"This Is The Week That Is' by 1812 Productions (1st review)

Are politicians funny?

Once again, the 1812 troupe is trying to replicate the sort of political satire that Letterman, Leno, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert deliver so much better every night on TV.

Dan Rottenberg

Oct 04, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

A Yom Kippur question for Spinoza

Did Spinoza fast on Yom Kippur?

On Yom Kippur, I couldn't help wondering: How did Spinoza feel about being barred from the observation of this day, the most holy in the Jewish calendar?

Steve Cohen

Oct 02, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Idiopathic's "Ivona' at the Fringe Festival

I kiss your hand (and other Polish delusions of the '30s)

With Ivona, Witold Gombrowicz courageously lampooned the pretentiousness of Poland's upper class just before the Nazis took over. Ivona, Princess of Burgundia. By Witold Gombrowicz; Tina Brock directed. Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium production September 5-23, 2012 at Walnut Street Theatre's Studio 5, 825 Walnut St. (215) 285-0472 or www.idiopathicridiculopathyconsortium.org.

Steve Cohen

Oct 01, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Poetry Brothel' at Live Arts Festival

Why didn‘t Emily Dickinson think of this?

In the best of all worlds, we'd get our kicks from poetry instead of sex. That's what happened one night at the Live Arts Festival.

C. Natale Peditto

Sep 28, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Next to Normal' in Pottstown

What does Next to Normal really mean?

This musical about a family coping with bipolar disorder won a Pulitzer on Broadway, but it takes on added meaning when seen in the intimacy of a 90-seat loft theatre.

Steve Cohen

Sep 25, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Rent' Sing-along at Bryn Mawr

Another side of Rent

Combining a Rent Sing-Along with La Bohème is a good idea. Combining it with Angels in America would be downright inspired.

Steve Cohen

Sep 23, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Angels in America' at the Wilma

America through an AIDS prism, 20 years later

AIDS was such a serious business when Angels opened 20 years ago that Tony Kushner's humor often escaped his audiences. Blanka Zizka's excellent Wilma cast lets us laugh without guilt.

Steve Cohen

Sep 22, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Wilson's "Seven Guitars' at People's Light

We are the world: Post-war, but pre-Civil Rights

August Wilson's long and rich character study about a group of friends and lovers in post-war Pittsburgh receives a superb revival at People's Light.

Bill Murphy

Sep 17, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Walking Fish Theatre's "Three Wishes'

Up the organization

Gerald van Wilgen's spirited spoof of corporate life provides a refreshing reminder of the Fringe Festival's original mission: to provide a local showcase of offbeat fun and (decidedly adult) games.

Robert Zaller

Sep 17, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

"New Jerusalem': Another side of Spinoza's story (2nd commentary)

Spinoza and his community: The other side of the story

No question, Baruch Spinoza was a heroic figure who stood up courageously for his principles. So were St. Thomas More, Joan of Arc, Galileo and other heroes of “test of faith” drama. But so was my marrano ancestor who was undoubtedly present at Spinoza's excommunication.

Carol Rocamora

Sep 15, 2012 · Articles · 6 minute read