can also find him playing death metal on his five-string bass guitar.

JOHN DEVILMAN is an award-winning actor, writer, comedian, illustrator, tattooist, and bona fide international criminal. An unfuckwithable errant wanderer who has adventured around the world collecting stories of legendary bad ass-ery, usually at his own peril. I mean, the guy’s been shot and stabbed on multiple occasions, but every brush with death or scar makes for a pretty good story. This is his first comic, so be gentle. He’s fragile and prone to cry easily. He just didn’t want to miss the opportunity to work with Bruce (and Rantz), both legends in their own respects.

BILL SIENKIEWICZ is a multi-Eisner Award-winning artist known for revamping the style of comic and graphic novel illustration—a feat earning him an international reputation across media industries, as well as entrée into the Eisner Hall of Fame. He is most noted for Marvel’s Elektra: Assassin, Moon Knight, and New Mutants—inspiring FX’s Legion and Disney’s Moon Knight series—and his acclaimed graphic novel Stray Toasters. He has garnered two Emmy nominations and contributed artwork for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Batman, Dune, Logan, The Grinch, The Green Mile, and Unforgiven. His work within the field of music includes album covers for Dio, EPMD, RZA, Kid Cudi, T.I., and Seth MacFarlane.

ABOUT Z2:
Recently dubbed the “hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, which handles book trade distribution, Z2 has produced 50+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Balmain, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Tori Amos, Pantera, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, Spiritbox, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Emily Hampshire, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Judas Priest, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. Additionally, RSK handles distribution to the record trade in the UK, while Bertus oversees distribution to the record trade in mainland Europe. Learn more at Z2comics.com, and follow us on Instagram (@z2comics) and Twitter (@z2comics).

• THE MUSIC MAN
• Hanover Theater
• Worcester, Massachusetts

The trouble in River City has arrived in Worcester. Now at the Hanover Theater for weekend performances is the national tour of the beloved musical- Meredith Wilson’s THE MUSIC MAN. The winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical has been produced in thousands of theaters all over America since the Broadway show premiered almost 70 years ago.

 In the summer of 1912, Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman, tries to convince the citizens of River City, Iowa into buying musical instruments and uniforms with which he will create a boy’s band for the town. But the con man plans to skip town after receiving the money since he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. However, he falls for the town librarian, Marian, who transforms him into respectability before the final curtain.

This beautiful production comes with all the old-fashioned charm which had the audience cheering at that final curtain. Elliot Andrews plays the titular character heading up this huge cast dancing and singing with crystal clear sound at the Hanover. I counted 35 performers in total, a huge cast for a road tour. When he falls for Marian, Elizabeth D’Aiuto, it’s easy to understand why. Her beautiful soprano voice filled the auditorium to top of the balcony. Josuha Bergasse (who recently choreographed Broadway’s musical SMASH) created the dances and this troupe can handle them with ease as they astonished the audience on opening night. Such energy and talent.

Production values are top notch with colorful period sets often highlighted with projected backgrounds that wash across the stage to effectively set the scenes.

THE MUSIC MAN may be decades old in theatrical lore, but this new production is sparkling and is a great addition to the Spring season in Worcester now thru Sunday.  For tickets to this performance or future stops on the tour, click HERE.

• STEREOPHONIC
• Kauffman Center
• Kansas City, Missouri

Our Score:  4 out of 5

Of all of the performing arts, in my opinion it’s music that puts the most strain on staying on top.  A great album leads to chatter about whether or not your band is a one-hit wonder (I’m looking at you, the Knack) or continues to impress their fans.  “Bad” is a great album, yet all Michael Jackson heard was that ‘it isn’t Thriller.”’  The same was said about Fleetwood Mac (“Rumors” vs “Tusk”), Jimmy Buffet (“Son of a Son of a Sailor” vs “Volcanos”) and the Rolling Stones (“Some Girls” vs “Emotional Rescue,” though they bounce back with “Tattoo You.”)  The band in the new play “Stereophonic” is unnamed, but their turmoil is easily recognizable to anyone who knows the story of Fleetwood Mac and the making of “Rumors.”

