Edgar Allan Poe at the Brickbox Halloween Week

The Hanover Theatre Repertory Production

Created and performed by THT Rep’s Artistic Director, Livy Scanlon, the sixth annual darkly comic 60-minute performance invites the audience to the seance-like experience featuring two Edgar Allan Poe’s most notorious narrators.   The shows run from October 28th thru November 1st, 2026.

The tales are brought to life by Scanlon with two of Poe’s most chilling tales:

“The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado” with one narrator experiencing  an obsession turning into madness and the other luring his rival to an untimely fate.

The double header brings Poe’s haunting stories to life in an intimate theatrical setting.

Scanlon has performed or directed shows all over the region and has received an Elliot Norton Award for directing and an IRNE Award for Outstanding Actress.  She directed the recent production of “Romeo & Juliet” at this venue.

“This annual production is a signature part of the Halloween season at THT Rep, giving audiences the opportunity to experience Poe’s work in a uniquely intimate and theatrical way,” said Allen Seiffert, President & CEO of the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are available now at The Hanover Theatre Box Office, online at thehanovertheatre.org – click HERE – or by calling 877-571-7469.

DESCENDENTS PRESENT:
MILO GOES TO COMICS
THE OFFICIAL Z2 GRAPHIC ALBUM COMES WITH TWO NEW EXCLUSIVE SONGS ON 7” VINYL

Bill Stevenson, Milo Aukerman, Annie Zaleski and
Ryan Dunlavey chronicles the genre-defining band’s winding journey from 1970s childhood friends to pop-punk icons.

Z2, the leading publisher of music-driven graphic novels and illustrated books, is bringing the sprawling, nearly five-decade story of genre-defining punk legends Descendents with the announcement of MILO GOES TO COMICS. From a friendship forged in the 1970s to a career that helped reshape the sound, spirit and possibilities of punk, the story of MILO GOES TO COMICS is as unconventional as the band itself.

Written by Bill Stevenson, Milo Aukerman and Annie Zaleski and illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey, the graphic novel traces the band’s winding journey across nearly five decades of music, friendship, evolution and perseverance. More than a chronicle of records and shows, the project offers a visual portrait of the people and moments behind a band whose influence continues to reverberate across generations, culminating with the band’s two brand new, exclusive songs “I Stuck Around” and “Old Power.” The cover art is by Descendants legend Chris Shary, who has been their main album cover artist for decades.

Milo Aukerman, Singer, Descendents adds “This comic is WAY more entertaining than reading the Wienerschnitzel coupon page… and better for you too! Seriously though, Annie and Ryan have accurately captured the roller coaster ride of our band history, with many anecdotes never before revealed. I can’t wait for our fans to experience the humor, mishaps, and pathos of the Descendents story, which continues to this day!”

“Bringing Descendents to graphic novels is a huge moment for Z2. They are one of the most iconic names in punk rock, with an incredible legacy, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to expand that world through storytelling and music”shares Thomas Dreux, V.P., Operations of Z2, he continues and adds “We’re especially excited for the deluxe edition, which includes two previously unreleased songs on vinyl. Being able to give fans something they simply can’t experience anywhere else makes this book incredibly special, and we’re proud to be a part of it”.

For more than four decades, Descendents have been one of punk rock’s most influential and enduring bands, reshaping the genre with their uniquely melodic blend of speed, wit, vulnerability, and unapologetic honesty. Formed in Manhattan Beach, California in 1978, the band—founding guitarist Frank Navetta, bassist Tony Lombardo, drummer Bill Stevenson, and vocalist Milo Aukerman—helped lay the groundwork for the melodic punk and pop-punk movements that would follow.

Across a landmark catalog that includes Milo Goes to College, I Don’t Want to Grow Up, Everything Sucks, Cool to Be You, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, and 9th & Walnut,Descendents have built a fiercely devoted following while influencing generations of artists across punk, alternative, and beyond. Their songs have always married the visceral energy of punk with deeply human themes: relationships, anxiety, aging, alienation, family, food, and the everyday frustrations of being a person trying to make sense of the world.

Still driven by the same restless creative spirit that defined them from the beginning, Descendents remain a singular force in punk—proof that music can be fast, funny, deeply personal, and profoundly influential all at once.

