Still More Theater Saturday - The Mall, The Mall, The Mall and Bigfoot!

We received complimentary tickets to The Mall, The Mall, The Mall for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

 What: The Mall, The Mall, The Mall

Where: The Tank

             312 W. 36th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Age 13 and Up

When: Through March 22, 2026

When the mall is taken over by Zombies, it's up to teenage best friends Viv, Naomi, and Charlie to defeat them and save the day in this comedic horror story. It's more lighthearted and fun than scary, but still inappropriate for young children. While the explaination for the zombie infestation is less than satisfying, the plot does have some important things to say about loyalty and friendship. 

Ellena Eshragi is a force to be reckoned with as the overbearing Naomi. Mahayla Laurence and Trent Williams' portrayals of her best friends are touchingly sweet. The latter is like a big, goofy teddy bear. Mia Wurgatt and Mikey Fiocco are, in turns, funny and fierce and sometimes both at the same time in the roles of the zombies and others. Wurgatt particularly chews up the scenery with sly looks and knowing smiles. 

The show highlights the pervasive consumerism in our society in an amusing way. It also both pokes fun at and celebrates zealous fandom. All in all, it is a fun show, but it would be better if the catalyst for the plot were more substantial and satisfying.

And that's our view. For more about The Mall, The Mall, The Mall or to purchase tickets, visit https://thetanknyc.org/spring26

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We received complimentary tickets to Bigfoot! for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Bigfoot!

Where: New York City Center, Stage 1

             131 W. 55th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through April 26, 2026

The new musical Bigfoot! is extremely over the top, but it is also loads of fun and extremely bighearted. It teaches important lessons about rejecting greed and prejudice, and promoting altruism and acceptance of others despite their differences. The title character, as played by Grey Henson, personifies this message. He may look like a big, hairy, scary monster, but he's really a sweet, gigantic goofball at heart who wouldn't hurt a fly and only wants to help people. Henson is absolutely a delight in the role, equal parts amusing and lovable.

Most, if not all, of the rest of the cast members play numerous roles. Every role is extremely well played and very funny. Plus, as a bonus, if you missed Jason Tam in A Chorus Line, you have the opportunity to see him show off a little bit of his classical dancing skills here. 

While much of the music sounds lighthearted, joyous, and playful, there are some significant messages at the core of these songs. There are also a few heartfelt ballads, which are equally as meaningful.  Although some of the lyrics (and some of the dialogue) can be a bit cringeworthy at times, the songs are mostly pleasant and enjoyable to listen to. The opening number, "Muddirt," is a real earworm.  

All in all, if you are looking for an antidote to the dog-eat-dog politics of the everyday world, this show is a great choice. 

And that's our view. For more about Bigfoot! or to purchase tickets, visit bigfootthemusical.com.

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All The Mall, The Mall, The Mall production photos by HanJie Chow

All Bigfoot! production photos by Marc J. Franklin

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

Theater Thursday - A Doll's House and Starstruck

We received complimentary tickets to A Doll's House for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: A Doll's House

Where: Two River Theater

             21 Bridge Ave.

             Red Bank, NJ

Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up

When: Through March 15, 2026

Two River Theater's current production of Ibsen's classic A Doll's House is still the same familiar story told with mostly the same familiar lines. However, the time and place are now 1950s New Jersey, and the characters are now an African American family. This adds an additional element to the story as Nora is not only a woman now, but she is a Black woman who has forged her White father's signature. Cara Ricketts really shines in the role. Her transition from a flighty, obsequious wife to a woman forced to take charge of her own destiny is instantaneous and gut-wrenching. You can feel the disappointment and sadness in every fiber of her being, and your heart breaks for her. 

Although even the 1950s were 7 decades ago, the show still resonates. In fact, it may be even more relevant than ever, as some would eagerly have women (and others) give up the rights and autonomy that they have earned since the play was originally produced. Many more women could suffer Nora's heartbreak and worse if we aren't careful and vigilant.

And that's our view. For more about A Doll's House or to purchase tickets, visit tworivertheater.org/whats-on/a-dolls-house

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We received complimentary tickets to Starstruck for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Starstruck

Where: Bucks County Playhouse 

             70 Main St.

             New Hope, PA

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up 

When: Through March 21. 2026

Starstruck is a joyous new take on Cyrano De Bergerac. In this ultra-modern update, Cyd is a park ranger and astronomer who aims to get her Utah town recognized as the United States first International Dark Sky Reserve, an area with reduced light pollution to protect and maintain naturally dark skies.  Her rival for the affections of the beautiful Roxanne is a man. Roxanne is more self-sufficient and much less of an idealist than in the original story, although she is a sucker for beautiful words. Cyrano is not impeded by the physicality of a large nose but by the emotional scars of being abandoned at an early age. 

The show is populated by delightfully quirky characters including Cyd and Roxanne. The relationships between the characters are full of warmth. caring and touching found family vibes. The effervescent score by Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls is equal parts humorous and heartfelt. It consists of a mix of completely original songs and songs made famous by the duo. The second act opener, the Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine," is a particular crowdpleaser.  If you are looking for a show that is a perfect blend of something familiar and something completely new, you can't go wrong with this show.

And that's our view. For more about Starstruck or to purchase tickets, visit bcptheater.org/shows/starstruck. 

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

 Photo credits:

All A Doll's House production photos by T. Charles Erickson    

All Starstruck production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Stirring the Melting Pot

We received complimentary tickets to the New York Historical for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Stirring the Melting Pot

Where: New York Historical

             170 Central Park W.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through March 29, 2026

The current exhibition at the New York Historical, Stirring the Melting Pot, features a collection of objects and photographs from the museum's collection that capture the immigrant experience in America. The exhibit covers all aspects of life, including work, school, religion, and more.  

There is also a special section of the exhibit devoted to the General Solcum disaster. This event occurred in 1904 when a passenger steamboat caught fire and sank. 1, 201 of the 1,3,42 passengers aboard were killed. The exhibit specifically traces the tragedy's effect on one family.

For more about Stirring the Melting Pot or to purchase tickets to visit the museum, go to www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/stirring-the-melting-pot-photographs-from-the-new-york-historical-collection

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.