Theatre
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Junk by Ayad Akhtar
NY's Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center,
By: - Dec 02nd, 2017Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar, (“Disgraced”) is back on Broadway with a riveting new play "Junk." Crisply directed by Doug Hughes, the play is a searing indictment of financial perfidy and recklessness and its seeming disdain for the rule of law when ‘it’ comes too close to getting in the way of the art of the all-important deal.
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The Play That Goes Wrong
British Farce Wows Broadway Audiences
By: - Dec 02nd, 2017“The Play That Goes Wrong”, is written by three talented British playwright/actors: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, who are members of the London-based, Mischief Theatre Company. The production is wowing New York audiences at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. Last summer there was a change to an American cast which is every bit as hilarious as the original Brits.
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Puff: Believe It or Not at Remy Bumppo Theatre
World Premiere Translation by Ranjit Bolt
By: - Dec 04th, 2017Puff is a world premiere translation by Ranjit Bolt of the original script by the prolific French playwright, Eugène Scribe, known for his complex plotting of the well-made play. With Nick Sandys’ capable direction, the actors keep who-knows-what-and-loves-whom-when mostly straight. It is a smart, funny poke in the eye of the contemporary affection for fake news and hype about nothing, set in an 1840s Parisian drawing room.
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A Civil War Christmas
An American Musical Celebration by Paula Vogel
By: - Dec 05th, 2017Much of the ambiance of A Civil War Christmas derives from the music supporting the narrative. Several traditional Christmas carols are sung, including an audience-quieting, a cappella “Silent Night” delivered by Alicia von Kugelgen, who offers the strongest singing voice of the show. Additional music comes from mostly African-American spirituals of the period such as “Children Go Where I Send Thee” and “There is Balm is Gilead.”
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Describe the Night at Atlantic Theater
Rajiv Joseph on Persistence of Truth vs Lies
By: - Dec 06th, 2017The playwright Rajiv Joseph, a Pulitzer Prize winning finalist and winner of Lortel and Obie Awards, arrives at the Atlantic Theater Company with his new work, Describe the Night. The play is almost three hours long, and whizzes by in jewel-like nuggets of high drama. Giovanna Sardelli, Joseph’s frequent collaborator, directs.
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The Millionth Production of A Christmas Carol
Deconstructing Holiday Theatre Tradition
By: - Dec 07th, 2017For those seeking an alternative to traditional holiday theater fare, Pear Theatre offers the world premiere of The Millionth Production of “A Christmas Carol.” A comic paean to all that is black box theater, the result offers much that will appeal to theater lovers, with a behind-the-scenes exposé about the people and processes involved in launching a production, without any real connection to Christmas.
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The Mad Ones at 59E59 Theaters
A Contemporary Road Story
By: - Dec 07th, 2017The Mad Ones takes its title from Jack Kerouac. It is a kind of prequel to On the Road and also the film Thelma and Louise. Samantha is a high school senior who is ambivalent about following the path for which she has been prepped by her mother.
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King Charles III
The Man Who Would be King in Pasadena
By: - Dec 08th, 2017“King Charles III has some of the Shakespeare-like quality of the text that combines verse and modern vernacular, make this intriguing production directed by Michael Michetti, a provocative evening in the theatre that is resonating with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Something Rotten on Tour
In Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre
By: - Dec 08th, 2017The story, of “Something Rotten”, in short, is set in 1590s England where playwright brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, sensationally played by Rob McClure and Josh Grisetti, respectfully, are desperate to write a hit play to pay their rent, keep food on the table, and pay back their theatre investors. But they’re stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock-star known as Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, a self-indulgent, preening (Adam Pascal).
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Participants a Panoply of Subjective Responses
Playwrights Heed the Call
By: - Dec 09th, 2017The playwrights are a highly diverse group, and not surprisingly, so is the topic matter and the casting. By its nature, this format does not provide a continuous dramatic arc, but a number of small climaxes.
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Cross That River at 59E59 Theaters
Runaway Slaves Became Successful Cowboys
By: - Dec 08th, 2017If you were a runaway slave in the mid 19th century, where did you go to find a new life? Cowboy seemed a good profession. It was far from the south and the new country opening up was not so sensitive to color. Cross That River at 59E59 Theaters looks at one cowboy's life through song and story.
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Billy and Me by Terry Teachout.
World Premiere at Palm Beach Dramaworks
By: - Dec 10th, 2017An historical comic-drama about Tennessee Williams and William Inge receives admirable world premiere production in West Palm Beach. This engrossing memory play focuses on the little-known relationship between the two great playwrights. The play is a new work by Wall Street Journal Critic, Terry Teachout. His first play was Satchmo at the Waldorf which premiered at Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires.
