tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34447202011-04-22T00:36:40.388-04:00And Then I Saw...AND THEN I SAW
Opinions about Theater in Boston+ Posted semi-daily Search archives early in run for comments on specific show; guestbook at bottomwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.comBlogger15161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-16081415042761670892007-05-28T17:07:00.000-04:002007-05-28T17:09:41.672-04:00No Memorial Days weekend surprizes. PR for PIAZZA. May try to see.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-47830899694976474492007-05-26T16:46:00.000-04:002007-05-26T16:53:45.158-04:00No new reviews, Not planning to see anyhting this weeked.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-40368192153220569492007-05-24T18:36:00.000-04:002007-05-24T18:42:49.827-04:00Present Laughter, Noel Coward's 1939 play being revived at the Huntington is typical HTC middle-brow work done up brown. In this day and age there's not liable to be a better production. No challenges expect keeping the large cast straight. Brooks Ashmanskas wins the overacting award. The titular lead, Victor Graber almost gets one for underacting. The show has three acts and clocks in at atwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-72311871573030527842007-05-22T17:02:00.000-04:002007-05-22T17:05:35.490-04:00No reviews today. Seeing Present Laughter at HTC tomorrow. Rest of the week--who knows.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-30194001919591047792007-05-21T19:13:00.000-04:002007-05-21T19:24:55.751-04:00Well, the 9th Theatre Marathon ran its course. Good acting in general, more weak scripts that usual, and lower attendance. It's time to rethink a few apscts of this event for its 10th anniversary. Gurnet's Dog Sees God has one more week at the BCA. The scripts a bit messy, could use cutting, but the arc of the show has real power.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-91209507306247690202007-05-19T19:38:00.000-04:002007-05-19T19:42:34.066-04:00Dog Sees God is a remarkably serious play for its premise that the the cast are teenage version of the Peanuts Gang, with barely disquised names. Definitely PG-13 or more, the cast does well enough with a rather rambling script.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-61202212947257934382007-05-18T16:11:00.000-04:002007-05-18T16:19:20.436-04:00The Globe has an incitefuul if not especially helpful review of the ART's current production of Pinter's 1975 No Man's Land. The production is certainly worth seeing for the acting and the direction, though liable to frustrate all but the most ardent Pineterphile.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-59999666932267380072007-05-17T17:31:00.000-04:002007-05-17T17:45:15.975-04:00No Man's Land, ART's Pinter closer is worth a visit for the performances, the marvelous language, but not the play, which is hardly there. Marathon this weekend. Trying to build of sleep reserves.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-39177238368687182252007-05-16T18:49:00.000-04:002007-05-16T18:52:34.319-04:00Speakeasy's production of Parade was praised in the Globe, though its book was questioned. My review is up ON THE AISLE. Off to Pinter at the ART.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-84696283532768865262007-05-13T16:33:00.001-04:002007-05-13T17:11:22.239-04:00Stoneham did a nice job with Agatha, Elegant set, good costumes. Parade at Speakeasy tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-46349837492708803282007-05-13T16:33:00.000-04:002007-05-13T17:11:21.718-04:00Stoneham did a nice job with Agatha, Elegant set, good costumes. Parade at Speakeasy tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-77744174445449051962007-05-12T17:20:00.000-04:002007-05-12T17:21:10.995-04:00Nada. Off to and then there were none at Stoneham tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-12156649215281525782007-05-11T17:09:00.000-04:002007-05-11T17:13:03.224-04:00Two Rooms is definitely a meaty play, and not for the impatient. A more varied pace wouldn't hurt much. Blessing's 1980 look at hostages in Lebanon is sadly relevant today.