Summer 1976.  In a rented house in California, we meet the five members of a band that currently has the #1 album in the country.  Consisting of Brits Reg (Christopher Mowood) and Holly (Emilie Kouatchou) and Americans Peter (Andrew Gombass), Diana (Claire Dejean) and Simon (Cornelius McMoyler), the group spends more time fighting among themselves then making music.  Things are more complicated because Reg and Holly are a couple, as are Peter and Diana. Bass player Simon is the voice of reason and resident peacekeeper.  But when the stress of success comes down on you, nothing ever seems right.

Nominated for a record (13) Tony Awards, “Stereophonic” won (5), including Best Play, an award earned by the brilliant writing of playwright David Adjmi.  The various situations and infighting come across as real.  The excesses of the 1970s is also featured as the group experiments with many of the popular drugs of the period, leading to even more problems.

In between shouting matches – there are a lot of them – the band does jam on the occasional song.  Written by former Arcade Fire keyboardist Will Butler.  The songs are catchy and well performed.  I wish there were more of them.  The one issue I have with the show is that everyone yells their lines.  The biggest culprit here is Mr. Mowood, whose stage directions for Reg must have been YELL EVERYTHING!  Even in normal conversation, the actors words hit the ears hard.  I’m not sure if this was a sound problem or just the way the show is intended to be performed, but several people around us were visibly discouraged by the noise and left the performance.   The show runs a little over 3-hours with intermission but could have been 30 minutes shorter without losing any of the drama.  Sometimes less is more.

On a scale of zero to five, “Stereophonic” receives ★★★★

“Stereophonic” continues in Kansas City at the Kauffman Center through Sunday, April 12.  For tickets to this or future performances click HERE.

ALAN ROBERT’S OFFICIAL CONJURING UNIVERSE COLORING BOOK HAUNTS SHELVES MARCH 24

LIFE OF AGONY BASSIST AND BESTSELLING HORROR CREATOR ALAN ROBERT BRINGS THE NUN, ANNABELLE, AND MORE TO LIFE WITH INTRCATE, UNSETTLING ARTWORK

PURCHASE THE OFFICIAL COLORING BOOK

BOOK SIGNING SET FOR HARRISON’S COMICS IN SALEM, MASS. ON APRIL 3

Horror fans can now bring the terror home. Following the massive box office success of The Conjuring: Last Rites and recent announcements of a prequel film, The Conjuring: First Communion, along with a new Conjuring Universe television series in development at HBO Max, bestselling horror creator Alan Robert (The Beauty of Horror, Life of Agony) unleashes The Official Conjuring Universe Coloring Book, arriving everywhere books are sold on Tuesday, March 24, from Insight Editions, distributed by Simon & Schuster. Get it here.

Already rapidly climbing Amazon’s New Release charts, this highly anticipated book invites fans deeper into one of the most successful horror franchises of all time — this time, through a chillingly interactive experience. Featuring Robert’s signature intricate linework, the collection captures unforgettable moments, characters, and supernatural forces from across the Conjuring Universe, including The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, and more.

“Annabelle, the Nun, the Crooked Man — these aren’t just characters, they’re modern horror icons,” says Alan Robert. “I wanted each piece to capture not just their look, but the feeling they leave behind—that lingering sense of dread that defines the Conjuring Universe. Having seen the films numerous times, I also had a lot of fun bringing Ed and Lorraine Warren’s Occult Museum to life, packing each illustration with hidden details and eerie artifacts for true fans to discover.”

With the Conjuring Universe continuing to expand across film and television, and having grossed over $2 billion worldwide, The Official Conjuring Universe Coloring Book offers fans a unique way to engage with the franchise beyond the screen — transforming fear into art, one page at a time.

This marks Robert’s third collaboration with Insight Editions, following his popular illustrated coloring books for Beetlejuice and Universal Monsters.

The Official Conjuring Universe Coloring Book will be available wherever books are sold beginning March 24, 2026.

