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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (New World Stages, Off-Broadway) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
A new revival of the cult hit musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee recently arrived off Broadway, at New World Stages.
The new production of the zany comedy stars Kevin McHale (Barfée), Philippe Arroyo (Chip), Jasmine Amy Rogers (Olive), Justin Cooley (Leaf), Autumn Best (Logainne), Leana Rae Concepcion (Marcy), Matt Manuel (Mitch), Lilli Cooper (Rona), and Jason Kravits (Panch).
Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show when he saw it last month for the very first time...
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00:00 | introduction
02:30 | synopsis
06:26 | material
10:55 | performances
15:12 | performances pt 2
19:09 | performances pt 3
22:33 | conclusion
About Mickey-Jo:
As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
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All My Sons (Wyndham's Theatre, West End) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
29:59|This year, the final few weeks of theatregoing brought Mickey-Jo the most powerful theatrical experience when he caught a performance of ALL MY SONS.This new production of the often produced Arthur Miller Play is directed by Ivo Van Hove and stars Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste at the Wyndham's Theatre in the West End.Check out this full review to find out why Mickey-Jo was so enraptured by this production, its striking creative choices, and how it spoke to a contemporary audience...•00:00 | introduction01:52 | synopsis / writing07:42 | creative / design choices14:54 | direction / meaning18:51 | supporting performances24:22 | leading performances28:25 | conclusionChristmas Carol Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre, West End) - ★★★★ REVIEW
24:35|The latest new stage show from the hilarious Mischief Theatre Company (The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About Spies) is Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.The new comedy, originally seen on screen, is currently playing at the Apollo Theatre in the West End and once again features the beloved characters of the Cornley Drama Society.Find out what this production is like, why it made Mickey-Jo laugh, and what Mischief fans will love about it...Wishing everyone happy holidays during this festive season!•00:00 | introduction01:59 | synopsis / overview09:29 | performances17:29 | favourite jokes (spoilers)22:54 | conclusionEva Noblezada and Reeve Carney (Cabaret, Hadestown) - INTERVIEW
30:33|Earlier this month Mickey-Jo had the extraordinary privilege of sitting down with stage co-stars and real life newlyweds Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney.The pair, who have performed together in the West End and on Broadway in Hadestown, are currently starring as Sally Bowles and The Emcee in CABARET at the Kit Kat Club.Find out what the fan favourite performers had to say when I asked them about the emotional meaning of sharing the stage together, the experience of filming the Hadestown proshot in front of a sold out audience, and the possibility of starring together in another musical...Mickey-Jo finally went to MASQUERADE | Review and guide to the Off-Broadway immersive Phantom of the Opera
45:39|Last month, during Mickey-Jo’s most recent trip to New York City, he finally experienced Masquerade, the Off-Broadway promenade production inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.The show, which welcomes masked audience members in groups to a series of strikingly styled rooms, tells the story of The Phantom and Christine in an intimate, mysterious setting.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, including breathtaking highlights and some frustrating shortcomings as well as a spoiler free audience guide to help attendees manage expectations before they visit...•00:00 | introduction03:45 | description / overview08:55 | audience advice16:06 | review (light spoilers)24:40 | highlights (spoilers)34:09 | shortcomings (spoilers)43:26 | conclusionDisney's Freaky Friday the Musical (HOME Manchester) - ★★ REVIEW
26:35|Earlier this month, the musical adaptation of FREAKY FRIDAY arrived at Home Manchester for its UK professional premiere.The show, which debuted some years ago in the US and was filmed for the Disney Channel, stars Rebecca Lock and Jena Pandya as a mother and daughter inspired by those from the iconic story.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, its resemblance to other Freaky Friday stories, and its material in this full review...•00:00 | introduction01:30 | overview / synopsis07:58 | the material15:08 | writing / creative choices20:12 | performances25:02 | conclusionWill there be more WICKED movies? | Mickey-Jo's thoughts on sequels, spin-offs and more movie musicals
25:42|Last month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas.The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.In the final installment of his WICKED WEEKENDS series, Mickey-Jo is considering the possibility of more films within the Wicked universe as the two part adaptation becomes a successful franchise, as well as the other films inspired by Wicked which we might see over the next few years...•00:00 | introduction03:15 | will there be a sequel?09:15 | Wicked spin-off ideas14:55 | Wicked inspired films20:37 | more movie musicals24:28 | conclusionKENREX (The Other Palace Theatre, London) - ★★★★★ REVIEW
21:48|Among the alternative theatrical offerings in London this festive season is the return of KENREX, seen previously at Southwark Playhouse and now at The Other Palace.The creative feast of a show, featuring live music, is co written by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian and brings true crime explosively to the stage.Check out this full review to find out more about the truly gripping show, and then book to see it for yourself...•00:00 | introduction03:22 | synopsis / overview08:17 | creative collaboration13:16 | highlight moments16:53 | shortcomings20:06 | conclusionOh, Mary! (Trafalgar Theatre, West End) - ★★★★ REVIEW
27:51|The hit comedy play OH, MARY! has finally arrived in the West End, opening earlier this week at London's Trafalgar Theatre.Stage and screen star Mason Alexander Park leads the production as Mary, a role originated by writer Cole Escola and played subsequently by performers including Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, Jinkx Monsoon, and Jane Krakowski.Check out this full review to find out what the show's winning comedic formula is, how Mason's Mary compares with predecessors, and whether the show lands as successfully with a British audience...•00:00 | introduction03:46 | synopsis / overview09:35 | UK reaction / material15:44 | Mason as Mary20:17 | supporting cast24:40 | conclusion