Arriving in 2027, DESCENDENTS: MILO GOES TO COMICS will be available in various formats, including the standard edition, graphic novel + 7” vinyl, as well as the graphic novel + 7” vinyl bundle (signed platinum edition). Product will begin shipping on March 22 2027. The book is available for pre-order from Z2 at: z2comics.com/descendents.

“Beetlejuice The Musical” – Say it Three Times if You Dare

• BEETLEJUICE
• Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.
• October 2, 2026

If you enjoy being outside in crisp fall evening air and you are looking for something to get you in the Halloween spirit, then “Beetlejuice – The Musical. The Musical. The Musical.” at Starlight Theatre may be right up your alley. A great set design and colorful lighting help amplify a solid evening’s worth of entertainment.

Based upon the classic 1988 Tim Burton film starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton, “Beetlejuice – The Musical.” debuted on Broadway in 2019 with music and lyrics by Australian performer Eddie Perfect. While it does share some similarities with the original film, and none with the 2024 cinematic sequel, this stage version has enough variations to give it a different feel, which opens the door for a few surprises along the way.

During the October 2nd performance, Leianna Weaver as Lydia Deetz delivered a superb array of vocal performances that could have all been labeled as showstoppers. Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice was equally fantastic and captivating. His comic timing was spot on while the charisma he projected drew in the audiences’ attention, although his makeup, hair and costume design were nothing to write home about. It was fun to watch him break through the fourth wall with the audience, but it was overdone, causing it to lose its luster after a while.

The overall story is stronger during the first act, but the cast remains steady throughout. There are a few bursts of extremely bright light that may be issue for those with light sensitivity issues.

Parents should take into consideration that “Beetlejuice – The Musical” is not as appropriate for young children as its cinematic predecessor. There is some profanity, obscene gestures, sexual innuendo, drug references, and a couple of gory moments, such as when a minor supporting character has their arms ripped off.

If you missed “Beetlejuice – The Musical” while it was in Kansas City, then no worries. It will be in Springfield, Missouri, on October 27 and 29 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall.  For tickets to this and future performances, click HERE.

The Hanover Theatre opens it’s new Season with a Spectacular  Monty Python’s SPAMALOT

• SPAMALOT
• Hanover Theatre, Worcester, Mass.
• October 3, 2026

Based on the 1975 hit film- Monty Python And The Holy Grail, comic genius Eric Idle and composer John Du Prez turned it into a splashy musical that took Broadway by storm. Directed by Mike Nichols in 2005 the original was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning BEST MUSICAL of the year. This new production was first presented at the Kennedy Center in 2023, transferred to Broadway for a season and is now on the road touring America.

The narrator opens the story explaining that King Arthur is travelling across Britain in search of Knights for his round table in Camelot. His merry band of misfits are talented musical comedy performers who play multiple characters along the way. All your movie favorites are included- the Black Knight, not-quite-dead peasants, cursing French guards, monks, the Knights who say Nek………..AND the “Killer Rabbit” who makes an appearance in Act 2.

If you haven’t seen the original film don’t worry, you will love all the characters and situations that the Python’s throw at you. Delightful, sometimes silly ear-worm songs really show off the cast with almost every actor getting a song showcase throughout the evening. In fact the curtain call includes a cast sing-a-long with the audience.  Understudy Ellis C. Dawson III made an impressive King Arthur on opening night along with powerhouse singer Amanda Robles as “the Lady of the Lake”. Miss Robles tried to blow the roof off the Hanover in both of her soaring solos- one including a short homage to Dolly Parton that brought down the house. The entire cast got their deserved ovations at the end of the show.

It’s all silly tuneful fun as Arthur and his band are given a quest to find the Holy Grail that turns into a Broadway musical within a Broadway musical.  With dozens and dozens of wonderful costumes, unusual for a touring show, plus the incredible set which includes fantastic projections it’s a dazzling eyeful. These projections are another star of the production-  bringing animated characters and real atmosphere to the scenes with amazing visual effects.

SPAMALOT is a Broadway caliber production that thankfully brings total joy as the spectacular season opening production in Worcester.

You can catch SPAMALOT this week in Boston.  For tickets for this engagement or future shows on the tour, click HERE. 

