Directed by Jack Marshall Produced by American Century Theater Reviewed by Rosalind Lacy The American Century Theater’s Hellzapoppin is not ready to pop. Too many cooks in the kitchen, ingredients thrown in from all over the place, the show needs more cooking time. Yet we come back after Intermission. Why? Because in spite of its […]
Archives for July 2007
Emergence-SEE!
A conversation between Emergence-SEE!’s Daniel Beaty and Washington, DC story teller Amy Saidman. A fascinating and thought provoking discussion which illuminates the transformative play and the man behind this electrifying performance.. “My story is for everyone. Although people come from diverse backgrounds, they see themselves in the characters I create. The show becomes a model […]
Pygmalion
By George Bernard Shaw Produced by Quotidian Theatre Company Directed by Stephanie Mumford Reviewed by Tim Treanor In another two weeks – maybe less – Quotidian Theatre, with a little bit of bloomin’ luck, might very well have a smokin’ production of Pygmalion. As for now, the show is soggy and undercooked – fitfully amusing, […]
Summer Gems, Part 1
SEUSSICAL, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GREASE, SOUVENIR, AND THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK BURN UP OUR SUMMER STAGES Whew! It may be hot and humid outside, but inside – our local stages are sizzling with great shows and great performances. GIVING A WHO-T ABOUT THIS SEUSSICAL In 2000, I was eagerly awaiting Stephen Flaherty and Lynn […]
Eric Schaeffer Explains It All
MetroWeekly’s Randy Schulman has a fantastic interview with Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Worth a read, even if you’ve read other Signature interviews, even if you’re friends with Eric, even if you think you’ve heard it all before. There’s a lot that’s new. He has settled his company in their new Arlington home, and directed […]
Jim Petosa to Leave Olney Post
As reported in Jane Horwitz’ Backstage column, Olney Theatre Artistic Director Jim Petosa, who has been splitting his time between Olney and Boston University’s Theatre School, has prepared the Olney Board for his departure the end of next year. Petosa has been with Olney Theatre Center since 1979, taking on its artistic leadership in 1994. Read Petosa’s comments, […]
Brooklyn Boy
By Donald Margulies Directed by Jim Petosa Produced by Olney Theatre Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson Brooklyn Boy contains all the freshness, humorous quips, poignancy, and twists and turns of natural realism that you expect in a play by Donald Margulies. Add in Jim Petosa’s flawless direction, plus Paul Morella’s shimmering performance as Eric Weiss, […]
Valparaiso
By Don DeLillo Directed by Michael Dove Produced by Forum Theatre & Dance Reviewed by Janice Cane During the intermission of Valparaiso at the H Street Playhouse a few nights ago, my companion turned to me and asked, “So, what do you think?” My response: “I like it, but it’s a little strange.” If I […]
Pangs of the Messiah
By Motti Lerner Directed by Sinai Peter Produced by Theater J Reviewed by Ronnie Ruff The view from the bright, sun-washed living room in this middle eastern village is unlike any you see on CNN every night. No smoke from exploded car bombs and the carnage that ensues, no images of children with tears rolling […]
Lost Eden: The Magnificent Welles
By Marcus Wolland Directed by Zina Bleck and Herb Tax Produced by Zemfira Stage Reviewed by Rosalind Lacy Never will there be a last word on Orson Welles, now recognized as the 20th Century’s art film genius. The man as material is too rich. In the East Coast premiere of Seattle playwright Marcus Wolland’s The […]
birds
by Jennifer Maisel Directed by Wendy McClellan Produced by Rorschach Theatre Reviewed by Rosalind Lacy Jennifer Maisel’s 90-minute play birds is based on a fairy tale. An extinct myth, that once inspired us, clarifies beautifully what happens on stage in this muddy but well-acted play. Once upon a time, in the Grimm’s fairy tale, Jorinda […]
The Witches of Eastwick
Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey Music by Dana P. Rowe Based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Directed by Eric Schaeffer Produced by Signature Theatre Reviewed by Gary McMillan It is hard to believe that it’s taken seven long years for Witches to hop on a transatlantic broom […]