Critic Show Reviews

Flying monkeys, and cows, and witches, oh my! Rancocas Valley's production explores this abstraction in The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 film, with many adaptations during its time on Broadway. The author of the original book, L. Frank Baum, sculpted his book into a musical extravaganza. With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, this performance was based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment. This musical surrounds a

"Bring on the Monsters," says the cast and crew of Oakcrest High School's production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Theatre for Young Audiences Edition). The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is the story of a young boy named Percy Jackson, who discovers he is a demigod. This "special characteristic" doesn't always make things easy for him, so his mother decides to send him away to a camp where he will be surrounded by other demigods. Here he is f

Greed! Exploitation! Corruption! "All those things we hold near and dear to our hearts" played out on the stage of Winslow Township High School this weekend in their production of Chicago Teen Edition. Based on the 1926 play of the same name, Chicago ran on Broadway from 1975 to 1977. It returned to the mainstage in its 1996 revival, which now stands as the longest-running American musical in history with over eleven thousand shows. Set in the Jazz Age, it tells the story of

"So fetch!" perfectly sums up Gateway Regional High School's energetic production of "Mean Girls". "Mean Girls", the hilarious Broadway musical adapted from Tina Fey's 2004 film, premiered at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. in October 2017 and officially opened on Broadway in April 2018. With a Tony-nominated creative team (Tina Fey, Nell Benjamin, and Jeff Richmond), the story follows Cady Heron, a newcomer from Africa, as she navigates the competitive world of subu

The scene is lit with red lights as a blonde curly-haired woman accompanies a gentleman up the stairs to her bedroom. The two seem to be enjoying themselves when all of a sudden, BANG! FLASH!... The lights go out on the couple, and Lindenwold High School's production of Chicago: Teen Edition begins. Chicago, the musical, is based on a 1926 play and was written in the mid 1970s. It first came to Broadway in 1975 under the direction of renowned choreographer Bob Fosse. It was r

Palmyra High School's production of "Footloose" wasn't just a performance; it was a time machine set to the radical 80s, proving some stories never lose their step. "Footloose" hit the Broadway stage in 1998, with music by Tom Snow, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and a stage adaptation by Walter Bobbie. The original film, which inspired the musical, was released in 1984 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The musical follows the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicag

Eastern's performance of Footloose had the audience practically jumping out of their seats! To Dance, or Not To Dance: Footloose, a musical adaptation of the well-known 1984 film, debates this topic heavily. This musical opened on Broadway in 1998, going on to be nominated for Tonys in acting, music, and choreography. In a town struck by tragedy, a powerful story of youth rebellion unfolds: a new student, Ren, must stand up for the right to dance. This musical hints at themes

Clayton High School's Cinderella took the stage to show everyone that "It's Possible" to make all your dreams come true if you only have the courage to chase them! Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella, originally produced as a movie, debuted in the United States of America at the Papermill Playhouse in 2005, until 2013 when it finally made it to Broadway. The show received 9 nominations for Tony awards and won the category for Best Costume Design of a Musical. The musical tells

Dive "Under the Sea" and into a world of wonder, as Overbrook High School brought shimmering life to the stage with their production of "The Little Mermaid!" Filled with humor, creativity, and ocean-deep imagination, the show carried audiences on a journey where love, courage, and identity ripple far beyond the sea. Based upon the classic "The Little Mermaid," with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, "The Little Mermaid" made its Broadway debut

Wake up! Pennsauken's The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will keep you from drooling in your sleep! The Lightning Thief is a musical written by Rob Rokicki and inspired by Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief. The initial one hour musical was signed to Broadway in 2017 and expanded to the two hour musical that all know and love today. It follows the troubled teen Percy Jackson who struggles with behavior issues. After having been kicked out of six sch

Gimme gimme gimme, some more of this! Delsea Regional High School turned the lights down and turned the music up for their sparkling performance of "Mamma Mia". "Mamma Mia" is a romantic comedy jukebox musical featuring music from ABBA. The story follows a young girl Sophie who is about to be married. She wants to have her dad walk her down the aisle; however, there is one problem — she has three possible options and only 24 hours to figure it out. The frantic energy was well

Clearview Regional High School's production of Legally Blonde: The Musical had the audience shouting 'Omigod You Guys' with every twist and turn of the story. From the first note to the final curtain, this show is a dazzling reminder that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Legally Blonde: The Musical is based upon the 2001 film Legally Blonde, which follows Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. W

What if magic didn't need wands but rather merely spells, a stage, a spotlight, and a cast willing to believe in it? Highland Regional High School's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella answers that question with charm and imagination! Glass slippers, royal balls, and fairy godmothers have been part of the Cinderella story for generations, but Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella adds something special: music! Written by legendary Broadway duo Richard Rodgers and Os

Somethin' ain't right here! How do themes of love, fraud, and self discovery all fit into one tap dancing musical? Haddonfield Memorial High School boarded the S.S. American with their tap shoes in hand ready to show you that classics never go out of style. Anything Goes opened on Broadway in 1934 at the Alvin Theatre. Since debuting, the musical has been revived multiple times and even won a Tony for Best Revival. This musical has true staying power and is showcased at many

Pour yourself a cup of ambition and get ready to clock in, because Cedar Creek High School is bringing 9 to 5: The Musical to the stage. With big personalities and plenty of workplace chaos, this show proves the workday can be anything but ordinary. 9 to 5: The Musical is a Broadway show with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, based on the 1980 workplace comedy film. The story follows three office workers—Violet, Doralee, and Judy—who are frustrated with their "sexist, egotist

"From the Bottom of My Broken Heart," Audubon High School's production of "Once Upon a One More Time" showcased endless creativity and talent, reminding audiences that happily ever after does not always guarantee happiness. "Once Upon a One More Time," a jukebox musical based on music by Britney Spears and a book by Jon Hartmere, first opened at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in 2021. After a year-long run, it transferred to Broadway in June 2023 before closing in September.

Oh the places they went (and the notes that they hit!) at Absegami High School every rhyme was a fit. Seussical was sappy and snappy and buzzing with glow. Whos all in harmony, stealing the show. Seussical is a whimsical and vibrant mashup of classic, favorite Dr. Seuss tales. This show was created by the magical Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, it first hit Broadway with its vibrant colors on Broadway in 2000. It blends Horton's jungle adventures with whoville chaos, circus

"Look out! Look out! Look out!" for Sterling High School's captivating and blood-thirsty production of Little Shop of Horrors! This past weekend audiences were transported to Skid Row in a memorable production sure to leave you with one thought in mind: Don't feed the plants!

There was "No Bad News" to bring after seeing Pennsauken High School's funky 70's-esque rendition of The Wiz! Based on L. Frank Baum's...

The buzzer is about to sound on the scoreboard while the math team is feverishly finishing the equation, but wait...theatre callbacks are...