Romeo and Juliet at the BrickBox Theatre

Now thru October 11th   Worcester, MA

• ROMEO and JULIET
• Hanover Theatre, Worcester, Mass
• September 28, 2026

Opening the Fall season for The Hanover Theatre Rep is William Shakespeare’s classic-  ROMEO & JULIET for a 3 week run. In the intimate Brickbox venue with its stadium style seating the audience is drawn into the action of the doomed lovers and feuding families.  Written more than 400 years ago this show is always an audience favorite and as presented here with mostly professional Actors Equity Union cast attention to details in the production is amazing.

With the auditorium’s floor stage, the drama happens on various level set pieces to bring a bustling Verona into play almost as another character.  The opening night had a few lighting scene-change glitches that will most likely improve after more performances.

The color-blind casting works well with strong performances from supporting characters, especially Benvolio (Joshua Olumide), Tybalt (Christoper Martel) and Mercutio (Jade Ziane). The sword fighting choreography is amazingly scary with the violence of the first act. Often the dialog seemed rushed mostly in boisterous scenes but the entire company seemed to be concentrating on getting the poetry/prose of Shakespeare right if not always powerfully.

Seating for this production is unreserved, but in the Brickbox there doesn’t appear to be any seat in the house that would not allow perfect viewing of the terrific staging.

Now thru October 11th at the Brickbox……Tickets at the Hanover Theatre Boxoffice or you can click HERE.

Z2 AND CBGB JOIN FORCES TO BRING
THE LEGENDARY CLUB’S UNDERGROUND LEGACY TO LIFE IN A NEW OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP

Celebrating CBGB’s history, influence and enduring impact on music, art and culture through a new slate of comics, graphic storytelling and other creative expansions.

Z2, the leading publisher of music-driven graphic novels and illustrated books, and CBGB & OMFUG – Home of Underground Rock are announcing a new partnership that will bring one of the most iconic names in music history into the world of comics and graphic storytelling. Z2’s partnership with CBGB builds upon the cultural footprint of creating new opportunities to preserve the stories of the past while imagining the future of underground music through the visual language of comics.

The partnership will explore CBGB’s extraordinary history, its larger-than-life characters, the artists who passed through its doors and the cultural movements that grew from its stage, while also examining the club’s continuing relevance to new generations of musicians and fans. Through Z2’s signature blend of music, visual art and storytelling, the collaboration will transform the mythology and history of CBGB into new formats designed for both longtime devotees and those discovering its legacy for the first time.

“CBGB has always represented something bigger than a club or physical space,” says Josh Berstein, President of Z2. “It was the pulsing heart of The Bowery where artists could take risks, where scenes were born, and where generations found their voice. That spirit is incredibly aligned with what we do at Z2. We’re thrilled to partner with CBGB to explore this history through the language of comics and graphic storytelling, while also looking forward and aligning with the CBGB FESTIVAL and what means to artists and fans today.”

The announcement comes as CBGB continues its evolution as a living cultural brand, with the return of the CBGB Festival on September 26 at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY, presented in partnership with The Bowery Presents. The festival’s 2026 lineup features Morrissey, Patti Smith, Interpol, Sex Pistols (Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock) featuring Frank Carter, Bikini Kill, Mannequin Pussy, Circle Jerks, The Return of Jackie and Judy, Buzzcocks, Agnostic Front, Militarie Gun, High Vis, Bad Nerves, Haywire, Panic Shack, Upchuck and Violet Grohl, among others.

“In everything we do under the CBGB banner, our priority is to not just reconnect with longtime fans, but to also create a connection with a new generation.” said Phil Sandhaus, CBGB Brand Manager. “CBGB has always represented a spirit of creativity, independence and self-expression that continues to influence music, fashion and visual arts. Z2 Comics is totally aligned with blending our nostalgic roots with a modern musical identity with attitude in a visual format.”

The festival embodies the same ethos that has defined CBGB for more than five decades: connecting the originators of underground music with the artists carrying that spirit forward. As CBGB has evolved beyond its original home at 315 Bowery, its mission remains rooted in the same question that drives the festival: Who would be playing at CBGB today?

From the Ramones and Blondie to Patti Smith and Talking Heads, from Agnostic Front and the Cro-Mags to the countless artists who found community and creative freedom within its walls, CBGB helped establish New York City as a global epicenter of underground music. Its iconic logo, aesthetic and DIY ethos have since transcended music to influence fashion, art, publishing and popular culture around the world.

