DC Theatre Scene . Washington’s liveliest theatre web site

Intelligence
written by Kenneth M. Cameron
directed by Walt Witcover
produced by Rep Stage
reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Intelligence, a fictionalized tale of Central Intelligence, is taut, tight, almost thriller-like in its total command of the moment. The backdrop hints at high stakes CIA political maneuverings, behind the scenes, of course, in volatile Central America during the Iran Contra era.  Blend the political intrigue with ruminations about the insidious effects of power, the corrupting influence of money,  family duties, living with one’s life choices, let alone love and idealism, and you’ve got a bona fide hit, tailor made for today’s signs and times. (more…)

Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted
By Christopher Trumbo
Produced by Rep Stage
Reviewed by Leslie Weisman

The colorful title  “Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted” is a playful verbal lure that is true to the spirit of its subject.  With a forthrightness that pays tribute to the blacklisted writer’s award-winning screenplays (The Brave One and Roman Holiday earned Oscars, Johnny Got His Gun the Cannes grand jury prize) and his personal correspondence from prison, (more…)

• In The Heart of America
• By Naomi Wallace
• Directed by Kasi Campbell
• Produced by Rep Stage
• 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. 

(more…)

• Thom Pain (based on nothing)
• By Will Eno
• Directed by Lee Mikeska Gardner
• Produced by Rep Stage
• Reviewed by Tim Treanor

If, as Charles Isherwood famously observed, Will Eno is the Samuel Beckett of the Jon Stewart generation, then Thom Pain (based on nothing) is his Krapp’s Last Tape. Krapp, reflecting his playwright’s reclusive preferences, told his story into a tape recorder but Thom Pain (Timothy Andrés Pabon), reflecting the sensibilities of the Jon Stewart generation, requires an audience.

(more…)

•  
• Mrs. Warren’s Profession
• By George Bernard Shaw
• Directed by Gus Kaikkonen
• Produced by Rep Stage          
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Mrs. Warren’s Profession pulls no punches dealing with gender equity, social injustice, personal freedom and responsibility,  prostitution, brothels and even hints of incest.  Is there any wonder that it was banned in England (1900), and its New York City premiere resulted in full scale arrests of cast and crew?  (more…)

Produced by Rep Stage

Reviewed by Rosalind Lacy

A Glorious Farce

(left to right) Bruce Nelson, Karl Kippola, and Matt Dunphy (Photo: Stan Barouh)

In great performances, sometimes every ingredient is just right. The right director, the right play, staged with the right actors and stage designers. All work together - like an exquisite clock - as in Rep Stage’s glorious production of Itamar Moses’ Bach at Leipzig..

Director Kasi Campbell, associate artistic director of Rep Stage, with seven Helen Hayes awards including Outstanding Director in 2004, takes this ingenious farce about political intrigue and lets it fly from one brilliant stage moment to another right up to the last breath-taking twist.

(more…)