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-16103177308443585092007-05-08T17:28:00.000-04:002007-05-08T17:29:43.890-04:00Arms and the Man got a pleasant review in the Globe. Mine will be up tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-34315752679068543982007-05-06T19:32:00.000-04:002007-05-06T19:39:24.009-04:00Just sent Arms.. quicktake off to the Mirror. Will try to catch 'Theatre on Fire" at CWT on Thurs. and Agatha C at Stoneham later in week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-45437715480742255612007-05-05T15:47:00.000-04:002007-05-05T15:51:41.103-04:00PR for Arms & the Man in the Globe. Not much else. Seeing show tomorrow afternoon. Red Noses (BU/CFA)a bit of a disappointmentwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-45046079076481053252007-05-02T18:36:00.000-04:002007-05-02T18:38:06.711-04:00Just posted a comment of Fringe Theatre to the Mirror. No new reviews in the papers but there's another salute to Crazy for You on the Mirror.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-80947890798131811652007-04-30T17:43:00.000-04:002007-04-30T17:47:23.542-04:00The Mirror has a rave for the New Rep's Wild Party. Catching show on Wednesday. The Herald includes Mormon Boy at BTW along with the TV special. Got to get caught up with smaller shows.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-19363573227491542922007-04-29T18:07:00.000-04:002007-04-29T18:13:28.845-04:00Will Eno's The Flu Season, now being done by Whistler in the Dark over at the Arsenal Center for the Arts Downstage black box is a difficult piece with the playwright intruding on the action a bit more tah necessary to make hios theatrical point. The six member cast handles their roles with real skill, making the production well worth seeing, even through one might wish it were about 1/2 hour willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-76649794051580402022007-04-27T17:32:00.000-04:002007-04-27T17:37:23.087-04:00No reviews today. Phoenix did Theatre Offensive's ...Nian and Devenaughn's (sic) plus URT's Einstein's Dreams over in Kendal at the Broad Institute. Caught NSMT's Crazy for You last night. Classic entertainment.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-4831561294959544172007-04-25T17:36:00.000-04:002007-04-25T17:38:28.491-04:00The laughers are cheering Valhalla on. Perhaps I just don't get it. NSMT starts is season with Crazy for You tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-65810033052614180542007-04-24T18:18:00.000-04:002007-04-24T18:25:07.376-04:00Three appreciative reveus of Valhalla in the Mirror. Sent my more negative response in today. Nothing in the papers except to Christian walkout on Mike Daisey.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-22034167018607718382007-04-21T15:47:00.000-04:002007-04-21T15:50:44.158-04:00TheatreZone's Memory House is a good naturalistic production. Mother even bakes a real pie during this 90 confrontation with her adopted daughter. Worth a short run to Chelsea. Especially since Chelsea Theatre Works now has an elevator up to thier third floor hall. Einstein's Dreams at MIT tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-6041980962193549942007-04-20T14:19:00.000-04:002007-04-20T14:21:43.140-04:00HTC has announced next season starting with aWest End musical headed for Broadway. Catching TheatreZone tonight and Einstein's Dreams tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-31006659155603448642007-04-19T15:41:00.000-04:002007-04-19T18:46:10.129-04:00Surviving the Nian, Theatre Offensive's premiere of a show they developed with a Larson grant. It's a pleasant domestic drama with satisfactory musical support. There are no real musical comedy voices in the cast (except possibly Gary Ng) but the acting is crisp and enunciation is clear. Certainly worth seeing; what the show's future might be is the big question.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-48498071423016323002007-04-18T15:13:00.000-04:002007-04-18T15:18:13.468-04:00Catching ...Nian tonight instead. Then TheatreZone on Friday and Valhalla on Sunday. Three reviews in the Globe today. Distant Music in Lowell (can't make it) Pooh at Wheelock (seen it), and Valhalla.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-83384702614788478902007-04-17T17:10:00.000-04:002007-04-17T17:12:17.612-04:00Still no new AisleSay. Sorry. Will try an catch four shows this week starting tonight with ...Nian. B.U. doing Red Noses in May.