Curtainup Founder & Editor Elyse Sommer's Epilogue -- I've passed the torch for reviewing and editing new theater productions on and off-Broadway and elsewhere. However, I'll continue to sound off here with my take on Live and Onscreen Entertainment. As for Curtainup's extensive content since 1996-- it's all sill available at www.curtainup.com
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Overview of 2011 theater season
A 2011 to 2012 overview: — a look back and forward by Curtainup's critic and editor in chief.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
New pre-holiday musicals: 2 thumbs up, 2 thumbs down
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4 Pre-Holiday Musicals: 2 thumbs up, 2 thumbs down
Of our 2 recent visits to new musical productions, our off-Broadway trips were by far the most fun and satisfying. Schlemiel the First is a rarely seen but well worth weeing revival-- Once is something of a master class on how to adapt a movie for the stage -- keeping its char but creating a new art form. If you don't get a chance to see it at NYTheatre Workshop in the East Village-- it is moving to the Bernard Jacobs Theater and ore likely to transfer successfully than the misguided revised revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever or the silly Lysistrata Jones which overreached by transferring its downtown run to the Great White Way.
Shlemiel the First- Besides being imbued with Klezmer this offers many lessons. And you don't have to be Jewish to appreciate them and enjoy the show . . .
Once - a rare screen-to-stage adaptation that retains the charms of their source but as a work of art in its own right .
Lysistrata Jones - the move uptown is a case of overreaching. It's still light-hearted and purposefully silly fun, but it's just too slight and limited in broad audience appeal . .
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever - if anyone can bring out the very best in a show and make a half-full cup of entertainment filled to the brim, Mayer's the man. At least I thought he was . . .
Once - a rare screen-to-stage adaptation that retains the charms of their source but as a work of art in its own right .
4 Pre-Holiday Musicals: 2 thumbs up, 2 thumbs down
Of our 2 recent visits to new musical productions, our off-Broadway trips were by far the most fun and satisfying. Schlemiel the First is a rarely seen but well worth weeing revival-- Once is something of a master class on how to adapt a movie for the stage -- keeping its char but creating a new art form. If you don't get a chance to see it at NYTheatre Workshop in the East Village-- it is moving to the Bernard Jacobs Theater and ore likely to transfer successfully than the misguided revised revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever or the silly Lysistrata Jones which overreached by transferring its downtown run to the Great White Way.
Shlemiel the First- Besides being imbued with Klezmer this offers many lessons. And you don't have to be Jewish to appreciate them and enjoy the show . . .
Once - a rare screen-to-stage adaptation that retains the charms of their source but as a work of art in its own right .
Lysistrata Jones - the move uptown is a case of overreaching. It's still light-hearted and purposefully silly fun, but it's just too slight and limited in broad audience appeal . .
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever - if anyone can bring out the very best in a show and make a half-full cup of entertainment filled to the brim, Mayer's the man. At least I thought he was . . .
Once - a rare screen-to-stage adaptation that retains the charms of their source but as a work of art in its own right .
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Off Broadway News: The high profile War Horse, gets a low-budget-low-key sequel. For XMas fun, consider a kvetchy Jewish Scrooge and nostalgic Dylan Thomas Christmas concert
Farm Boy- a far more low-keyed but cleverly conceived sequel Michael Morpurgo’s 1997 novel than War Horse, the play or the soon to be released movie. . . .
A Chanukah Charol- Who better to give Dickens' famous holiday story a Jewish twist than Hoffman, the queen of side-splitting stand-up kvetch? Who indeed! After all, Hoffman's kvetching is a way of saying "Bah! Humbug." . . .
A Child's Christmas in Wales-Howard McGillin leads the five-member cast in Dylan Thomas's concertize d story that's as good as a striped and colored peppermint stick . . .
Farm Boy- a far more low-keyed but cleverly conceived sequel Michael Morpurgo’s 1997 novel than War Horse, the play or the soon to be released movie. . . .
Jackie Hoffman |
A Child's Christmas in Wales-Howard McGillin leads the five-member cast in Dylan Thomas's concertize d story that's as good as a striped and colored peppermint stick . . .
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Recent NJTheater Reviews@curtanup.com
Bakersfield Mist- an out-of-the-ordinary, almost out-of-the-blue —, but more importantly, outstanding— two-hander . . .
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol - this is definitely unlike any other version you have seen before. . . .
The Nutcracker and I- Despite its occasional treats, this needs a more amusing book if it wants to qualify as a traditional holiday entertainment. . .
