Colin Fleming-Stumpf is a native of Rochester, has acted on stages across Western New York, and is active in the local theatre community as a performer, musician, fundraiser, board member, and reviewer, serving avidly as a theatre critic for BroadwayWorld since 2017. Colin has reviewed hundreds of professional, regional, community theatre, and touring Broadway productions across Rochester, Buffalo, and Canada. He holds a Masters degree in Arts Administration, and by day works as the Director of Grants for the Rochester Regional Health system, as well as an adjunct lecturer in SUNY Brockport's Public Administration department.
What did our critic think of ROCKY HORROR SHOW at OFC Creations? I’ve reviewed a deluge of “Rocky Horror” productions in my years covering the Upstate NY theatre scene, so when it comes to this iconic intergalactic cult classic I feel confident saying that I’ve seen it all: spaceships, dildos, lasers, dildos that shoot lasers, etc. But this was my first “Rocky Horror” experience set in a night club (well, technically a strip mall café) that I enjoyed while sipping a beer and munching a flatbread, so a tip-of-the-hat to OFC Creations for adding a totally unique flair to show that is otherwise widely produced. All in all, it makes a theatre experience that is always a bizarro good time, even more enjoyable.
What did our critic think of CLUE at Blackfriars Theatre? For Blackfriars Theatre’s opening production of the 2023-2024 season, Rochester theatregoers are being treated to the classic pop culture whodunit, “Clue”, whose adaptations have spanned board game, film, musical and play. While the murder-mystery is a genre that does not want for copycats, “Clue” is arguably the standard-bearer for the modern era.
What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at Geva Theatre? Fall is here (kinda? It’s 90 degrees today), which means the return of theatre season and the coming-to-life once again of Rochester’s premiere regional theatre, Geva. And what better way to kick-off the season than with a timeless classic known to all, “The Wizard of Oz”, albeit flashier, sassier, and—somehow—probably even more heartwarming than the version you grew up watching.
What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Blackfriars Theatre?
What did our critic think of ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Pendragon Theatre?
What did our critic think of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at Blackfriars Theatre?
What did our critic think of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? The relevance of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is bewilderingly on the nose. How is it that a 60+-year-old story about racism and the brokenness of the American criminal justice system feels as topical and fresh in 2023 as it did in 1960?
What did our critic think of CINDERELLA at Geva Theatre?
What did our critic think of SIX at Rochester Broadway Theatre League?
JCC Centerstage Theatre's Ragtime is a powerful and moving production, featuring unforgettable performances and intricate choreography. Don't miss this epic tale of worlds colliding in early 20th century New York City, playing until May 21st.
What did our critic think of AND SO WE WALKED: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY ALONG THE TRAIL OF TEARS at Geva Theatre?
What did our critic think of ALADDIN at Rochester Broadway Theatre League?
What did our critic think of THE NIGHT ALIVE at Rochester Community Players? Ireland has a long and rich history of producing playwrights with unique voices, exploring intricate themes through complex characters. Everyone from Eugene O'Neill to Samuel Beckett to Martin McDonagh fits this bill, and today this description applies most aptly to Conor McPherson. McPherson is known for exploring the mystical and macabre through dark humor, particularly with his play 'The Night Alive', currently being afforded a high-quality production by the Rochester Community Players until April 8th.
What did our critic think of WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva Theatre? Rochester's Geva Theatre is currently presenting 'We are Continuous' on its Fielding Stage, a small-scale interpersonal confessional about how love grows and evolves, about the unconditional love of a mother and lover, and about the safety and peace offered by those closest to us.
What did our critic think of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars Theatre? While Rochester may still be immersed in the cold and blustery late-winter climate, one need only head to East Main Street for reprieve, as Blackfriars Theatre's 'Once on this Island' will transport you to the warm tropics of the Caribbean and tell the story of love, resilience, and the spirit of hope.
What did our critic think of I’M NOT A COMEDIAN…I’M LENNY BRUCE at JCC Centerstage Theatre?
What did our critic think of HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? This touring production of 'Hadestown' could not have been better cast, with each performer taking turns captivating the audience and delivering lush, emotional musical performances.
What did our critic think of RUSSIAN TROLL FARM at Geva Theatre?
What did our critic think of BEETLEJUICE at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? If you're a fan of late 80's pop culture, the occult, or musicals with a decidedly heavy metal Halloween-meets-'A Chorus Line' aesthetic, than the Rochester Broadway Theatre League has got the show for you. 'Beetlejuice', the musical based on Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic film, is currently playing at the Auditorium Theatre until February 19th.
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