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-57097499655351526872007-04-16T17:39:00.000-04:002007-04-16T17:43:58.237-04:00Katherine Butler Jones 409 Edgecombe Avenue: The House on Sugar Hill now being done by Up You Mighty Race at the BCA Plaza has a Globe review suggesting it isn't ready for prime-time. TheatreZone over in Chelsea got a review for Kathleen Tolan's "Memory House," a mother/daughter play. Planning to see ...Nian by Theatre Offensive tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-17535119065217284452007-04-15T12:05:00.000-04:002007-04-15T12:08:19.781-04:00The Herald has a review of Persephone, the first in ages. Unfortunately it comes from their "pop" culture desk and could have been written by a high-school student. Taking a rain-check on Valhalla this afternoon.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-56573014097411667622007-04-13T17:23:00.000-04:002007-04-13T17:29:41.312-04:00Thoughful review of Haidle's Persephone by HTC in the Globe misses the point that it's a fantasy. The show needs to follow its own rules a little better tho. Breaking Ground plays named. Catherine Foster headed for the Left Coast. Catching Pooh at Wheelock tomorrow and Zeitgeist's Valhalla Sunday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-58742440520486898812007-04-12T15:43:00.000-04:002007-04-12T15:48:56.689-04:00Persephone by Noah Haidle, which has some wonderful writing, won't be everyone's cup of tea owing to various incidences of sexual violence in the second half. These don't detract from a stunning performance ovewr at the Wimberley by Melinda Lopez as Demeter, the mother of the title character, however. The rest of the characters are played by three versatile performers led by Jerry Kissel playingwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-84634164495906687792007-04-11T14:48:00.000-04:002007-04-11T14:51:00.247-04:00...Young Lady From Rwanda got a rave in the Globe. Let's hope the weather doesn't keep people from going out to Stoneham. Seein Persephone tonight at the Wimberley (HTC); may not have a review until Friday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-80146043457559571882007-04-10T16:05:00.000-04:002007-04-10T17:42:38.468-04:00My review of I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me By a Young Lady From Rwanda out at Stoneham is up. And the Phoenix review is online even earlier this week. The Globe "interview" with the author on Sunday was interesting. On reflection, this is a must-see show on several levels. Tomorrow Persephone HTC at Wimberley.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-64887243067459729842007-04-09T16:02:00.000-04:002007-04-09T16:04:11.899-04:00Another Monday. No new reviews. A plea in the Mirror for more attention to the Fringe. What is the current state of that part of the Boston Theatre Scene?willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-68066684392996136532007-04-08T16:30:00.000-04:002007-04-08T16:38:12.041-04:00...A Young Lady from Rwanda running out at Stoneham is a powerful effort. Well-acted, carefully staged, and trying to find hope in the face of genocide. Strong stuff, must see, but be prepared to be depressed, not for the characters but for today's victims.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-85685083803391051452007-04-07T14:53:00.000-04:002007-04-07T14:54:06.398-04:00Thoughtful review pf Titus... up on the Mirror.Stoneham tonight for me.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-27615717971301542562007-04-06T15:30:00.000-04:002007-04-06T15:33:14.034-04:00Molasses Tank's Conquest of the South Pole well done, well-acted, and more relevant than one might expect for a German play written before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Jason Beals does another impressive job in the lead.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-63570881173882857982007-04-05T15:37:00.001-04:002007-04-05T15:38:57.635-04:00Conquest of South Pole got a solid review in the Globe. Seeing it tonight. Catching Stoneham's ...Young Lady from Rwanda on Saturday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-91268237891811953202007-04-04T16:45:00.000-04:002007-04-04T17:36:53.645-04:00ASP's Titus... and Conquest of the South Pole at CWT got analysis in the Phoenix. New Up You Mighty Race production got promo in the Globe. Will catch Conquest this week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-13091562821571398782007-04-02T16:13:00.000-04:002007-04-02T16:29:58.143-04:00Dull Monday. Titus and Miss W finally up on the MIRROR. AisleSay delayed! Persephone openes at BCA Wednesdaywillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-45626535037184182812007-03-31T14:59:00.000-04:002007-03-31T15:01:22.869-04:00Quiet weekend. The new play reading series over at Footlight Club continues this afternoon. Off to ASP's Titus.. at the Garage tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-18676297808767980072007-03-30T16:27:00.000-04:002007-03-30T16:30:17.404-04:00Lots of continuing shows. ASP's Titus.. got a piece in the Globe. The picture won't help. Molasses Tank opens Karge's Conquest of the South Pole at CWT.