Tulis McCall

1 week ago | thefrontrowcenter.com | Tulis McCall

In the late hours of last Friday evening, along with many of our colleagues from across the arts sector, MCC Theater was informed that our FY25 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts was abruptly terminated at the direction of the federal government.

1 week ago | thefrontrowcenter.com | Tulis McCall

By Tulis McCallI have no idea what this enormous production is.  Well, I know I saw a bunch of actors having a great time onstage.  They sing.  They D-A-N-C-E.  They leap tall buildings at a single bound.  Ships.  They leap sips.  To and from Ships.  Ramin Karimloo (Pirate King) is the point person for that, and he does not disappoint. I am not a Gilbert & Sullivan aficionado – and it might have helped if I were.

2 weeks ago | thefrontrowcenter.com | Tulis McCall

By Tulis McCall“Ceremonies In Dark Old Men” by Lonnie Elder III, is a long, beautifully constructed, old fashioned play.  The story is laid out with laser precision within the first few minutes.  The time is the early 1950’s.  The place is Harlem, specifically 126th Street between Lenox and Seventh.  We are in the barbershop of one Russell Parker (Norm Lewis) who, when we meet him, has not been doing much barbering for the past few years.

2 weeks ago | thefrontrowcenter.com | Tulis McCall

By Tulis McCallIt is a situation devoutly to be wished – to be saturated with artistic excellence everywhere you look for over two hours.  “Just In Time” – recently opened at Circle In The Square will do that to you.  From the moment you enter the theatre you are surrounded with glowing blue lighting, drapes and cocktail table scattered across the orchestra section.  This is Bobby Darin’s world and welcome to it.

3 weeks ago | thefrontrowcenter.com | Tulis McCall

By Tulis McCallIf Ryan J. Haddad‘s script for “Hold Me In The Water” were any more spare it would disappear.  As a mater of fact, this enchanting piece already does that.  This is a master class in turning story into magic. A sense of precision runs through this production from the tipity-top where Haddad emerges from out of nowhere to the final graceful denouement where he returns whence he came.  In between, Haddad holds us in the palm of his hand.