All posts by Steven McKnight:
Steven McKnight DCTS Reviewer Steven McKnight is a recovering lawyer who now works in a lobbying firm and enjoys the drama of political theatre on both sides of the aisle. He admires authors, actors, athletes, teachers, and chefs, and has dabbled in all of those roles with mixed (and occasionally hilarious) results.
The Gaming Table
February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In a new prologue written by David Grimm for Susanna Centlivre’s The Gaming Table, Tonya Beckman Ross promises verbal virtuosity and laughs. It is a promise that is kept in spades by Folger Theatre’s sparkling and witty production of this Restoration era comedy. [Read more...]
An Irish Carol
December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Matthew J. Keenan’s new play, An Irish Carol just opened at Keegan Theatre, has a gritty realism that is unmatched among the holiday fare now playing in the DC area; it’s as bracing as a shot of Bushmills, but not necessarily pleasing to those seeking something a bit milder. [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...]
Beertown
November 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
As an experiment in audience participatory theatre, dog & pony dc’s Beertown is an interesting and memorable adventure. [Read more...]
Venus in Fur opens on Broadway to strong reviews
November 9, 2011 By 1 Comment
David Ives’ Venus in Fur, which had an acclaimed and multi-extended run at Studio Theatre earlier this year, opened on Broadway last night to strongly favorable critical response. [Read more...]
The How and the Why
November 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A central question for any two character play is whether the playwright can keep the audience interested. Sarah Treem’s The How and the Why succeeds through an intelligent blend of personal, political, and intellectual conflicts in an absorbing new production at 1st Stage. [Read more...]
The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog!
October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If family theatre ratings, like Olympic diving, included a degree of difficulty factor, the Kennedy Center premiere of The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and her Dog! would earn a very high score. It’s not easy to tackle the scientific method and solar fusion in a musical for children ages six and up. Yet, thanks to enthusiastic acting, uplifting music, and a skillful production The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and her Dog! ultimately works. [Read more...]
Savage in Limbo
September 15, 2011 By 1 Comment
Once in a while all of the stars align to create a magical theatre event like MetroStage’s production of John Patrick Shanley’s Savage in Limbo. The script, the cast, the direction, the performances, and the venue are all so perfectly in tune that the production inspires nothing but praise. [Read more...]
Don’t Dress for Dinner
September 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If you are looking for a crowd pleaser to open your theatre’s season, a fine farce like Don’t Dress for Dinner is an excellent choice. 1st Stage launches its new year with an enjoyable production of a famous French classic work from the late Marc Camoletti, best known as the author of the recent successful Broadway revival Boeing-Boeing. [Read more...]
A look at last season’s new works
August 15, 2011 By 1 Comment
With the Audience Choice Awards nominations being announced soon, it is a good time to consider and honor my favorite contemporary plays which debuted in the Washington area during the 2010-2011 season just ended. While I enjoy fine productions of Shakespeare, Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams and the other great playwrights, new works are important for keeping theatre fresh. [Read more...]
