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Scene:  August '13  



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THE DONKEY SHOW

What?  From the show website:  "Every Saturday night!  The celebrated smash hit The Donkey Show has taken Boston by storm, bringing you the ultimate disco experience—a crazy circus of mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens. Come party on the dance floor to all the 70s disco hits you know by heart as the show unfolds around you.

A.R.T.’s OBERON houses this magical romp inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream. Join the party under the disco ball. After the show, the party continues into the night so you can live out your own disco fever fantasy! "



When?  August '13

Where?  American Repertory Theatre, Oberon, Cambridge MA

Why?  So, the show I was originally supposed to see in Boston this night was "Tuck Everlasting," which was to be trying out in Boston.  Unfortunately, its Broadway journey has been delayed, and that left me free to experience this show at A.R.T. that required me to have an available Saturday night in Boston.  Thrilled that my Boston law school friends are joining me for this ride :)!

Well?  A risqué frolic with cross-dressing actors, fabulously sexy (and flexible!) dancers, roller blades, glitter galore, perfectly-matched disco club anthems and a truly immersive theatrical experience :)!  There was a good reason we saw multiple bachelorette parties the night we were there; it would be a great evening for any kind of wacky celebrating you wanted to do (and there are discounts for groups).  It helped to be familiar with Shakespeare's story, so I might recommend at least a synopsis of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" before you go.  We sprung for the table seats, which were great fun and offered a panoramic view; but you could have just as much fun with the standing places on the dance floor.  The show is constantly moving, and pops up in various corners and levels of the venue, so no one will be left out.  It's not for the kiddies (or the ultra-sensitive), and that's a good thing in this case :). 

Here's a peek :)


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CHOIR BOY

What?  From the show website:  "The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school's legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

Tarell Alvin McCraney is author of The Brother/Sister Plays: The Brothers Size, In the Red and Brown Water, & Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet. His other works include Wig Out! set in New York's drag clubs and The Breach which deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was the first recipient of the New York Times' Outstanding Playwright Award, the 2009 Steinberg Playwrights Award, and the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award. Trip Cullman (Murder Ballad) directs."


When?  August '13

Where?  MTC Stage II, New York City Center

Why?  The subject matter interested me.  I love gospel music and coming-of-age stories :).  The Manhattan Theatre Club has consistently impressed me, and I also like these small spaces at the New York City Center venue.


Well?  It's hard to express how much I was impacted by this "musical play."  The singing was spectacular, and I would have been happy just to listen to this cast harmonize for several hours at least.  But the story was the heart and soul of the show~the emotional and physical baring of a young man's growing pains was, at once, deeply moving, wryly funny and wounding.  Every single actor touched my heart; especially Jeremy Pope, who plays the main character, Pharus.  Pharus is trying to own his true self, and puts up the good fight, which carries his classmates along their journeys as well.  The two adult characters, played by Chuck Cooper and Austin Pendleton with the perfect balance of humor and pathos, grounded me in the midst of the heartbreak.  I was further moved to see audience members of all types still wiping away tears as they left the theater, and several of the cast still crying during the final bow.  I am so very grateful for this experience.


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THE TWO-CHARACTER PLAY

What?  From the show website:  "Tony Award winner Amanda Plummer (Agnes of God, Pulp Fiction) and Academy Award nominee Brad Dourif (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) unite their white-hot talents for this highly anticipated production of Tennessee Williams’ The Two-Character Play.

Reality and fantasy are interwoven with terrifying power as two actors on tour – brother and sister – find themselves deserted by their troupe. Faced by an audience expecting a performance, they enact The Two-Character Play. As they dip in and out of performance they find it difficult to differentiate themselves from their roles and reality from illusion. Haunting, provocative, and often funny, The Two-Character Play is one of Tennessee Williams’ most personal – and mystifying – works."


When?  August '13

Where?  New World Stages

Why?  Amanda Plummer was the real draw for me here.  As well as my desire to see more Tennessee Williams' plays that I haven't seen on stage before.  It helped that I won tickets to see the show!

