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The Outsiders brings its stagecraft to Philly

The 2024 Best Musical Tony winner is now on Broad Street, with all the marvelous staging aspects that led it to being one of the biggest hits on Broadway. The Outsiders is playing at Ensemble Arts Philly’s Academy of Music through June 7th. This production offers excellent music, an emotional story of belonging, and some of the finest technical achievements you’ll see on any stage. The Outsiders, based on the 1967 book by S.E. Hinton, opened on Broadway in the spring of 2024. It almost instantly gained a passionate following, and after it won 4 Tony Awards, including Best Musical…

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Rain and Light, Mexican Style at Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia

Luzia, one of the most unusual shows I’ve seen from the Cirque du Soleil franchise, is the latest production to visit Oaks, PA. Based on Mexican culture and heritage, it’s innovative and international, boasting great costumes and set pieces. Luzia, presented in a Big Top with plenty of free parking and reasonable admission rates, attracts families of all ages. With this particular show, those of a Latino background got to enjoy their language and culture at the circus.   Originally premiering in 2016, Luzia feels brand new. While using the traditional music of Mexico, it also brings in a modern…

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Come From Away reimagined at Paper Mill

Come From Away is, in my opinion, one of the greatest musicals of all-time. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks, and the kindness of the locals who welcomed them. With a heartfelt book, lovely music, and nonstop pacing, it’s no wonder this musical ran for over five years on Broadway. Even though it just closed in 2022, New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse has decided to mount this musical with a slight reimagining. The return of Come From Away to our lives feels like a salve for the…

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The beauty and culture of western Austria

The state of Vorarlberg in western Austria is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places on Earth. From towns like Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald to Hohenems in the Rhine Valley, these villages seem like they’ve emerged from fairytales. Yet they have so much more to offer than just their beauty. Schubertiade, an annual festival honoring composer Franz Schubert, is held in both Schwarzenberg and Hohenems, Austria. For those unfamiliar, Schubert was born in Austria in 1797 and was a child prodigy, dying at the young age of 31. He had an extraordinary body of work including one of…

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From The Publisher

The Cultural Critic is where thoughtful readers turn for in-depth reviews of artistic events and travel experiences. Our aim is to cover a wide range throughout every category. From theater and music critiques to travel and sporting experiences, The Cultural Critic is your destination for the most comprehensive reviews. We are proud to have as Corey Cohen as our editor-in-chief.

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Geoffrey Dobrien, Publisher

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