Comments for DC Theatre Scene

Comment on Chess by Ed K.

Ed K. — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:30:51 +0000

Did not see London or New York productions, but this stands on its own as a wonderful show combining a real plot with great music.
However, I agree with the last comment that the show was over-amped. It worked with “One Night in Bangkok,” but not with the quieter, more introspective songs. Twice I was confused as to who was singing because the loud sound seemed to come from all over rather than from a particular side of the stage.
This is a growing problem in Washington area theaters. Their strength is the intimacy of their 200 to 300 seat houses which practically immerse the audience in the action. But, when you have to use ear plugs to understand the lyrics, all the subtlety and charm are lost in the blasting.

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by LILIA SLAVOVA

LILIA SLAVOVA — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:11:14 +0000

THANK YOU FOR MY AWARD FOR “THE SNOW QUEEN” AND FOR THE NOMINATION FOR THE BEST ACTRESS TO BE FOR MORGAINE GOODING-17 YEARS OLD ACTRESSIN A CHILDREN SHOW!I AM SO GRATEFUL!THNAK YOU ALL!

Comment on Chess by Renee Rabben

Renee Rabben — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:48:11 +0000

This is another one of my favorite shows this year. The cast is stellar. I saw both the original London & Broadway productions of Chess. Nobody compares to Jill Paice as Florence. Her voice is to die for. She can belt her face off but be incredibly vulnerable at the same time. I love how she pulls back the vocals instead of constantly belting which is what I am used to hearing. Euan Morton & Jeremy Kushnier are equally incredible. The supporting cast & ensemble are also perfect. You will not be disappointed with the set, lights, costumes, choreography, & orchestra either. I will be seeing the show a 2nd time this weekend with my sister. Don’t miss out!
Renee

Comment on Twelfth Night by Gerald Gleason

Gerald Gleason — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:41:55 +0000

I enjoyed and laughed at the broad comedic treatment but have to agree with Marks that it sacrifices the subtlety and balance of what Shakespeare wrote. Like it or loathe it, it’s a different thing.

Comment on Travels with My Aunt by Gerald Gleason

Gerald Gleason — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:59:19 +0000

. . . and a terrific video.

Comment on Travels with My Aunt by Gerald Gleason

Gerald Gleason — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:47:49 +0000

“. . . a series of magic tricks, done by superb actors, brilliantly directed.” Right on, Tim. You nailed it.

Comment on Chess by Janet99

Janet99 — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:50:47 +0000

The cast is amazing! In particular I love the contrast of Euan Morton’s voice of an angel, and Jeremy Kushnier’s rock star delivery. I’m already looking forward to seeing the show again.

Comment on The Side Show interviews by Renee Rabben

Renee Rabben — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:42:50 +0000

Hi Julie.

They are located in Baltimore. Here is the website with all the information for you. There are only 2 shows left on Friday the 3rd & Saturday the 4th.

http://teatro101.com/Home.html

Renee

Comment on The Side Show interviews by Joel Markowitz

Joel Markowitz — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:21:57 +0000

Teatro 101 is in Baltimore. It's well worth the drive to see this production. Check their website out here: http://teatro101.com/Home.html

Comment on The Side Show interviews by julie jacobson

julie jacobson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:55:08 +0000

Hi Joel – skimming your interview I take it teatro 101 is in Baltimore? I wanted to get more info but I couldn’t find anything on the dctheatrescene calendar (altho there is something else included that’s in baltimore – a medieval themed production?!). Is Side Show not listed? I’d shlep out to B’more (which is remarkable for me)!
thanks,
Julie

Comment on The Side Show interviews by Renee Rabben

Renee Rabben — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:26:52 +0000

Most people that know me are aware that I see TONS of shows every year. This was by far one of the best I have seen this year. I think that I bawled my eyes out at least 5 times. This show does hold special meaning for me because I am an identical twin. I think that twins can relate to this story more than anyone else. Not only was the entire cast incredible, but so was the set, costumes, orchestra, choreography, lighting, props, & direction itself. I loved the show so much that I convinced my twin sister Beth to fly into DC from Albuquerque to see it on closing night. Beth has never seen Side Show before so this will be a real treat. I also saw Violet at Teatro 101 & fell in love with everyting about that show too. It is a bit far out from the DC area to get there, but well worth the trip!

Renee

Comment on Sink the Belgrano! by Ben Demers

Ben Demers — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:44:45 +0000

Indeed. Maggot Scratcher = Margaret Thatcher is a fairly easy one, but I’ll grant you that many people probably don’t know her Cabinet members by heart. In my reviews I usually try not to give too much away in terms of plot or character details, but perhaps a bit more would have helped in this case.

Comment on A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur by Barbara Bell

Barbara Bell — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:52:26 +0000

We found this cast to be disappointing, and lacking in talent. They’ve seem to have gone downhill. Age has not been kind to Mumford.

