Author Archives: jcarpen

November 30, 2019 | Jessica McFarland In a not-too-distant future, people live in planned communities where secrets must be confessed, differences must not be pointed out, and choices are forbidden. Jonas (Nick Pellegrino IV) is on the cusp of turning twelve and getting his typical job assignment for the rest of his pleasant, black and white life, until he is told that he has been given a rare and honored position as the Receiver of Memory. He meets his teacher, […]

October 10, 2019 | Todd Thomas Collaborations of any kind are challenging. Each of these area theatres has their own resources, processes and cultures and you can imagine the kind of train wreck a huge production like this could have been. Managing Director of Pit & Balcony, Amy Spadafore, Director of Theatre Programs at Midland Center for the Arts, Dexter Brigham, and Operations Manager for Bay City Players, Kathy Pawlowski, were clearly the right people to produce this show. As […]

September 21, 2019 | Todd Thomas When I saw Mamma Mia, I was seated in front of a group of sequin-clad women who had clearly pre-gamed the show, and were having a joyous time at the ABBA jukebox musical. When you see Mamma Mia! (and you really should), don’t expect the weightiness of “Hamilton,” or the societal messages of “Rent” or the brutal satire of “Book of Mormon.” In fact, don’t expect a very believable story line. But believe the […]

September 29, 2019 | Dr. Jeff List I know I’m a little late to the game when it comes to seeing Mamma Mia! at the Midland Center For The Arts, in collaboration with Bay City Players and Pit & Balcony But I’m glad I made it.. This show feels like a celebration, and is so much fun. The elements – acting, lights, costumes, and the music – work together so expertly, and I’d like to share a few of the […]

June 21, 2019 | David Rzeszutek The Cockfight Play by English playwright Mike Bartlett is the current offering from Pit and Balcony Theatre’s “After Dark” series. The play was originally named after a one syllable slang term for a man’s genitalia, but with print issues in family friendly newspapers, The Cockfight Play is often used as the title instead for advertising and review. This play revolves around the character Johna who has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend. […]