Well?  The fine line between genius and madness seems always evident in Tennessee Williams' work, and this was no exception.  You might feel a little "mad" yourself after taking the ride with these two spectacular actors.  Where does reality lie for any of us?  There are many twists and turns in the narrative, and requires some patience to settle into the rhythm of the dialogue.  But once you do, it's a lyrical exchange of words, gestures, glances and touches between Plummer and Dourif that is quite beautiful to watch, despite the gritty, decrepit surroundings.  If you're looking to expand what theatre can be for you, this is a good choice.




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LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

What?  From the show website:  "A love letter to Shakespeare in the Park from the creators of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.  Romance, revelry and enchanting music ignite in this contemporary yet lovingly faithful musical adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy. The King and his best buds decide at their five-year college reunion to swear off the joys of women. But when four cute, clever girls from their past show up, they’re forced to reconsider all of that nonsense! Smart, sexy, outrageous, and irreverent, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST is a madcap celebration of true love and coming of age.
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Obie Award winner Michael Friedman (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) and two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers (Peter and the Starcatcher) reunite for this fresh and unexpected evening of song, sonnets and Shakespeare, continuing The Public Theater’s long tradition of premiering new musicals in New York's most magical summer setting."

When?  August '13

Where?  Shakespeare in the Park, The Delacorte Theater, Central Park

Why?  Seeing these productions in this magical setting is a true treat; I'm not sure it matters what I'm seeing :).


Well?  I'm definitely on the Alex Timbers bandwagon at this point.  His work has not yet failed to surprise and delight me, and this was the perfect cast to bring this creative take on a Shakespeare classic to the stage.  The fun the actors had on stage was infectious, and it says a lot that I was happy every time it was clear a song was coming on!  I really liked the mashup of period and present-era costuming and action.  Working too hard at love was never so easy :)!  I really can't recommend making the effort to experience a Shakespeare in the Park production at some point....it's worth either the expense or time spent waiting, whichever you can manage.





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UNBROKEN CIRCLE

What? From the show website: "Set in 1970 Galveston, Texas, a family is brought together for the first time in years on the day of its patriarch’s funeral.  As the day turns into night, the impact of the man on his family unfolds in surprising ways leaving each member grappling with the truth.
"Unbroken Circle", written by James Wesley, is at turns hilarious and disturbing as it explores how family secrets affect every person in each generation differently."
 
When?  August '13

Where?  St. Luke's Theatre, NYC

Why?   Family dramas hold so much potential for the stage; the fact that this one is based on real life makes it even more compelling.  I'm glad to see Eve Plumb on stage again (I last saw her in "Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage"), but I would want to see this show no matter who was in the cast.  It just interests me on its face.

Well?  This was another small show whose reach extends beyond the stage on which it's played.  The cast was so, so good; and the audible gasps from the audience as the layers of deception and pain were peeled back, is a tribute to both the playwright and the cast (which includes the playwright :)).  There's such a universality about the unique issues our family situations present.  I walked out of the theater wanting to sit down and talk to people about it, and then go back and comfort all the characters too.  



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NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812

What?  From the show website: "Based on the scandalous slice of War and Peace, THE GREAT COMET is a heartbreakingly gorgeous and wickedly sharp theatrical event. It is a performance like none other, blending romance, cabaret, comedy and vodka. Come experience the elegance and allure of Tsarist Russia, when lovers spoke by letter and the night sky was set ablaze by The Great Comet. Prepare yourself, the comet is coming."

When?   August '13

Where?  Klub Kazino pop-up performance space, New York City

Why?  I don't quite know what to expect from this show, and that's just the way I like it!

Well?  Talk about immersive theatre!  There isn't a bad seat in the house ("tent"); no matter the table, there's sure to be an actor passing within inches of you, and action taking place all around.  The show is a rock-style opera, but I hesitate to categorize it that strictly.  The music is lovely, exciting and beautifully sung by the energetic cast, and it felt old and new at the same time.  I also loved the costumes, which were elaborate without stealing focus from the wearer.  Dinner was tasty, and the service was attentive, but unobtrusive.  There are reports that the show may move to Broadway for a limited engagement (that will require a fairly extensive physical adaptation of a theatre space), which would give a very different option for Broadway audiences.