Jill Paice &Meredith Patterson in White Christmas |
Recent London Theater Reviews@curtainup.com
The Comedy of Errors- this traditional comoedia from the Greco-Roman tradition, and rests on the enjoyment of farce, slapstick and caricature and director Dominic Cooke wastes no time in getting into the action. . .
Cinderella- Over recent years, Hackney Empire has established itself as home to arguably the best pantomime in London, and this year’s offering only strengthens its reputation.. . .
Bertie Carvel as Miss Trunchbull and Lauren Ward as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical |
Collaborators- Simon Russell Beale gives an affectionate, quizzical and jokey portrait of Joseph Stalin in John Hodge's play. . .
Reasons to be Pretty- The last of Neil LaBute trilogy about how we look and relationships opens in London where it all started. . .
Judgement Day- Ibsen’s last play has a reputation for impenetrable symbolism, but in this new adaptation by Mike Poulton, the language takes on a hypnotic rhythm worthy of his earlier verse dramas.. . .
The Lion in Winter- Trevor Nunn’s production of James Goldman's play sadly fails to satisfy even as a historical pastiche comedy because it isn’t outrageous enough for 21st century humour. . . .
Juno and the Paycock- The National Theatre and The Abbey Theatre (Ireland's National Theatre) have come together for the first time with a co-production that must have taken great consideration to ensure that neither side of the Irish Sea felt excluded. . . .
Salt, Root and Roe- Tim Price’s enthralling second play, . . .
EX - This new ‘play with songs’ by Rob Young and Ross Lorraine seems something of a strange choice for the Soho Theatre with it's usually challenging and thought-provoking, political and cutting-edge. . . .
Sunday, December 4, 2011
This fast-paced Cherry Orchard really is a comedy--
John Turtorro and Juliet Rylance in The Cherry Orchard
The Cherry Orchard- The Classic Stage production has ratcheted up the comedy of Chekhov's last play more than any I've seen; it's also the trimmest
The Cherry Orchard- The Classic Stage production has ratcheted up the comedy of Chekhov's last play more than any I've seen; it's also the trimmest
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
London gets a delightful new musical. . . and more
London Theater: A delightful new family musical, a new play about Stalin, a new look at Ibsen's last play, and American playwright Neal LaBute . . .
Matilda the Musical- Matthew Warchus's delightful production for all ages about the precocious little girl who loves books and is born into a family of book hating telly addicts . . .
Collaborators- Simon Russell Beale gives an affectionate, quizzical and jokey portrait of Joseph Stalin in John Hodge's play. . .
Reasons to be Pretty- The last of Neil LaBute trilogy about how we look and relationships opens in London where it all started. . .
Judgement Day- Ibsen’s last play has a reputation for impenetrable symbolism, but in this new adaptation by Mike Poulton, the language takes on a hypnotic rhythm worthy of his earlier verse dramas.. . .
Bertie Carvel as Miss Trunchbull and Lauren Ward as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical |
Collaborators- Simon Russell Beale gives an affectionate, quizzical and jokey portrait of Joseph Stalin in John Hodge's play. . .
Reasons to be Pretty- The last of Neil LaBute trilogy about how we look and relationships opens in London where it all started. . .
Judgement Day- Ibsen’s last play has a reputation for impenetrable symbolism, but in this new adaptation by Mike Poulton, the language takes on a hypnotic rhythm worthy of his earlier verse dramas.. . .
Monday, November 28, 2011
Live Theater for $20 --Really!
Suicide, Incorporated- Andrew Hinderakers’s modestly macabre but also humorously tender play is also an ironically good fit for the Underground series as it deals with the decision by people to end their unhappy lives above ground . . .
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tweet reviews of new London productions
Collaborator- Simon Russell Beale gives an affectionate, quizzical and jokey portrait of Joseph Stalin in John Hodge's play. . .
Reasons to be Pretty- The last of Neil LaBute trilogy about how we look and relationships opens in London where it all started. . .
Judgement Day- Ibsen’s last play has a reputation for impenetrable symbolism, but in this new adaptation by Mike Poulton, the language takes on a hypnotic rhythm worthy of his earlier verse dramas.. . .
The Lion in Winter- Trevor Nunn’s production of James Goldman's play sadly fails to satisfy even as a historical pastiche comedy because it isn’t outrageous enough for 21st century humour. . . .
