NEWS
Review: 'Mary Poppins' at Croswell Opera House is 'practically perfect in every way'
by Arlene Bachanov
Aug. 8th 2023
ADRIAN — The last time the Croswell Opera House staged “Mary Poppins” in 2015, I wrote that to call it the biggest thing the Croswell had ever done was actually something of an understatement.
Well, the 2023 version of the show is certainly no smaller.
Huge technical demands of all sorts, massive production numbers, costuming and set design tours de force, dozens upon dozens of people in the cast and crew and orchestra … the list just goes on and on.
And, wow, is it ever fun to watch.
And Shonn Wiley as Bert?
For us longtime Croswell theatergoers, it’s just so much fun to see Wiley back on that stage in an acting role for the first time in several years. And he hasn’t lost an ounce of his considerable talents or onstage charm; he brings such grace and perfection and a rock-solid performance to the role of Bert. Even simply the way he exits the stage after a scene has that little extra something, which is why he’s the performer he is.
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EP: 15 Shonn Wiley Interview with Brian Hannah on “Better Than Monkeys” WQLN 93.1
July 12, 2019
Shonn talks about life on the road, creating a hit musical from scratch, juggling a career on the road and family life as well as UNDER THE STREETLAMP’s July 12, 2019, performance at the legendary CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION!
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BWW Review: 'Oh, What A Night!' With UNDER THE STREETLAMP and the Nashville Symphony
by Jeffrey Ellis
Apr. 20, 2019
No matter how you describe them - although granted, "handsome, charming, engaging and amazingly talented" comes readily to mind - nor how many times you've seen them (whether it's your first or twenty-first concert), there's one thing you cannot help but think about Under the Streetlamp: These four guys really know how to put on a show!
And in Nashville, where we know a thing or two about superstar performers, consummate professionals and dazzling musicians, anyone who can bring their audience to its feet in a genuine, heartfelt standing ovation - one that's genuinely rewarded for an amazing show - deserves their moment in the spotlight. Thus, kudos are due to Shonn Wiley, David Larsen, Brandon Wardell and Eric Gutman, the four men who now make up the group known the world over as Under the Streetlamp, who opened a three-concert stand with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Enrico Lopez-Yañez, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Thursday night.
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Under the Streetlamp bring a sharp blend of new life and musical reverence to classic songs from the Great American Radio Songbook. Live audiences everywhere are enthralled and engaged by the fantastic foursome’s stunning harmonies, witty onstage banter and tightly-choreographed dance moves during their frequently sold-out shows.
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Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Shonn Wiley and Brandon Wardell currently comprise Under the Streetlamp. Former members include Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones.
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Opening a show in the shadows of The Croswell’s highest attended theatrical production ever - “Mamma Mia!” and only having two weeks to mount a full-blown, larger than life, high quality musical opus would prove a daunting task for any director. But for Julianne Dolan and set designer Douglas Miller, the oldest theatre in Michigan has done it again with their latest, “She Loves Me,” and boy, oh boy is it a warm and fuzzy treat.
Taking into account the quick turnaround is one thing, watching cast-members and crew from the last production waltz onto stage into this show is something else entirely. You’ll spot about a dozen familiar faces from the aforementioned “Mamma Mia!,” and Croswell alum: Shonn Wiley, who is taking a break from his successful off-Broadway career, and traveling band: Under The Streetlamp, to return to his hometown roots of Adrian, MI. The Croswell has worked overtime getting the word out about his special appearance, and I can see why - this guy is the real deal. Aside from the fact he’s actually in his forties (I say this because, the man has an energy which resembles that of a 22 year old college student) his vocal range and delightful stage presence bursts from the seams, and with an exceptional cast of Croswell favorites; Leah Fox, Sarah Nowak, Alan Gibson, Karl Kasischke, Ashley Fox, and John Bacarella to surround him, it’s hard to find a more suitable crew to pull off a tight schedule and deliver on such an iconic show.
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Photo Flash: First Look At SHE LOVES ME At The Croswell Opera House
July 17, 2018
The Croswell Opera House in Adrian opened its production of SHE LOVES ME on July 13. The show, which is directed by Julianne Dolan, continues for one more weekend.
SHE LOVES ME stars Shonn Wiley as Georg Nowack, Leah Fox as Amalia Balash, Ashley Fox as Steven Kodaly, Sarah Nowak as Ilona Ritter, John Bacarella as Mr. Maraczek, Alan Gibson as Arpad Laszlo, Karl Kasischke as Ladislav Sipos, and Stephen Kiersey as the Waiter. The music director is Joseph Daniel and the choreographer is Libby Garno.
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