The human Dr. King: Katori Hall's "The Mountaintop'

Martin Luther King: Myth vs. man

This startling, unconventional and inspiring play by a young African-American playwright takes us to the mountaintop (Martin Luther King's metaphor) of American dreams and expectations by way of an unexpected, uplifting route.

Carol Rocamora

Oct 23, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

John Logan's "Red' at Suzanne Roberts (1st review)

Rothko's complaint, or: Where are the grown-ups?

What's a brilliant Abstract Expressionist like Mark Rothko to do in an art world overrun by Philistines and pop culture? John Logan's Red, for all its dramatic shortcomings, provides rich and ample food for thought about the role of the artist in society.

Dan Rottenberg

Oct 23, 2011 · Articles · 6 minute read

Lantern Theater's "New Jerusalem' (2nd review)

Hangin' out with good ol' Baruch

As created by David Ives and portrayed by Sam Henderson, Baruch de Spinoza provides warm and witty company for 21st-Century audiences, even if he bears little resemblance to the real headstrong 17th-Century philosopher.

Steve Cohen

Oct 18, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Christie in Love' at Eastern State Penitentiary

Location, location, location

Howard Brenton's drama about a gory yet meek serial killer has been chilling audiences for more than 40 years, but never with such haunting effect as last month, when it was performed at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Steve Cohen

Oct 15, 2011 · Articles · 2 minute read

Lantern Theater's "New Jerusalem' (1st review)

Monster, saint, or both? Baruch Spinoza on trial

How much freedom is too much? For the great Baruch Spinoza, there could be no limit; but for the community that judged him, there had to be. The Lantern Theater's production does full justice to David Ives's challenging play of ideas.

Robert Zaller

Oct 15, 2011 · Articles · 7 minute read

"The Big Bang' at Kimmel's Innovation Studio

Polonius had the right idea

This endearing musical about two theatrical producers in search of investors is original, funny, blissfully brief and blessed with the comic genius of two quick-change artists, Ben Dibble and Tony Braithwaite.

Jane Biberman

Oct 15, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Threepenny Opera' at Brooklyn Academy of Music

Is this what Brecht had in mind?

Robert Wilson's gorgeous and ghoulish innovative production of Brecht's Threepenny Opera generated standing ovations but left me chilled and puzzled as to what I was supposed to think or feel, beyond being numbed by the production's brute force.

Carol Rocamora

Oct 11, 2011 · Articles · 4 minute read

"August: Osage County' at the Arden

The real deal about Osage County

Unlike its earlier productions, here the harsh words of August: Osage County derive less from anger than desperation; the worst of the characters come across as victims, not monsters. The Arden's thrust stage brings the cast closer to the audience, again increasing our involvement and consequently our compassion.

Steve Cohen

Oct 09, 2011 · Articles · 4 minute read

Hiring local actors: triumph or calamity?

All-Philadelphia casts: Is this good news or bad?

Philadelphia's Arden and Wilma theaters open their seasons this month with large-cast plays populated by local actors. That's a tribute to the growing wealth of local talent available— and also cause for concern that directors are getting too comfy and complacent in their own provincial backyard.

Jim Rutter

Oct 04, 2011 · Articles · 4 minute read

Philadelphia's aging theater audience

Pass the Maalox, or: It's the audience, stupid

As a frequent theatergoer, I find it amusing and vaguely annoying when the only young people in a theater can be found on the stage. But it's no joke: This age disparity is responsible for the current dearth of cutting-edge productions in Philadelphia theaters.

Jackie Schifalacqua

Oct 01, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read