Rebeck's "The Understudy' in New York

Actors without audiences

As its title suggests, Theresa Rebeck's pointy comedy The Understudy concerns unappreciated people. Rarely is a comedy this entertaining also so human.

Toby Zinman

Nov 07, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

Fugard's "Coming Home' at the Wilma

Oupa's gift (and the Wilma's, too)

As her dreams collapse around her, a high-spirited South African woman discovers an unexpected silver lining. In this riveting and lyrical production, the Wilma Theater continues its long-standing role as an incubator for Athol Fugard's continuing growth in the post-apartheid era.

Dan Rottenberg

Nov 06, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Theatre Exile's "Hunter Gatherers'

Communing with your inner caveman

Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's Hunter Gatherers is the only play I know that takes its view of human nature from the relatively new science of evolutionary psychology. But no one could call Nachtrieb's work sexist— it's too damn funny.

Jim Rutter

Nov 03, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Finian's Rainbow' on Broadway

Something sort of grandish

Finian's Rainbow, now in gorgeous revival on Broadway, possesses all the old-fashioned charm that can make musical theater such a pleasure.

Toby Zinman

Nov 03, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

Luna Theater's "Slasher'

The sluttiest girls die first

Slasher, Allison Moore's feminist satire of horror films, is the most deliciously humorous spoof I've seen in some time. But Moore never quite clarifies her views on the potential exploitation of actresses in these films.

Jim Rutter

Oct 31, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Love's Labour's Lost' at Annenberg

A lesson for Kenneth Branagh

London's Globe Theatre has taken one of Shakespeare's most difficult plays and made it look swift, effervescent and easy.

Oct 31, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

InterAct's "Chad Deity'

Sport masquerading as drama (and vice versa)

Like the best professional wrestlers, the six male actors in Chad Deity are engaging fellows who understand how to beat each other up and make it look it real. But once that novelty wears off off, Chad Deity reverts to that old InterAct standby: didactic preaching to the audience.

Dan Rottenberg

Oct 29, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Sport vs. theater: "Chad Deity' and "Grace'

Sport vs. theater: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?

Americans are famously sports-obsessed, but you'd never know it from most plays. Two new productions cross the line by presenting professional wrestling and mountain climbing on stage. Both represent refreshing attempts to expand theater's relevance, not to mention its audience.

Jim Rutter

Oct 27, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Wendy Hammond's 'Absence' at People's Light

Scenes from a CIA marriage

Wendy Hammond's Absence, currently receiving its world premiere at People's Light, incisively explores the impact that a career in the CIA has on a marriage over time. I've never seen stage actors age more effectively than Greg Wood and Judith Lightfoot Clarke. Absence. By Wendy Hammond; directed by Ken Marini. Through November 8, 2009 at People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. (610) 644-3500 or www.peopleslight.org.

Bill Murphy

Oct 19, 2009 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Alegria' vs. "Humor Abuse'

Send in the genuine clown

If you want to enjoy Lorenzo Pisoni's Humor Abuse, I suggest you see Cirque du Soleil's Alegria the day before, as I did. Alegria's clowns demonstrate far less dexterity, originality and humor than Pisoni does. And he's a more engaging fellow, too.

Steve Cohen

Oct 18, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read