Arriving in 2027, The Illustrated History of CBGB will be written by Daniel Kohn, (Spin, Vice) and Josh Bernstein (Loudwire, Revolver) and will cover the unbelievable TRUE stories that happened inside one of the most notorious and iconic venues in Rock & Roll History, CBGB!

To celebrate the new partnership, Z2 & CBGB have teamed up to release an official CBGB Festival Poster, illustrated by HeCreative Studios in the UK. The 11”x17” art prints are for sale now on Z2comics.com/CBGB and limited numbers of the poster will be available on-site to purchase at the CBGB Festival. Sales while supplies last!

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, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominations Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Primus, The Blues Brothers, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, The Vans Warped Tour, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Kool Keith, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT CBGB & OMFUG – HOME OF UNDERGROUND ROCK
Founded in 1973 in Manhattan’s East Village, CBGB was ground zero for the seminal punk rock and new wave movements, launching the careers of bands like the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Television, Patti Smith Group, The Dead Boys, Richard Hell, The Beastie Boys, and The Dictators. During the 1980s, CBGB would become home to the hardcore punk revolution, with bands such as Agnostic Front, Murphy’s Law, Cro-Mags, and Gorilla Biscuits becoming synonymous with the club. In the 1990s, the Club embraced the next generation of hard rock with bands including Sum 41, Korn, Green Day, and Guns N’ Roses regularly performing. Over the past 50 years, CBGB has become the most famous, influential, and talked-about rock & roll club of all time.

CBGB and its iconic logo continue to personify underground and alternative music and all that it stands for. In 2013, the former location at 315 Bowery was added to the National Register of Historic Places and remains a pilgrimage site for legions of music fans today. CBGB’s legacy and cultural relevance are now managed by a passionate group of New York City-based music lovers who are dedicated to curating its impact on music, fashion, and visual art today.

• WICKED
• Music Hall – Kansas City, Missouri
• August 20, 2026

While Wicked takes its cues from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the musical has become an established classic on its own. That’s probably why the play is still touring the country after its 2003 Broadway debut.

The touring production currently playing at the Music Hall in Kansas City demonstrated that Elphaba (Aline Mayagoitia) and Glinda (Claudia Bennet) can still cast a spell. Mayagoitia and Bennet may be performing under the shadows of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on the big screen screen, but story seems to work better on stage.

Seeing the green-skinned Elphaba, who is known as the Wicked Witch of the West in the original story, soaring above the floorboards on top of her broom is more jaw-dropping than it would seem in a multiplex. The sight isn’t quite as novel in a movie, and she’s singing as she soars.

The story, for those who are unfamiliar with the play or the movie, Wicked begins where the 1939 film of The Wizard of Oz ends. Glinda descends from her bubble and nervously admits that she and her archenemy were college friends.

While Glinda is a bit of a nepo baby and and social butterfly, Elphaba is an outcast. In a land where all sorts of unusual people can coexist, her emerald skin alienates most of her peers.

He father, who is an official in Munchkinland is sending her to school to support her disabled sister Nessarose (Christina Sastre). What separates Wicked from its predecessor is that Elphaba is sympathetic this time, and it turns out that she is one the one enchanter who has a genuine gift for magic.

She’s also appropriately alarmed that a new form of bigotry is rising in Oz. Some of her best professors, like Dr. Dillamond (Drew McVetty), are animals. When she notices the Wizard of Oz and other administrators are indifferent or even complicit, she rightly calls them out.

The urgency made me feel guilty for eating a hotdog before the show.

For some reason, seeing an actor in a goat costume was a lot more involving than seeing a CGI critter. I didn’t feel quite so bad about eating flesh during the first movie.

Glinda can see that Elphaba has the gifts she’d like to have and starts to try making her  less socially awkward.

All of this leads to great songs by Stephen Schwartz including “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.” Mayagoitia and Bennet both approach their roles with aplomb, and Mayagoitia, in particular, delivers Swartz’s tunes effortlessly, making them seem as fresh as when they were first performed.

The sets are opulent and imaginative and are jaw dropping before the actors step across from them. With the care that has gone into this production, it’s a safe bet that this tale of wizards and witches will age as gracefully as the one that inspired it.

“Wicked” runs at the Music Hall in Kansas City through Sunday, August 30th.  For tickets to this engagement or future shows on the tour, click HERE.

• MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT                                                                                                                                         
• Starlight Theater – Kansas City, Missouri    
• Aug. 4^th, 2026

Our Score 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Inspired by the Monty Python and the Holy Grail film from 1975, Spamalot is a musical featuring a step-by-step progression through the classic Python scenes with familiar songs as well as full on Broadway Bangers written for the stage by Eric Idle (lyrics) & John Du Prez (Music).

The story begins with a Narrator setting the scene, of England 932 A.D.   PLAGUE!  and more Plague. A miscommunication by the players brings out the “Fisch Schlapping Song”…to be interrupted and set back on course, as King Arthur (Major Attaway) begins a search to gather Knights for his Round Table, encountering obstacles along the way.  These scenes are so well known, the crowd could be heard reciting popular lines along with the actors, as did I.  “Bring Out Your Dead,” “I’m not Dead Yet,” and the rousing “Come with Me” -featuring the “Laker Girls” to remind you there are showtunes, are great opening songs.

We are introduced to The Lady of the Lake (Amanda Robles) who has to explain how Arthur became King and received Excalibur, and he gathers Sir Bedevere, Sir Galahad, Sir Robin and Sir Lancelot.  After a visit from GOD, who provides their quest …..find the Holy Grail !

There are a few scenes that are perhaps irreverent in today’s societal climate, but if you are a fan of the Python style of comedy, you expect them and fully embrace the humor.

One particular outstanding highlight was from the Knights Who Say Ni!   When changing their name to the Knight Who Day Ekke Ekke Ekke….etc., several contemporary inserts into the dialogue included JG Wentworth and Jungle Law, (reportedly they fit this for each performance to the local venue)

Also of note:  When at last the quest ended, KC’s own Michael Mackey was chosen from the audience, and presented with the Arthur Award!

Major Attaway (Broadways longest running Genie from Aladdin) was excellent.  Amanda Robles – vocals and personality – was very entertaining.  Each and everyone of the Knights were strong and the Camelot supporting cast were on point for opening night.

Musical Highlights:

I Am Not Dead Yet

The Song That Goes Like This

Knights of the Round Table

Find Your Grail

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

You Won’t Succeed on Broadway

On a scale of zero to five, “Monty Python’s SPAMALOT” receives ★★★★½  

While still selling out on stage in New York City, HADESTOWN, has been faithfully filmed and showing on cinema screens this week only.  Winning 8 Tony Awards in 2019 including Best Musical of the Year, this is a New Orleans style musical that is the story two young lovers in a relationship complicated by the devil himself- Hades.  He drags Eurydice to Hell for his lover but the boy, with help from his mentor Hermes follows them in to the depths to save her.

Filmed during a performance in March 2025 in London’s West End with all the principal actors from the Original Broadway Opening Night cast. The director of this “Pro-Shot” brings an intimacy to the filming, not just a performance captured on camera. His cinematography and editing takes the movie audience right into the show almost to the point of participation.  While occasionally giving us a view of the audience in the auditorium during filming it re-enforces the overall concept of being performed “live” as we enter this world.

Created by Anais Mitchell as a concept album and directed for the stage by Rachel Chavkin (both Tony Winners); theatrically HADESTOWN was a masterful work, and by moving it on to film by filmmaker Brett Sullivan, the production is enhanced becoming magnificent.

Broadway Legend, Andre De Shields (Tony nominated as the original WIZ in 1975) at almost 80 years old is Hermes the narrator of the tale as he guides the boy through his travels. He is perfection in his Tony winning role; you just can’t take your eyes off him as you hang on his every word. The lush music is performed by Reeve Carney as the boy, Eva Noblezada as the girl, with scary Patrick Page as Hades and Amber Gray as his wife.

With this amazing cast, the wonderful staging and the atmospheric cinematography this is without a doubt the definitive ephemeral staged production of  “HADESTOWN” – now captured forever.