Monday, November 21, 2011
4-new curtainup reviews
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Wild Animals You Should Know- There's probably a good play in here somewhere. But it's been given a ready for prime time production somewhat prematurely. The producers would have been wise to followthe Boy Scout motto: "Be Prepared.". . .
Seminar- With copy editing jobs disappearing with other publishing jobs, writers wanting a sharp eye cast on their fledgling literary efforts may well need an expensive private teacher like the one in Theresa Rebeck's new comedy . . .
She Kills Monsters- Whether or not you ever played a heroic paladin or wise wizard, if you know true devotion when you see it, this is fun and worth seeing . . .
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Something old, (Private Lives), something new (Horsedreams)
Private Lives — Paul Gross, Kim Cattrai new Elyot is tall, dark and handsome, the sort of debonair leading man born to wear tuxedos and silk dressing gowns and he foxtrots divinely
Horse Dreams - Dael Orlandersmith's brutally frank play about a family decimated by drug addiction, written in a beautifully composed, essentially lyrical, narrative -driven style
Horse Dreams - Dael Orlandersmith's brutally frank play about a family decimated by drug addiction, written in a beautifully composed, essentially lyrical, narrative -driven style
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
on&off-Broadway curtainup reviews
We were burning for Thomas Bradshaw's semi-pornographic Burning to end. . .but we succumbed to High Jackman's charm. .and found much to like (if not love) in the new concert-stand show about Gay Marriage. We were also pleased to see the Prospect Theatre Group's funy musical Iron Curtain get a second life. Our Shakespeare maven Deirdre Donovan sounded off on the film Anonymous about the Bard's identity.
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Burning -Thomas Bradshaw's new play overloads the play with two many ideas that don't work and sex scenes that more excessive and boring than titillating . . .
Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway- he's the current King of Broadway. For him, it’s home. For us, it’s a treat. . . .
Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays- A bunch of A-list authors and actors explore the joys and pitfalls of same sex nuptials . . .
Aonymous — Our Review of the film that challenges Shakespeare's authorship. . .
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Burning -Thomas Bradshaw's new play overloads the play with two many ideas that don't work and sex scenes that more excessive and boring than titillating . . .
Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway- he's the current King of Broadway. For him, it’s home. For us, it’s a treat. . . .
Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays- A bunch of A-list authors and actors explore the joys and pitfalls of same sex nuptials . . .
Aonymous — Our Review of the film that challenges Shakespeare's authorship. . .
Iron Curtain - The Prospect Theater's delightful musical gets a welcome second life . . .
Friday, November 11, 2011
A not-to-be-missed off-Broadway show
Jenn Gambatese with company members in Iron Curtaon
Iron Curtain - The Prospect Theater's delightful musical gets a welcome second life . . .
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
well acted and staged Inner City tragedy
Tonya Pinkins and Angela Lewis
Milk Like Sugar- Kirsten Greenidge's slice of inner city life in which three teenagers make a pact that's sure to derail their already slim chances for escaping lives brightened only by short-term gratification . . .
Monday, October 31, 2011
A brisk well-cast Shakespeare play for the price of a movie!
Reg E. Cathey as Don Armado in Love's Labor's Lost
Love's Labor's Lost- Karin Coonrod has chosen n a mode that embraces both the past and the present which works as well as any pseudo-historical time in the Public's wonderfully affordable LAB production. .
Sunday, October 30, 2011
3 new reviews for London theatergoers
Death of a Maiden- BAFTA award winning actress Thandie Newton makes her stage debut inthe newly named Harold Pinter Theatre's revival of Ariel Dorfman's play. . .
The Last of the Duches- Nicholas Wright's excellent play set in 1980 about the last years of the Duchess of Windsor in Paris. . .
Britannicus- This accessible modern dress Natural Perspective production of Racine starts slowly but builds up a compelling momentum.. . .
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Actor Jesse Eisenberg turns playwrght
Asuncion- The chance for Jesse Eisenberg groupies to see him up close and personal in his first playwriting effort is likely to flll every seat at the Cherry Lane Theater
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Groundbreaking musical at Godspeed Opera House
Burke Moses (top) and D.B. Bonds in City of Angels
City of Angels- The Tony-Award winning musical beautfully revved at Godspeed Opera House
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Curtainup's news from London
Ths week's reviews from our London critic-- along with her take on the Evening Standard Drama Awards. . .
Evening Standard Drama Awards 2011 — Lizzie Loveridge comments on the long list. . .
Inadmissible Evidence- Douglas Hodge is quite simply superb in this revival of John Osborne's very personal play . . .
