All stories by Leo Buck on BroadwayStars

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Friday, February 24, 2023

OMP=Okay! “Oh, What A Beautiful Production” Is One More Productions’ Bright, Golden & Melodious “Oklahoma”! by Leo Buck

Director Lorton has stayed true to the tone and the times the show is set in, while still shaking things up with just the right touch—he and his cast aren’t just ‘performing’ “Okla…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 07:26PM
Tuesday, January 24, 2023

America The ‘Mutable’:  The Kentwood Players’ “All My Sons” Examines Paternity, Patriotism, Perfidy and Profiteering In Post WW II Suburbia by Leo Buck

Exploring the age-old capitalistic conundrum of placing “profit over people”, plays and performances like these don’t come any more captivating than those now offered at “The Westche…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 08:10PM
Friday, December 2, 2022

Extra! Extra! Hey, Look At The Headlines: Sure As A Star, One More Productions’ “Gypsy” Let’s ‘Em Entertain You With Some Vintage Vaudevilli by Leo Buck

To see this particular show at this landmark theater, (which itself is said to have been a real burlesque theater 'back in the day') gives the production an added resonance and vivacity. To …

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 05:00AM
Thursday, October 20, 2022

Number One In Laughs: Yer In For A Whiz Of A Show With “The Long Beach Playhouse’s” Gleefully ‘Piss-chievous’ & Always ‘A-Pee-Ling’ by Leo Buck

A musical farce that practically redefines the terms ‘Hilarious’ and ‘Outrageous’, with this, their latest, the bunch over at “The Long Beach Playhouse” have seen to it that thei…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 07:53PM
Thursday, October 6, 2022

A Heart ‘Felt’ Musical: One More Productions Fabricates An Uproarious Stroll Down Life’s Boulevard Of Broken Dreams With “Avenue Q” by Leo Buck

Although emphatically for more ‘sophisticated’ theater-lovers who can appreciate outlandish no-holds-barred comedy, “OMP’s” “Avenue Q” will restore your faith in real Honest-To…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Experience Some ‘Transylvania Mania’: “The La Mirada Theatre” Scares Up A Monstrously Entertaining Regional Premiere Of London’s Revised “ by Leo Buck

A bona-fide laugh-fest, this new rendering puts the comedy and absurdity first and foremost, so anyone who thinks they know what’s in store should take heed: Prepare for an utterly new the…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 07:00AM
Thursday, August 11, 2022

‘Disco’-ver Their ‘Strange Magic’: The Laguna Playhouse’s Latest Is A Mix of Music, Mythology, A-Muse-Ment (& Roller-Skates)--They Call It � by Leo Buck

With so much charm and humor what more could you ask for? Beane’s script is overflowing with shrewd little ‘inside’ jokes and asides, so if you have seen the original celluloid renderi…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:27PM
Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Have The Time Of Your Strife: The Chance Theater’s“Green Day’s American Idiot” Is An A-Plus Odyssey Of Adolescent Angst Across The U.S. of A-l by Leo Buck

Inasmuch as this winner of two “Tony Awards” isn’t exactly what you’d call your typical “Feel Good” musical, (many of its elements and the veracities they express can, at times, …

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 12:17PM
Thursday, July 14, 2022

‘A Lovely Night’ At The Theater: The Morgan-Wixson Theatre’s New Production Of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Is ‘Impossible’ Not To L by Leo Buck

(We seem to have disconnected) Here is my latest review of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" at "The Morgan Wixson Theatre" in Santa Monica CA.) (It hasn't appeared in my feed yet._

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 10:10PM
Wednesday, July 6, 2022

A Show Worth ‘Toon-ing’ Into: One More Productions’ “The Sponge Bob Musical” Is An Over-The-Top/Under-The-Sea Fountain Of Fun For Everyone! by Leo Buck