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HADESTOWN has been extended to run through Thursday, August 5th at theatres nationwide.  If you are in the Boston area, like Ben, you can see it at the following theatres:

Entertainment Cinemas, Leominster MA

Regal Solomon Pond Cinemas

Maynard (MA) Fine Arts Theater

O’Neil Cinemas at the Point, Littleton, MA

AMC Framingham 16

• A BEAUTIFUL NOISE
• Starlight Theater, Kansas City, MO
• July 7, 2026

Our score:  4.5 out of 5

To say Neil Diamond was important in our house when I was growing up is an understatement.  My mother, Rose, was, and still is, quite possibly his biggest fan.  She maintained that the song “Cracklin’ Rosie” was about her.  She would pay A LOT  of money every time Diamond came to Chicago so she could be in the front row.  She made him shirts, which she had sent backstage.  Let me put it this way:  I lived in Baltimore for thirteen years.  She came out to visit me twice, coincidentally at the same time Diamond was in the area.  In 1994 she called me all excited.  “Did you hear,” she asked, “Neil and Marsha are getting divorced.”  I asked who Neil and Marsha were and she replied “Neil Diamond.”  I asked, “Mom, did he ask you to marry him?”  “No.”  “Maybe next time.”

Having seen Diamond in concert three times over the years (once without my mother) I was looking forward to the arrival of the Broadway musical “A Beautiful Noise,” which recently opened at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City.  And I wasn’t disappointed.

The show is pretty much a look back at Diamond’s career, told by Diamond himself (Robert Westenberg) as part of an extended therapy session with his psychiatrist (Lisa Renee Pitts).  Mr. Westenberg is billed as “Neil – Now.”  Also playing Diamond, billed as “Neil Then,” is portrayed by former “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani, who perfectly portrays both Diamond’s quite off-stage persona as well as the powerful performer the world knows.  Snippets of Diamond’s early career are shown:  meeting and being championed by songwriter Ellie Greenwich (Heidi Kettenring), having his songs recorded by the Monkees (Diamond wrote three of the best tunes the Monkees ever did:  “I’m A Believer,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” and “Look Out, Here Comes Tomorrow”) and, finally, having the courage to sing his own songs, becoming at one time the most successful live performer in the world.

The music, of course, is top notch.  Backed up by an ensemble of dancers/singers, Fradiani, who also played Diamond in the Broadway version, is spot on both visually and, even more important, vocally.  Close your eyes and I guarantee you couldn’t tell he difference between Fradiani and the real Neil Diamond.  Fradiani also shows some great dramatic chops, as he is forced to relive some of the toughest moments of his life.

The supporting cast is equally strong, featuring top work by Ms.’s Pitts and Kettenring.  If there is a weak spot in the cast, it’s Westenberg, whose emoting is so over the top as to border on comical.

Kansas City is the last stop on the tour so if you love Neil Diamond and are in the area, please take the opportunity to see “A Beautiful Noise.”  You won’t be disappointed!  And yes, my mother would love it!

On a scale of zero to five, A Beautiful Noise” receives ★★★★ ½

• MRS. DOUBTFIRE THEMUSICAL
• Hanover Theater, Worcester, Mass
• June 26, 2026

The National Tour of the Broadway Smash Hit – MRS. DOUBTFIRE has arrived in Worcester concluding the Hanover Theater’s 2025-2026 season.  Based on the phenomenal Robin Williams comedy that hit movie screens during the 1993 Holiday season.

The film was inspired by the novel- Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine published in 1987.  Daniel Hilliard has lost custody of his children in a messy divorce but will do anything to see them and be part of their lives.  When he discovers that his Ex is looking for a Nanny/Housekeeper he decides that he is the perfect choice.  Daniel creates Mrs. Doubtfire, an elderly Scottish “Lady” who charms her way into the job.

The musical captures most of the plot of the film through the first act but the longish second half seems padded with too many songs that seem to repeat the same narratives. But the younger members of the audience ate it all up, often applauding the jokes and performers who delivered the punchlines.

The cast lead by Craig Allen Smith as Daniel/Doubtfire gave quite the energetic portrayal, with astonishing comic timing; I don’t think Robin Williams could have handled a 2 ½ hour performance on stage at his pace and certainly could not have sung it as well as Smith. He held the audience in his hands from the time he appeared on stage in the frocks. The talented cast had some standouts including the Ex-wife, Melissa Campbell with her incredible vocals, & the 3 actors playing their children. Many supporting actors were also given individual chances to shine.

The first act up to the intermission, when two of the children realize who Mrs. Doubtfire really is, follows the movie almost scene for scene. The second act is less faithful to the original and runs into some problems with big changes that for me resulted in too much padding and extraneous business not serving the story.

Thankfully many wonderful new jokes are included in this crisp bright production that has been travelling the country for a couple of years.

• 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).