I have always hesitated to use the phrase “tour de force” in casual conversation or when writing a theatre review. For some inexplicable reason, I find it to be pretentious or overused-or both. However, Merriam-Webster defines the noun as “a feat or display of strength, skill, or ingenuity.” However, I’m afraid I must break my own rule; for there is no better description I can muster than “tour de force” to summarize Jim Brochu’s one man show Zero Hour. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Jim Brochu’s “Zero Hour” is Time Well Spent
THEATRE
Dame Angela Lansbury Headlines One Night Benefit Reading of “The Chalk Garden”
Dame Angela Lansbury is back on the boards! The star of stage, screen, and film will return this Monday night, June 19th @ 7PM for a one night only reading of the British drama, The Chalk Garden at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th street between Park and Lexington). The performance will be followed by a dinner with the cast at the historic Union Club. [Read more…] about Dame Angela Lansbury Headlines One Night Benefit Reading of “The Chalk Garden”
Theater Review: Kirsten Childs’ Bella: An American Tall Tale
Wild West stories are a dime a dozen, but I can guarantee that you’ve never seen anything fresher or more completely original as Kirsten Childs’ Bella: An American Tall Tale. Childs, who provided the book, music, and lyrics, has turned the traditional tale of Cowboys and Native Americans completely on its head. Our leading player in the Playwrights Horizons production is not a Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood, or John Wayne type. Instead, it is a beautiful and buxom African-American named Bella (Ashley D. Kelley). Her real last name is “Patterson” but after a tangle with Bonny Jonny Rakehill (Kevin Massey) she boards a train, changes her surname to “Johnson”, and attempts to escape her past. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Kirsten Childs’ Bella: An American Tall Tale
Tony Winner Jayne Houdyshell Dishes on “A Dolls House, Part 2”
Jayne Houdyshell’s (pronounced HOWDYshell) name hangs in the marquee window of Broadway’s John Golden Theatre, where she is currently starring in the most Tony-nominated play of the season, A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath. Just yesterday, it was announced that the originally slated 16 week hit will extend into 2018. [Read more…] about Tony Winner Jayne Houdyshell Dishes on “A Dolls House, Part 2”
Theater Review: Waterwell Theater Company’s “Hamlet”
Shakespeare’s words carry such a perennial quality which in turn, make them living texts capable of re-imagination and modernization. Waterwell Theatre Company, known for “the creation of new works and the bold re-interpretation of classics” is currently breathing life into Denmark’s contemplative prince, Hamlet. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Waterwell Theater Company’s “Hamlet”
Karen Mason Shines at Don’t Tell Mama’s
If you’re in the market for a comedian, I’ve got a recommendation. For those in search of a wedding singer, I have a name for you. Anyone looking for a bonafide, radiant talent who can sing the living daylights out of any song? I’ve got you covered. The answer to all of the aforementioned queries is: Karen Mason. [Read more…] about Karen Mason Shines at Don’t Tell Mama’s
Designing for Divas: An Interview with “War Paint” Tony Nominee Catherine Zuber
Catherine Zuber is one of the busiest costume designers working in entertainment that even her vacations are work. She’s currently at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theater for the world premiere of Roman Holiday: The Cole Porter Musical. It began previews on May 23rd and is slated to open this fall on Broadway. [Read more…] about Designing for Divas: An Interview with “War Paint” Tony Nominee Catherine Zuber
Judith Light honored at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Monte Cristo Award Ceremony
Judith Light has had quite the outstanding career up to this point. One of the biggest stars of stage and screen showed up looking absolutely dashing last night as she was the honoree at the 17th Monte Cristo Award ceremony. Taking place at 583 Park Avenue, Judith was awarded for being a prominent theater artist whose lifetime work has had an extraordinary impact on American theater, in memory of its namesake. [Read more…] about Judith Light honored at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Monte Cristo Award Ceremony
Sky Pony Rocks Brooklyn as Part of NYFOS Next Series
New York Festival of Song (NYFOS) is not typically known for concerts involving rainbow colored colonial wigs, pink patent leather pumps, and animal masks, but its founders, Michael Barrett and Steven Blier took a walk on the wilder side last Wednesday night at the hip Brooklyn venue, National Sawdust. [Read more…] about Sky Pony Rocks Brooklyn as Part of NYFOS Next Series
Theater Review: Darko Tresnjak’s “Anastasia” is One to Remember
Adaptations of films into musical stage versions continue to be the usual trend for contemporary theatre these days. In many cases, I’m left questioning the necessity. (This season’s Groundhog Day instantly comes to mind.) Other movies however, naturally lend themselves to song and dance. Such is the case with Anastasia, the splashy, big-hearted old fashioned musical which recently opened on Broadway. While Terrence McNally’s book doesn’t adhere religiously to the the 1997 animated film or to the original 1956 film, program notes state that it was “inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures.” These sources have served the creative team quite well. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Darko Tresnjak’s “Anastasia” is One to Remember