Lynn Nottage’s Ruined at Arena Stage hits all the high marks of truly compelling theater. Based on horrific conditions endured by women caught in the crosshairs of the deadliest war in the Congo that claimed millions of lives between 1998 and 2003, the compelling story line grabs attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go.
Archives for May 2011
Wonderland – Original Broadway Cast Recording
Personally, I had a fine time at this rousing if seemingly mindless show, the latest from composer Frank Wildhorn. There are now two recordings of the score, the concept recording which is slightly more rousing, and the original Broadway cast album which is being released today on Sony’s Masterworks Broadway label.
The Race
In this earnest, ambitious piece, Synetic alumnus John Milosich attempts to confront racism using song, video, movement, myth, and self-examination. Does he succeed? Well, no, not entirely. But man’s reach should exceed his grasp, as Robert Burns observed, or else what’s a heaven for?