Theater

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Parsons (right) with Jeff Still: Wrongheaded.

Tracy Letts's "August: Osage County' on tour (2nd review)

Is this a comedy? Really?

The traveling cast played August: Osage County mostly as a comedy. But on Broadway, the cast expressed strong emotions when confronting suicide, addictions, infidelity, child molestation and incest. Wouldn't you, if this were your family?
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 3 minute read
William Zielinski as Ian: A second chance?

"Shining City' post-mortem (4th review)

Shining City post-mortem: Of human redemption, right here on Earth

Conor McPherson's Shining City portrays a world of souls in torment. Why then the upbeat title? SaraKay Smullens, a family therapist, finds a message of hope in McPherson's desperation.
SaraKay Smullens

SaraKay Smullens

Articles 5 minute read
Radway as Prince Hal: In search of a father figure. (Photo: Marl Garvin.)

Lantern Theater's "Henry IV, Part I' (2nd review)

Shakespeare's royals, up close and personal

Lantern's Henry IV, Part I is well acted, but the most impressive thing about this production is the immediacy and the royalty of the set in such a small and intimate space.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 3 minute read
Parsons: On the attack.

Tracy Letts's "August: Osage County' on tour (1st review)

The family that preys together….

At a time when so many American plays build their plots around political and social issues, Tracy Letts's family free-for-all, August: Osage County, is a refreshing change of pace. And this touring cast is more realistic and consequently even more devastating than the original 2007 Broadway ensemble.

Neal Zoren

Articles 4 minute read
Not just another actor.

August Wilson's "Fences' in New York

The trouble with Denzel Washington

When a big movie star like Denzel Washington plays an often-unlikable character, the audience is determined to love the character regardless. So blame the audience for degrading August Wilson's complex Fences into a sit-com.
Toby Zinman

Toby Zinman

Articles 5 minute read
Gallagher: Cardboard cutouts, raging power.

"American Idiot' on Broadway

Adolescence after 9/11 (but before Bernie Madoff)

Is American Idiot just another punk rock jukebox musical fouling the Great White Way? Or is it an earnest and even passionate attempt to recapture a moment a few years ago when the concept of “coming of age” changed irretrievably? American Idiot. Musical based on the album by Green Day; Michael Mayer directed. St. James Theatre, 244 West 46th St., New York. (800) 432-7250 or americanidiotonbroadway.com.
Wendy Rosenfield

Wendy Rosenfield

Articles 4 minute read
Esposito, Valicente: Too mature, or too immature? (Photo: Michael Daniel.)

"Romeo and Juliet' at Annenberg

Romeo at the grass roots

The co-producers of this touring Romeo and Juliet have targeted communities across America and, in particular, young audiences. But something got lost in the transition.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 3 minute read
Perrier: A messy breakup. (Photo: Jorge Cousineau.)

McPherson's "Shining City' by Theatre Exile (3rd review)

Shining city, damaged souls

Conor McPherson's Shining City might more fittingly be titled Island of Lost Souls. Excellent performances, particularly by Scott Greer, can't quite lift the play out of its existential funk, nor can a surprise ending that left the audience gasping.
Robert Zaller

Robert Zaller

Articles 4 minute read
Madden, Hultgren: A song from Justin Timbertlake.

Sheila Callaghan's "Crumble,' by Flashpoint Theatre

When a woman needs a man

Sheila Callaghan's politically incorrect Crumble boldly asks, in effect, “What would women do without men?” The answer is provided in her title.
Jim Rutter

Jim Rutter

Articles 2 minute read
Greer: Sympathy for the unsympathetic. (Photo: Jorge Cousineau.)

McPherson's "Shining City' by Theatre Exile (2nd review)

Heaven's my destination (not)

Conor McPherson's Shining City raises uncomfortable questions about human relationships. I would have appreciated some attempt at an answer.
Jim Rutter

Jim Rutter

Articles 3 minute read