• HAMILTON
• Music Hall
• Kansas City, Missouri

Alexander Hamilton may have died in 1804, but his story seems more relevant than ever.

The current touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton playing at Kansas City’s Music Hall on February 19 shows the questions that the founding father wrestled with still challenge this country and provide the inspiration for an infectious hip hop beat.

Miranda’s play and music, inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography, follows Hamilton’s life from his teenage years, where he wrote his first essays advocating the American Revolution, through his tenure as an artillery officer in George Washington’s Army, to his  voluminous contributions to the Federalist Papers, which advocated for the new Constitution.

Miranda tells the founder’s tale from the point of view of Aaron Burr, the one-time Vice President who wound up killing Hamilton in a duel.

Sorry, it’s not a spoiler; it’s just history.

Their paths frequently cross, but Burr (Jimmy “JJ” Jeter) doesn’t get the Caribbean immigrant’s idealism and ambition.

Hamilton (Tyler Fauntleroy) does love his wife Eliza (Lauren Mariasoosay), but his eagerness to help a woman with a husband she says is abusive. His son Philip (Nathan Haydel) has a knack for getting himself into disputes like his dad does but may not be be dealing with the weighty matters that drove the older Hamilton.

While President George Washington (A.D. Weaver) trusts Hamilton completely as his Secretary of the Treasury, other founders like Thomas Jefferson (Christian Magby) don’t get his policies or him.

Having seen the original Broadway cast in the Disney+ presentation, I’m happy to report the current touring production fills their formidable shoes.  Weaver’s resonant baritone is perfect for this country’s first Commander in Chief. Similarly, Jeter is just charming enough to make viewers tolerate Burr’s duplicity.

While the Disney+ comes close to capturing the exhilaration the stage experience, it’s not the same as being, in the words of the play, “in the room where it happened.” It’s a delight to boo the oblivious King George III of England (Matt Bittner), who can’t quite quite grasp why the former colonials would rather rule themselves.

The rotating stage features elaborate choreography that doesn’t quite fit on a TV screen. Having seen the previous TV production, I was able to follow Miranda’s lyrics more closely and appreciate his dense, rapid-fire wordplay that would make Stephen Sondheim proud. Combined with the hip-hop accompaniment, debates about this country’s economic origins sound lively and engaging.

How much power the federal government still puzzles us, so it’s good that Miranda and the current production remind us that the question may never go away. The Constitution that Hamilton helped support would not allow him to run for President, but this country would not be what it is without his input. Immigrants may indeed get the job done, but can they truly be welcome? The question is currently being answered in our streets.

That may be why the play still draws viewers. After all, what is more American than a hip-hop musical that makes our founders and their ideas more than simply names and dates in a textbook?

• BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
• Music Hall
• Kansas City, Missouri

An incredible experience the entire family can enjoy, the fantastic Broadway touring production of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City is nothing short of magical. From superb dance sequences to impeccable singing by the lead Kyra Belle Johnson, the show on opening night delivered everything you could want from a musical. Inspired by the 1991 Oscar-nominated animation and the 2017 Oscar-nominated live action version, which were based upon the original, 18^th century tale by French novelist, Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1685-1755), “Beauty and the Beast” takes on a journey that begins with a curse.

A selfish prince refuses to grant shelter to an elderly beggar woman after she offers an enchanted rose for her stay. An enchantress in disguise, she teaches the prince a lesson in humility by transforming him into a hideous beast and his entire staff in household objects. If he does not find true love by the time the last petal falls from the rose, then he will live as a beast for all time while his staff will become permanent house fixtures.

Time passes and in a nearby village, Belle (Johnson), the daughter of an eccentric inventor (Kevin Ligon), dreams of what life is like beyond her home by delving into every book she can find. Her beauty gains the unwanted attention of the arrogant Gaston (Stephen Mark Lukas), who wants to make her his wife…and he won’t take no for answer. When Belle later rescues her father from the Beast (Fergie L. Philippe), and the sparks eventually begin to fly, it is Gaston who seeks out a violent confrontation with what he views as a foul creature.