Comment on Sink the Belgrano! by U Gino Kneel

U Gino Kneel — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:46:31 +0000

The principal characters’ names are derived from their real-life counterparts: “Pimp” is Francis Pym, “Nit” is John Nott, “Woody” is Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward, etc.

Comment on Twelfth Night by Tim Treanor

Tim Treanor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:43:43 +0000

Peter Marks is not a dumbass. He said many of the same things I did about the show — for example, that it was unsubtle and broad. The difference was that I like that kind of show, and he apparently does not (He probably doesn’t think The Three Stooges are comic gods, either). This is, I think, an important thing to keep in mind about theater reviews. It doesn’t matter how astute a reviewer is or how clearly she writes. If her tastes and perceptions are different than yours, she will not be a reliable guide to whether or not you will like a show. So if you like your 16th-century Shakespearean comedy made crystal-clear for you, as I do, you should go see this show. If your preferences run more with Peter Marks’, then this is probably not your cup of tea.

Comment on Twelfth Night by DCTheatre

DCTheatre — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:08:01 +0000

Peter Marks is a dumbass. This version of Twelfth Night finally makes sense out of something usually treated way too farsical. Brava Shakespeare Theatre!

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by Anne

Anne — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:12:27 +0000

Cate Blanchett was amazing in A Streetcar Named Desire. She is mesmerizing !

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by Salma, Synetic Theater

Salma, Synetic Theater — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:48:31 +0000

We are truly grateful and deeply honored for the support of the DC Theatre Scene, the DC theatre community, and our audiences. The work around town just gets better and better every year, and the amount of this amazing work that is produced is incredible! Congratulations to everyone on their 2009/10 seasons, and here’s to a new one. We hope that audiences continue to engage, donors continue to support, and artists continue to work their magic.

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by MaryPat Eldredge

MaryPat Eldredge — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:49:14 +0000

To Joel Markowitz, thank you for your positive comment and I actually just read your interview with Joe & Matt “yesterday”.
and John, I smoke Honesty!

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by John

John — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:36:39 +0000

Joy Mountain????? Really??? What they heck are you smoking MaryPat?

Comment on Wife to James Whelan by Katie Atkinson

Katie Atkinson — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:41:17 +0000

The actress in the picture is Janie Brookshire.

Comment on Big prizes for winners of Signature’s scavenger hunt this weekend by S Anderson

S Anderson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:58:58 +0000

This is an extraordinary production. Run, run to see it. You may even want to see it twice! The ensemble of music, acting, setting, staging and costumes is stunning.

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by Joel Markowitz

Joel Markowitz — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:46:33 +0000

I agree with you that Joseph Bwarie was amazing in Jersey Boys. I loved his performance so much that I interviewed him and Matt Bailey when they were here at The National Theatre. Here's the interview: http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/11/05/jersey-boys-on-playing-frankie-valli-and-tommy-devito/

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by MaryPat Eldredge

MaryPat Eldredge — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:40:56 +0000

…of course, congratulations to all the “Awardees”, most certainly well deserve!.
I am disappointed in the outcome of the Favorite Touring Show category (and Favorite Touring Performer result, also). I hoped that Jersey Boys & Joseph Leo Bwarie would be “The Choices”. I did see Avenue Q at our Des Moines Civic Center and thought it was highly fun and clever, by the way.
My opinion and vote for Jersey Boys is due to the overall energy and heartbeat of that story and the performances of the cast, particularly Joseph Leo Bwaire’s as Frankie Valli…because of the story and music, life and love permeate the theatre and go home with each audience member, lifting hearts and souls from difficult places…the audience is transported to a magical place- “Joy Mountain” -which is forever accessible because of the infusion of the energy and love that exude from each show/performance, no matter city, state, or country where Jersey Boys plays. Amen!

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by mary johnson

mary johnson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:39:40 +0000

Thrilled for Toby’s win for Hairspray as best musical. Reviewed this for Baltimore Sun finding Waters’ nostalgic tribute to 1960s Baltimore destined to play at Toby’s, where the show found an ideal home. Having caught the show on Broadway in 2003, I was astonished at how well Toby’s recreation of Baltimore in all its formstone glory actually worked. As a native Baltimorean, my pulse quickened at Broadway’s “Good morning, Baltimore” and again at Toby’s. My enthusiasm is also based on a history that included working at Baltimore’s Channel 13 where the Buddy Deane Show (on which Hairspray’s Corny Collins show is based) originated and my life-long friendship with the director of that show – Zvi Shoubin, now of MPT.

Comment on Spooky Action builds its own theatre space by U Gino Kneel

U Gino Kneel — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:34:50 +0000

It’s a nice space and a great location, and with some TLC ought to be fine new home for the Spookies.