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-18524295130836108022007-03-29T15:51:00.000-04:002007-03-29T15:55:42.035-04:00Janet Kenney's long three-hander, Theresa at Home playing at BPT got a review in the Globe. Won't help much. PR building for Penelope upcoming from HTC.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-24099704708606805672007-03-28T16:13:00.001-04:002007-03-28T16:17:35.369-04:00The early review in the Phoenix has praise for Miss Witherspoon, but misgivings about Janet Kenney's overlong Theresa at Home. ASP's Titus A opens this weekend in the Garage in Harvard Sq.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-80720436213285467782007-03-28T16:13:00.000-04:002007-03-28T16:17:33.999-04:00The early review in the Phoenix has praise for Miss Witherspoon, but misgivings about Janet Kenney's overlong Theresa at Home. ASP's Titus A opens this weekend in the Garage in Harvard Sq.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-68917668105488623702007-03-27T17:51:00.000-04:002007-03-27T17:53:51.051-04:00Miss Witherspoon got a rave in the Globe. My review was up yesterday. The Mirror should be updated shortly.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-75744157596836878352007-03-26T18:48:00.000-04:002007-03-26T18:53:34.422-04:00Miss Witherspoon, Durang's 2005 reincarnation romp is the Lyric's next hit. Paula Plum gets to pull our the stops in the title role, Marianna Bassham shows her range, Larry Coen does his thing expertly, and Mala Bhattacharya is a perfect little diva. And Jacqui Parker is a really cool Jesus in a church hat. A perfect Lenten show.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-30677411966473924772007-03-24T18:08:00.000-04:002007-03-24T18:11:51.943-04:00Anyone who decided to skip Pilgrim's The Trial at the BCA based on the Globe review missed an interesting piece of theatre in development. And an interesting modern take on Kafka's classic paranoid novel. But don't worry; it'll be back, even more poslished, probably next season.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-68448396203921785542007-03-23T15:26:00.000-04:002007-03-23T15:32:12.395-04:00Fat Pig, Speakeasy's latest Neil LaBute production has several redeeeming featuring, notably the leading lady, Leilane Klein though James Ryen as her waffling beau has his moments. The script is only so-so, and ends too abruptly. Off to see Henry V directed by Leslie Chapman at MIT tonight. Janet Kenney got nice PR in the Globe today, tickets to the opening of Theresa at Home at BPT are free willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-27965279151698463682007-03-22T16:20:00.000-04:002007-03-22T16:21:41.583-04:00Off to Henry V at MIT tonight. The Phoenix did Well and Fat Pig. Interesting points.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-85905690670568830352007-03-20T16:54:00.000-04:002007-03-20T16:57:59.051-04:00IRNE's last night in the cyclorama were a qualified success. Noise problems. New Rep's Ragtime probably the biggest winner with Speakeasy's The Women hot behind. Full list will be up on the Mirror later in the week. Leslie Chapman got the O'Donald Lifetime Achievement Award. She's currently directing HenV for MIT Shakespeare.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-74048550117906909712007-03-19T16:23:00.000-04:002007-03-19T16:25:50.360-04:00White People, currently running Downstage at the New Rep is a powerful if inconclusive piece, well acted and directed. Georgia Lyman is particularly good as Mara Lynn, the faded highschool beauty queen. It's the IRNE's tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-60446080465869679082007-03-17T15:30:00.000-04:002007-03-17T15:33:52.481-04:00Well has a review on the Mirror and another longer exwegisis in the Hub Review. Mine's ON THE AISLE. We all tend to agree that the piece doesn't function as a play. How and why differs a bit. Fat Pig opened this weekend, can't make it until Thursday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-78112575345859361452007-03-12T15:21:00.000-04:002007-03-12T15:24:27.790-04:00Typical monday. No mention of Shay Duffin anywhere. Fairly slo week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-63629127920607848812007-03-11T14:04:00.000-04:002007-03-11T14:08:37.462-04:00Sunday papers/no new theatre. Things start up again this week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-63877848449748208802007-03-10T14:09:00.000-05:002007-03-10T14:11:35.474-05:00Relatively quiet weekend. "Well" opens at HTC this coming week. Will try to see MIT HenryV directed by Leslie Chapman next weekend.