“Beauty and the Beast” is punctuated by creative set and costume designs that lend a certain bedazzlement to the overall performances. Johnson’s powerful voice hits every note with sheer perfection. She shares tangible, onstage chemistry with Philippe, whose vocal talents are matched by his terrific comedic timing. Speaking of comedy, Danny Gardner as the candlestick Lumiere is nothing less than a scene stealer. On opening night, he brought the house down with a rousing rendition of “Be Our Guest”. The other cast member of note was Lukas whose presence on state was nothing less than larger than life. Overall, I cannot remember a performance where so many scenes were met with such raucous, near-standing ovation receptions. It is truly must-see theater.

“Beauty and the Beast” will run through November 2^nd at the Kansas City Music Hall, located at 301 W 13^th St. in Kansas City, Missouri.  For ticket information, click HERE..

• THE BOOK OF MORMON
• Music Hall
• Kansas City, Missouri

To borrow a phrase….” Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are”

I’m not sure why the satire of :The Book of Mormon” strikes me as so hilariously, but apologetically, it does.   I have always had a lure to the irreverent side of comedy….as a kid I bought every copy of Mad and Cracked magazine, George Carlin or Richard Pryor records, I would relate excerpts to my mother, who would rarely find the same level of amusement as I, claiming those things as not funny and a waste of my paper route money.

“The Book of Mormon” came to the world from the guys behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, with Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q with a premier in March of 2011 on Broadway,

The musical comedy tells the story of two mis-matched Mormon Missionaries and their assignment to go to Uganda.   The show begins setting the background for each one.  Elder Price (Sam McLellan) and Elder Cunnigham (Diego Enrico).  Their introduction to the Ugandan village, and the already in place group of Missionaries who have so far failed to produce any conversions gets everything rolling.  The entire cast was excellent in their acting, singing and dance numbers. Charity Arianna (Nabulungi) and Shariq Hicks (The General – BFN) led the supporting cast of villagers and ne’re-do-wells.

If you have any back knowledge of the Mormon story you can really enjoy the satire of the lyrics of the musical numbers like the opening “Hello”, or “I Believe”,  the best line is “ I believe, that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County Missouri”, when you watching the show in Jackson County Missouri, that receives a rousing rise of laughter and cheers.

I’ve attended a performance of “The Book of Mormon” before, and this time I enjoyed it even more.  Knowing when certain scenes were coming only made them better by being able to really pay attention to the level of the production presentation (Fantastic !) and the characters’ development from introduction to the finale.    My wife attended with me this time, and could not stop laughing, as she put it…at all the inappropriate dialog and situations, and for a couple of hours, we were both giggling along like a couple of 14-year-old high schoolers.

On a scale of zero to five, “The Book of Mormon” receives ★★★★

• LIFE OF PI
• Starlight Theater
• Kansas City, Missouri

As the last show of Starlight Theatre’s Broadway season, “Life of Pi,” which is playing through Sunday, ends summer with a tragic, yet magical journey across the vast Pacific Ocean. Filled with wonderful imagery, masterful puppetry, and a talented cast, “Life of Pi” is a production that is perhaps once of the most memorable to grace the Starlight stage.

Based upon the 2001 best-selling novel by Canadian author Yann Martel and the 2012 Oscar-nominated film adaptation by director Ang Lee, “Life of Pi” begins in India during the late 1970s. Political unrest forces the Patel family to make the difficult decision to leave their homeland for a better life in Canada where they hope to restart their zoo. Their plan goes tragically wrong when the cargo ship they are on sinks during a bad storm in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Over 200 days later, an epic story of survival is told at a hospital in Mexico through the eyes of 16-year-old Pi Patel (Taha Mandviwala). Stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker – Pi recounts the trials and tribulations of being on the open ocean for so long as he continually sought out divine guidance. However, the question is whether the animals in his story were real.