Comment on Surprises mark Audience Choice winners by Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:00:01 +0000

Dear DC Theatre Scene,
I am stunned. Thanks for the support of the mid level theatres in DC. It is where we cut our teeth and make risky theatre for little money and few accolades. Please keep up the fine reporting and reviewing of all the theatre, but remember those without giant endowments and budgets need you the most. Those previews, articles and early reviews can help make a good production successful, and ensure that those companies can go on to produce more work.
Cheers!
Daniel Flint

Comment on Jane Pesci-Townsend 1959 – 2010 by Tina Palutis

Tina Palutis — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:43:46 +0000

I am so saddened to hear of Jane’s passing. We only knew each other for a brief time, but she impacted me deeply.
My love & condolences to Kevin, George & Rosemary.

Comment on Life Begins at 8:40 – Concert Cast Recording by Ben Demers

Ben Demers — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:14:35 +0000

I saw this performance at the L.o.C. earlier this year, and I can say it was a terrifically entertaining production. It’s a shame that the CD can’t capture the performers’ impressive physical comedy and graceful movement, as well – that’s half the fun!

Comment on Audience Choice Award Nominations announced by MaryPat Eldredge

MaryPat Eldredge — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:43:10 +0000

I vote for Joseph Leo Bwarie as BEST and FAVORITE Performer in a Touring Production; I vote for JERSEY BOYS as Favorite TOURING (NON-RESIDENTIAL) SHOW

Comment on Twelfth Night by Rogerg

Rogerg — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:43:13 +0000

Thank you for this review! I agree completely. It’s great to have a positive review in contrast to Peter Marks’ rather sour one in the Washington Post. I can’t remember a more enjoyable evening of theater, and the fact that it was FREE, just made it all the more delicious.

Comment on Last minute questions on how to vote for the Audience Choice Awards by Mark Minnick

Mark Minnick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:11:12 +0000

did not receive my invitation to vote -

Comment on The Importance of Being Earnest by Claud

Claud — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:44:58 +0000

Although only appearing in the second act, Stacy Whittle’s adept portrayal of Rev. Chasuble was especially good. Her accent was almost flawless. She deserves a more prominent part in future productions

Comment on Life Begins at 8:40 – Concert Cast Recording by Brad Hathaway

Brad Hathaway — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:47:49 +0000

I’ve been asked about the ensemble of singers that appeared in addition to the headliners mentioned in the review. The Library of Congress concert in Washington DC had an ensemble of eleven, four of whom were also in the sixteen-member ensemble for the recording in New York. The four who performed both in Washington and on the recording were Michael Batusic, Scott Gofta, Diego Prieto and Chris Vaughn. Those just in Washington were Malinda Ellerman, Allyson Harkey, Autumn Seavey Hicks, Kristen Jepperson, Bligh Voth, Ryan Manning and Vishal Vaidya. The ensemble members on the recording included Demetria Joyce Bailey, Katie Luekens Chan Chee, Lila Claghorn, Brooke Davis, Sara Jean Ford, Liz Griffith, Paul Lincoln, Lucy Sorensen, Steven Stein-Grainger, Alan Wager, Brian Wilson and Sarah M. Wilson.
Brad Hathaway

Comment on Best Musicals and Best Musical Performances of 2009-2010 by Chris Youstra

Chris Youstra — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:47:31 +0000

Thanks, Joel, for the kind words on the Dancing Princesses — it was a lovely production and I will be happy to sign your CD for you

Comment on Audience Choice Award Nominations announced by Jake

Jake — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:36:42 +0000

Jim, what about Fringe shows that were “find your own venue?” I saw two shows that fell into this category, both Helen Hayes eligible shows, both with the 4 or 5 star rating on DCTS, and yet they didn’t make the list. I just don’t understand.

Comment on Personal reflections on this year’s Fringe musicals by Sally Tilson

Sally Tilson — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:41:51 +0000

Joel, I was reluctant to write because I could be perceived to be prejudiced… I’m George’s mother! However, I saw the show twice and loved it both times. I’m proud of my son, but I think he was most fortunate to have the cast he had and the help of Jose and Patricia. They were outstanding. I, too, hope for more productions of this play.

Comment on Cat’s Cradle by Rabbi W.

Rabbi W. — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:26:55 +0000

And there was a musical version that premiered in Philadelphia in the 90s.

Comment on Audience Choice Award Nominations announced by joe

joe — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:38:56 +0000

This is stupid. Why don’t you just nominate every show in town (oh, you already did that) and allow people to vote for their friends in the acting catagories (opps, you did that too).

Lame, Just like the Helen Hayes.
Love their party though……………………………….

Joe Smilkowski

Comment on Best Musicals and Best Musical Performances of 2009-2010 by Maggie Roos

Maggie Roos — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:15:27 +0000

Thank you so much for including me in the list! Special thanks to the talented cast of “Into The Woods” for making the show absolutely stunning. I couldn’t have wished for a more brilliant group of people to work with. Congratulations to everyone who made the list especially the amazing Buzz Mauro and Katie Gerard. This is such an honor and I cannot thank you enough.