Brush up your Shakespeare and see KISS ME, KATE
MAGNA — Kiss Me, Kate is a classic Broadway show that follows the “play within a play” plotline. The story (by Samuel Spewack and Bella Spewack) revolves around a cast…
All aboard for laughs at ANYTHING GOES
MAGNA — If laughter is the best medicine, Cole Porter’s Anything Goes should be widely prescribed. Though the Empress Theatre’s production of the musical is anything but perfect, one thing…
A vibrant greeting to HELLO, DOLLY!
MAGNA — I’ve always laughed a little at the lyrics, “My heart is about to burst. My head is about to pop!” They’re expressing great excitement, obviously, but it creates…
Magna’s FOREVER PLAID delivers lots of nostalgia
MAGNA —I grew up in Payson, Utah—a decidedly small town. I hold many fond memories of nights spent with my family at the Payson Huish movie theater. I know we…
Empress pulls off THE MUSIC MAN without any trouble
MAGNA — Meredith Willson‘s The Music Man is one of the most beloved of all American musicals. I personally think it’s one of the top five greatest. It has been…
Oklahoma! is a Heap Better’n OK!
MAGNA — I hadn’t seen Oklahoma! in years and my two play-going companions, my husband and 15-year-old son, had never seen the live version, so it was a treat to…
Empress’ La Mancha is a dream
MAGNA — I think there are three great American musicals. They are, in no particular order: The Music Man, 1776 and Man of La Mancha. The last one may surprise…