"One More Productions" has taken on their boldest (—and certainly among their most vibrant and imaginative--) project in their esteemed 18-year history. Indeed, talk about a fun show for a…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 05:20PM
Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Oh, What Heights They Hit: Relationships, Resiliency And Rap Music Are Spot-Lighted In “The La Mirada Theatre’s” Muy Magnificente “In The Heig by Leo Buck

Overflowing with contemporary music and contemporary dance-club cavorting, all performed by an enthusiastic company of triple-threat performing artists, “La Mirada’s” “In The Heights…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 03:15PM
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Sing Out The News! 3-D Theatricals “Newsies” Is A Banner-Headline Worthy Return In Cerritos, California! by Leo Buck

Theater is at its finest when it’s also a celebration of some kind—whether it be life, romance, joy--or even of just theater itself; such is the case with all of them to be abundantly fo…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 07:00AM
Thursday, April 28, 2022

They KNOW The Notes To Sing: The ‘Thrills’ Are Alive At “The La Mirada Theatre” With Their ‘Do-Re-Me-lodious’ New Staging Of “The Sound by Leo Buck

Rodgers and Hammerstein have assembled one of their most celebrated scores, deftly causing this, their final collaboration, to be one of those rare shows where its one recognizable--even tim…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Thursday, March 31, 2022

Worth Beating A ‘Path’ To The Theater Door: The Brickhouse Theater’s “The Path To Catherine” Is A “Great” World Premiere Of A Hip, ‘He by Leo Buck

Like a big, buoyant ‘World History’ lesson set to music, this ranks as “Must See” viewing for students and History enthusiasts of all ages!! (Think of it as one of those rare theatri…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Thursday, March 10, 2022

Happy Now And Happy Hence & Happy Ever After? Rights And Wrongs And In Betweens Are Explored In One More Productions’ Hauntingly Magical Musical by Leo Buck

Director Lorton’s version of this newest season opener breathes new life and vibrancy into the fairy tales (and a musical) you thought you knew. It’s more than just ‘wishful thinking�…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Isn’t It Rich? Isn’t It Queer? Fidelity Can Be A Real ‘Drag’ As Hollywood’s “Greenway Court Theatre” Explores The Levity Of Love, Lust & by Leo Buck

Ideal for those theatergoers who prefer more non-traditional retellings of classic musicals and shows...in the final analysis (and despite any passing distractions or quirks in casting,) thi…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 05:00AM
Wednesday, December 1, 2021

A Real Jewel Of A Way To Ring In The Holiday Season: One More Productions Keeps The Merry Bells Ringing With Their Happiest Edition Of “The Holiday by Leo Buck

“One More Production’s” goal was to create, on the live, in-person stage, the kind of big, buoyant Christmas special, which back in the 1960’s and 70’s, peppered the network airwav…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 08:00PM
Thursday, November 4, 2021

Here They Go Again: “La Mirada Theatre’s” ‘Dancin’ Queen’ Of All Musicals, “Mamma Mia” Reminds So Cal Audiences “Just How Much We’ by Leo Buck

Dawson and Solimando have seen to it that the harmonic happenings are given a brighter, fresher, and newer “look” with even higher spirits and a multitude of feel-good sensations that ar…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:30AM
Thursday, October 7, 2021

Color Of Impressed: Matters Of The Heart Are Never Just Skin Deep In “The Chance Theater’s” Heart-Wrenching Orange County Premiere Of “Yellowm by Leo Buck

Questions that linger long beyond the house lights coming up prove the power the story and characters have had on us...such is the strength of Ms. Orlandersmith’s storytelling, and Ms. Hil…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:30AM
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Let The Games Begin—Again: Mc Coy-Rigby Entertainment Proves Re-Opening Can Be ‘Murder’ With Their Hilariously Hair-Raising West Coast Premiere by Leo Buck

Rightly hailed as the “ultimate whodunit that will leave you ‘dying’ of laughter”, the story is at its most humorous when it references—or even mocks--its source material; Infused …

