http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/ DC's Liveliest Theatre Website Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:35:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-724 wisecracker Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:25:29 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-724 Longtime Arena subscriber here. Saw first half of the production tonight and then left. Could not keep my eyes open, nor my interest engaged.  When will Molly Smith quit presenting these type of twee "journey" plays? ("Theophilus North," a few years back was another production that made me want to scream.)  The theatre was about half-full at the start and I can only imagine the increased absences after intermission. Maybe a new Artistic Director is needed, or at least somebody to body-check her decisions. This has been a good season overall, but I was not enamored of "Lady Day." Nice singing, pedestrian acting and production. There is far more imaginative and exciting theatre happening around D.C., e.g. Studio Theatre's production of "Frozen" blew me away. Signature Theatre is consistently far more interesting, engaging and amazing. Arena tries to please the blue-haired donor set while entertaining Molly's love of chick-flick type claptrap ("Yellowman" had male delivered speeches that gave away it's angry lesbian writing roots). Aaaarrrrggghh! Longtime Arena subscriber here. Saw first half of the production tonight and then left. Could not keep my eyes open, nor my interest engaged.  When will Molly Smith quit presenting these type of twee "journey" plays? ("Theophilus North," a few years back was another production that made me want to scream.)  The theatre was about half-full at the start and I can only imagine the increased absences after intermission. Maybe a new Artistic Director is needed, or at least somebody to body-check her decisions. This has been a good season overall, but I was not enamored of "Lady Day." Nice singing, pedestrian acting and production. There is far more imaginative and exciting theatre happening around D.C., e.g. Studio Theatre’s production of "Frozen" blew me away. Signature Theatre is consistently far more interesting, engaging and amazing. Arena tries to please the blue-haired donor set while entertaining Molly’s love of chick-flick type claptrap ("Yellowman" had male delivered speeches that gave away it’s angry lesbian writing roots). Aaaarrrrggghh!

]]> http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-723 DH Wed, 07 Jun 2006 21:40:27 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-723 I agree with the reviewer.  The play seemed to want to make some type of social commentary, but never quite succeeded.  After the show, I tried to imagine alternative possible meanings for this play, but none were very satisfying.  The bridge stage was an interesting metaphor, but as bland as the show -- more was needed.  The second act attempted to bring more, but really didn't get there.  It was more familiar (with its references to things today's audiences may have experienced in their lifetimes, or the lifetimes of their parents).  But it also was somewhat shallow.  The references seemed easy, not deep.  Which gets me back to no real social commentary.  Oh well.  It seemed oddly unfortunate that the play eventually drifted away from its attempts at literate word-smithing and instead used the good looks of Molly Wright Stuart (Fanny) to arouse interest at the end.  Having spent at least 85% of the play in one costume, she has numerous costume changes within a short period at the end of the play, each of which arouse the eyes.  The play, though, leaves the ears and the spirit unaroused. I agree with the reviewer.  The play seemed to want to make some type of social commentary, but never quite succeeded.  After the show, I tried to imagine alternative possible meanings for this play, but none were very satisfying.  The bridge stage was an interesting metaphor, but as bland as the show — more was needed.  The second act attempted to bring more, but really didn’t get there.  It was more familiar (with its references to things today’s audiences may have experienced in their lifetimes, or the lifetimes of their parents).  But it also was somewhat shallow.  The references seemed easy, not deep.  Which gets me back to no real social commentary.  Oh well.  It seemed oddly unfortunate that the play eventually drifted away from its attempts at literate word-smithing and instead used the good looks of Molly Wright Stuart (Fanny) to arouse interest at the end.  Having spent at least 85% of the play in one costume, she has numerous costume changes within a short period at the end of the play, each of which arouse the eyes.  The play, though, leaves the ears and the spirit unaroused.

]]> http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-722 Nerissa Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:38:22 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-722 There went two hours I wish I could have back.  Mr. Coffee had me yearning for a Starbucks. There went two hours I wish I could have back.  Mr. Coffee had me yearning for a Starbucks.

]]> http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-721 bart naylor Mon, 22 May 2006 13:09:46 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/2006/05/18/on-the-ledge/#comment-721 My sentiments exactly. I thought his script reckless and lazy. The refresh/reburbish effort is one of many failed efforts at humor/wit/insight by this character. But rather than toss this in the trash, the viewer is forced to endure such failures. The play seemed like one of those skits thrown together by self-absorbed Oxonians with no time to refine. Well written review, though. My sentiments exactly. I thought his script reckless and lazy. The refresh/reburbish effort is one of many failed efforts at humor/wit/insight by this character. But rather than toss this in the trash, the viewer is forced to endure such failures. The play seemed like one of those skits thrown together by self-absorbed Oxonians with no time to refine. Well written review, though.

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