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-15578030536992085372007-03-09T14:10:00.000-05:002007-03-09T14:21:10.642-05:00Stoneham's Grapes of Wrath is a servicable rendition of Galati's adaptation of the Steinbeck novel but doesn't have the energy necessary to carry the social tragedy. Even the more professional members of the large cast can't produce more than a few sparks. Might encourage a few more people to read the original.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-12709389941981562382007-03-08T14:24:00.000-05:002007-03-08T14:28:18.906-05:00Shay Duffin's Brendan Behan:Confessions of an Irish Rebel is back, this time at JTOB in Davis Sq. Ingratiating and touching as ever, and there's Guinness available in the lobby and consumed during the piece.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-21952537145882086132007-03-07T13:40:00.000-05:002007-03-07T13:47:08.120-05:00The Hub Review has an interesting analysis of Orson's Shadow, still running at the New Rep. The Mirror has a couple of minority reports on Janet Kenney's More The What. The Globe didn't think much of Stoneham's Grapes of Wrath. Seeing that tomorrow; tonight it's Duffin doing Behan at JTOB.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-67301765437319502872007-03-04T18:05:00.000-05:002007-03-04T18:12:29.661-05:00More Than What, Janet Kenney's series of short plays orbiting around a wedding makes an agreeable piece of theatre but doesn't really have any dramatic arc. The happy? couple does get married, but while characters do develop some depth, , the groom's father is the only one who approaches some self-understanding Still, most scenes ring true, which in 80 minutes of a family drama is an achievementwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-59907780120539654252007-03-03T15:44:00.000-05:002007-03-03T15:47:53.005-05:00Puppet Slam at Showplace tonight. Grapes of Wrath opens in Stoneham, have to see it next week. Catching More Than What tomorrow afternoon.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-1344563235652113042007-03-02T17:12:00.000-05:002007-03-02T18:05:10.642-05:00Catching up on things. The Gold Dust Orphan's The Plexiglass Menagerie has gotten good notices over at the Machine. The Improbable Beasts opened Theatre Comedy of Errors last night under storm warnings . Needs to settle down but good concept. Cast a bit uneven.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-25711075451643310702007-03-01T13:40:00.000-05:002007-03-01T13:47:40.919-05:00...Mahagonny in modern dress by Boston Lyric Opera got decent coverage, otherwise the papers are marking time. The Phoenix came out with rather unapperciative reivews of both Twist and Orson. Seems they weren't what he had in mind. Comedy of Errors opens tonight at Charlestownwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-66232857004778169972007-02-27T16:36:00.000-05:002007-02-27T16:41:32.029-05:00Posted a review of Almost Maine to the Mirror. There's also one on the Hub Review. Quiet week ahead. Catching Improbable Beasts small-cast Comedy of Errors at Charlestown on Thursday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-25398836125891732642007-02-23T16:58:00.000-05:002007-02-23T17:02:06.505-05:00Oliver Twist got an appreciative review in the Globe. Mine just went up ON THE AISLE. Off to Austin Pendleton Orson'd Shadow at the New Rep tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-69743647328679480472007-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:002007-02-22T15:46:03.882-05:00Neil Barrett's adaptaion of Charles Dickens early novel "Oliver Twist" seen last night at the ART is an almost unqualified success, fittimg into the ART's international style without distorting the original. Much less precious than his Dido two seasons ago. Orson's Shadow opens at the New Rep tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-37391834348479822772007-02-19T17:33:00.000-05:002007-02-19T17:39:00.376-05:00Souvenir at the Lyric is a remarkable performance by award winning vocal actress Leigh Barrett as Florence Foster Jenkins backed up by a well-nuanced performance by IRNE winner Will McGarrahan. Might just sell out its run. Oliver Twist opens at the ART Wednesday. Off to see a reading of Wendy Kesselman's new chamber musical at the New Rep tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-78863451938732145502007-02-17T14:12:00.000-05:002007-02-17T14:35:59.294-05:00Been off-line for a couple of days due to the weather. Beauty and the Beast finally up ON THE AISLE. Off to Souvenir at the Lyric tomorrow afternoon.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-17791812200161166032007-02-13T14:19:00.000-05:002007-02-11T18:54:54.307-05:00Little new on the reviews front. Looking forward to Leigh Barrett and Will McGarrahan doing Souvenir on Sunday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-12523422157246772632007-02-11T18:39:00.000-05:002007-02-09T14:29:01.087-05:00The African-American Theatre Festival wrapped up today with the last performance of their revival of From the Mississippi Delta. Three women performed this bio-play rotating through the main character as she recounted her journey from the Mississippi mud to a Ph.D from a major midwest University.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-84884878650510457232007-02-09T14:23:00.001-05:002007-02-09T14:27:55.621-05:00Slow Boston theatre news day the Globe has a review of Trinity's Our Town. Both Silence (New Rep) and Britannicus (ART)close this weekend. Catch the former if you haven't yet. Also it's the end of the African-American Theatre Fest at the BCA.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-31832394100313539892007-02-09T14:23:00.000-05:002007-02-08T17:22:07.808-05:00Slow Boston theatre news day the Globe has a review of Trinity's Our Town. Both Silence (New Rep) and Britannicus (ART)close this weekend. Catch the former if you haven't yet.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-85335135434645693312007-02-08T16:26:00.000-05:002007-02-08T16:29:34.983-05:00Review of Doubt is up ON THE AISLE. Wheelock's Beauty... got a rave in the Globe. The Phoenix has a review of BTW's Midsummer...willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-61711988155872346162007-02-07T16:42:00.000-05:002007-02-08T17:22:07.988-05:00The Globe has glowing review of Doubt. My Quicktake is on the Mirror, which also has Larry Starks review of Midsummers.... The HubReview has an extended one as well. Bread & Puppet starts their weekend run at the BCA a week from tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-79046341919838309762007-02-06T17:11:00.000-05:002007-02-06T17:14:16.919-05:00Midsummer review is up ON THE AISLE. ...Delta got a Globe review. Catching Doubt tonight at the Colonial.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-5108044822633801922007-02-05T17:18:00.000-05:002007-02-05T17:22:30.214-05:00A review of Footlight's A Raisin in the Sun is up ON THE AISLE. The Mirror has Quicktakes for BTW's Midsummer Night's Dream and WFT's Beauty and the Beast. The latter is more suitable for the younger set. Seeing C. Jones in Doubt tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-87391387440626436492007-02-03T14:51:00.000-05:002007-02-03T14:56:13.863-05:00The Globe has a mixed review of States of Grace, URT's people and puppets tribute to Grace Paley. They seem to have expected a bio-play. Instead to show is more like a series of related one acts with a complex frame distilled from the authors turbulent life. A bit of fine-tuning might sharpen the arc of this fine production, but its won't turn it into an ordinary play.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-52207798553457653602007-02-01T16:43:00.000-05:002007-02-01T16:47:59.906-05:00RACE over at CWT finally got a review in the Globe, in time for its last weekend. Were they waiting for BHM? BTW opens their small cast (8) version of Midsummer Nights Dream. The director makes a big deal of his concept on his blog at his home base, Kenyon College.