#christopher ertelt

The Bridges of Madison County — Media Theatre

            Jason Robert Brown has a unique way with lyrics. Several of his songs begin by wallowing, more artfully and articulately than most, in the modern trend to tell stories and forward exposition rather than express or underscore emotions. Then, mid-song, Brown’s lyrical stream changes. A theme emerges, and Brown proves as capable as Hammerstein, Berlin, or Gershwin at evoking imagery and…

Lightning Rounds — 1776

1776, Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media, Pa. through Sunday, May 22 —Strong performances, especially by Luke Brahdt and Bob Stineman as two Continental Congress representatives that respectively not for uniting the states or independence, galvanize Jennie Eisenhower’s production of this amiable chestnut into a taut, entertaining history lesson that provides tension and suspense even…

Ghost — Media Theatre

Jesse Cline has many talents as a theater director, but his forte is bringing characters forward and getting to the core of their personal stories.

The musical, “Ghost,” did not get the most favorable reception in either London nor New York. The by-the-numbers, you-heard-this-rhythm-before music by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard is tritely mediocre with few high points, surprising because of…