Scene: February '12
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Necessary SacrificesWhat? The story of the bond forged between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, as they each dealt with the issues of emancipation and war, and their mutual need for the support of each other.
When? February, '12 Where? Ford's Theatre, Washington DC Why? The star of this play, David Selby, has played Lincoln in other productions at Ford's to significant acclaim, so I was interested to see him perform. But it didn't hurt that he is a long-time favorite actor of mine dating back to "Dark Shadows" in the 60s and "Falcon Crest" in the 90s :). Ellevation: David Selby was truly magnificent as Lincoln. I enjoyed the simplicity of the play, with a single set (Lincoln's office) and fascinating interplay between the two characters. I learned things I did not know about the Civil War, and gained insight into both men and the challenges they faced. It really is a credit to Selby, that a play like this was as riveting as it turned out to be. |
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The Gaming TableWhat? A play from the 1600s (adapted) about a group of women who can gamble with the best of 'em, and have the men under their spell. The female characters are definitely the stars; and not to spoil it for anyone, but there are happy endings for all :)!
When? February, '12 Where? Folger Theater, Washington DC Why? I haven't been to the Folger Theater is many years and this play seemed like a great reason to make a visit! Well? Oh my, what fun this was! The Folger, like Ford's Theater, is a unique, intimate theater space that is its own attraction. The play was wonderfully funny, the actors uniformly great, and the slapstick hijinks made good use of the elaborate set. I got my ticket through Goldstar and was sitting in the first row, giving me a fantastic up-close view of the gorgeous costumes...and I loved the scene transition music and touches such as a shower of cards and coins from the rafters... |
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The Elephant RoomWhat? When? February, '12 Where? Kogod Cradle, Arena Stage, Washington DC Why? Wonderful free ticket opportunity for a show I'd been intrigued by and hadn't had a chance to see! Well? Magic, illusion, pure silliness and an altogether unexpected evening...incredibly inventive set and three performers utterly committed to the fun and entertaining of the audience...the tricks and illusions were so woven into the fabric of the performance that you almost missed that they had just done something amazing; i.e., turning milk that had been poured into, and then out of, a lit lightbulb into snowflakes :). |
Show website
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Godspell (4th time, 2nd w/ niece)What?
When? February 4, 2012 Where? Circle in the Square, 50th St & 7th Ave Why? As my brother (niece's dad) said "That's what we Burnses do; we see things again." And it's true; because with live theater, every time you see a show, it's different- both on stage and in your seats based on those with whom you see it. Godspell, in particular, is a show about friendship and love...it should be seen with those you love and care about. Well? We had another great visit. The show continues to feel fresh and it's a bit like going to see old friends at this point. Niece got a kick out of Hunter P making contact with me during the show (he's a big hit with her!), and a very sweet woman a few seats down gave N the gold beads she caught during "Bless the Lord." "Wine" was shared at the intermission gathering on stage, and we got to greet a few of the actors as they mingled. All in all, fun was had by all. |
Show website
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert (5th time; first w/ niece)What? Based on
When? February 5, 2012 Where? The Palace Theatre; 7th Ave. between 46th and 47th Sts. Why? After hearing "MacArthur Park" and discovering that the song is staged with giant dancing cupcakes and a sweet love story all in one, the niece was hooked...she's got the eclectic tastes of her auntie...In all seriousness, I am proud that my niece will enjoy the theater of this show, while still understanding and empathizing with Well? I could not be more thrilled that N loved this show. The message of love and acceptance of self and others is wrapped in a fantastical bedazzled, besequined, beeyelashed package that never fails to have me lip-synching and seat-dancing. We had such fun greeting the actors at the stage door (Nick Adams as "Felicia" was N's personal favorite :)), and more fun just talking about each of the characters and all the funny bits later on. |
Show website
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Wicked (4th time, first with best childhood friend for her birthday)What?
When? February 12, 2012 Where? Bass Concert Hall, University of Texas Austin, TX Why? This is definitely a show to see with girlfriends; it's all about friendship and the things that are so special about the relationships between women. I've been wanting to go with D for a while and the stars finally aligned. Well? As it turned out, my friend's husband joined us for the show and the three of us had such a good time. The performance was excellent; this show tours quite well. We saw an understudy in the role of Elphaba and she was fantastic. This is another show with a wonderful message of friendship and acceptance. We spent happy hour and dinner talking about all our favorite parts. |
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The Gershwin's Porgy & BessWhat?
When? February 17, 2012 Where? Richard Rodgers Theatre Why? Mainly because of my undying love for Audra McDonald. This is not really my favorite show by any means, and I've already seen a production Well? Beautifully done. Standout performances were definitely the three leads, Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis (Porgy) and David Alan Grier (I had no idea he was such a good song & dance man). The story is difficult and it's a fairly operatic score (most of the show is sung). As I understand it, this is a production that has been updated and modified. I did like it much better than the first time I saw P&B in the mid-90s in Australia. |
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Encore's Merrily We Roll AlongWhat?
When? February 18, 2012 Where? New York City Centre Why? I had read a Kindle Single short piece written by one of the original actors from this rather notorious Sondheim/Harold Prince "flop" that intrigued me. I wasn't Well? Loved every single minute. This was a concert-style (meaning minimal sets and costumes) production with a phenomenal cast and orchestra on stage. The staging was clever and I really didn't miss it being a full production; although I will look forward to seeing some revival in the future. After much wishing on the parts of myself and my companions, they have indeed recorded a cast recording for this production...so happy. |
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Godspell (5th time + first for friends)What?
When? February 18, 2012 Where? Circle in the Square, 50th St & 7th Ave Why? Well? |
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Psycho TherapyWhat? "Couples therapy" gone wildly awry as girl + current beau + ex-beau redux + very confused therapist engage in farcical moments on the "couch."
When? February 19, 2012 Where? Cherry Lane Theater Why? I LOVE this small theater! It's a great venue and the productions I've seen have been well-produced, well-acted and unexpected. I also love Jeffrey Carlson (saw him in Hamlet at the Shakespeare Theater in DC in 2009) and Laurence Lau, both veterans from my long time favorite daytime drama, All My Children (RIP :(). Well? The play is very funny, with a clever premise (unbeknownst to the therapist, the male half of the "couple" she's seeing in couples therapy is not the husband but the ex-boyfriend, with whom the woman has rekindled the romance while still involved with her almost-fiance). There is some great physical comedy and classic "mistaken identity" bits. Jeffrey Carlson was brilliant, and carried the show for me. |