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-72171690108506516862007-01-31T15:45:00.000-05:002007-01-31T15:49:47.164-05:00There's a review of ASP's Winters Tale on the Mirror, and a enthusiastic one in today's Metro. From the Mississippi Delta, the centerpiece of this year's African American Theatre Festival, gets a warm treatment on the Mirror. Have to catch it next week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-46572825823089052582007-01-30T14:52:00.000-05:002007-01-30T15:00:32.793-05:00The Globe gets around to Wellesley Summer Theatre's Bronte, which plays for one more weekend, but the reviewer doesn't quite get the context of the show in WST recent production history. My review of URT's States of Grace just went up ON THE AISLE and ASP's A Winter's Tale has gone off to the Shakespeare Revue in England.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-52380326457598003812007-01-29T17:11:00.000-05:002007-01-29T17:15:00.068-05:00Underground Railway's States of Grace is another triumph for Debra Wise and three puppeteer/actors. The show runs thru Feb. 10th at Boston Playwrights. Review will be up tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-23734980575316284022007-01-27T17:08:00.000-05:002007-01-27T17:16:32.201-05:00The African American Theatre Festival is opening; their visiting production of The Meeting only runs next weekend. Off to see ASP's The Winters Tale tonight. Tomorrow it's URT's State of Grace at BPT.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-46012857874770771252007-01-26T16:38:00.000-05:002007-01-26T16:44:05.960-05:00The Globe has a rave of sorts for Britannicus and the Hub Review has a mixed analysis. The Metro has a money review for Silence while the Dig has an appreciative, if foul mouthed, discussion of RACE.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-67014503146230674722007-01-25T14:59:00.000-05:002007-01-25T17:15:22.104-05:00Britannicus at the ART was surprisingly coherent, despite the distractions from the sidelines inserted by the director, Robert Woodruff, in his last production as Artistic director. The performing area was appropriately spare, the modern dress acceptable. The prose translation makes the exposition clear and the acting made it effective if non-poetic. The Phoenix has a review of Silence and willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-30761114716685201172007-01-23T17:00:00.000-05:002007-01-23T17:06:57.228-05:00Silence has another appreciative review on the Mirror and a slightly confused one in the Globe. The Hub Review likes the play itself even less. Both reviewers should learn to think outside the box as well as the playwright has. The heroine's "through line of action", however devious, comes together in the play's final moments. There are two more appreciations for RACE on the Mirror. willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-45672719030996614422007-01-22T16:00:00.000-05:002007-01-22T16:14:33.026-05:00The Mirror has a full review of Moira Buffini'sSilence, now running at the New rep, along with my Quicktake. My review is up ON THE AISLE. Just sent my review of the Pachino/Terkel RACE to the Mirror. There's more about Britannicus in the Globe which doesn't make it sound that appealing. (Nero is heading up a rock band.)willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-74283336123553837862007-01-20T15:24:00.000-05:002007-01-20T15:30:24.580-05:00Moira Buffini's Silence now on at the New Rep has gained relevance since it began in 1999. Millennium worries have given way to actual world problems so that 1000 AD seems just yesterday. A great cast and sharp direction helps. It would be nice to have two intermissions for this three act play though. Interesting review of Charlestown Working Theatre's Race in the Mirror. Seeing it tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-57130019317279586732007-01-19T17:10:00.000-05:002007-01-19T17:16:56.252-05:00Finally some PR for Silence which opens tonight at the New Rep with a really promising cast including Marianna Bassham as the heroine, Lewis Wheeler as the villain (Ethelred the Unready), Chris Brophy and Anne Gottlieb as the second couple. Interesting essay on "The Winter's Tale" on the ASP blog; it's their next opening next week.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-14291458817419534162007-01-18T16:13:00.000-05:002007-01-18T16:19:05.008-05:00Amazon/Haiku got reviewed in the Phoenix and the Mirror, while Guys on Ice made the Globe. Britannicus at the ART is getting PR for its political relevance, which may get swallowed up in the director's gimmickery. We shall see. Not advance notice so far for the New Rep's Silence, will catch it Friday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-73072758925771862422007-01-17T14:09:00.000-05:002007-01-17T14:12:56.421-05:00Cherry Orchard got a pat on the back from the Times and from both TAB reviewers. Both reviews accept the Huntington's right to warp the authors classic intp a soap opera. Sailing Down the Amazon & Haiku at BPT this weekend and West End (Gloucester) next got close to a rave from the Globe.