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Miami Herald
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Review: ‘Step By Step' at Actors' Playhouse climbs comedic emotional mountains
Three friends take off on a two-day mountain trek in a play that resembles a buddy road trip movie. The reason for their adventure? To travel the same path that their friend Rebeca, who passed away, loved so much. They are there in solidarity and as a tribute. But the climb up is not without its challenges. Not one of them is a seasoned hiker. Each one carries baggage – more emotional than what they have stuffed in their backpacks. In 90 minutes, Monica (Anna Lise Jensen), Sophie (Elizabeth Price) and Paula (Kareema Khouri), will reveal obsessions, fears, and neuroses, ponder the meaning of life and death, their jobs and marriage, and come clean about their feelings for one another. There are variations of Peter Quilter's play 'Step By Step,' now at Actors' Playhouse through Aug. 10, playing throughout the world in different languages. At the Coral Gables theater, this is the U.S. premiere of a version that had its world premiere in Barcelona as 'Paso a Paso' in 2022. It went on to be performed in Norway, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland and toured the Netherlands in 2024. If the U.K. playwright's name doesn't ring a bell, two of his more than a dozen plays will. The most acclaimed was 'End of the Rainbow' a musical drama about the final months of Judy Garland's life, which garnered Renee Zellweger the Oscar for the movie version in 2019. Then there was 'Glorious!' about the world's worst opera singer, Florence Foster Jenkins, which became the subject of a film starring Meryl Streep. Quilter's plays usually deal with women and grief, loss, growing older and have an arc that helps his characters gain a perspective that emboldens them to start anew. 'Step By Step' started as a man's journey called 'The Hill' where Sam, Daniel and Tony join for a climb in a memorial to their friend Gareth. It first opened in Prague in 2020. But during the pandemic, Quilter took 'The Hill' and turned it into a female three hander. Monica, while the daftest of the three, is the most well-rounded character in the comedy and the one that gets the most laughs. Her biggest concern is marrying Graham while her friends – she even does it a few times – keep referring to him as her former love Gary, who ran off with her cousin. Freudian slips abound. It's Monica's final week of freedom before her marriage, something she's hoping the clean mountain air will make her realize that she can 'settle down and stop the endless pursuit of sexual conquest.' She doesn't seem to believe it and she's hardly convincing. Jensen milks the comic lines for all they're worth and a scene where she collapses on a tent that is graffitied with all the men she's had liaisons with inside, like notches on a bedpost, is perfectly over-the-top dramatic. Sophie, the self-proclaimed White Lesbian in the group, can't get over a break-up with her ex. At the opening of the play, she's packed and repacked her backpack. She's neurotic and having what her friend Paula calls one of her 'spectrum' moments to which Sophie replies: 'Everybody's on the spectrum. I'm just on it a little bit extra.' Her neuroses rage in full force when, out of the blue, her fear of clowns haunts her in the middle of the night on the campsite. Price, who's a frequent fixture on South Florida stages, manages Sophie with just enough anxiety and compulsion to not have her become an overbearing neurotic caricature. Khouri, who was so enthralling in Actors' Playhouse's 'Caroline or Change' last season, stretches her comic chops here as Paula. When she realizes they've just hiked up one side of a mountain while a café and car on the other side could have produced the result just as easily, it's one of the most well-crafted comical deliveries in the show. Unfortunately, the author saddles the character with a joke about two prostitutes that seems left over from his man-comedy 'The Hill' but Khouri tackles the challenge with gusto and moves on. While the 90-minute, no intermission format is enough time for the actual journey, what it doesn't allow for is a backstory. It's unclear how the trio met although there is a brief mention of becoming friends in college, How their friendship has endured is never explored. The loss of Rebeca isn't written in depth enough to anchor the theme of the play. The author suggests music choices while Actors' Playhouse's production tosses in some of their own in between scenes– the requisite 'You've Got a Friend in Me' and 'Get By With A Little Help From My Friends,' and the addition of an arrangement of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah.' These breaks add to director David Arisco's smart pacing of the show along with his attention to the emotional rollercoaster he's made sure the ensemble conveys. The trio excels as an ensemble all the while defining their individual characters. Brandon M. Newton's set is serviceable with different ramps for the actors to ascend and descend depending on entrances and exits. But the unrealistic depiction of a mountain trail creates a dissonance for the suspension of disbelief that we are accompanying these characters on a real journey. The back screen provides more reality with projections of the sky and clouds and nighttime scenes. Also having scene changes by