Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).
Bio
I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows
Stories (310)
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Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge at Circle In The Square is the singer telling you her life in remembrance and song. As she takes the stage it is evident that she has die hard fans in the audience. Under the smoke and purple lighting, Etheridge is bigger than life; so his her booming, raspy voice. Abigail Rosen Holmes has the lighting in between a nightclub feel and a concert. The set (Bruce Rodgers) is a simple one, the focus is clearly on the woman who's name is on the marque.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Art
Purlie Victorious.
The problem with "Purlie Victorious" at The Music Box is two fold. The first problem is that director Kenny Leon has some of the actors at time inaudible; most strikingly so is Kara Young (Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins). While Leon reaches desperately for the laughs, many of the jokes are not heard among the audience and we are constantly playing catch up to try to hear where we are in this farce that at times is slow and flat. The second problem is that the play is confusing. We are never sure if we are in the early 60"s or whether we are at the turn of the 19th century.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Geeks
Duran Duran in Concert.
Duran Duran last evening at Forrest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York was as much a throw back the the great 80's music as it was an entertaining evening for the standing, sold out crowd. On the jumbo-trons, the silhouette through the smoke of this legendary band as they took the stage. Duran Duran is as much showmanship as it is talent and the front-man, Simon Le Bon played it off deftly.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Beat
The Psychedelic Furs and Squeeze.
Last night at Radio City Music Hall I watched two very good bands perform. Confounding that The Furs would open for Squeeze since The Furs are more renowned in the new wave genre. Richard Butler, the bands lead singer with his macabre voice, at times he sounds like David Bowie, at other times, like an old horror movie actor. Both animated and theatrical, Butler is one of the best lead singers that I have seen. His talents can carry the band and make him the focus as he moves and dances with such a nuance.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Beat
Upcoming Broadway Season.
Robert M. Massimi. What will the fall bring to Broadway? After a disastrously bad 2022 fall, Broadway came out with some pretty good shows. "Some Like it Hot" was excellent and "Shucked" surprised everyone! "Bad Cinderella", "1776" and "Once Upon A One More Time" were awful and as such, closed early (1776 remained due to subscriptions). Another huge surprise was "Kimberly Akimbo"; winning the Tony was a big shot in the arm for this very good musical. "Sweeney Todd" too was a big upside surprise as was "A Beautiful Noise", the Neil Diamond musical.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Geeks
Once Upon A One More Time.
Robert M. Massimi. Well, I lost that bet! I predicted that "Once Upon A One More Time" would outlast "Bad Cinderella" and &Juliet". Turns out &Juliet is the last show standing! In my review about "Once Upon" I stated that the lead actors were strong, the plot weak, the costumes absurd and the sets and lighting were good. I said that the music would carry the weak, woke plot. I was wrong. This show is set to close on September 3erd; a very fast closing date.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Geeks
Grass Roots and Herman's Hermits in Concert.
Until his death in 2011, band member Rob Grill chose replacement band members who would carry on the band's sound for years to come. Since that time, "The Grass Roots" play 100 shows a year throughout the country. Originally from the Los Angeles California area, the band was known for their Folk Rock, pop, pop rock and sunshine pop (arguably, some would even put them in the psychedelic pop category as well).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Beat
The Doobie Brothers at The State Theater.
Last night at the beautiful State Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Doobie Brothers exemplified why they are now Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. Tight all evening, the performance was magnified with the excellent saxophonist, Marc Russo and the expert piano and singing of Michael McDonald.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).3 years ago in Beat
Austen's Pride and Diary of A Madman.
In a one night performance of this wonderful rendition of "Jane Austen" called "Austen's Pride" at the beautiful Carnegie Hall, it was filled with great stars both on stage and in the audience. The story for the most part remained the same, however, set to an orchestral backdrop, the actors sang and acted with script in hand. Directed magnificently by Igor Goldin, the story-line and actors, for the most part, moved graciously about the stage. The first act at one and a half hours was a tad to long, but its rapid fire second act at fifty minutes more than made up for it.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).3 years ago in Art
Natalie Merchant.
Natalie Merchant was born in Jamestown, N.Y to Italian parents (real name Mercante before it was anglicized). When she was a child, her mother listened to music and encouraged her and her siblings to study music. As the years went on, she went with her mother to both classical and rock concerts. Her mother later married a jazz musician and as a result, that was the music she became to love the best.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).3 years ago in Art
In Corpo Theater Review.
"In Corpo" at the old Beckett Theatre, now called Theatre Four is a musical that would have been better if it was a play instead. Writers Ben Beckley and Nate Weida try to capture the spirit of Bradbury, Kafka, Orwell and even Gogol. When I read the bio of this musical I thought it sounded interesting. They don't do shows like this on either Broadway nor off Broadway. The reason I think that they do not is because it is difficult to produce shows like this. For one, it is difficult to keep the audiences attention because you need to pay attention to the words being said. The other is that if it's not done well, it will have very little appeal to the general audience.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).3 years ago in Beat
