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 (317)
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English
"English" at the Todd Haimes Theatre is a play that you will either like or not like. As a Broadway transfer, this 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama gives its message very subtly. In Sanaz Toossi's play, you get the plot, not straight away, but in the words undertones.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Critique
Miss Julie
August Strindberg has always been a different kind of writer; his plays have many underlying messages in his works. "Miss Julie" is no different. In this three character play we get a class difference. It is more of a class warfare, however, so subtle, Strindberg presents three very different people to portray his writing.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Critique
Works & Process
Works and Process put forth two shows at the Peter B. Lewis Theater: "Going Dark" and" AlgoRhythm". "Going Dark" blended music across Jazz, Brazilian, Soul and Funk. The numbers were based off of street life and the direction went towards just that; at times the actors were chatting one another on stage , at other times the talented musicians entertained the audience with cool, breakthrough tunes.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Beat
Gypsy
"Gypsy" is still in previews. This "Gypsy" at the Majestic Theatre is one you will either love or not like. For me, dating back to 1989 when Tyne Daly starred as Rose and onto Bernadette Peters in 2003 and Patti LuPone in 2008, the musical has vacillated as far as likeability. I did not really like Ms. Daly as Rose, Peters was much better in the role and Patti LuPone is by far the best of the class. Whereas LuPone belted out the songs, where she owned the role, Audra McDonald more dained in he efforts. LuPone was more believable than the current star in that she was Mama Rose!
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Critique
No Bull With Raging Robert.
"Fowl Play" at La MAMA is another tale by the Czechoslovak American Marionette Theatre. The theater groups "Havel" also played here at the Ellen Stewart Theatre last season. The theater group is reminiscent of the theater company Bread and Puppet, in that it brings farce and the absurd to the political forefront. Like Bread and puppet too, this company has many subplots within its stories.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Beat
Swept Away
"Swept Away" at the Longacre Theatre is a musical that can be put into "the boat" category. Like "The Life of Pi" and "The Shark is Broken", the staging is creative and interesting to look at. Written by John Logan and music by The Avett Brothers, the folksy musical is a much different kind of show than we are used to seeing on The Great White Way.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Art
Babe
The New Group has been an off Broadway favorite of mine for quite some time. Last season brought "Sabbaths Theatre" and starred the great John Turturro as Mickey Sabbath. The show was celebrated by audiences and critics alike, and while it had a limited run, many considered it one of the best in a jammed backed off Broadway season!
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Art
ELF
"Elf" at the Marquis Theatre is the best show on Broadway this season! Although the plot has varied a little from the movie, the laughs and thrills remain the same. What makes this show so great is the blend between the music, songs and the pace of the musical. "Elf" is never slow and the songs only enhance this raucous comedy. The musical entertains the adults and the children alike; it never favors one age group or the other.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Art
The Circle of Blood.
It takes all shapes and styles for a play. Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood at LA MAMA Downstairs is an interesting, nuanced kind of show. The play is based as much on video artistry as it is on the solo artist: Rafika Chawishe. Out of Ayos, the play can take place in pretty much anytime the earth has existed. As it is set in Greek times, the modern music and sound design (Manolis Manousakis) and video (Asteris Koutoulas) is earry at times; edgy and absorbing at other times.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).about a year ago in Beat
