≡ The Fiddler Ghost
The Fiddler Ghost is a perfect example of what the Fringe Festival is all about– a chance to showcase unusually creative theatrical expressions that don’t fit the traditional boxes, that pack a punch, (more…)
Author Archive
Posts by Debbie Jackson:
About: Debbie Jackson
Debbie Minter Jackson DCTS Reviewer
Debbie is a writer and performer in musical theater for 30+ years. Originally from Chicago, she has performed throughout the
Washington, D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center in productions with the legendary Mike Malone. Her scripts have been commissioned and produced by Source Theater, throughout D.C. and New York,
and she is a member of Footlights and the Black Women Playwrights' Group which is sponsoring its first ever national conference in Chicago
September 2008.
≡ The Skin of Our Teeth
The Skin of Our Teeth- Written by Thornton Wilder
- Directed by Rahaleh Nassri
- Produced by Rorschach Theatre
- Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
Any full scale production of The Skin of Our Teeth nowadays is a tough sell. Thornton Wilder’s 1942 script contains a smorgasbord of messages in as many styles and formats, wraps deep philosophical questions in zany silly putty packaging, (more…)
≡ An Enchanted Evening in the Andes
Described as high energy, ancient with ancestral sounds, the Mystic Warriors deliver quite a musical show at the Tivoli Theater. (more…)
≡ The Mousetrap
Mousetrap- Written by Agatha Christie
- Directed by John Going
- Produced at Olney Theatre
- Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
How does the longest running show in the history of London’s famed West End, one that has been performed on Broadway and throughout America for decades still have enough punch to keep ‘em guessing for yet another run? (more…)
≡ The Mystery of Irma Vep
The Mystery of Irma Vep- Written by Charles Ludlam
Directed by Rebecca Bayla Taichman
Produced by Arena Stage - Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
The Mystery of Irma Vep is a silly spoof of legendary movie characters and literary themes, filled with madcap antics, satire, and whirlwind costume changes. Similar to Noises Off, it’s filled with silly sight-gags, mind-twisting analogies, drop-dead funny double and triple entendres, while pushing from the sublime to the truly ridiculous. (more…)
≡ In the Heart of America
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In The Heart of America -
By Naomi Wallace
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Directed by Kasi Campbell
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Produced by Rep Stage
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Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
This is a difficult piece-to watch, to write about, to reflect on. Dealing with war is not easy, but it is a reality. If you’re ready to get immersed in the heart of the psychological battles that rage long after soldiers leave combat, this is a fascinating study.
≡ Carmen
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Carmen -
Adapted by Nathan Weinberger and Paata Tsikurishvili from the novella by Prosper Merimee
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Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili
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Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili
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Produced by Synetic Theater
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Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
Synetic Theater is celebrated for its high powered and no-holds barred physicality, gorgeous music, spectacular use of lighting and space, and innovative movement and choreography often dripping with passion and sensuality. Now, imagine all of these elements portraying the story of Carmen filled with love and obsession, gut wrenching sensuality,and heartbreaking betrayal. Synetic more than delivers the goods with this one. It’s got razzle dazzle choreography that borders on the acrobatic, beautifully mounted scenes, and to top it off, musicians onstage incorporated as part of the story. All of this makes for a sure fire hit. (more…)
≡ Neglect
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Neglect -
by Sharyn Rothstein
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Directed by Jessie R. Gallogly
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Produced by Journeymen Theater
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Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
Neglect– the very title sounds dreary and dire, the premise even more so — a drama set in Chicago during the 1995 heat wave that resulted in 700 deaths, particularly hard hitting the home-bound elderly. (more…)
≡ The Oresteia
The Oresteia - Written by Aeschylus; Translated by Robert Fagles
- Adapted and Directed by Allison Arkell Stockman
- Produced by Constellation Theatre Company
- Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
They did it again. Constellation Theater, just finishing its first season yet already establishing a track record of stunning productions, has added a spectacular rendering of Greek tragedy to its repertory. With a cast of almost thirty actors, a percussionist on stage, moodily placed fog and mist, and a huge coliseum set with columns that extend to the expansive rafters of the Clark Street Playhouse (lighting and set design by A.J. Guban), The Oresteia transports the audience to an ancient time to witness the essential core of theater. These folks are unstoppable.
≡ Intimate Apparel
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Intimate Apparel
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Written by Lynn Nottage
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Directed by Jennifer L. Nelson
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Produced by African Continuum Theatre Company
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Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson
Set in New York City in 1905, Intimate Apparel showcases the power of the written word from an African American cultural perspective. Specifically, the impact of letters and letter-writing in an age of innocence. Playwright Lynn Nottage gently and lovingly explores aspects of love and friendship, cultural identity, self- expression and survival.
Esther, the main character, beautifully rendered by Deidre LaWan Starnes, has all but given up on finding a soul mated kindred spirit, let alone a husband. (more…)