stagehands, which could have easily been performed by the actors, contributes to the interruption of a seamless flow of buying into the reality. Eric Nelson's lighting is bright in all the right places and dark in others and ensures the audience can see what's happening on stage. His use of warm lighting reflects the comfort and closeness of the characters and the reason for their journey. Where it could have helped, especially since the stage setting conflicts with the reality, was to be stronger in its indication of time of day – early sunrise, mid-afternoon, dusk. Reidar Sorensen's sound design produced the natural woodsy occurrences – birds and nature ambience. Sam Sigler was responsible for set dressing and props design, the graffitied tent and other camping utensils. Ellis Tillman's costumes helped define each character: Monica's Lulelemon-esque form-fitting ensemble, Sophie's sensible and meant-for-hiking boots, and Paula's heavy on comfort choices. Like s'mores at a campfire, 'Step By Step' is a satisfying treat with indulgent, messy characters and something a little sweet for the inevitable end to summer. If you go: WHAT: U.S. premiere of 'Step By Step' by Peter Quilter WHERE: Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Matinees, 2 p.m., Wednesday, 3 p.m. Sunday through Aug. 10. Check website for pre-show specials. COST: $50, $60, and $70, weekdays; $65, $75 and $85, weekends. INFORMATION: 305-444-9293 or is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don't miss a story at
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
80s movie star unrecognizable as he's spotted on rare day out in LA – can you work out who he is?
THIS 80s movie star looks unrecognisable as he's spotted on a rare day out in Los Angeles. The 66-year-old actor appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in one of the best action comedy films of that decade. 6 This 80s star looks unrecognizable while being spotted in Los Angeles Credit: 6 The 66-year-old actor went for a casual look in a grey t-shirt and black shorts Credit: 6 The film star showed off his silver hair and moustache Credit: His appearance in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise created some of the most memorable and hilarious scenes The star was seen strolling around Los Angeles in grey t-shirt, black shorts and a pair of sliders. He looked very different to his appearance on the hit movies - but have you worked out who he is yet? Well it's none other than Bronson Pinchot, who played art dealer Serge in Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop III, and the latest instalment Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. READ MORE ON 80s STARS 6 It's none other than US star Bronson Pinchot Credit: Alamy 6 He appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise Credit: Alamy 6 Bronson played art dealer Serge on in the action comedy films Credit: Alamy Bronson went for a casual look as he stepped out in a earlier this week. He showed off his silver tresses and dark moustache - looking miles away from his role in the cop movies. The actor starred alongside Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, as he helps Detroit cop Axel investigate the murder of his best friend. Bronson reprised his role for the third instalment, where Axel returns to Beverly Hills after his boss is murdered and discovers evidence linking the killer to a California amusement park called Wonder World. Most read in Celebrity The Serge star then returned for one more appearance in the 2024 reboot, where Axel takes on another investigation after his daughter's life is threatened. Bronson is also known for his role as Balki Bartokomous, on the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers and 1997 series Step By Step. Beverly Hills Cop star, 76, dies of cancer after 50-year career in movies He also starred as Principal Hawthorne on Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and most recently a recurring role in Neflix series The Residence. In 2021, Bronson showcased his new slimmed-down figure after losing 60 pounds during the pandemic. He shared that it took him just six months to lose the weight. Bronson told He stumbled upon a picture of himself from his time competing on Battle of the Network Stars in 2017, which saw actors going up against each other in various athletic games. 'There was an old fat guy,' he recalled of what he thought upond seeing the photo. This turning point came just a couple of months into lockdown, and he decided in May 2020 to make a change and work on his health and fitness. In just six months, he dropped 60 pounds. He credited a lot of healthy eating for helping him shed teh weight. After getting rid of all the junk food at his home, he explained: 'Then I just put healthy food in the house and I said, 'OK, puppy, you can have whatever's there.'' He then shared before-and-after photos of himself, featuring a photo of him in a cobalt blue long-sleeve and shorts combo on Battle of the Network Sttars and present-day one of him in a T-shirt and shorts. He captioned the update post: 'Me. Before self-designed healthy plant-based eating program & 20 seconds ago.' The actor added to fans on Instagram of what led him to get healthier: 'I looked at myself shortly after my 61st birthday in May and was truly appalled at where I had let my bad habits & pandemic stress lead me.' He said he now feels 'light, flexible, healthy, hydrated & confident.'