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SHIDA THE MUSICAL

What?  From the show website: "SHIDA, an original musical created and performed by Broadway veteran and gospel music artist Jeannette Bayardelle (The Color Purple; Hair), will receive its World Premiere production Off-Broadway this summer as an Ars Nova Summer Fling – 511 W. 54 St. in Manhattan. Directed by Andy Sandberg, SHIDA is a one-woman musical with book, music, and lyrics by Jeannette Bayardelle.

Set to a soulfully contaegous score of rock, jazz, R&B, and gospel music, SHIDA is based on the true story of a young African-American girl who aspires to become a writer, tracing the ups and downs of her family, friendships, and love life – from the double-dutch court at St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Bronx to a scholarship at NYU.  Her dreams become sidetracked by hardship and loss until her faith and those closest to her combine to restore Shida’s hope and give her a second chance. SHIDA is a tour-de-force for Jeannette Bayardelle, who takes us through Shida’s powerful, funny, and inspirational story, portraying multiple different roles.

Ms. Bayardelle performed a sold-out one-night-only concert version of the musical at Birdland as part of the Broadway at Birdland series, and SHIDA subsequently received a workshop at Ars Nova as part of the Project Residency Initiative, both under the direction of Mr. Sandberg."
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When?   August '13

Where?  Ars Nova, New York City

Why? 
  A new musical that offered a performance at 5:00pm!  A great chance to experiment :).

Well?  What an incredible 70 minutes of talent!! Jeannette Bayardelle's storytelling prowess is mighty; she can sing like nobody's business and backs it up with the remarkable ability to create multiple characters with only a shift in her posture, tone of voice and the occasional prop.  I fully believed I was watching Shida and her mother together on stage; or Shida and Jackie, her loyal best friend, despite there being only one actor in front of me.  The structure of previewing where the story would be going at the beginning, and then going back in time worked well.  But I was especially pleased that we had not been shown the ending of Shida's story; there was more to find out, and what had seemed to be certain despair turned to hope.  The character of Jackie was used particularly well to add humor and a bit of "Greek chorus," to the mix; and the unseen, but sadly very present, "Uncle Steve," was surprisingly menacing even through mere suggestion.  I will definitely keep my eye on Ms. Bayardelle's future projects, and hope to see her on stage again soon!


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THE DESIGNATED MOURNER

What?  From the show website: "THE DESIGNATED MOURNER is a monologue-triptych in which three artist-intellectuals recount their experiences as their once-liberal country sinks into political crisis. A famous poet-intellectual, his daughter, and her husband—people made of very different moral fiber despite their shared highbrow interests—witness the subtle and flagrant transformations of everyday life, public affairs and personal relationships until they finally are dragged into the middle of things themselves. This searing and disturbing drama, prescient of much that occurred during the Bush/Obama years, has been called Shawn’s masterpiece."

When?  August '13

Where?  The Public Theater, NYC


Why?    I could not miss a theatrical "event" such as this.  I am familiar with Wallace Shawn but have not yet seen his work on stage.  I'm very much looking forward to it.  



Well?  If something can be delightfully loopy and painful and profound all at the same time, this show falls into that category.  As with any show that is not strictly linear, I wasn't always sure I knew what part of the story the characters were relating; but it's a great exercise in just letting my mind go, listening to the words without judgment.  Wallace Shawn is a naturally funny, fearless storyteller, and it somehow seems easier to hear something hard or biting in his voice.  This 3 hour commentary on privilege and pretension, and the failure of living an inauthentic life was fascinating; and since those issues are limitless as sources of material, 3 hours merely skates the surface, but changes your mind with its design as well.  I was not surprised to hear Wallace Shawn, who waited at the door to the theatre to greet, thank and shake hands with audience members after the show, mention how sad he would be to have the run end.  I could have listened to Mr. Shawn provide commentary on most anything for several more hours!  


I'll be seeing another collaboration between he and director, André Gregory, at the Public in October, "Grasses of a Thousand Colors."  About that, Mr. Shawn said to me, with a smile, "well, that one's just indefensible; I'll let you make of it what you will."  And so I will.



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THE OLD FRIENDS

What?  From the show website:  "In this World Premiere play by Signature Legacy Playwright Horton Foote, matriarch Mamie Borden and the remaining members of two longtime Texas farming families await a visit from Mamie's son Hugo and his wife Sybil. When Sybil arrives with alarming news, old friends on opposing sides must confront the issues surrounding legacy, loyalty, and the meaning of happiness that have hounded them for generations.

