Becky’s New Car
December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Some plays are like the Emerald City of Oz. They are best enjoyed by skimming along the surface. Examine them too closely, and the greasepaint turns to grease. Becky’s New Car is one of those plays. [Read more...]
Cannibal! The Musical
December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
“God has cared for these trees,” said naturalist John Muir on one of his Western expeditions a century ago. “He has saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods… But he cannot save them from fools.” [Read more...]
Elf
December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The successful holiday run that the musical version of the film “Elf” had at the Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway for Christmas 2010 was expected by many to lead to a return for the Christmas season this year and, perhaps, for years ahead. The show didn’t come back this season, but the recording of the score with its original cast is here in its stead. It may not be quite as much fun as seeing the show live – what mere audio recording can be? – but it stands on its own two green felt booted feet and delivers a good 47 minute listen. [Read more...]
Bust
December 6, 2011 By 1 Comment
When HBO and Comedy Central’s Lauren Weedman decided to take her comedic sensibilities to the jailhouse and teach a writing workshop, her good intentions were tinged with a sense of noblesse oblige, as Weedman herself would be the first to admit. But we all know where good intentions lead. Rather than teach a writing course, Weedman winds up becoming what’s known as a volunteer advocate. Any idealism she may have felt at the start will take a sharp turn toward realism. [Read more...]
Dr. Dolittle
December 6, 2011 By 1 Comment
Imagination Stage’s new musical production of Dr. Dolittle combines two stories, the traditional Dr. Dolittle tale and the story of its origins in letters written home by Hugh Lofting while away at war. While the approach may initially puzzle the youngest children, the two stories cleverly blend to support common themes about the importance of communication and the value of cooperation over fighting. This Dr. Dolittle is both entertaining and deeply meaningful, a cut above many children’s offerings. [Read more...]
Wonderful Life
December 6, 2011 By 3 Comments
The miracle is not Christmas comes, but that we come to it at all. For eleven months, we snap and tear at each other like ravening dogs, foot soldiers in the war of all against all, but on Christmas we open our hearts and our wallets and cry out, “God bless us, every one!” You don’t have to believe in God to get the point: the human experience is a cooperative venture, and acts of generosity, done in the enchantment of each others’ glow, are far more satisfying than the acquisition of financial wealth. [Read more...]
2011 Holiday Gift Guide
December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Brad Hathaway has checked his theatre shelves and found the perfect gifts for theatre lovers everwhere.
Tell us – what’s on your gift list? [Read more...]
Arlen Blues and Berlin Ballads
December 5, 2011 By 1 Comment
‘Tis the season, and programming holiday fare for adults can either overload us on Sugarplum gooiness or, ignoring the holiday, risk appearing downright Scrooge-like. But Carla Hubner and her company of musical “elves” have conjured up something that is just the ticket. The show is well-directed and funny, and it’s got both heart and some soulful moments. Best of all, it features the music of Harold Arlen and Irving Berlin. [Read more...]
Sons of the Prophet
December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s difficult to offer you a focused picture of Stephen Karam’s Sons of the Prophet at the Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre. It manages to tell a dark story with humor and insight, and even at 100 uninterrupted minutes, it never fails to engage and intrigue, but ultimately it is more interesting than moving. [Read more...]
White Christmas
December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Politically and economically speaking, 2011 has been a pretty depressing year. That’s making it pretty tough for many folks to really get into the holiday spirit this Christmas season. But not to worry. Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia has the perfect antidote for those holiday blues with their sprightly, toe-tapping new production of White Christmas. [Read more...]
