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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M J The Musical
"M J The Musical" "The Price for Fame" "M J The Musical" at the Neil Simon Theatre is not only the great music that Michael Jackson wrote and performed, but it also goes deeper than that in many ways. Lynn Nottage (Clyde's, Intimate Apparel) who wrote the book for the show brings forth at how the man was a perfectionist, how he saw the notes that segway eventually into the music, he could even tell his musicians just how to improve upon the melodies being played. Like Prince and James Brown, he was very demanding of his musicians and backing dancers; yet he was never forceful nor dismissive. Growing up with eight siblings in Gary, Indiana, his father, here played by Quentin Earl Darrington (he also doubled as Jackson's stage manager) was a tough man. Joseph Jackson made his sons practice all the time leaving very little personal time for each of the then Jackson Five. Michael, who was a very sensitive boy as Nottage points out, would carry many of these memories well into adulthood.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Beat
Ectoplasim
The Plot Gets Lost in The Séance "Ectoplasm" By Spit and Vigor has many good things working for it. The set and sound by Florence Scagliarini are first rate and so is some of the acting. The gothic set matches The Players Theatre like it was the theaters living room. Both the set and theater give off a "cool vibe". Like the last show put on at The Players by Spit and Vigor (The Wake of Dorcas Kelly), the audience was treated to the same gothic feel and the same undertone of a show that is Avant Garde in writing and design. Unlike "Dorcas", however, "Ectoplasm" is not well written. The show is billed as two woman who work together as mediums: Sara Marshall (Jillian Cicalese) and Kaye Schultz (Caitlin Dullahan-Bates). Sara fully believes in what she does and the life as a medium; Kaye is distraught in that she believes that they are charlatans and do nothing to help people.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Humans
"Aladdin"
What makes Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theater is that the story is as good as the acting, costumes and dancing. Even though Genie (Michael James Scott) borders at times on Ru Pauls' Drag Race, he is a pleasant enough character in this blockbuster musical. Songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (Little Shop of Horrors), this dynamic duo teamed up with Tim Rice (Aida) and Chad Beguelin for its lyrics.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Geeks
"Crazy Meshugga Hurricane Earthquake"
"Crazy Meshugga" at the Theater for the New City is what I would call a "Claude Solnick" special. Solnick writes for TNC and is a in house writer in residence. Like Amy Coleman, Claude Solnick too is a run on sentence. Is there something in the water at Crystal Fields woke theater?
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Beat
"Sugar Ray"
Sugar Ray" Gladiator. Born Walker Smith Jr., he would go on to be known as Sugar Ray Robinson; one of the greatest fighters of all time. At the Gene Frankel Theater we just witnessed Robinson's first fight in which he lost. Jake LaMotta was the winner. Unlike today, boxers of yesteryear considered themselves warriors, gladiators, men of men and a lose meant respect for the winner and conversely the winner didn't show up his opponent either. In Lawrence Holder's "Sugar Ray" we see a soft side, a human side to this man up on the stage solo for ninety minutes. In real life, however, Robinson ran with gangs, contrary to Holder's writing. Robinson had many wives, ran into trouble more often than what was portrayed here on stage.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Geeks
"The Seach for Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe"
"The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe" at The Shed is almost two plays' in one. We get Trudy the bag lady who makes clever, and at times hysterical observations of the society around her. She has the sticky post it's in her raincoat lining to prove it. Then we get the other eleven roles which includes sullen teen punk Agnus Angst; the feminist activists Edie, Lyn and Marge; and the wealthy posh Kate. Their scenes are interwoven by the character of Trudy, an enlightened vagrant who believes she is in communication with aliens. In 1986 "Signs" starred Lilly Tomlin and her performance won her a Tony for best actress in a play. Directed by John Bailey, the play would run for 391 performances and would tour for much longer throughout the United States. The play would be made into a film in 1991 and later would have a Broadway revival from 2000- 1.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Beat
Mrs. Doubtfire
Stop the presses; there is a new family musical in town and it is as bold as it is great! Coming into the theater this evening I did not know what to expect in that I had no idea how director Jerry Zaks would adapt this musical from the movie of the same title. Robin Williams who starred in the movie is not easily replaceable in this role, however, Mr. Rob McClure put that worry to rest in quick order .Like Williams, McClure had all the energy in the world on stage and he commanded this role with ease. Zaks, a master director had the entire cast in a whirlwind of energy and excellence.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Journal
"The Alchemist"
In the genre of "One Man, Two Guvnors", "Noises Off" and "The Play That Goes Wrong", "The Alchemist" is too a funny farce. Based on Ben Jonson's brilliant writing, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted a masterpiece of sheer comedy. Directed by Jesse Berger, the play has a brilliant cast starting with Reg Rogers( Neville in The Blacklist).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Journal
"Diana" and "Cheek to Cheek" Reviews.
"Diana" The Tale of Two Musicals. "Diana" at Longacre Theatre has one good Act and one bad one. In what has really good costumes by William Ivey Long, and not just Diana's costumes but also the Ensemble cast as well as Charles and the Queens and most everyone else who graced the stage. The scenic design by David Zinn was also catchy and lively as was the lighting by Natasha Katz.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Beat
"The Dark Outside"
I have the upmost respect for awards: awards given to athletes, entertainers and especially in my older years, to writers. When I read about a play written by Bernard Kops and stars Austin Pendleton I figured what could go wrong? The good news is that at the start of the show at The Theater for the New City, the person who normally tells us where the fire exits are kept it under 5 minutes long! The bad news is that the show started about 15 minutes late and I am sure many audience members prayed for a fire 20 minutes into the show! If this is a standard writing of Kops, I do not understand how the Queen of England could give him the Civil List pension; after all, that was also awarded to writers like Lord Byron, Wordsworth and Alfred. After seeing "The Dark Outside I can tell you that Kops is no Lord Byron.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).4 years ago in Geeks