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
80s movie star unrecognizable as he's spotted on rare day out in LA – can you work out who he is?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS 80s movie star looks unrecognisable as he's spotted on a rare day out in Los Angeles. The 66-year-old actor appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in one of the best action comedy films of that decade. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 This 80s star looks unrecognizable while being spotted in Los Angeles Credit: 6 The 66-year-old actor went for a casual look in a grey t-shirt and black shorts Credit: 6 The film star showed off his silver hair and moustache Credit: His appearance in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise created some of the most memorable and hilarious scenes The star was seen strolling around Los Angeles in grey t-shirt, black shorts and a pair of sliders. He looked very different to his appearance on the hit movies - but have you worked out who he is yet? Well it's none other than Bronson Pinchot, who played art dealer Serge in Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop III, and the latest instalment Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. READ MORE ON 80s STARS beach babe Daughter of HUGE 80s star looks stunning in swimsuit… but who's her famous dad? 6 It's none other than US star Bronson Pinchot Credit: Alamy 6 He appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise Credit: Alamy 6 Bronson played art dealer Serge on in the action comedy films Credit: Alamy Bronson went for a casual look as he stepped out in a earlier this week. He showed off his silver tresses and dark moustache - looking miles away from his role in the cop movies. The actor starred alongside Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, as he helps Detroit cop Axel investigate the murder of his best friend. Bronson reprised his role for the third instalment, where Axel returns to Beverly Hills after his boss is murdered and discovers evidence linking the killer to a California amusement park called Wonder World. The Serge star then returned for one more appearance in the 2024 reboot, where Axel takes on another investigation after his daughter's life is threatened. Bronson is also known for his role as Balki Bartokomous, on the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers and 1997 series Step By Step. Beverly Hills Cop star, 76, dies of cancer after 50-year career in movies He also starred as Principal Hawthorne on Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and most recently a recurring role in Neflix series The Residence. In 2021, Bronson showcased his new slimmed-down figure after losing 60 pounds during the pandemic. He shared that it took him just six months to lose the weight. Bronson told Page Six the desire to embark on a health journey came after seeing a photo of himself he didn't like. He stumbled upon a picture of himself from his time competing on Battle of the Network Stars in 2017, which saw actors going up against each other in various athletic games. 'There was an old fat guy,' he recalled of what he thought upond seeing the photo. This turning point came just a couple of months into lockdown, and he decided in May 2020 to make a change and work on his health and fitness. In just six months, he dropped 60 pounds. He credited a lot of healthy eating for helping him shed teh weight. After getting rid of all the junk food at his home, he explained: 'Then I just put healthy food in the house and I said, 'OK, puppy, you can have whatever's there.'' He then shared before-and-after photos of himself, featuring a photo of him in a cobalt blue long-sleeve and shorts combo on Battle of the Network Sttars and present-day one of him in a T-shirt and shorts. He captioned the update post: 'Me. Before self-designed healthy plant-based eating program & 20 seconds ago.' The actor added to fans on Instagram of what led him to get healthier: 'I looked at myself shortly after my 61st birthday in May and was truly appalled at where I had let my bad habits & pandemic stress lead me.' He said he now feels 'light, flexible, healthy, hydrated & confident.'
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
80s movie star unrecognizable as he's spotted on rare day out in LA – can you work out who he is?
