by April Johnson Who knew that one day in the studio could change one’s life, whether for good or detriment. August Wilson meticulously penned this masterpiece as a part of his Pittsburgh Cycle; however, it differs in location setting. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” takes place in 1927 at a studio in Chicago. Although this piece revolves around a factual character, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, it is a fictional account of events that took place in one day. The story begins as Irvin

by Lori Clark Hey there, fellow rockers, and theater enthusiasts! It was a thrilling night for those of us who have a deep love for the 1980s, as the stage of the Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, NJ, was transformed into the Bourbon Room, the quintessential, smoke-filled, rock and roll club, and transported us back in time with an electrifying production of "Rock of Ages." "Rock of Ages" is a jukebox musical set in the 1980s on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The story revolves aro

by Alex Davis You know SpongeBob SquarePants. It’s near impossible not to. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of the Nickelodeon cartoon, you’ve heard the iconic laugh of the lovable sponge. He is inescapable. So inescapable that my spell check feature accepts his name without a little red squiggly line. And in 2016, SpongeBob SquarePants took to the stage in a joyous show about a potentially Bikini-Bottom-ending event, set to the music of a vast array of artists and

Friday June 30 by Cassidy Scherz Saturday July 1 by April Johnson FRIDAY JUNE 30 - CASSIDY SCHERZ (scroll below for July 1) The Ritz Theatre Company’s Third Annual One-Act Play Festival is unlike any that we’ve seen in the past. Presented in two acts with one 15 minute intermission, this year’s show strays from the short comedies we have previously enjoyed. Instead, we are presented with intricate and thought-provoking pieces that explore self discovery, relationships, and f

by Cassidy Scherz and Richard Conway “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” Distinctly stated by the famed writer, William Shakespeare, this quote perfectly describes the Ritz Theatre Company’s hilarious production of “I Hate Hamlet.” While this show will certainly have you rolling in your seat, it also dives into the struggle of finding a balance between passion and comfort. It poses an uncomfortable question that we often ask ourselves: Is it more important to find s

by Lisa Palena Based on the 2003 titular movie starring Jack Black, School of Rock is a lighthearted comedy musical which packs a punch for audiences of all ages. The story follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who has recently been kicked out of his band, No Vacancy, and is facing eviction from his friend’s apartment for failing to pay the rent. Desperate, he masquerades as friend Ned Schneebly to get a job as a substitute teacher at the prestigious Horace Green prep