The Rating System NNNNN Standing ovation NNNN Sustained applause NNN Recommended, memorable scenes NN Seriously flawed N Get out the hook = Critics'' pick (highly recommended)

Reviewed: CHANDELEIRVA, JOHNNY SHOT THE JAZZMAN and 7 SINS - July 06, 2004

CHANDELEIRVA
Suzette Araujo's delightful red-nosed clown -- an applause-hungry diva who slips and slides her way around the stage -- is a delight, whether she's singing, flirting with the audience or recounting her life and loves. NNN (JK)

JOHNNY SHOT THE JAZZMAN
Written and directed by 14-year-old Dillon McManamy and performed by a cast mostly in their teens, this first part of a trilogy that explores the meaning of morality is admirably ambitious in its style and content. There's still lots to be realized in the writing and performing, but here's a chance to see the work of a budding artist who knows how to use his head. NN (JK)

7 SINS
Gay American comic James Judd is an in-your-face kind of performer, and some of his stories are side-splittingly funny. He's less successful, though, when he drops out of show-biz character and tries to understand Canadian culture; the rhythms go all to hell. NN (JK)