Bruce Graham’s “Outgoing Tide” by PTC (3rd review)

What Bruce Graham doesn't know about Alzheimer's

To judge from The Outgoing Tide, Bruce Graham has mastered the basic elements of drama and comedy but not the subject of his play: Alzheimer's disease.

Steve Cohen

May 01, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Curtis Orchestra plays Higdon, BartÓ³k and Brahms

The kids are all right

Jennifer Higdon, as much as any composer of her generation, has solidified the permanent significance of the American populist school, once led by Aaron Copland. Even from this youthful ensemble, her blue cathedral was rich and satisfying.

Apr 30, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Met's "Traviata' in HD Live

One woman's race against time

Willi Decker's radical production isn't the only way to do Verdi's La Traviata, but it's a convincing alternative, especially with the inimitably vulnerable Natalie Dessay in the title role.

Steve Cohen

Apr 28, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Bruce Graham's "Outgoing Tide,' by PTC (2nd comment)

That ‘Better off dead' mindset, reconsidered

Bruce Graham's The Outgoing Tide buys into a widespread assumption: that people with Alzheimer's disease are better off dead. How and where can a dissenting theatergoer voice her objection?

Kelly George

Apr 28, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Rattle, the Orchestra and death

Rattle confronts the Grim Reaper

In its latter stages, Austro-German Romanticism mostly concerned the beauty of death. Simon Rattle demonstrated that he's learned something in Berlin about the subtle German approach to emotion.

Victor L. Schermer

Apr 28, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

"One Man, Two Guvnors' on Broadway

Marvelous mayhem by the seaside

Richard Bean, a standup comic, has reached into the oldest traditions of theater to deliver a hybrid farce of the highest order. Just don't sit too close to the stage.

Carol Rocamora

Apr 28, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

Shakespeare Theatre's "Titus Andronicus' (1st review)

The Bard as Revenger

Titus Andronicus is early Shakespeare, more gore than glory, but still well worth seeing in Aaron Cromie's canny and inventive staging.

Robert Zaller

Apr 28, 2012 · Articles · 5 minute read

Drew Goddard's "Cabin in the Woods'

Horror flick with a conscience

At last: A horror film that asks its audience, “Why are you paying to see young people being butchered?”

Jake Blumgart

Apr 24, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Orchestra 2001 considers Bali (1st review)

What Boulez could learn from the Balinese

Orchestra 2001 spotlighted the relationship between Western music and Bali, in a concert that resembles a journey through exotic, sometimes rough terrain.

Tom Purdom

Apr 24, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

On renewing my Art Museum membership

Far from the madding crowd, or: Surviving the new world of art museums

America's major art museums, strapped for funding, are revamping themselves into popular entertainment venues, and jacking up their membership fees in the process. What's a serious art lover to do? Let me suggest a few stimulating and affordable alternatives.

Victoria Skelly

Apr 24, 2012 · Articles · 7 minute read