Helmed by Michael Wilson, director of Signature's acclaimed 2009 production of The Orphans' Home Cycle and the current Tony nominated revival of The Trip to Bountiful, The Old Friends is an absorbing and vital chapter in Foote's beloved, distinctly American body of work."

When?  August '13

Where?  The Pershing Square Signature Center

Why?  I loved "The Trip to Bountiful" and I love Betty Buckley, so this was an easy choice.  

Well?  I just find it so satisfying to watch family relationships fold and unfold on stage.  I did not know, when the show began, that one of the lead actors is the playwright's daughter, Hallie Foote (Sybil), who has worked with her father many times over the years.  She was just wonderful, and eEvery actor in the cast transported me into the story, which features multiple intersecting arcs, so there was never a moment I wasn't fully involved.  I might consider a production a success if I am genuinely afraid of what will happen when the loose-cannon character returns after storming off, and unsure about whether I want to be in the audience when it happens.  This was that production.  Each character seemed volatile, although some carried the volatility underneath a stoic shell; and there is not an easy role in this show, in my opinion.  Betty Buckley was just amazing as the hard-drinking, manipulative Gertrude; Cotter Smith, quietly heartbreaking as Howard, and Lois Smith's Mamie, had the audience on her side from the start.  As with "The Trip to Bountiful," Foote seems to have a gift for creating older characters with true depth, and complexity.




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FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN

What?  From the show website:  "In the days leading up to one of Cassius Clay's most anticipated fights, the heavyweight boxing champion forms an unlikely friendship with the controversial Hollywood star Stepin Fetchit.  With a rhythmic script by award-winning performer and playwright Will Power, who received rave reviews for his hip-hop productions of Flow and The Seven at NYTW, and direction by Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (The Who's Tommy, Jersey Boys), FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN explores the improbable bond that forms between two drastically different and influential cultural icons. One a vibrant and audacious youth, the other a resentful and almost forgotten relic – together as they fight to form their public personas and shape their legacies amidst the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1960s. This true story is as powerful and poetic as Clay himself while also humorous and irreverent like Fetchit's signature act. Finding commonality in contradiction, FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN examines the true meaning of strength, resilience and pride."

When?  August '13

Where?  New York Theatre Workshop

Why?  I have such respect for this theatre; and have had wonderful experiences to date, so I'm happy to take a chance on a new work from them!

Well?  Wow, I'm so glad I didn't miss this one!!  Such an unexpected and fascinating story; drawn from history, yet timeless.  The civil rights era of the '60s remains quite personal for me, as a child growing up in the Washington, DC area, and I welcome the opportunity as an adult, to understand the many human layers of this conflict that has not yet ended.  The performance of Ray Fisher as Muhammed Ali is just not to be missed.  He owns the stage, and made me feels as if I was seeing a fairly well-rounded portrayal of a man with many angles in real life.  I remember the basic historical framework for the events in the story, and had some familiarity with the increasing visibility of the Nation of Islam brotherhood at the time, and the controversy surrounding it.  The contrast of the self-images of the younger Ali with the equally defiant Stepin Fechit, and their willingness to use each other to advance their personal interests made for some surprising twists.  Nikki M. James, Tony® Award winner for "Book of Mormon," was so appealingly complex as Sonji, the woman who married Cassius Clay after 40 days of knowing him, and then had to transform herself to be an acceptable companion, not just for him, but for the image of the movement as well.   Des McAnuff (Tony® Award winning director)'s crisp, sharp direction gives the right amount of spareness; allowing the personalities of the characters/actors to tell the story.



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FIRST DATE

What?  From the show website:  "When blind date newbie Aaron (Zachary Levi; “Chuck” and Thor: The Dark World) is set up with serial-dater Casey (Krysta Rodriguez; “Smash” and The Addams Family), a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?”

When?  August '13

Where?  Longacre Theatre

Why?  I really find Krysta Rodriguez to be an appealing actor on stage.  I saw her in "The Addams Family" and she stood out among the cast for me.  I will also say again :) I love new musicals!!