Jumpy- Tamsin Greig lends star power to this light social comedy. . .
66 Books- A monumental multi-author enterprise at the Bush. . .
Bang Bang Bang -Stella Feehily’s play is based on meticulous research with the workers of various NGOs and charities who are employed in Africa to monitor the situation and to provide economic or medical aid.. . .
Evening Standard Drama Awards 2011 — Lizzie Loveridge comments on the long list. . .
Inadmissible Evidence- Douglas Hodge is quite simply superb in this revival of John Osborne's very personal play . . .
Jumpy- Tamsin Greig lends star power to this light social comedy. . .
66 Books- A monumental multi-author enterprise at the Bush. . .
Bang Bang Bang -Stella Feehily’s play is based on meticulous research with the workers of various NGOs and charities who are employed in Africa to monitor the situation and to provide economic or medical aid.. . .
Thursday, October 20, 2011
An old-fashioned laugh fest by 3 comic writers
Danny Hoch makes a welcome return in Relatively Speaking's curtain raiser
Relatively Speaking: Talking Cure by Ethan Coen; George is Dead by Elaine May, Honeymoon Motel by Woody Allen- The bookend pieces are strictly for laughs, the middle piece is as sad as it is funny. Taken together, the three pieces are a bit like having three desserts instead of a really substantial meal
Relatively Speaking: Talking Cure by Ethan Coen; George is Dead by Elaine May, Honeymoon Motel by Woody Allen- The bookend pieces are strictly for laughs, the middle piece is as sad as it is funny. Taken together, the three pieces are a bit like having three desserts instead of a really substantial meal
A not to be missed new play from a fresh new voice
Sons of the Prophet- This comedy about grief and pain will l indeed have you laughing often but it's also deeply touching and filled to the brim with serious issues.. . .
Monday, October 17, 2011
Mike Daisey's cautionary tale for Apple acolytes
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs- Mike Daisey takes off his rose-colored glasses to tell his version of the Jobs story . .
Could this NJ premiere be Broadway bound?
Jim Shankman, Kathleen Goldpaugh, Carol Todd
London Stages: Something old & something new
On London Stages: Edward Bond's once again timely Saved, a nother class for the Pitman Painters and a new play by Conor McPherson
Saved - Lyric Hammersmith director Sean Holmes and his actors give us a fresh production of Edward Bond's groundbreaking play. . .
The Veil- Conor McPherson's gothic story receives a big production directed by the playwright himself. . . .
The Pitmen Painters- Lee Hall's unusual painting class resumes at the Duchess Theatre . . .
Saved - Lyric Hammersmith director Sean Holmes and his actors give us a fresh production of Edward Bond's groundbreaking play. . .
The Veil- Conor McPherson's gothic story receives a big production directed by the playwright himself. . . .
The Pitmen Painters- Lee Hall's unusual painting class resumes at the Duchess Theatre . . .
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Mountaintop- Samuel L. Jackson makes an impressive Broadway debut Katori Hall's faction about Martin Luther King's last night on earth.
What do Linda Lavin and Times columnis Gail Collins have in Common?
The Lyons- You wouldn't want a monster wife at your bedside, but you won't want to miss Linda Lavin's irresistibly funny and moving portrayal of her . . .
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Actress Zoe Kazan dons playwritiing hat
Amy Irving and Jeremy Shamos in We Live Here
We Live Here- Actress Zoe Kazan's first major Off-Broadway play is an imperfect pleasure. . .
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Motherhood: A topic as universal as it can get
The actors who bring motherhood in all its permutation to entertaining life at Primary stages . . .
Motherhood Out Loud- 4 actors, and a baker's dozen of playwrights contemplate motherhood in our "brave new world" .
Motherhood Out Loud- 4 actors, and a baker's dozen of playwrights contemplate motherhood in our "brave new world" .
Monday, October 3, 2011
Grunge specialist Rapp does a fancy dinner party. ..
Dreams of Flying Dreams of Falling- Review of Adam Rapp's Albee haunted dinner party, plus a wrapup of Rapp's trajectory from downtown cult favorite to high profile by-line . . .
Sunday, October 2, 2011
London does Synge classic & rock musical
an early 20th play excitingly revived and a late in the century Broadway musical crosses the pond
The Playboy of the Western World- John Crowley’s exciting production of JM Synge’s 1907 classic has a modern feel. . . .
