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 (234/0)
Upcoming Broadway Season.
Robert M. Massimi. What will the fall bring to Broadway? After a disastrously bad 2022 fall, Broadway came out with some pretty good shows. "Some Like it Hot" was excellent and "Shucked" surprised everyone! "Bad Cinderella", "1776" and "Once Upon A One More Time" were awful and as such, closed early (1776 remained due to subscriptions). Another huge surprise was "Kimberly Akimbo"; winning the Tony was a big shot in the arm for this very good musical. "Sweeney Todd" too was a big upside surprise as was "A Beautiful Noise", the Neil Diamond musical.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).9 months ago in Geeks
Once Upon A One More Time.
Robert M. Massimi. Well, I lost that bet! I predicted that "Once Upon A One More Time" would outlast "Bad Cinderella" and &Juliet". Turns out &Juliet is the last show standing! In my review about "Once Upon" I stated that the lead actors were strong, the plot weak, the costumes absurd and the sets and lighting were good. I said that the music would carry the weak, woke plot. I was wrong. This show is set to close on September 3erd; a very fast closing date.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).9 months ago in Geeks
Grass Roots and Herman's Hermits in Concert.
Until his death in 2011, band member Rob Grill chose replacement band members who would carry on the band's sound for years to come. Since that time, "The Grass Roots" play 100 shows a year throughout the country. Originally from the Los Angeles California area, the band was known for their Folk Rock, pop, pop rock and sunshine pop (arguably, some would even put them in the psychedelic pop category as well).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).10 months ago in Beat
The Doobie Brothers at The State Theater.
Last night at the beautiful State Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Doobie Brothers exemplified why they are now Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. Tight all evening, the performance was magnified with the excellent saxophonist, Marc Russo and the expert piano and singing of Michael McDonald.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).11 months ago in Beat
Austen's Pride and Diary of A Madman.
In a one night performance of this wonderful rendition of "Jane Austen" called "Austen's Pride" at the beautiful Carnegie Hall, it was filled with great stars both on stage and in the audience. The story for the most part remained the same, however, set to an orchestral backdrop, the actors sang and acted with script in hand. Directed magnificently by Igor Goldin, the story-line and actors, for the most part, moved graciously about the stage. The first act at one and a half hours was a tad to long, but its rapid fire second act at fifty minutes more than made up for it.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).11 months ago in Art
Natalie Merchant.
Natalie Merchant was born in Jamestown, N.Y to Italian parents (real name Mercante before it was anglicized). When she was a child, her mother listened to music and encouraged her and her siblings to study music. As the years went on, she went with her mother to both classical and rock concerts. Her mother later married a jazz musician and as a result, that was the music she became to love the best.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).11 months ago in Art
In Corpo Theater Review.
"In Corpo" at the old Beckett Theatre, now called Theatre Four is a musical that would have been better if it was a play instead. Writers Ben Beckley and Nate Weida try to capture the spirit of Bradbury, Kafka, Orwell and even Gogol. When I read the bio of this musical I thought it sounded interesting. They don't do shows like this on either Broadway nor off Broadway. The reason I think that they do not is because it is difficult to produce shows like this. For one, it is difficult to keep the audiences attention because you need to pay attention to the words being said. The other is that if it's not done well, it will have very little appeal to the general audience.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).11 months ago in Beat
Three Dog Night
Starting out in Los Angeles California, Three Dog Night is considered to be one of the real great pop bands. Starting at Whiskey A Go-Go, Three Dog Night hit it big with the song "One". The band, which started in 1967 with three original members (only one remains in the band today), had many hits and has an album coming out later this year.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).11 months ago in Beat
Joan Jett/Bryan Adams Concert.
Back in 2018 I saw Joan Jett at PNC in Holmdel, NJ. She played with Tesla and Styx where her voice struggled. Last night, however, Joan Jett was on her game; energetic and tight, the band entertained a packed, sold out crowd in a close to three and a half hours.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).12 months ago in Beat
Bernarda's Daughters.
"Bernarda's Daughters" at The Romulus Linney Theatre is based off of Lorca's "House of Bernarda". The stories premise is based on a family of girls living in a Flatbush apartment (somehow is owned by them). The five sisters are mourning the passing of their father (a big womanizer and deadbeat).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).12 months ago in Beat
Camelot.
In "Camelot" at Lincoln Center we get a modern rendition of a classic musical. Once it starred Robert Goulie, Julie Andrews and Venessa Redgrave; it is considered a powerful musical by historical standards. When people talk about great musicals from yesteryear, they talk "South Pacific", "Brigadoon", "My Fair Lady" and it goes on and on. "Camelot" too is in many of those conversations.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Education