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Thursday, September 16, 2021

OOOH! SIGH! Give ’Em Your Attention: “One More Productions” ‘Singularly Sensational’ “A Chorus Line” Is Uncommonly Rare, Very Unique–A by Leo Buck

Both the direction and choreography combine to furnish this production with plenty of pleasant surprises where you least expect them. In fact, Director Lorton has accomplished the enviable f…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Back–And On The Cutting ‘Edge’: Anaheim California’s “Chance Theater” Holds On Fast, Holds On Tight–And Prevails With The O.C. Premiere by Leo Buck

Pasek and Paul’s lyrics exude pithy sentiments and fathom-deep emotional truths, and through them many basic (and often hard) realities are outlined and articulated. These are songs that a…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:14PM
Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The Show DOES Go On: Boy Howdy! LIVE Theater Stages A Rollicking Comeback In So Cal As “One More Productions” Returns With “Always…Patsy Cline by Leo Buck

The poster looming outside the box-office reads: “The Legend Returns”, and there couldn’t be a better way to describe the feat that "One More Productions" has accomplished with the ope…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 02:30AM
Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Love Is Still A Popular Suggestion: VAI Music’s “One Touch Of Venus” Is One Touch Of Rediscovered Fabulousness! by Leo Buck

“One Touch Of Venus” ranks as a sure-fire spirit-lifter for such ‘challenging’ times of late. Even now this remains one of those productions that’s well-worth revisiting--or if you…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 04:43PM
Thursday, March 5, 2020

They’ve Got The Hit Right Here: One More Productions’ “Guys And Dolls” ‘Wins, Places, Shows’—And Pays Off Big In ‘High Stakes’ Enter by Leo Buck

Director Lorton has demonstrated ample times previously that he definitely knows this era and this understanding benefits this production especially well, preparing him to incorporate small-…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 04:40PM
Friday, February 14, 2020

Caption: An OUT-standing Musical! The Chance Theater In Anaheim CA. Beckons Audiences To ‘Come Out’ And See Their “Fun Home” by Leo Buck

At turns haunting, enthralling, humorous, devastating---and well deserving of every award it has earned; love it or hate it, respect or reject it’s compelling message, this is some powerfu…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:18PM
Monday, February 3, 2020

Praises Well Worth Singing: L.A. Premiere Of Del Shores’ “This Side Of Crazy” Is A Madly Entertaining New Dramedy! by Leo Buck

Uproariously funny, devastatingly authentic, and resolutely moving--practically beyond words, this latest chapter in the 'Gospel according to Shores' is a spot-on, slice-of-life ‘dramedy�…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:45PM
Friday, December 6, 2019

Ever A Surprise: One More Productions Presents ‘Mystery, Romance—And A Happy Ending’ With Disney’s Enchanting “Beauty And The Beast” by Leo Buck

This production benefits magnificently from the understanding that less is often more—relying less on special effects or stage gimmicks and more on stellar performances, always with an eye…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 06:00AM
Saturday, November 9, 2019

There’s No TV Like “Golden” TV: V.A.I. Music’s Very ‘Mary’ DVD Release Of “Annie Get Your Gun” ‘Raitt’s” A Real ‘Live’ Winn by Leo Buck

Ms. Martin and Mr. Raitt’s talents match one another’s flawlessly, helping to make this a “Must See” for fans and aficionados of either (or both) of them; of rare television antiquit…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 02:28PM
Friday, October 25, 2019

Simply Simon: The “Open Fist Theatre Company’s” Debut Of “Musical Fools” Is The No Nonsense ‘Neil’ Deal! by Leo Buck

If you’re in the market for a good, old fashioned. “Forget your troubles” kind of musical you've hit the jackpot here—so what if it all adds up to lunacy, it’s lovable lunacy! Up i…

SOURCE: buckingtrends.me at 08:00AM

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