Ray Lawrence
Latest Reviews
Signature Theatre
Great, great space and always great productions.
While Signature is not perfect, the best Signature shows (esp. the ones for an established show - like HAIR or Cabaret), are great! Often you sit so close to the actors, if you stuck your legs out, you might trip them! Particularly if you are in one of the first two rows, it is very immersive (something you do NOT get at Kennedy Center). If you come early to eat at Ali's bar, you will see some of the cast members filing-in to the dressing room area!
The seats could be a bit better, as -only- every other seat has armrests. The seating arrangement changes for nearly every show.
The cafe and bar have a light selection that changes for every show. You can order ahead for intermission. Lots of free parking; Harris Teeter market around the corner, drug store, and countless places to eat (including a great tapas place) nearby.
I have seen many shows multiple times at Signature - and in all, probable about 50 different shows and 100 performances.
The best of all time? Easy! CABARET - With TWO talented Broadway actors and a production that almost matched the Broadway cast recording of 1998, it was fantastic.
If CHICAGO EVER stops playing on Broadway, I am sure Signature will present it with aplomb. Here's hoping Signature will do a production of Oklahoma! (which was performed in an intimate Broadway space).
Disappointed that the 7PM June 30 2024 HAIR was canceled. What ever happened to "The show must go on"?
Sunday, June 30 2024 was the first time (I have seen over 150 shows) one has been canceled. It was a poor first experience for one group of 4.
REALLY, REALLY disappointed that the final HAIR show did NOT have a really capable Claude; all other roles (including those filled by swings were fine); When Claude appears at the end of the show wearing bushy blonde hair stuffed under a cap; he looks like a middle-school cub-scout instead of a just-inducted soldier.
It is great that Signature brings in great talent [often from NYC].
I am looking forward to the 2024 - 2025 season.
While Signature is not perfect, the best Signature shows (esp. the ones for an established show - like HAIR or Cabaret), are great! Often you sit so close to the actors, if you stuck your legs out, you might trip them! Particularly if you are in one of the first two rows, it is very immersive (something you do NOT get at Kennedy Center). If you come early to eat at Ali's bar, you will see some of the cast members filing-in to the dressing room area!
The seats could be a bit better, as -only- every other seat has armrests. The seating arrangement changes for nearly every show.
The cafe and bar have a light selection that changes for every show. You can order ahead for intermission. Lots of free parking; Harris Teeter market around the corner, drug store, and countless places to eat (including a great tapas place) nearby.
I have seen many shows multiple times at Signature - and in all, probable about 50 different shows and 100 performances.
The best of all time? Easy! CABARET - With TWO talented Broadway actors and a production that almost matched the Broadway cast recording of 1998, it was fantastic.
If CHICAGO EVER stops playing on Broadway, I am sure Signature will present it with aplomb. Here's hoping Signature will do a production of Oklahoma! (which was performed in an intimate Broadway space).
Disappointed that the 7PM June 30 2024 HAIR was canceled. What ever happened to "The show must go on"?
Sunday, June 30 2024 was the first time (I have seen over 150 shows) one has been canceled. It was a poor first experience for one group of 4.
REALLY, REALLY disappointed that the final HAIR show did NOT have a really capable Claude; all other roles (including those filled by swings were fine); When Claude appears at the end of the show wearing bushy blonde hair stuffed under a cap; he looks like a middle-school cub-scout instead of a just-inducted soldier.
It is great that Signature brings in great talent [often from NYC].
I am looking forward to the 2024 - 2025 season.
Unisphere
It is about an hour train ride from Manhattan, but worth it!
Especially if you attended the 64 to 65 Worlds Fair at the site, it is a MUST see.
Great that one of the most iconic structures from the Fair has remained.
Especially if you attended the 64 to 65 Worlds Fair at the site, it is a MUST see.
Great that one of the most iconic structures from the Fair has remained.
Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center
Fast and convenient
Nice, automated tram going to/from airport.
Just make sure you know how to get back here (and allow extra time to fill-up) before your return flight!
Nice, automated tram going to/from airport.
Just make sure you know how to get back here (and allow extra time to fill-up) before your return flight!
Josephine Butler Parks Center
This venue is used by many;
On Tuesday evenings it is for SWING DANCING!
The New Columbia Swing Dance group does lessons and a drop-in DJ dance on Tuesdays.
On Tuesday evenings it is for SWING DANCING!
The New Columbia Swing Dance group does lessons and a drop-in DJ dance on Tuesdays.