Mandviwala is just as captivating as the puppetry and set that surrounds him. While his character can be a little annoying at times, Mandviwala pulls the audience with a performance that reminds us just how indomitable the human spirit can be in the face of great adversity. His choreography with the elaborate puppets is seamless throughout as he deftly balances his character’s sanity and delirium.

The set design that represents the ship is a little confusing, but it works, nonetheless, while the lighting certainly helps set the tone and mood of each scene. All in all, “Life of Pi” is a Broadway production that should not be missed during its time in KC.

 For ticket information on upcoming shows on the tour, click HERE.

Stan Lee and John Romita’s THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS
Returns to Print For The First Time in Softcover
From Clover Press and The Library of American Comics

The Amazing Spider-Man swung into newsprint on Monday, January 3, 1977, bringing Marvel’s most popular hero from comic pages to newspapers worldwide. Through Stan Lee’s storytelling and John Romita’s masterful art, the strip delivered dramatic storylines that pitted Spidey against classic foes while introducing brand new characters, helping make Spider-Man a household name beyond the comic book stands. Now, for the first time ever in softcover, Stan Lee and John Romita’s THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS will return to print as a part of Clover Press’s spectacular new line of deluxe slipcase editions. The Kickstarter campaign is now live.

“The Library of American Comics remastered and collected the strip in a series of hardcover collections—but so many of them are out of print, making the collection highly sought after and almost impossible for your average comics lover to get their hands on,” said Clover Publisher Hank Kanalz. ”Now, Clover Press and The Library of American Comics are bringing the collections back to print in an affordable softcover format! We’re collecting the strip strictly by year, reprinting each installment from January 1 to December 31. We can’t wait to help get these iconic comic strips into the hands of Spidey lovers everywhere!”

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS campaign features for volumes, with strips from the years 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980. Each volume will measure 11″ x 8.5″ in a horizontal format and slide into a vertical slipcase, designed for protection and easy shelving. The first offering will collect the strip from the years 1977 to 1980. Backing this Kickstarter campaign will allow readers to get all four volumes in one bundle. The campaign will also include extras such as a puzzle, stickers, lithographs, and more.

To visit the campaign for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS, head to Kickstarter. For updates, follow Clover Press on Instagram, X, Bluesky and Facebook. You can subscribe to the Clover press newsletter here.

PHOTOS BY VALENTINO CAPONE

It has been one heck of a summer.  With the return of Jaws to the big screen this weekend, I felt the need to take a look back at the 50^th Anniversary Celebration, which took place on Martha’s Vineyard from June 19-22.  I was not only there as a fan.  I had the amazing honor of taking part in many of the festivities.

The official Amity Homecoming Weekend kicked off on Thursday, June 19^th, when the Martha’s Vineyard Museum allowed myself and my co-hosts, Nate Jones and Jane Jones Clark, to record our long running YouTube show, “Let’s Talk JAWS Live!” in front of a sold-out audience, most importantly because it was a fundraising event for the Museum.  We were joined by such JAWS celebrities as Production Designer Joe Alves, actors Jeffrey Kramer, Tom Dunlop and Gary Springer, author Dennis Prince and special effects creator Kasey Erokhin.  Also joining the show via the Internet was actress Gigi Vorgan.  For 90 minutes, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions in an up-close and intimate setting.  What those in attendance didn’t know was that a very special guest had decided to join the show.  The crowd rose as one and burst into applause when Matt Hooper himself, Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss, entered the room.  Taking his place in front of the room, Dreyfuss answered questions and shared stories with Alves and Kramer.  As I write this, the video of Dreyfuss’ surprise entrance has received over two million views on Tik Tok.

Friday, June 20^th, the film’s official 50^th Birthday, saw myself and Joe Alves, along with Dennis Prince, at Edgartown Books, which sponsored a book signing for Joe’s new biography as well as my own “FINATICS – 50 Years of JAWS.”  The crowd was steady for the two hours we were there, often stretching down the street in front of the bookstore.  Other authors, including Ryan Dacko (“The Book of Quint”) and Ira Marcks (“Shark Summer”) also graced the porch of the bookstore that week. 

