Robert M Massimi.
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 12 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows
Stories (176/0)
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. 2 days 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. 8 days ago in Education
The Goodbye Girl
Robert Massimi The Goodbye Girl J2 Productions. Robert Massimi. Like "Woman of The Year", "The Goodbye Girl" only played once in New York City until this week. J2 Productions has put forth a winner of a production with a great cast, wonderful choreography and superb direction. Originally played in 1972 at The Marques Theatre, "The Goodbye Girl" has enjoyed accolades as a movie and a Broadway musical. Written by Neil Simon with lyrics by David Zippel and music by Marvin Hamlisch, it is an entertaining evening of theater. With Sierra Boggess and Dan De Luca at the leads it goes to say that this is a big time off Broadway musical. Both Boggess( School of Rock, Master Class) and De Luca (Nutty Professor) were standouts in their singing, dancing as well as acting. Songs like "No More", "My Rules...", "I Think I can Play This Part", "What A Guy" are true treats. In a small theater and an even smaller stage, Joshua Warner makes the most of a very imaginative set. Davis Zippel and Robert W. Schneider too make the most of this small staging. The direction is deft and crisp; whether in the dancing or the acting, the players move about the stage with such ease. Ethan Steimel uses both glam lighting as well as romantic lighting to give this musical a solid backing. The costumes as well back this show in that Thomas J.C. Gluodenis captures the time era well. The leggings, the slacks, the style of dress are captured here throughout the two hour performance. While the children in this production are good, Christopher Sieber, Sierra Boggess and Dan De Luca stand out in this production. The one thing most noticeable among all the actors is the "business" that they give. This falls under great direction and acting. Even the young actors capture the "business" well. J2, I believe, is the best off Broadway company in New York City today! Always consistent, always bringing great musicals with some great acting, always! As their 2023 season ends next week here in Manhattan, we wait for 2024 to see more
By Robert M Massimi. 22 days ago in Education
Two Reviews. The Sign In Sidney Brustein's Window
"The Sign In Sidney Brustein's Window" at the former Cort Theatre, now the James Earl Jones Theatre deals with a married couple that live in the West Village in New York City. Sidney has closed closed his fold nightclub and is taking over a weekly newspaper called "The Village Cryer". He doesn't want it to be political and here lies the problem that is twofold.
By Robert M Massimi. 29 days ago in Humans
John Fogerty in Concert
John Fogerty at Radio City was one of the best concerts that I have ever been to. With his brother Tom, Doug Clifford and Stu Cook, John Fogerty formrd the formidable Creedence Clearwater Revival. In CCR, John was the lead gutarist, singer and principal songwriter. Between 1968 and 1972, CCR had nine top ten singles and eight gold albums. In 1993 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
By Robert M Massimi. about a month ago in Geeks
NY, NY and Shucked
Shucked" is probably the funniest musical on Broadway right now. Based on the book by Robert Horn, the play takes place in the Nebraska corn field where the corn on the farm of Maizy (Caroline Innerbichler) is dying. She sets out for Tampa, Florida of all places to find the answers to her questions. She lands upon a fake podiatrist who after finding out precious rocks are on the farmland says he can help her with her problem.
By Robert M Massimi. about a month ago in 01
NY Philharmonic
What was once The Avery Fisher Hall, now the Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and inside the Wu Tsai Theater, we get a more modern, better acoustic room. Gone are the tuxedos and gowns, the philharmonic's musicians are clad in black and grey. What was traditional last night was the music: Haydn's Piano Concerto in D major, Schubert's Symphony in B minor (unfinished) and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor,K. 466.
By Robert M Massimi. 2 months ago in Geeks
Woman of the Year.
"Woman of The Year" A refreshing old fashion musical. Robert Massimi. What Jim Jimirro consistently delivers is a quality production. J2 Spotlight comes to New York City every spring and gives us three quality, old fashion musicals. Set in Theater Two at Theater Row Theaters, your always in for a treat; not only are the stories well directed, but the singing and acting is first rate!
By Robert M Massimi. 2 months ago in Beat
Theater Reviews... Life of Pi and Dancin'
with permission of Evan Silverman. "Life of Pi" The Gentle Soul Within. By Robert Massimi. "Life of Pi" at the Schoenfeld Theatre brings two powerful things to this show, sensational projections and an incredible performance by lead actor Hiran Abeysekera (Pi). Playwright Lolita Chakrararti keeps the play for the most part steadfast to the novel by Yann Martel.It takes a while in the first act to pick up steam, but when it does, it is quite moving and in-depth.
By Robert M Massimi. 2 months ago in Beat
Bad Cinderella
Not since "Starlight Express" has Andrew Lloyd Webber written such a lackluster musical. The songs you hear throughout the musical "Bad Cinderella" at The Imperial Theatre go in one ear and out the other and are long forgotten even before the final curtain drops. Emerald Fennell's book is nothing to really get excited about either. The premise here is that we visit a town called Belleville where only the beautiful people live; Cinderella is considered bad because she is seen as ugly, and because she spray painted on Prince Charming s statue "beauty sucks". Wow. Deep!
By Robert M Massimi. 2 months ago in Beat
