Belarus Free Theatre's "Being Harold Pinter'

When theater is the ultimate political act

So you think standing on line for tickets is an act of perseverance? Meet the Belarus Free Theatre, a company whose members are literally prepared to die for their work and for free expression.

Carol Rocamora

Jan 15, 2011 · Articles · 7 minute read

"Les Misérables' on tour

Once more into the sewers, dear friends

The new 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables is actually better than the 1985 London original, which came to Broadway in 1987. In an era when return engagements usually are stripped-down reductions, this re-mounting by the original producer Cameron Mackintosh is bigger and more imaginative.

Steve Cohen

Jan 09, 2011 · Articles · 2 minute read

"The Understudy' at the Wilma (1st review)

Three characters in search of an idea, or: Theresa Rebeck, meet Sandy Koufax

This production about the frustrations of three actors is first-rate in every respect except the one that matters most: originality. Why do playwrights persist in confining themselves to their own narrow theatrical world?

Dan Rottenberg

Jan 06, 2011 · Articles · 5 minute read

Scrooge vs. Madoff: A distant mirror

Redemption for Madoff in 2011? Or: Reflections on the American Scrooge

The similarities between two notorious symbols of greed— Ebenezer Scrooge and Bernard Madoff— are obvious enough. But the Madoff story continues to unravel. Is it possible that Madoff may yet be redeemed with the help of a ghost, just like Scrooge?

Henrik Eger

Jan 01, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Driving Miss Daisy' in New York

Pride and prejudice in the emerging South

Why spend money on seats that cost many times the price of the DVD? To see three of the finest actors of our times share a stage and work their own particular magic on Alfred Uhry's classic.

Jane Biberman

Dec 25, 2010 · Articles · 3 minute read

"The Great Game: Afghanistan' in New York

One evening in Afghanistan (that lasts 168 years)

In 12 short plays lasting more than seven hours, this unique “total immersion” production provides a vividly dramatic and crucial context for understanding Afghanistan.

Carol Rocamora

Dec 22, 2010 · Articles · 7 minute read

Theatre Horizon's "Very Merry Xmas Carol'

Scrooge meets Frosty the Snowman

We often hear about plays intended for audiences of all ages, but this broad satire of A Christmas Carol is a rare one that really works across a wide spectrum.

Steve Cohen

Dec 21, 2010 · Articles · 2 minute read

Kneehigh's "Brief Encounter' and "Red Shoes' in N.Y. (2nd revie

The play's the thing? No, it's the story

From its studio barn in remote Cornwall, Kneehigh Theatre is finding unique new ways to remind us how the primitive power of storytelling can enchant and transport us.

Carol Rocamora

Dec 11, 2010 · Articles · 6 minute read

John Smitherman's "All Aboard"¦ And Then Some!' (2nd review)

Like Jimmy Stewart in a Hitchcock film

New theater companies are most welcome when they bring an individual approach. Keep your eye on Laugh Out Loud's unique approach to comedy.

Steve Cohen

Dec 07, 2010 · Articles · 1 minute read

John Smitherman's "All Aboard... And Then Some!' (1st review)

The essence of farce

The Philadelphia playwright John Smitherman has written a half-dozen farces but had to form his own company to produce one in his hometown. Somebody give him a break: This guy grasps nonstop hilarity. All Aboard”¦And Then Some! Written and directed by John Smitherman. Laugh Out Loud Theatre Company production through December 5, 2010 at the Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St. (941) 544-0164 or jdsentertainments.com.

Jim Rutter

Nov 30, 2010 · Articles · 3 minute read