Friday also saw two major panels at the Museum.  The first, “JAWS: A Deep Dive” was presented by Historian and JAWS expert Bow Van Riper.  Later in the day, director Guy Masterson took fans behind the scenes of the Broadway show “The Shark is Broken,” which was scheduled to make its Vineyard debut in July. 

Friday also saw the return of two classic modes of transportation to the Island.  Michael Sterling, who had created his own replica of the famed ORCA, docked it along the water in Oak Bluffs, allowing fans the opportunity to take photos of the classic ship.  On the land, fans were treated to Gabe DiSaverio’s replica of Chief Brody’s Amity PD 1974 Chevy Blazer. 

Finally, Friday also saw the beginning of the largest non-official event of the weekend:  a cast and crew meet and greet held at the Wharf Restaurant.  The event, which took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, was hosted by the Wharf’s longtime manager, Jeffrey Voorhees, who is better known as shark victim Alex Kintner.  As I did not attend the event I reached out to fans that had for their thoughts.  While some enjoyed the experience of having the opportunity to see so many famous Jaws celebrities in the same room, others complained about ticketing issues, the confined space – one attendee wrote “packed like sardines in a hot tin can does come to mind” – while others lamented the fact that guests promoted as appearing via the internet, most notably actor and co-screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, were “inexplicably absent.”  Still, many enjoyed the opportunity to meet a who’s who of Jaws alumni.

Saturday featured two more packed panels.  “Growing Up with Uncle Quint,” featured author Christopher Shaw Myers, the nephew of Jaws co-star Robert Shaw.  Mr. Myer’s mother, Joanna – Robert Shaw’s sister – had appeared at the 2012 JawsFest.  Also speaking that day, Wendy Benchley, the wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley.  Ms. Benchley not only shared stories from the set of the film but also highlighted her work highlighting global ocean conservation efforts.

Later that evening, fans gathered at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort for an outdoor screening of the film, accompanied by the Cape Symphony.  The show began with an appearance by Richard Dreyfuss, who addressed the crowd prior to the screening.

Sunday was the last day and the promoters of the event saved the best for last.  Panels with Joe Alves, with Dennis Prince, Hollywood makeup master Greg Nicotero, and Deputy Hendricks himself, Jeffrey Kramer, were presented to sold out audiences.  The lawn of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum took on a carnival vibe as “Reunion Day,” a joint effort between the Museum and the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, welcomed fans from literally all over the world to mingle with special guests, participate in Jaws trivia games, and get autographs from the special guests in attendance.  One such guest was Molly Scheider, the daughter of Chief Brody himself, the late Roy Scheider.  As a young man, with Roy’s permission, I had started and ran his official fan club.  It was truly an honor to meet Molly.  As we said hello I surprised her with a gift – a scrapbook of photos and articles featuring her father that I had begun collecting 50 years earlier.  Just the expression on her face told me I had given her something special, something I hope she passes on to her children.

As the sun set at the end of a perfect weekend I said goodbye to old friends, some I’d known for years and some I’d just met.  It was that kind of weekend!     

Shock Rock Superstars
GWAR
March on with 40th Anniversary Celebration
“The Return of Gor Gor Tour”
with Special Guests Helmet, The Dwarves & Blood Vulture

New Multimedia Release
‘The Return of Gor Gor’
Out July 25th via Pit Records + Z2 Comics
Pre-Order HERE

Legendary shock rockers GWAR have announced The Return of Gor Gor Tour, a devastating North American headline campaign kicking off October 18th in Salt Lake City with support from Helmet, The Dwarves, and Blood Vulture. The tour celebrates GWAR’s 40th anniversary and the return of their long-lost, crack-addicted Dinosaur, Gor Gor. The tour also supports your Lords and Masters’ forthcoming multimedia release ‘The Return of Gor Gor,’ out July 25th via Pit Records/Z2 Comics.