Rock of Ages- This American jukebox musical featuring the glam metal rock bands of the late 1980s comes to London recast with an English cast. . .
The Playboy of the Western World- John Crowley’s exciting production of JM Synge’s 1907 classic has a modern feel. . . .
Rock of Ages- This American jukebox musical featuring the glam metal rock bands of the late 1980s comes to London recast with an English cast. . .
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
An entertaining if not always comfortable to watch new play
The Submission - a young playwrights submission of his play under a more attention getting by-line turns into a case of "oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" .
A Disney flop now a musical hit in NJ
Jeremy Jordan (center) and company membersin Newsies
Newsies- There is nothing quite like the excitement that accompanies the world premiere of a new musical, especially one that, like this Papermill Playhouse premiere, is the result of work by some of the most creative and lauded talents in the theater.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
a fun take on a nce hot ticket melodrama. . .
From Rags to Riches- Under Alex Roe’s intelligent direction, this old melodrama about economic stagnation is right on the money. . . .
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Invested: good theater for a small investment
The Invested- the actors and the smart script make this behind the financial headlines play fun to watch. And at $18 a ticket, affordable even if your portfolio has taken a beating.. . .
Friday, September 16, 2011
Stagestruck filmmaker strikes out as playwright
The Wood- Dan Klores's docu-drama about the late journalist Mike McAlary is too jumpy and maudlin . .
Monday, September 12, 2011
No folly to see this Follies at the Marquis
Follies- To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, "When you're tired of Stephen Sondheim's Follies, you're tired of musical theater" .
It's got Bernadette Peters and Ron Raines and that slinky blonde at the right none other than the very proper mother-in-law from hell in the Good Wife Mary Beth Peil
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ralph Fieenes is a riveting Prospero
Ralph Fiennes as Prospero
The Tempest- Ralph Fiennes draws the audience into Prospero’s world and we are almost complicit in his wizardry . . .
The inventive Elevetar Repair grou tackles Hemingway
The Select (The Sun Also Rises)- Less time consuming than Elevator Repair Service's Gatz, but still a hefty theatrical meal but its one that's nourishing and enjoyably brings Hemingway's novel to life. . . . . .
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A financial thriller touching on the entire zeitgeist
Other People's Money - theater buffs will love this terrific and timely comedy of manners that's all about a London bank scandal -- but also a backwater town's dying newspaper and local theater producer and playwright. .
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Audra McDonald is a Bess for tee ages
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - no matter what Stephen Sondheim may say this Porgy and Bess is most timely when it isn’t as worried about the running time, the times, or The Times. .
Monday, August 29, 2011
Another hit for the invaluable Mint Theater
Temporal Powers - The Mint's production of Teresa Deevy's long ignored play is certainly a cure for those in search of a good yarn . . .
Sunday, August 28, 2011
south pacific not quite the big thrill in London
South Pacific- a largely British cast needs extra concentration to maintain the American accents, in song as well as voice. . .
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Bluebird - Simon Stephen's beautifully written, tenderly sad play has finally crossed the Atlantic. Too bad that audiences here have been given such a short time to see it, especially since it stars the lauded actor Simon Russell Beale . . .
It's sold out but there's a standby line
Friday, August 19, 2011
Book of Mormon tix = hot auction item
Tickets for The Book of Mormon are fetching astronomical prices and savvy fundraisers have not overlooked the hotter than hot show's potential for raising big bucks.
www.curtainup.com/bookofmormon.html
Debrorah Graussman, recently put together one of the best fund raising galas I've ever attended to raise money for the Lenox, Mass based Shakespeare & Company's widely respected education program. The enterprising and talented Graussman arranged to bus a bunch of Broadway babies to spend their "off" Monday night performing (pro bono) at the company's filled to the brim Founders Theater.
To add to the $50,000 already collected from ticket sales, Graussman joined host Chip Zien on stage and launched an auction for 2 prime Book of Mormon tickets for a Saturday matinee. The bidding was brisk and the winner ended up shelling out $1900.
Broadway in the Berkshires was so smartly organized, deliciously entertaining and indeed as close to a night on the Great White Way as you could get. Chip Zien was a delightful host who not only delivered lots of laughs and also performed, as did Graussman.
It was an evening of non-stop highlights such as Brian Charles Rooney's hilarious multi-persona (female as well as male) medley of Broadway hits, and a thrilling dance solo by young Peter Mazurowski, one of the three young actors currently starring as Billy in Billy Elliot.
