'An Empty Plate' at the Arden (1st review)

Michael Hollinger’s An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf, in its excellent revival at the Arden, remains half a serving of well-crafted theater that’s still missing the real meal it might have served.

An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. By Michael Hollinger; directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Through December 9, 2007 at Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. (212) 922-1122 or www.ardent

Robert Zaller

Oct 20, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Death and the Maiden' and Duke U. lacrosse

Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden takes an even-handed look at the question of due process vs. cathartic revenge. But his premature support for action against Duke University’s lacrosse players suggests where his sympathies lie.

Death and the Maiden. By Ariel Dorfman. Through October 27, 2007 at Curio Theatre, 815 South 48 St. (215) 525-1350 or www.curiotheatre.org.

Jim Rutter

Oct 20, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Six Characters' at People's Light

Pirandello’s path breaking 1921 master work, rarely performed, is thoroughly mesmerizing and raises questions that cannot be answered. Louis Lippa’s extensive adaptation expands the original in a highly professional production that’s not to be missed.

Six Characters in Search of an Author. By Luigi Pirandello; translated and adapted by Louis Lippa; Ken Marini directed. Through November 11, 2007 at People’s Light and Theatre Company, Steinbright Stage

Anne R. Fabbri

Oct 16, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

This year’s Barrymore Awards:
One step forward, two steps back

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s showcase to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Amadeus' at the Wilma

The Wilma’s Amadeus is a compelling production of a stimulating work, one that provokes the mind while delighting the eye, the ear and the soul. But why does Peter Shaffer persist in tinkering with the script? In his place, what would Mozart do?

Amadeus. By Peter Shaffer; directed by Jiri Zizka. Through October 27, 2007 at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). (215) 546-7824 or www.wilmatheater.org.

Dan Rottenberg

Oct 01, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Pig Iron's "Isabella' (2nd review)

Pig Iron Theatre’s Isabella is a gripping theatrical event, one of the most exciting plays of the past few years. Most critics have missed its ingenious faithfulness to Measure For Measure. Shakespeare’s dark comedy was set in Vienna; Isabella is set in a morgue; but ultimately their subjects— lust, death and the abuse of authority— are the same.

Isabella. Pig Iron Theatre Company production through September 15, 2007 at Ic

Steve Cohen

Sep 29, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Flamingo/Winnebago' at Fringe Festival

A gas station owner and a hitchhiker head for Las Vegas in a quest to discover America. It’s an ambitious creation by playwright/director Thaddeus Phillips, but the drama doesn’t really start until they reach their destination. Judicious pruning would help this otherwise compelling production.

Flamingo/Winnebago. Written and directed by Thaddeus Phillips. Lucidity Suitcase production August 30-September 8, 2007 at The Painted Bride, 230 Vine St., Philadelphia, a

Steve Cohen

Sep 25, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Assassins' at the Arden

Sondheim’s musical about presidential assassins is a tough sell to theater audiences. But Terrence Nolen’s production at the Arden achieves the near impossible: a good balance between spookiness, humor and a serious look at the American Dream.

Assassins. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by John Weidman. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen; music directed by Eric Ebbenga. Through October 21, 2007 at Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or

Steve Cohen

Sep 21, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

Fringe Festival 2007

A year ago I wrote a negative critique of the Philly Fringe Festival. I do not take back a word of that article. But this year, unlike last, some of the 1,500 participating artists were talented and serious professionals investing enough effort in their work to succeed in the marketplace.

Live/Arts/Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Sept. 1-18, 2007.

Steve Cohen

Sep 21, 2007 · Articles · 6 minute read