Blothar comments on The Return of Gor Gor Tour:

“Gor Gor demands sacrifice! The Tyrant Teen is all grown up and he wants love! Don’t look him in the eye!! The beast demands a bride! Come in your bridal finery. An ocean of chiffon to satisfy the bloodlust of the great lizard!”

Before The Return of Gor Gor Tour officially begins, GWAR will lay waste to the following cities with these live assaults:

GWAR Live:
7/24 – Richmond, VA @ Allianz Amphitheater (w/ Lamb of God, Hatebreed)
8/2 – Anchorage, AK @ Williwaw Outdoor Block Party
8/15 – Thornville, OH @ Gathering of The Juggalos*
9/17 – Detroit, MI @ Crofoot
9/18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roxian Theatre
9/19 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
9/20 – Chicago, IL @ Riotfest*
9/21 – Cleveland, OH @ Globe Iron
10/05 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock @ Discovery Park*
*Festival appearances

THE RETURN OF GOR GOR TOUR
w/ Helmet, The Dwarves & Blood Vulture
10/18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Complex
10/20 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
10/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
10/23 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
10/24 – Reno, NV @ Virginia Street Brewhouse
10/25 – Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre
10/26 – Bend, OR @ Midtown Ballroom
10/27 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
10/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
10/30 – Penticton, BC @ Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
10/31 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
11/1 – Edmonton, AB @ Fan Park @ Ice District
11/3 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
11/5 – Denver, CO @ Summit
11/6 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/8 – San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
11/9 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
11/11 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
11/12 – Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
11/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
11/15 – Orlando, FL @ Warped Tour*
11/16 – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
11/18 – Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall
11/19 – Worcester, MA @ Palladium
11/20 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
11/21 – New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square
11/22 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
*Festival appearance

General on sale begins Friday, June 27th at 10am local time, with various presales starting today.

Check out a special message from GWAR “Bohab 4 Life”
Ethan Embry about The Return of Gor Gor Tour HERE

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ features three brand new GWAR songs mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge, GodCity Studios) and four live tracks captured at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA during GWAR’s 2024 tour, mixed by Chris Ronan Murphy. All songs were produced by GWAR and mastered by Alan Douches. The release also includes a 32-page comic detailing Gor Gor’s return, which is included with all versions. Vinyl editions boast an animated etching of Gor Gor on Side A, with a Semi-Translucent Etched Deep Purple Vinyl available exclusively at GWAR.net and Semi-Translucent Etched Green vinyl at Z2Comics.com. A Deluxe Hardback edition is also available.

Blothar comments on ‘The Return of Gor Gor’:

“The last time I saw Gor Gor he was just a wee fart dragon. He had crawled on the hood of my Kia Soul and was holding on for dear life while I drove to the store to buy Clamato. I bathed him in wiper fluid and used my wipers to knock him off my sweet ride. Next thing I know, he’s a 20-foot tall trans-species prostitute working a pickle park. Apparently, he’s all grown up and looking for revenge. This record chronicles his struggles as a young Dino-American trying to make his way in a cruel world.”

Watch the Music Video for “Lot Lizard” HERE

Watch the Music Video for “The Great Circus Train Disaster” HERE

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ Track List:
1. The Great Circus Train Disaster
2. Tyrant King
3. Lot Lizard
4. Crack In The Egg (Live)
5. The Founding Fathers (Live)
6. America Must Be Destroyed (Live)
7. Fishfuck (Live)

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ will be available in the following formats:
=> CD with 32-page comic booklet
=> LP with 32-page comic booklet and etched vinyl
=> Deluxe LP with hardcover 32-page comic and etched vinyl (D2C exclusive)
=> Standalone 32-page comic

2025 marks 40 years since the world first felt the wrath of GWAR. Since forming in Richmond, Virginia, GWAR has defiled every convention of what a band should be—creating a sprawling mythology, unleashing gallons of bodily fluids, and building a fanbase as rabid as their live shows are chaotic. What began as an underground theatrical freakshow has grown into a full-blown intergalactic empire of heavy metal madness, with landmark albums like ‘Scumdogs of the Universe,’ ‘America Must Be Destroyed,’ and ‘The Blood of Gods.’

