Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Highly Recommended  Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of "Titanique" is a campy comedy gem!  No need to worry, "Titanique" only makes fun of the schmaltzy movie, not the actual wreck.  This is Celine Dion’s own wacky spin on Titanic and it’s over-the-top, raunchy, laugh-out-loud comedy, with plenty of one-liners, improv, puns and pratfalls, lots of sparkly costumes, and of course, Dion’s music.  Ladies, get your BFFs and see this show.  You’ll love it!  4 BIG Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  I was kind of surprised when I read that the Copley Theatre was doing "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".  It’s a sweet, silly, ultimately happy musical about a group of snarky fifth grade misfits competing for a trophy and the chance to go to the national Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.  Although it’s one of my favorites, it’s also a favorite show for community/high school theater groups – which means it’s been a tad overdone.  That said, the Copley’s high-energy production was terrific – definitely out-spelling the competition!  4 Spotlights

**** Recommended  The uber-talented Leslie Goddard has returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "Violet Jessup – Titanic Survivor".  In our celebrity-obsessed society, it seems most of the stories are about the wealthy and/or famous people who survived or didn’t survive the sinking.  This story is different and fascinating, since it’s from the perspective of a crew member. Hurry and grab a ticket, you only have a couple of days to catch Violet Jessup!  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  Audiences are loving Paramount Theatre’s production of "Waitress", a musical of contrasts.  Parts of the story are dark and difficult – domestic abuse, infidelity and single parenthood aren’t usually the subject of a musical.  On the other hand, "Waitress" is also about dreams, determination, friendship – and pies.  Except for the sound – the orchestra overwhelms the female singers so their mics are turned up to the point their voices are screechy – the production is wonderful. I really enjoyed it.  4 Spotlights