The way this evening was organized could serve as a master class in ow to run a benefit that truly delivers what it promised. With a trio of musicians that included the Boston Symphony Orchestra's chef cellist, Owen Young, who could ask for anything more?
www.curtainup.com/bookofmormon.html
Debrorah Graussman, recently put together one of the best fund raising galas I've ever attended to raise money for the Lenox, Mass based Shakespeare & Company's widely respected education program. The enterprising and talented Graussman arranged to bus a bunch of Broadway babies to spend their "off" Monday night performing (pro bono) at the company's filled to the brim Founders Theater.
To add to the $50,000 already collected from ticket sales, Graussman joined host Chip Zien on stage and launched an auction for 2 prime Book of Mormon tickets for a Saturday matinee. The bidding was brisk and the winner ended up shelling out $1900.
Broadway in the Berkshires was so smartly organized, deliciously entertaining and indeed as close to a night on the Great White Way as you could get. Chip Zien was a delightful host who not only delivered lots of laughs and also performed, as did Graussman.
It was an evening of non-stop highlights such as Brian Charles Rooney's hilarious multi-persona (female as well as male) medley of Broadway hits, and a thrilling dance solo by young Peter Mazurowski, one of the three young actors currently starring as Billy in Billy Elliot.
The way this evening was organized could serve as a master class in ow to run a benefit that truly delivers what it promised. With a trio of musicians that included the Boston Symphony Orchestra's chef cellist, Owen Young, who could ask for anything more?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Charles Bush's zinger-filled serio-comedy
Olive and the Bitter Herbs - A superb cast has been entrusted with the difficult burden of speaking a lot of funny lines while also behaving either irresponsibly or reprehensibly in Charles Bush's new play
Monday, August 15, 2011
A bad day for pit musicians in this new musical. . .
Jessica Tyler Wright, Malcolm Gets, Lauren Molina in Ten Cents A Dance
Friday, August 12, 2011
Ret is back
Rent- the iconic musical's original director Michael Greif has attended to the show's needs with marked discipline as well as with some newly motivated impressions. . . .
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Beautiful Cate Blanchett in beautiful Uncle Vanya
Cate Blanchett and Richard Roxburgh in Uncle Vanya
Uncle Vanya- the Sydney Theatre Company's very special production of Chekhov's play at the Kennedy Center
an ultra-intimate theater experience
Sarah Lemp in HotelMotel
HotelMotel-two plays in site specific setting for 20 viewers at a time only . . .
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
An Early less hopelessly sad Glass Menagery
The Pretty Trap- there is the prospect of a happy ending in this early one-act version of The Glass Menagerie.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
To be or not to be in a lower east side parking lot. . .
Hamlet In The Park(ing) Lot- an urban setting with unanticipated noises, but it's free.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A terrific world premiere in the Berkshires.
Aisha Hinds and John Bedford Lloyd
The Best of Enemies - a moving new drama by Mark St. Germain another winner for Barrington Stage Company
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
recently reviewed off-Broadway shows
All New People- Put four people with major issues in a room and see what happens when they are fueled by alcohol, an assortment of drugs including cocaine and a script that is neither credible nor makes much sense. . . .
Romeo and Juliet- Theater 2020 bring Shakespeare's young lovers to Brooklyn. And for FREE! . .
The Patsy- An old play and a new monologue have been created as performance pieces, each allowing the wonderfully talented Greenspan to be ingratiating and impressive in different ways. . . .
TheShoemaker - this three-character play features a sequence of metaphors and symbols that too often get in the way of the inherent dramatic opportunities. . .
No Child-Nilaja Sun's acclaimed solo piece back briefly at its first hom . . .
If you're visiting the Berkshires. . .
The Hound of the Baskervilles- A superbly executed spoof of Sherlock Holmes' novella. . .
Dutch Masters world premiere at Berkshire Theater Group's Unicorn Theater
Lily Rabe with Zinab Jab in a scene from A Doll's House |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Terrific Oklahoma back in DC for tthe summer
Oklahoma!— Curtainup revisits this return engagement. and finds it better than ever .
Monday, July 18, 2011
A. R. Gurney's doggie romance still gets laughs. . .
David Adkins and Rachel Bay Jones
Monday, July 11, 2011
Kevin Spacey is a not-to-be-missed Richad III
Kevin Spacey as King Richard III
Richard III- It is a role made for Kevin Spacey who surely would surely have been made a knight of the theatre if foreign nationals were eligible for the award of the royal "sword on shoulder" honour. . .
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
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