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First Night Saratoga 2018
Light Up the Night
By: - Dec 14th, 2017As one of the oldest and largest celebrations of its kind in the country, First Night Saratoga is the most affordable, accessible, safe and exciting way to spend New Year's Eve in New York's capital region. With over 170 different performances from 6pm to midnight, this event is great for everyone from kids to couples who want a fun night out on the town!
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Park Avenue Armory Makes Room in India
Théâtre du Soleil Harmonizes with Hélène Cixous
By: - Dec 14th, 2017The methods of the Théâtre du Soleil are well-known. Actors, crew and the tech staff are all paid the same salary. When Ariane Mnouchkine decided to work in India, everyone traveled to Pondicherry. Works are developed collaboratively. Park Avenue Armory has provided an evocative, dramatic staging of "A Room in India."
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Winter Shorts in Miami
Seasonal Series of Short Plays
By: - Dec 16th, 2017The 2017 version of Winter Shorts in South Florida features a diverse group of plays which is a hallmark of this season's line-up of shows.
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Mark Rylance in Farinelli and the King
London Production Opens on Broadway
By: - Dec 17th, 2017Much excitement attends the opening of Farinelli and The King which has come across the pond to the Belasco Theater in New York. Mark Rylance, winner of multiple Tony and Academy Awards, leads the cast. Consummate counter tenor Iestyn Davies, whose mother derailed him from a pop music career, wows audiences who have never heard a voice of such beauty. In the end, music triumphs.
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The Secret Garden in South Florida
Ft. Lauderdale's Slow Burn Theatre Company
By: - Dec 19th, 2017Ft. Lauderdale theater company presents an enthralling production of The Secret Garden through Dec. 31. Humanity shines through in a well-acted, designed production. Humor and pathos combine to create a memorable theatrical experience.
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School of Rock's National Tour
Broadway Musical in Florida
By: - Dec 20th, 2017Scorching School of Rock seems vital these days. An equity national touring production of the musical, based on the film, sizzles. Show will inspire you to "Stick it to the Man" (or Woman) yourself.
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Houdini Comes to Wales
59E59 Theaters Unlock Him Through Daniel Llewelyn-Williams
By: - Dec 20th, 2017Can anyone outdo Harry Houdini? "A Regular Little Houdini" suggests yes. A young boy's fascination with magic and then escaptistry helps him save his family's honor. This charming and moving one-man show touches in ways that escape artists usually don't through a spellbinding performance by Daniel Llewelyn-Williams.
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Pinafore with New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
Enduring Humor and Truths
By: - Dec 29th, 2017High spirits prevail aboard HMS Pinafore as Little Buttercup distributes sweets and tobacco to the crew. Common sailor Ralph Rackstraw's mind, however, is on Josephine. He is in love with her even though she is pf another class. The prospective couple have sumptuous voices. Soprano Kate Bass has a wide ranging lyricism, with a bright top and an intelligent reading of song and phrase. Daniel Greenwood, an enticing edge to his big tenor.
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Flashdance The Musical Near Ft. Lauderdale
Adaptation of Popular Film
By: - Dec 31st, 2017A regional production of Flashdance: The Musical achieves mixed results. The lead performer shines in Broward Stage Door Theatre's mounting of the production. Showstoppers "She's a Maniac" and "What a Feeling" make the show worthwhile seeing
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Once on This Island
Music al Revival at Circle in the Square
By: - Jan 06th, 2018We welcome Karen Isaacs who covers theatre in New York and Connecticut. Here she has mixed responses to a revival of a 1990 musical. At Cicle in the Square Once on This Island evokes a Caribbean atmosphere. You might want to get your feet wet.
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Best of Connecticut Theatre 2017
Top Ten Shows and Honorable Mentions
By: - Jan 08th, 20182017 offered superb theatre for Connecticut audiences. Our correspondent, Karen Isaacs, has a list of the Top Ten shows. In addition she lists twelve more productions worthy of critical recognition.
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Finding Neverland on Tour
Musical About Peter Pan's Creation Plays Florida
By: - Jan 08th, 2018Finding Neverland is charming to a point, but lacks depth. An equity national touring production of the musical features acting that's too over-the-top. A musical about the birth of Peter Pan may delight young children despite its shortcomings.
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Best of Broadway 2017
It Was a Very Good Year
By: - Jan 10th, 2018Our correspondent, Karen Isaacs, shares the best of what she reviewed on Broadway in 2017.
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