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 (318)
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All American Sex Addict.
"All American Sex Addict/Woke AF" at The Sargent Theatre of Actors is unique play. The real positive about this play is the even level of actors in this show; no one stands above the other in any noticeable way. In many off off Broadway shows one or two actors are leaps and bounds above the rest of the cast, but not here:the blend and workmanship is pretty consistent throughout the 80 minutes due to nice direction by Phoebe Leonard- Dettmann. While the female actors put forth a better performance than the male actors, the plot of the story keeps the audience locked in and we never really see any weak links.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Dreamgirls
"Dreamgirls" at the bucolic McCarter Theatre on the grounds of Princeton University is as good here as when I saw it back in 1982 on Broadway! The story and songs remain the same, however with a deft staging (stage and lighting cut between glam and jazzy sheik).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Water For Elephants.
"Water For Elephants" at the Imperial Theatre will enjoy what I think will be a long run on Broadway. Like "Music Man" and "Back to The Future", this wonderful musical will appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life. The music and lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. are not overly memorable, the choreography by Jesse Robb is simple and plain, however, the acting, the book by Rick Elice the direction by Jessica Stone and the circus design and acrobatics by Shana Carroll (Cirque du Soleil's Crystal) are outstanding.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
The Notebook
"The Notebook" is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The 2004 movie was directed by Nick Cassavetes, from a screenplay by Jeremy Leven and Jan Sardi. In its current Broadway production, the book is by Bekah Brunstetter and the music and lyrics is by Ingrid Michaelson.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Doubt. Theater Review.
"Doubt" originally played at the Manhattan Theatre Club before transferring to the Walter Kerr Theatre in 2005. The play won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as the Tony Award for Best Play. In 2008, "Doubt was made into a movie that starred Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. The original play would star Brian F. O'Byrne and Cherry Jones.This parable takes place in 1964, in the Bronx at a Catholic grade school where most of the students are Italian and Irish. Writer John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck) brings forth what Catholic School was like back in the 60's... the regiment, the rules and its codes.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Beat
The Fantasticks
The Bergen County Players version of the longest running musical is as simple as the one that I saw back in the late 80's at The Sullivan Street Playhouse in The West Village. With limited staging, Director Ray Yucis is able to move his talented cast about the stage with ease.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Seven Year Disappear.
"The Seven Year Disappear" is a non linear, performance art play that deals with a mother, Miriam (Cynthia Nixon) and her son, business partner (Taylor Trensch). Nixon is a famous artist who has left her son Naphtali for seven years only to return leaving him confused. The illusion of Bi-Polar disorder surfaces as both mother and son struggle with mental disorders and substance abuse. Writer Jordan Seavey has created a body of work in which the audience decides what the play is really about... the journey here is the thing; and quite a journey it is!
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
King Lear.
Robert M. Massimi. Many of the New York City more noteworthy theater companies have been around for a long time and Frog & Peach is one of them. The company was based out of The Sheen for many years and now puts on many of their plays at Theatre at St. Clements on West 46th St.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Dionne Warwick.
Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Dionne Warwick would sing for her church every Sunday ( Sound familiar? ). Warwick established fame at an early age. In 1962, she was discovered by Burt Bacharach and Hal David gaining her first hit "Don't Make Me Over". Within the decade she had 18 consecutive Top 100 Singles.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Beat
Netflix "Lover, Stalker, Killer"
In watching the Netflix "Lover, Stalker, Killer" it is one of those gems that has a ton of twists and turns. The stories plot is about a mechanic that recently gets divorced and tries to find relationships on a dating site. Just coming out of a marriage he tells the woman up front that he doesn't want a serious commitment.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Criminal
NY Philharmonic.
The New York Philharmonic over the years has changed and it keeps experimenting and changing. In the late 90's and well into the 2000's, I was a season ticket holder. The Phil at that time was experimenting with traditional pieces in the first act with new, more contemporary pieces for the second act. As a more traditionalist it led to me giving some Julliard student waiting outside hoping to get in to see the performance receiving two really good tickets!
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
