Neal Zoren, The Delaware County Daily Times Journalist Profile

Articles

Zoren: For new streaming shows, 2 thumbs-ups and a just a so-so

4 days ago | delcotimes.com | Neal Zoren

It was a week of sampling. The spring has arrived with new shows that piqued my interest, I chose three of them to get an impression. Two I’ll watch again, one out of respect for some good elements that have not gone beyond admirable and bring satisfaction and promise and one because I am eager to go past the sample and see how it plays out. The third show, though entertaining in its way, may get a second look, but it’s doubtful.
Zoren: Enjoy Maggie Darlington and ‘Riverdance’ this weekend at the Miller

1 week ago | dailylocal.com | Neal Zoren

Competition, first with her older sisters, then with fellow contestants with international Irish dancing events, led to Maggie Darlington being one who broke through the ensemble nature of the “Riverdance” troupe to become one of its recognized and bona fide stars. Starting in 2014, with some breaks in between, Darlington has been with “Riverdance” for […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: April 14, 2025 at 6:48 AM EDT
Zoren: Enjoy Maggie Darlington and ‘Riverdance’ this weekend at the Miller

1 week ago | delcotimes.com | Neal Zoren

Competition, first with her older sisters, then with fellow contestants with international Irish dancing events, led to Maggie Darlington being one who broke through the ensemble nature of the “Riverdance” troupe to become one of its recognized and bona fide stars. Starting in 2014, with some breaks in between, Darlington has been with “Riverdance” for almost half of the popular show’s 30 seasons, themselves begun as part of a competition.
Zoren: Neal dishes on Peacock’s ‘Long Bright River,’ set in Kensington

2 weeks ago | dailylocal.com | Neal Zoren

Plus, here's what the WIP radio personalities are up to, and a glowing review of 'Dreamgirls' at the Walnut
Zoren: Neal dishes on Peacock’s ‘Long Bright River,’ set in Kensington

2 weeks ago | delcotimes.com | Neal Zoren

“Long Bright River” somewhat mitigates my tendency to dislike television programs that are set in Philadelphia. It hasn’t quite made the dent in my custom that “Mare of Easttown” did, but it kept me watching from episode to episode, something “Abbott Elementary” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” couldn’t manage twice.
Bristol Riverside Theatre Review: ‘In the Heights’

3 weeks ago | communitynews.org | Neal Zoren

A riddle: How was the opening night of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” at Bristol Riverside Theatre reminiscent of a football game? The answer: The first act was unfocused, with impressive movement but loose storytelling, no obvious place to look, uneven acting, and wretched sound design that drowned out lyrics and dialogue, the fuzzy lyrics being a major factor considering Miranda writes in a fast hip-hop that requires clear comprehension for his musical to take hold.
Zoren: Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ a television drama of the highest order

3 weeks ago | delcotimes.com | Neal Zoren

“Adolescence,” a four-part series on Netflix has been controversial among some commentators because one of the things it explores is masculinity. The show does delve into one 13-year-old boy’s attitude toward women. That’s because the boy committed the murder of a female schoolmate, something that is pretty much known from the beginning of the series created and written by Jack Thorne and one of the show’s co-stars, Stephen Graham. The boy is questioned about his attitude towards women.
George Street Playhouse Review: ‘King James’

4 weeks ago | communitynews.org | Neal Zoren

Rajiv Joseph’s new play, “King James,” at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse through Sunday, April 6, holds so many aces, from excellent acting to sporadically stirring scenes, from sharp insights to a quick-flowing script, it’s painful to say it never coalesces into a full and finished work.
Boheme Opera Review: ‘Il Trovatore’

4 weeks ago | communitynews.org | Neal Zoren

Giuseppe Verdi is the perfect composer for Boheme Opera NJ. “Il Trovatore” might be the perfect Verdi opera for the company. That’s because music is Boheme’s primary focus. Acting in Boheme’s “Il Trovatore” was basic. Alison Bolshoi pulled out some stops as the emotional Azucena, and John Sun Park displayed passion and heartbreak as Manrico, but in general, the dramatic performances fulfilled the minimal needs of the show. The singing? That’s a different story.
McCarter Theatre Review: ‘Legacy of Light’

4 weeks ago | communitynews.org | Neal Zoren

Karen Zacarías has a busy mind. Perhaps too busy, or too filled with ideas and conceits to slow down and make her thoughts more bite-sized. Or more clearly parallel.