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ marks the next chapter: a celebration of past chaos and a prophecy of future destruction. All hail your Lords and Masters. Long live GWAR.

World-Renowned artist/tattooer Paul Booth has been announced as the Tattoo Headliner for the 2025 Inkcarceration Festival which is scheduled for July 18-20th at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH. Media Mikes Presents had the chance to speak with Paul recently about the upcoming appearance, his 30 plus years of tattooing and his newly released signature coffee blend “Devil’s Pact”.

Click Photo For Interview:

https://inkcarceration.com

https://www.paulboothart.com 

Tampa Bay Comic Convention is August 1-3, 2025; Tickets are on sale now at https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/ –

TAMPA BAY – May 20, 2025 – As you wish! Fans asked for him, and now Cary Elwes, the actor best known for playing Westley in The Princess Bride is coming to Tampa Bay Comic Convention (https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/) on August 1-3, 2025. 

Elwes has had a prolific film and TV career. In addition to The Princess Bride, he’s starred in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, the Saw series, Glory, Days of Thunder, Hot Shots!, Twister, Kiss the Girls, Liar Liar, and Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. His TV roles include The X-Files, Seinfeld, Psych, Stranger Things, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Over the course of his career, he’s been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Satellite Awards. In 2014, he published his memoir on The Princess Bride called As You Wish. 

“Cary has starred in some of the biggest and most recognizable movies and is always one of the most requested guests we get and a fan favorite wherever he goes,” said Dan Farr, Tampa Bay Comic Convention Show Producer. “The Princess Bride has some of the most memorable quotes such as ‘Inconceivable!’ and ‘As you wish’ that are still quoted nearly 40 years after the movie came out and fans love to hear Cary say these quotes and the behind-the-scenes stories about filming The Princess Bride and the other movies and TV shows he’s been a part of.”

Tampa Bay Convention Center will feature the best in geek and pop culture, including movies, TV shows from network TV, streaming services and other online sources, cosplay, gaming, books, comic creators, artists, vendors and many more. Attendees can meet all their favorite celebrities, artists, authors and comic creators for pictures, autographs and panels where they can hear about their careers and current projects.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention has already announced a number of fan-favorite celebrity guests, including Chris Bartlett, John Ryhs Davies, Neil Newbon, Devora Wilde, Jennifer English, Aliona Baranova, Lou Ferrigno, Steve Burns, Susan Eisenberg, Nolan North, Cristina Vee, Doug Jones, Shameik Moore, Joey Fatone, Steven John Ward, Lou Diamond Phillips, Kim Rhodes, Abby Trott, Grey Delisle, Keith David, Kari Wahlgren, A.J. Beckles, David Mantranga, Mallorie Rodak, Bryce Papenbrook, Marty Grabstein, Greg Baldwin, Nicolas Roye, Linda Larkin and Landon McDonald.

More guests will be announced leading up to the convention in August, including guests from fan-favorite fandoms such as Marvel, DC, Disney, Star Wars, 90s Sitcoms, Cartoons, and many more. Indiana Comic Convention will also feature the best in geek and pop culture, including movies, TV shows, cosplay, gaming, books, comic creators, artists, and vendors.

To stay current on Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2025, visit the website, Tampa Bay Comic Convention Social Media, and subscribe to the Tampa Bay Comic Convention Newsletter for all the latest Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2025 Promotions and Guest Announcements.

For more information about Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2025 or to purchase tickets now, visit  https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/. 

ABOUT TAMPA BAY COMIC CONVENTION:

Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a comic pop culture convention located in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay Comic Convention is Tampa’s largest, true comic convention. Featured are exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. In addition, a roster of comic industry professionals, and comicdom-related celebrities are in attendance for attendees to meet and greet. As admission is kept reasonable for adults and FREE for children 10 and under, the Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a family-friendly convention. Find out more at: https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/.