All posts by Lisa Standish

Rent at Phoenix Festival Theatre

Reviews June 8, 2026 Lisa Standish

author: Lisa Standish

It is a special treat to watch a community theater production where the love for the craft is palpable from the moment you walk in. Phoenix Festival Theatre’s current production of Rent, running now through June 14th at the Chesapeake Theater, is a vibrant, visually stunning testament to the talent in our community. Under the spectacular vision of co-directors and choreographers Bambi and Eyvo Johnson, this production feels both fresh and deeply respectful of the source material.

Rent at Street Lamp Community Theatre

Reviews May 11, 2026 Lisa Standish

author: Lisa Standish

Entering Street Lamp Community Theatre is always a treat, but their current production of Rent takes their signature intimacy to a whole new level. The beauty of this venue lies in how the creative team transforms a modest space into a completely immersive experience. As you walk in, the set greets you with a surprisingly childlike quality—featuring a slide and scaffolding—that serves as a reminder that despite the heavy themes of the story,

The Wizard of Oz at Phoenix Festival Theatre

Reviews March 8, 2026 Lisa Standish

author: Lisa Standish

There’s a certain magic that happens when a beloved classic finds a fresh stage to call home, and that is precisely what occurred as Phoenix Festival Theatre followed the Yellow Brick Road to the newly renovated Chesapeake Theater. Bringing the 1939 MGM masterpiece to life with vibrant energy, this production of The Wizard of Oz manages to bridge the gap between silver-screen nostalgia and high-spirited live performance. Based on the timeless story by L.