Well?   Like all too many first dates, this one is short; only about 90 minutes, with no intermission.  That's probably right for the story and overall production in this case.  However, I couldn't help thinking throughout, that this struck me as more appropriate for a smaller, Off Broadway house (e.g., Second Stage).  I feel as if it's a little fish in a pond that's too big for it.  Zachary Levi is irresistible as Aaron, and carries the show.  I did love Krysta, but I don't think Casey is as developed a character as Aaron (from whom we get to see multiple facets), so I didn't think Krysta's talents were used as well as they could have been.  I enjoyed the clever staging, and the use of the four other cast members in constantly shifting roles; the standout being Bryce Ryness (who I really enjoyed in the recent revival of "Hair" as well).  




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ROMEO AND JULIET

What?  From the show website: "The stars of screen and stage align as Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Tony Award® nominee Condola Rashad (Stick Fly) take on the roles of Shakespeare's legendary star-crossed lovers, ROMEO AND JULIET. 

The most famous love story ever told returns to Broadway for the first time in 36 years in a stunning new production from five-time Tony® nominee David Leveaux. Jealousy. Prejudice. Betrayal. And the chance that true love could actually conquer all. That's ROMEO AND JULIET."



When?  August '13 

Where?  Richard Rodgers Theatre

Why?  I LOVE Condola Rashad, and can honestly say that I will go out of my way to see productions she's in; that this one happens to be "Romeo and Juliet" is just a bonus.  And yes, Orlando Bloom got my attention too :).


Well?  Well, that was sexy!  I seriously loved the interracial casting of the two families, and the use of African-inspired rhythms and dance during the Capulet festivities at which the  lovers meet.  Condola Rashad is simply luminous on stage...never mind spotlights, her facial expressions and eyes light the house on their own.  She and Orlando Bloom are well-matched.  I could have done with a little more articulation from Bloom, but his passionate recklessness was so compelling that I got the point :).  Chuck Cooper as Juliet's father, and Brent Carver as Friar Laurence were also well-balanced in their respective bombast and lightness of being.  I liked the staging overall, especially the stage entrances and exits of characters from the audience, and the use of the pier-like structure as the iconic "balcony."  I did find the massive wall that dominates the stage sometimes dwarfed the actors unless they were climbing on it, which they did effectively, particularly as the play went on.  As I've said several times, I enjoy non-traditional productions of Shakespeare's works, and this was definitely one I enjoyed!





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MISS SAIGON

What?  From the show website:  "Created by the acclaimed writers of Les Misérables, this modern, rock-infused adaptation of Puccini’s 1904 opera Madame Butterfly explores the ongoing impact of love, loss and the collision of cultures during the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese Kim and American G.I. Chris fall in love during the tumultuous fall of Saigon. Three years after their dramatic separation, newly-married Chris discovers Kim survived the war. The star-crossed lovers attempt to reunite in a race across Bangkok in this tragic romance about the shattering devastation of war and the ultimate sacrifice.

Signature brings the electrifying score to life with a 15-piece orchestra and 18-actor company in this new environmental production, performing hit songs including “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “I Still Believe,” “Why, God, Why?” and “The American Dream.”


When?  August '13

Where?  Signature Theatre Arlington, VA

Why?  I'm on a roll with catching up on shows I've never actually seen on stage, and this ticks one off the list!  I have the iconic image of the helicopter in my memory, and I was thrilled to see Jonathan Pryce (one of the original stars on the West End and on Broadway)  in the concert presentation of "My Fair Lady" at the Kennedy Center Spring Gala in May.

Well?  I am glad to now be familiar with this show.  Musically, it's not as memorable as "Les Miserables" (although that's a tough comparison for any show), and the storyline is pretty relentlessly despairing.  That said, it does give great opportunities for talented performers to really test their mettle.  There is very little non-musical dialogue, which requires constant balancing by the actors of their vocal performance of difficult material with acting throughout.  The songs themselves are so emotionally wrought, that the acting can seem overdone when layered on top.  Diana Huey as Kim, and Thom Sesma as The Engineer, are definitely the highlights of the show for me, but everyone in the cast has a lovely voice, so the score in is good hands.  Overall, I think it's an extremely successful adaptation of a huge show on a small stage.  The set is marvelous; in particular the way in which the last helicopter out of Viet Nam is staged.  



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  • FRONT OF HOUSE
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