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-71772932743135642612007-01-16T15:38:00.000-05:002007-01-16T15:44:32.797-05:00Caught Amazon/Haiku, two first rate one-acts by Alfaro and Snodgrass respectively at BPT Sunday featuring June Lewin. They run one more weekend there then move up to Gloucster for the end of the month. Spent yesterday recovering from the week. This week the New Rep opens Silence, a dark comedy about the dark ages, there's a PuppetSlam on Saturday at PST, and Charlestown Working Theatre is doingwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-25002898565671198802007-01-13T12:18:00.000-05:002007-01-13T12:22:11.772-05:00Globe got around to Alarm Clock's Bombs.... Found it pointless. Hovey's Woman in Black is a good production of an overdone thriller. Script could do with cutting and no intermission. Off to "Guys on Ice" this afternoon. Probably no new posts until Tuesday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-66899612199937333392007-01-11T17:41:00.000-05:002007-01-11T17:48:26.051-05:00The Globe appreciates Design for... today and Coward's masterful style. Doesn't seem to understand the play's origins however. Posted review of Cherry Orchard today, Shallow and undistinguished. Off to catch Polly Teale's Bronte tonight at Wellesley Summer Theatre.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-63230150941567534442007-01-10T17:45:00.000-05:002007-01-10T17:50:04.621-05:00The Phoenix has a dual generallly favorable review for See What... and Design for... plus PR for Woodrufff's swansong at the ART, Britannicus. Nothing at all yet in the Herald, nothing new in the Globe. Cherry Orchard opens tnight at the Huntington.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-38890624192409048982007-01-09T15:42:00.000-05:002007-01-09T15:48:45.763-05:00See What I Wanna See has garnered the most critical--and varied--interest My review will be up tomorrow ON THE AISLE. I put Design for Living up today. The Hub Review has extended takes on both. Everyone's anticipating HTC's "Cherry Tree" tailored for Kate Burton which opens officially tomorrow.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-44580896454473355472007-01-08T15:48:00.000-05:002007-01-08T15:52:35.089-05:00Not much on a Monday, but the Hub Review takes LaChiusa to task for the first hald of See What I Wanna See at the Lyric. I agree that the performances transcend the material, but give the tepid self-indulgent quality of most small musicals, this duo is at worse a noble intent. Check my Quicktake Archives for what I sent the Mirror. Design for Living was better. It's there too.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-66831882695290755722007-01-06T16:12:00.000-05:002007-01-06T16:19:02.950-05:00Bombs & Manifestos has improved since its preview at last Spring's FeverFest but still needs development. The end is unsatisfying . Alarm Clocks production values are quite adequate and the use of video projection and background sound to break up this hour-long monologue into about six episodes is effective. Brian Polak's text has some relationship to AC's show last year, "PS Page Me Later," willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-16076405809250758042007-01-05T15:40:00.000-05:002007-01-05T15:45:21.049-05:00Report on Woodruff's farewell speech (a bit early?) in the Globe; PR ranging from Burton to Alfaro as well. The Phoenix has a show-off review of ...Earnest. Off to catch Alarm Clock's monologue about a subway musician inspired by the Unibomber tonight.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-86479717481285272622007-01-03T18:47:00.000-05:002007-01-03T18:58:53.494-05:00No PR for Design for Living or See What I Wanna See . Seeing both on Sunday.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3444720.post-24819757674473702832006-12-30T17:24:00.000-05:002006-12-30T17:33:16.030-05:00Rafeal Jaen got nice PR today. Woodruff's imminent departure is generating interesting speculation. Off to 365 at TheatreZone now that the snow is over.willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467528678788850897noreply@blogger.com0