Seth Rozin's "Two Jews Walk Into a War'

But seriously, folks…

Seth Rozin's Two Jews Walk Into a War is cleverly titled, signaling that it's a comedy. But make no mistake, he has written a thoughtful examination of faith and a yearning for tradition in a changing world.

Steve Cohen

Apr 23, 2011 · Articles · 2 minute read

Octavio Solis's "Lydia,' by Amaryllis

Are Hispanics really different?

In Lydia, Octavio Solis captures the mixture of poetry, magic and dysfunction that characterize Hispanic-American families. But he also borrows heavily from America's most celebrated Anglo playwrights.

Jim Rutter

Apr 19, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

Neil Simon's "Laughter On the 23rd Floor' by 1812

Make 'em laugh

With the aid of a uniformly strong cast of very funny character actors, Neil Simon's 1993 memoir based on his days as a young comedy writer recreates a landmark moment in the Golden Age of Television, when a group of inveterate wisecrackers confronted two serious existential threats.

Apr 14, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

Ibsen's "Master Builder' at People's Light (2nd review)

Memo to People's Light: Don't trifle with Ibsen

Ibsen's middle works explore a theme that's still relevant today: the balance between individual self-determination and the duty to one's family and the social order. But in the hands of director Ken Marini, a realistic drama like The Master Builder resembles a cartoon.

Jim Rutter

Apr 13, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

Sharr White's "The Other Place' in New York

When you think you're going out of your mind

Sharr White's The Other Place is a terrifying play, illuminated by an astonishing performance by Laurie Metcalf as a middle-aged scientist struggling with dementia.

Toby Zinman

Apr 12, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Bengal Tiger At the Baghdad Zoo' in New York

God made him a tiger…. in Baghdad, yet

The hyperactive Robin Williams as a philosophical tiger seeking moral truth in Baghdad— what tragicomedy could be more imaginative, thought-provoking and haunting?

Carol Rocamora

Apr 12, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

"The Motherf**ker With The Hat' on Broadway

He shudda kept his edge on

Stephen Adly Guirgis knows street talk and can write dialogue of astonishingly funny mad-dog ferocity. But somebody has to speak that dialogue onstage, and Chris Rock, the crass standup comedy star, isn't the actor to do it. The Motherf**ker With The Hat. By Stephen Adly Guirgis; Anna D. Shapiro directed. Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 West 45th St., New York. www.Telecharge.com.

Toby Zinman

Apr 12, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

Hitchcock's '39 Steps' at the Walnut (2nd review)

Teaching Hitchcock a thing or two

Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 thriller, The 39 Steps, wasn't his greatest film, but it's a perfect vehicle for a spoof. Patrick Barlow's adaptation is part vaudeville, part farce, and always hilarious.

Jane Biberman

Apr 12, 2011 · Articles · 2 minute read

Thaddeus Phillips's '17 Border Crossings' (2nd review)

Who needs borders, anyway?

Thaddeus Phillips transcends the kind of one-man water-sipping show that the late raconteur Spalding Gray created. Phillips ramps his performances up with physical, acting, authentic-sounding accents in any language, and ingenious stagecraft that includes lighting, the latest high-tech gadgetry and the oldest low-tech slight-of-hand.

Merilyn Jackson

Apr 12, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

"War Horse' at Lincoln Center in New York

Four-legged victims of war

World War I as seen through the eyes of a horse? Yes, and thanks to a remarkable team of puppet makers, puppeteers and actors, it's more magical than a show with live animals would have been.

Carol Rocamora

Apr 11, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read