Terrence McNally's "Ragtime' in Norristown

Revolution from below

You might assume that a panoramic historical-sociological musical like Ragtime is beyond the competence of a small company in Norristown. In fact, the Centre Theatre assembled a huge cast that created several touching moments.

Steve Cohen

Jun 23, 2013 · Articles · 3 minute read

Ibsen's "Master Builder' in Brooklyn

Not exactly the master builder that Ibsen had in mind

What alchemy of genius, vision and audacity (not to mention money) drives today's master builders? Don't ask John Turturro or director Andrei Belgrader. In this case the resident genius is the set designer, Santo Loquasto.

Carol Rocamora

Jun 11, 2013 · Articles · 4 minute read

James Graham's "This House' in HD-Live

British politics: Comedy or tragedy?

Britain's Parliament before Margaret Thatcher was a basket case where nothing ever seemed to get done. James Graham, who didn't experience the '70s, treats the chaos as a comedy. Do you suppose Americans will be chuckling about our own dysfunctional Congress 40 years hence?

Steve Cohen

Jun 09, 2013 · Articles · 3 minute read

EgoPo's "Uncle Tom's Cabin' at Plays and Players (2nd review)

Slavery, up close and personal

In the 1850s, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin mobilized public opinion against slavery. But EgoPo's stage adaptation is even more powerful. It's one thing to read about slave whippings and auctions, another to actually watch them.

Steve Cohen

Jun 04, 2013 · Articles · 4 minute read

Sondheim's "A Little Night Music' at the Arden (2nd review)

A Broadway musical, or a period piece?

An excellent Arden production brings out the best of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music— specifically, his music and lyrics. But the play's theme of marital dalliance is growing tired.

Marshall A. Ledger

Jun 04, 2013 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Barcelona' at People's Light: Americans abroad, again

Lost in translation

Bess Wohl's Barcelona provides juicy roles for two talented actors but little new insight into the cultural divide between Europeans and Americans

Bill Murphy

Jun 04, 2013 · Articles · 2 minute read

EgoPo's "Uncle Tom's Cabin' at Plays and Players (1st review)

Who was Eliza Harris?

Uncle Tom's Cabin was a revolutionary novel that effectively dramatized the inhuman horror of slavery. Its later stage adaptations reinforced the demeaning racial stereotypes that the novel hoped to erase. But there's a third way to look at Uncle Tom's Cabin: As an account of real historical events.

Dan Rottenberg

Jun 03, 2013 · Articles · 8 minute read

Stoppard's "Heroes' at the Lantern (3rd comment)

Is old age really so dreadful?

Plays like Heroes are based on the common assumption that nobody really wants to live in a retirement home. The less theatrical reality I've observed— at a real Christian home full of real veterans— is that old folks are very capable of living happily in the moment.

Alaina Johns

Jun 02, 2013 · Articles · 5 minute read

Sondheim's "A Little Night Music' at the Arden (1st review)

Isn't it rich?

Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music rises or falls with its leading lady, Desiree Armfeldt. In the Arden's current production, the graceful and alluring Grace Gonglewski is more than up to the task.

Steve Cohen

Jun 02, 2013 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Lend Me a Tenor' in Ambler

The show must go on

Lend Me a Tenor is one of the best-constructed farces ever written by an American, but its intricacies present a challenge to actors and directors. The current production at Act II Playhouse does justice to Ken Ludwig's backstage comedy and even expands on its opportunities.

Steve Cohen

Jun 01, 2013 · Articles · 3 minute read