Filichia Features: Musicals in Our Schools Week by Peter Filichia

All parents eventually get this question from their kids: "If there's a Mother's Day and a Father's Day, when's Children's Day?" Almost always, both parents immediately answer, "Every day." …

Better than Broadway: 'Seussical' in Netcong by Peter Filichia

Here, Perry Arthur Kroeger has meticulously made the stage greatly resemble those beloved Seuss picture books.

N.J. Stage: 'Travesties' is an English major's delight by Peter Filichia

A former government official reminisces about performing in an Oscar Wilde play. That starts him waxing rhapsodic about his encounters with Nikolai Lenin, James Joyce and Tristan Tzara, fath…

N.J. Stage notes: Third show this season for McGillin by Peter Filichia

Peter Filichia gives us the scoop on what's happening in the Garden State

'Twelve Angry Men': Marvelous 'Men' by Peter Filichia

The verdict is in, and 'Twelve Angry Men' is the revival of the season

All American: Once upon a Time, 50 Years Ago by Peter Filichia

By Peter Filichia -- Broadway overtures certainly let you know early on what The Expected Hit Ballad will be. Usually, after a rousing fanfare that previews The Most Stirring Songs, everyth…

Filichia Features: The Right Way is the Stage Write Way by Peter Filichia

Susan Stroman says she doesn't need pennies anymore. Well, of course, you say. Anyone who's choreographed five Broadway musicals (including the smash hit Crazy for You) as well as directed a…

NJ Stage: No safe quarters for couples 'In This House' by Peter Filichia

The show "turns out to be a strange musical tragedy that offers only a smidgen of hope."

This Matilda Does More than Just Waltz by Peter Filichia

Tackling a musical: Former football player brings project to Red Bank by Peter Filichia

Former defensive tackle Mike Reid is showing "In This House" to audiences and critics at Two River Theatre Company.

'Summer in Sanctuary': Learning from failure by Peter Filichia

Captivating 'Summer in Sanctuary' shows best efforts don't yield instant gratification

N.J. Stage notes: Springfield sings by Peter Filichia

Peter Filichia gives us the scoop on what's happening on stage in the Garden State

'Damn Yankees': A reason to root, root, root by Peter Filichia

Considering that the Yankees play in spring training has only been mediocre thus far, perhaps it's time to switch our allegiance to the Senators

'Blood' is thick in comedy at Dreamcatcher by Peter Filichia

Steve McIntyre “Blood: A Comedy” portrays a dysfunctional family. It stars, from left, Jessica O’Hara-Baker, Noreen Farley and David Miceli. Playwright D…

Once: Just in Time for St. Patrick's Day by Peter Filichia

By Peter Filichia " When the members of the Oscar committee first met in 2008 to discuss possible Best Song nominations for the 2007 film year, many felt that "Falling Slowly" from Once sho…

Carrie Then and Now by Peter Filichia

Back on May 3, 1988, Carrie had me in its corner before it played a note or said a word. I estimate that by then in my 27-year history of theatergoing, I'd attended approximately 2,500 stage…

Filichia Features: Into Some NEW Woods Part 2 by Peter Filichia

Last week, when we left the characters after Act One of in INTO THE WOODS at the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music, they were thrilled because they were sure that the worst was …

'Twelve Angry Men' at George Street Playhouse by Peter Filichia

Gregg Edelman plays a character who makes a difference.

Howard McGillin: Devilish fellow by Peter Filichia

Howard McGillin again cast as the villain, this time in "Damn Yankees." Is the actor getting typecast in his theatrical roles?

NJ Stage notes: 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' by Peter Filichia

Also: Jack Klugman will not appear in the George Street Playhouse's production of "Twelve Angry Men."

NJ Stage: 'The Last Five Years' review by Peter Filichia

Time-traveling musical trips up audience.

Merrick Memories by Peter Filichia

By Peter Filichia -- Hundreds of record albums have been dedicated to Broadway musicals. Thousands have been sung by Broadway performers. But until October 1, 1964, there had never been a …

February Leftovers by Peter Filichia

It was the month that we had the 50th anniversary of a big event. On Feb. 2, 1962, the moon was in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligned with Mars. In short, it really was the official dawn…

Filichia Features: Into Some NEW Woods by Peter Filichia

Too bad everyone couldn't see Aubrey Berg's recent INTO THE WOODS at the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music. The CCM production would have offered some valuable suggestions and a…

N.J.'s Stages Festival: One theater fest, many venues by Peter Filichia

The Stages Festival is a statewide, monthlong event.

NJ Stage: 'The Last Five Years' looks at the challenges of a thespian life by Peter Filichia

A struggling actress' story.

NJ Stage notes: Tommy Tune, 'U.S. Drag' and 'Mark Twain Tonight' by Peter Filichia

Also: "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" and "A Night with Dusty Springfield" at Asbury Park's Press Room.

A Leap Year's Look at Broadway Albums by Peter Filichia

By Peter Filichia -- This week, when February 29 comes into our lives, we're most aware that we're in a Leap Year. So let's have a Leap Year's look at cast albums. We must start in 1944,…

'The Ladies Man': An affair to remember by Peter Filichia

Adultery leads to hilarity in 'The Ladies Man'

Ben West: Make His Manhattan by Peter Filichia

Ilona in She Loves Me certainly got a great deal out of her trip to the library. But she has nothing on Ben West. The 29-year-old wunderkind who started Unsung Musicals Company can often be …

Filichia's Features: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is Still Flying High by Peter Filichia

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! Last Saturday, I was at the State Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey to see the National Touring production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF " and saw that th…