THIS 80s movie star looks unrecognisable as he's spotted on a rare day out in Los Angeles. The 66-year-old actor appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in one of the best action comedy films of that decade. 6 6 6 His appearance in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise created some of the most memorable and hilarious scenes The star was seen strolling around Los Angeles in grey t-shirt, black shorts and a pair of sliders. He looked very different to his appearance on the hit movies - but have you worked out who he is yet? Well it's none other than Bronson Pinchot, who played art dealer Serge in Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop III, and the latest instalment Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. 6 6 6 Bronson went for a casual look as he stepped out in a earlier this week. He showed off his silver tresses and dark moustache - looking miles away from his role in the cop movies. The actor starred alongside Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, as he helps Detroit cop Axel investigate the murder of his best friend. Bronson reprised his role for the third instalment, where Axel returns to Beverly Hills after his boss is murdered and discovers evidence linking the killer to a California amusement park called Wonder World. The Serge star then returned for one more appearance in the 2024 reboot, where Axel takes on another investigation after his daughter's life is threatened. Bronson is also known for his role as Balki Bartokomous, on the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers and 1997 series Step By Step. Beverly Hills Cop star, 76, dies of cancer after 50-year career in movies He also starred as Principal Hawthorne on Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and most recently a recurring role in Neflix series The Residence. In 2021, Bronson showcased his new slimmed-down figure after losing 60 pounds during the pandemic. He shared that it took him just six months to lose the weight. Bronson told Page Six the desire to embark on a health journey came after seeing a photo of himself he didn't like. He stumbled upon a picture of himself from his time competing on Battle of the Network Stars in 2017, which saw actors going up against each other in various athletic games. 'There was an old fat guy,' he recalled of what he thought upond seeing the photo. This turning point came just a couple of months into lockdown, and he decided in May 2020 to make a change and work on his health and fitness. In just six months, he dropped 60 pounds. He credited a lot of healthy eating for helping him shed teh weight. After getting rid of all the junk food at his home, he explained: 'Then I just put healthy food in the house and I said, 'OK, puppy, you can have whatever's there.'' He then shared before-and-after photos of himself, featuring a photo of him in a cobalt blue long-sleeve and shorts combo on Battle of the Network Sttars and present-day one of him in a T-shirt and shorts. He captioned the update post: 'Me. Before self-designed healthy plant-based eating program & 20 seconds ago.' The actor added to fans on Instagram of what led him to get healthier: 'I looked at myself shortly after my 61st birthday in May and was truly appalled at where I had let my bad habits & pandemic stress lead me.' He said he now feels 'light, flexible, healthy, hydrated & confident.'
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BoyNextDoor release new EP, to perform at Lollapalooza - members share how they approach music now and more!
Rising K-pop group BoyNextDoor just got open and candid about their take on the entertainment industry and how their career has been so far for the past 2 years. The group just made their comeback by releasing their fourth EP, 'No Genre,' and so far have managed to garner positive reviews online. BoyNextDoor on new music and future projects BoyNextDoor, ahead of their upcoming performance at Lollapalooza, shares how they are approaching music two years into their career and how everything has been so far for the group. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, when asked about how 'No Genre' came to be, the member Taesan revealed that the idea of the album and its name both go hand in hand. He revealed that they did not want to be dictated by specific ideas and genres when approaching this EP, and that 'It's an album that captures BoyNextDoor's carefree spirit. Instead of creating specific characters or adding detailed concepts like we did in previous albums, we kept asking ourselves, 'What makes music simply enjoyable to listen to?' With that question in mind, we dove into the process, trying to learn and grow as we worked on it.' Woonhak then added that the idea itself stems from wanting freedom. He shared that 'We wanted to show the world who BoyNextDoor really is. It's a reflection of that ambition, and I think that's what led us to release an album like this.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The idol also added that with the new album, all group members have been hoping that the public is able to identify a new side of the group, different and unique from what they have managed to present for the past two years. The members even delved into their favourite songs from the album. Jaehyun and Riwoo shared how 'Step By Step' is their favourite pick from the new EP, while Leehan stuck to sharing the lead single for this comeback, 'I Feel Good' is the best for him. More on how 'I Feel Good' came to be The members also delved into how the title track came to be. Jaehyun commented on the creation of the song and how it represents them, sharing that 'It feels like we're showing just one side of who we are. We've definitely grown, but rather than saying, 'This is mature BoyNextDoor,' it feels more like we're revealing another one of the many charms we've always had.' He also continued how the group is always trying to grow and become better versions of themselves. About taking over the stage at Lollapalooza Lollapalooza is one of the biggest and most celebrated music festivals in the world. In the past few years, K-pop has managed to break into the global realm, with many artists like Blackpink and J-Hope taking over the stage at the prestigious event. Soon BoyNextDoor will be joining the list as well. While talking about the performance, Taesan revealed how when they were told by their agency that they would be performing at the Lollapalooza, none of the members were able to believe it, and thought that a joke was being played on them. He shared that 'It's like a dream come true', which is also making the group members work harder than ever to make the performance their most memorable one. 'We've all been studying English to show off our skills on stage, and we're also practising hard to make this performance something really special,' he added. Riwoo then added that playing in front of an audience that might not be aware of who they are makes the huge opportunity even better. He added that the group is taking this as a chance to spread their music and reach new audiences.
