The Foreigner

by Larry Shue

Produced by Olney Theatre Center

Reviewed by Tim Treanor

Olney Stage is one of the best theaters in Washington. During this year, I’ve been to three outstanding productions there. So let me come right to the point. After seeing The Foreigner last night at Olney, I’ve still only seen three outstanding productions there.

It’s not that the Foreigner is a bad show. Part of it, in fact, is quite good. Olney’s production values remain high. There is a thunderstorm at the play’s outset which is so palpable you can smell as well as see the rain. Jarett Pisani once again proves himself one of the best young sound designers in Washington. Scenic designer James Kronzer creates a beautiful and convincing set. The performances are generally good, and one of them is outstanding. More on that later.

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State of the Union

by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Produced by Ford’s Theatre
Reviewed by Tim Treanor

“Democracy,” H.L. Mencken once wrote, “is the theory that the people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard.”

In Ford Theatre’s handsome, amiable, absolutely charming State of the Union, the people want spontaneity, high principle, and independence from party bosses. And the party bosses are prepared to give it to them.

Imagine a supremely accomplished industrialist who seeks to awaken the better angels in the American people – to appeal to their sense of pride and self-sacrifice; to encourage them to work with each other, and, even more radically, to work with other peoples to assure peace and prosperity. Everywhere he goes he is mobbed by men and women who have been revitalized by his message. He is received less as a politician and more as a movie star – or a prophet. What do we make of such a person?

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