"Kidnapped' at People's Light

A ripping Highlands yarn, stripped down

This stage adaptation of Kidnapped is a pared-down but generally effective version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel, which is more than you can say for its six film versions.

Bill Murphy

Jan 18, 2011 · Articles · 2 minute read

"The Understudy' at the Wilma (2nd review)

Make 'em reflect, or make 'em laugh: Is the Wilma changing its stripes?

Jiri Zizka, the Wilma' longtime co-director, might have made something engagingly metaphysical out of The Understudy. This production, played largely for laughs, suggests that Zizka's shoes will be hard to fill.

Jim Rutter

Jan 18, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

Mauckingbird's "[title of show]'

There's no business like show business (and maybe that's the problem)

Like reality-based TV programming, this musical show about putting on a musical show appeals to a very narrow niche indeed. But it does appeal.

Jim Rutter

Jan 18, 2011 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Moon For the Misbegotten' at the Arden (1st review)

The core of O'Neill's compassion

A Moon for the Misbegotten was Eugene O'Neill's last play, and it touches the core of his compassion. Grace Gonglewski and Eric Hissom play finely against each other under Matt Pfeiffer's direction.

Robert Zaller

Jan 18, 2011 · Articles · 4 minute read

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