“The opposite of war isn’t peace—it’s creation.” Playwright and composer Jonathan Larson immortalized the quote in his rock-opera masterpiece, Rent. Although he was referencing Bohemian New Yorkers, the sentiment has reached universal appeal. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “The Siege” Brings Palestinian View to NYU
Cabaret Review: “The Crisp, Coolness of Betty Buckley”
True theater and cabaret aficionados are well aware of the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and—Buckley. [Read more…] about Cabaret Review: “The Crisp, Coolness of Betty Buckley”
Theater Review: “KPOP” Paints a Portrait of East and West
Thanks to Punchdrunk, the British Theatre Company who brought us Sleep No More, immersive theater has sprouted faster than Harvey Weinstein’s sexual allegations (too soon?) The long-running show continues to play to sold-out houses at the McKittrick Hotel and paved the way for Fuerza Bruta, Here Lies Love, Seeing You, Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, and other interactive works. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “KPOP” Paints a Portrait of East and West
Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” is One Big Gift
Self-help is big business. According to a recent study Americans spend 11 billion dollars a year figuring out how to improve themselves. For the most part, the advice that most books, seminars, and videos offer are laden with trite suggestions, syrupy psychobabble and plain old common sense. In many cases, they are written by people without a clinical background–people like Cheryl Strayed. When you have her life experience, however, you have all the credibility you need. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” is One Big Gift
Theater Review: Trans Lives Honored in MCC’s “Charm”
In the middle of playwright Philip Dawkin’s Charm, one of his characters has a breakdown. While her peers are learning to dance for a tea party at Chicago’s esteemed Drake hotel, Lady (Marky Irene Diven) sits neglected and alone. Her hormone treatment schedule has becoming irregular, causing an identity crisis within herself. “Nobody wants me,” she laments. “I wish everyone would stop looking at me and just touch me. I wanna be touched and be f**ed and be regular. I just. I WANT! Okay?” [Read more…] about Theater Review: Trans Lives Honored in MCC’s “Charm”
Kimberly Senior, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy Walk into a Theatre…
Kimberly Senior isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics. The Chicago based director earned critical raves for her guiding hand in the racially charged Broadway play, Disgraced. She also dealt with the delicate topic of self-slaughter in Chris Gethard’s solo show/sleeper hit, Career Suicide. [Read more…] about Kimberly Senior, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy Walk into a Theatre…
Theater Review: Life is Costly for “The Treasurer”
The Son (Peter Friedman) is at a loss. His mother, Ida Armstrong (Deanna Dunagan) has lived longer than she expected. Her husband Ron passed away, leaving her little money and now she is experiencing dementia. Cash strapped and frustrated, the son and his siblings sacrifice their own well beings to ensure that Ida maintains her pampered lifestyle. “My friends are in the Beaverbrook and I’m a Beaverbrook person,” she tells her son. Beaverbrook it is. Nothing is too good for this manipulative matriarch in Max Posner’s The Treasurer, which recently opened at Playwrights Horizons. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Life is Costly for “The Treasurer”
“The Violin” Scratches Out a Complex Tune at 59e59th Theatre
A song of tension and discord is currently emanating from 59 East 59th Street theatre in Dan McCormick’s world premiere play, The Violin. [Read more…] about “The Violin” Scratches Out a Complex Tune at 59e59th Theatre
Chicago’s Strawdog Theatre Cooks a Crazy Family Gathering
Family cook-outs often conjure a sense of dread, both for family members and outside observers. Polite small talk, Aunt Mary’s barely edible potato salad, and awkward pauses typically prevail under sweltering hot conditions and irksome insects. [Read more…] about Chicago’s Strawdog Theatre Cooks a Crazy Family Gathering
Theater Review: Kinsey Sicks “Things You Shouldn’t Say” Showers Soho with Sass
At first glance, the Kinsey Sicks appear to offer a typical, run-of-the-mill drag show. All of the expected elements are in place: mascara, beautiful dresses, high heels, perfectly quaffed, aquanet hair, eyelashes for miles, and—above all—witty quips and banter. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Kinsey Sicks “Things You Shouldn’t Say” Showers Soho with Sass