Drawings in New York: Thaw and Bonna Collections

The line does not lie: A double feast of drawings in New York

Drawing fanciers have had two exceptional shows to savor in New York: The Thaw collection at the Morgan Library and the Bonna hoard at the Met. Both will close soon, and shouldn't be missed by anyone who savors the unique truth that lies in the perfectly executed line.

Robert Zaller

Apr 24, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

Schiller's "Mary Stuart' on Broadway

Dueling diva queens

The acclaimed London production of Mary Stuart arrived on Broadway with its two acclaimed English stars, Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter, supported by an able American cast. But the actors, dwarfed by the huge stage and vast distances between them, make the audience feel removed from these monumental events.

Toby Zinman

Apr 23, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

Sandro Russo's Lisztomania

Franz Liszt is his agent

The pianist Sandro Russo has no agent, but his obsession with the music of Franz Liszt has opened global opportunities for him. His latest coup: a DVD recorded on Liszt's own 1862 Bechstein piano. (With a video excerpt of Russo playing Liszt's Bechstein.)

Maria Thompson Corley

Apr 21, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

Masur conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra

Do I hear a symphony— before intermission?

By opening with a symphony, the popular guest conductor Kurt Masur challenged the established order of things at the Philadelphia Orchestra. In his closing piece he demonstrated a dash of audience savvy as well.

Tom Purdom

Apr 21, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Joe Turner's Come and Gone' in New York

Echoes of slavery, generations later

With Lincoln Center's magnificent production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, August Wilson has tapped us on the shoulder. In director Bartlett Sher's hands, Wilson's evocation of a bygone world filled with operatic longings and grudges mingles with the pots and pans of realism and provides an extraordinary theatrical experience.

Toby Zinman

Apr 21, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

"American Buffalo's "short-con' (3rd review)

American Buffalo's short-con (and the reviewers who fell for it)

Like innocent tourists at a sidewalk shell game, several critics have missed the “pea” in Theatre Exile's production of David Mamet's American Buffalo. If you look and listen closely, that “pea” is friendship and community. American Buffalo. By David Mamet; directed by Matt Pfeiffer. Theater Exile production through May 3, 2009 at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey St. (215) 218-4022 or www.theatreexile.org.

Pamela Riley

Apr 18, 2009 · Articles · 6 minute read

Lantern Theater's "Hamlet' (2nd review)

Why did Hamlet hesitate? (A reply to Robert Zaller)

In his review of Lantern Theater's Hamlet, Robert Zaller raises an interesting point: Why didn't the prince succeed to the throne of Denmark immediately upon his father's death? I have an answer.

Steve Cohen

Apr 18, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Arden's "Something Intangible' (1st review)

The bad, the beautiful and the cartoonist

Bruce Graham brings a Hollywood insider's knowledge and a flair for dialogue to Something Intangible, now in its premiere production at the Arden. You can't treat Tinseltown without a touch of schmaltz— a trap Graham doesn't escape. But this play about Walt Disney and the making of Fantasia, though overwrought for its theme, provides a diverting two hours. Cast and production are excellent.

Robert Zaller

Apr 18, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Theatre Exile's "American Buffalo' (1st review)

Testosterone for three

Theatre Exile's revival of David Mamet's breakthrough play, American Buffalo, is driven by Pete Pryor's brilliant performance as the testosterone-laced Teach. But while Teach's bullying behavior might have been considered borderline psychotic a generation ago, it's a reflection of daily life today.

Robert Zaller

Apr 17, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

InterAct's "Jihad Jones'

An Arab actor with a problem

A serious Arab actor gets a shot at fame and fortune; all he must do is perpetuate the worst possible Muslim terrorist stereotype. Yussef El Guindi has a fine idea for a 15-minute comedy skit, but its humor soon wears thin, especially given the play's flimsy underlying premise.

Dan Rottenberg

Apr 16, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read