News - Pit & Balcony Theatre

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.

June 21, 2019 | Todd Thomas

Michael Bartlett’s play, generally referred to as “The Cockfight Play” since the actual title is not as family or print friendly (think one syllable instead of four) presents a number of challenges in every aspect of production. It is the perfect kind of show for an “After Dark” series and represents the value of having a slot in the season where edgy shows can be produced. Pit & Balcony took a risk with this choice and after attending opening night, I believe their risk paid off.

May 11, 2019 | Jessica McFarland

It Shoulda Been You wasn’t the showiest musical when it debuted on Broadway in 2015, so you’re forgiven if you haven’t heard of it. Pit and Balcony is dedicated to delivering fresh and contemporary shows as well as regional debuts, and they should be commended for that. Written by Brian Hargrove and Barbara Anselmi, this delightful little musical is equal parts farce and romantic comedy, paying homage to the classics while maintaining a thoroughly modern edge. It’s a tough line to walk, and it is mostly successful.

May 12, 2019 | Dr. Jeff List

A theatre wedding never goes as planned. Never. Something always shakes things up. Always. The question is “who,” “what,” and “how.” I’m not going to give much away in this review because Pit & Balcony’s production of It Shoulda Been You, with book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove and music and concept by Barbara Anselmi, gives audience members everything they need for a good night at the theatre. Catchy musical numbers. Endearing characters. A compelling story. And a lot of laughs.

March 16, 2019 | David Rzeszutek

When push comes to shove, how much is too much? If first place in a Sales competition got you a Cadillac, second place got you a set of steak knives, and third place got you fired - in a tough economy, you’d do whatever is necessary to come out on top: you’d lie, you’d cheat, you’d do anything you could to obey the office mantra: ABC - “Always Be Closing”. Why not? It’s the early 1980s, the recession, and you work in the cutthroat business of real estate sales.