Scene: June '13
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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The Big KnifeWhat? From the show website: "Roundabout Theatre Company presents an electrifying new production of Clifford Odets’s classic tale about keeping your integrity in the face of success, starring Emmy® Award–winner and Tony Award®–nominee Bobby Cannavale (Glengarry Glen Ross, ‘Boardwalk Empire’), and directed by Tony Award–winner Doug Hughes (Roundabout’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Doubt).
In the golden age of Hollywood cinema, actors may have all the glory, but studio execs have all the power. The Hoff-Federated studio has had its most successful star, Charlie Castle, over a barrel ever since it helped cover up a mistake that could have ended his career. When a woman with insider knowledge threatens to come forward, the studio heads will stop at nothing to protect Charlie’s secret... but how far is he willing to go before he quits the movie business for good? Set in a glossy world of rumor mills and rocky friendships, The Big Knife is a riveting, bitingly funny look at how challenging it can be to stay true to yourself—when everyone expects you to play a part." When? June ' 13 Where? American Airlines Theatre Why? I subscribed to Roundabout this season, and while I didn't select this play initially, subscribers received discounts on all the shows, so I was happy to add it. Also, the cast is great, and includes Richard Kind and Chip Zien, along with Bobby Cannavale. Well? The greatest treats from this show were Richard Kind, Marin Ireland and Chip Zien. Oh, and the set!!~the audience audibly ooh-ed when the curtain rose. The story of the dark side of the studio system in the '40s and '50s as it impacts the heart and soul of a marquee idol star and his family is riveting. I enjoy Bobby Cannavale, but, for me, the understated performances of Marin and Chip, in particular were even more compelling. Richard Kind is just a force on stage. His ability to go from avuncular to menacing in a turn of the head is remarkable; and it was perfect for the seemingly soulless studio head. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Somewhere FunWhat? From the show website: "Rosemary and Evelyn met “a hundred thousand years ago” in Central Park when their children were barely born. SOMEWHERE FUN reunites the two women thirty-five years later on Madison Avenue, one windy fall day. With their children now grown and the world changing rapidly before (what’s left of) their eyes, each finds herself face to face with the terrors, joys, and surprises of life and time. Jenny Schwartz returns to the Vineyard following her critically-acclaimed play GOD’S EAR with this wildly original story about connection — to our families, our memories, our moment in time. Schwartz reunites with director Anne Kauffman (BELLEVILLE, SLOWGIRL) following their collaboration on GOD’S EAR. "
When? June '13 Where? Vineyard Theatre Why? Loved the description of the show; love the theater; love Jenny Schwartz. Well? Wow. A surreal wonderland of words and humanity. I felt as if I'd gone through the proverbial looking glass, where things are not as they seem...or are they? One of my favorite things is experiencing actors with flawless timing, fearlessness and a physical grace take on challenging theater. This was just that. Kate Mulgrew and Kathleen Chalfant as the old friends in this only barely linear, time jumping wordplay, had me on the edge of my seat wondering what in the world would come out of their mouths next. And yet, so much of importance about family and aging and love was said. The set was perfect; it was minimal but had clever details that matched the quirkiness of the words being spoken. Other than the two leads, Brooke Bloom also did a really great job bringing humor and heart to her multiple roles (especially as the police officer), as did Mary Shultz as Cecelia. As a theater-goer, I do not need a linear story that goes neatly from one place to the next, but not everyone agrees. The woman next to me at the performance had apparently been pushed beyond her limit of "disbelief suspension," and was audibly frustrated. What was "quirky" to me was "ridiculous" to her. Diversity in audience tastes is why we need diversity in theater. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Far From HeavenWhat? From the show website: "Cathy Whitaker seems to be the picture-perfect wife and mother in 1957 suburban Connecticut. But roiling beneath the surface, secret longings and forbidden desires cause her world to unravel, with incendiary consequences. With a lush score that is both jazz-inflected and hauntingly lyrical, Far From Heaven is a powerful story of romance, betrayal, and intolerance, as a woman grapples with her identity in a society on the verge of upheaval."
When? June '13 Where? Classic Stage Why? A new musical with Kelli O'Hara is an easy decision :). Well? I was so happy to see Isaiah Johnson as Raymond. I loved him in Peter and the Starcatcher, and even from the last row of the theater, I could see the twinkle in his eye. Kelli O'Hara is just so lovely, expressive and charismatic on stage; she can be believably fragile and strong as needed. The score had some beautiful numbers, and the set was evocative and clever. This is one of those shows that I felt was trying to fit a great big story into a too-small book. By that I mean that there was a complexity and historical context to the highly explosive relationships between the main characters that I felt was rushed and glided on the surface. On balance though, I loved the performances and score, and am very glad to have seen Kelli O'Hara on stage in this role in particular. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Murder Ballad (2nd run)What? From the show website: "A love triangle gone wrong, MURDER BALLAD centers on Sara, an Upper West Sider who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her. Direct from a sold-out run at MTC’s Studio at Stage II, this sexy, explosive, new rock musical explores the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us.
MURDER BALLAD is conceived by Jonathan Larson Award winner and two-time Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Julia Jordan with book and lyrics by Jordan and music and lyrics by indie rock singer/songwriter Juliana Nash. Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman (Paul Weitz's Lonely, I'm Not; Adam Bock's A Small Fire) directs this inventive new show that critics have called “dirty fun with a fearless, sexy cast” (Time Out New York)." When? June '13 Where? Union Square Theatre Why? Big fan of Caissie Levy and wanted to see this show again right after I walked out of the theater the first time I saw it. Well? On a second visit, with one new cast member and a table seat this time, I can honestly say that I fell more in love with this show than ever. It's one of the most powerful, engrossing performance works I've seen. Caissie Levy brings a such a great energy and breathtaking talent to her role (taking over for Karen Olivo); her chemistry with Will has lost nothing since they did Hair together :). Rebecca Naomi Jones continues to amaze me with the charisma that oozes from her voice and body, and John Conlee just breaks my heart each time. Although, there's no "traditional" dancing in the show, the choreography is almost a character unto itself, using the tables, chairs, bar, stage, pool table in a constantly shifting tableaux. I am thrilled to now have the original cast recording of this show, and it captures the haunting atmosphere of the theater perfectly. Update: On my last June NYC trip to meet up with a law school friend, we made the last minute decision to catch the 5:00pm Sat performance, and were fortunate enough to snag the last two table seats for the rush price of $30 tickets. My friend is not really a theater-goer, and I was interested to see how she'd like the show. She loved it. It's truly a unique experience with memorable music; a true rock opera. So glad to see it a third time. |
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Stupid Fucking BirdWhat? From the show website: "WORLD PREMIERE by Aaron Posner Directed by Howard Shalwitz
An aspiring young director rampages against the art created by his mother’s generation. A nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be. In this irreverent, contemporary, and very funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull, award-winning playwright Aaron Posner wages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. Helmed by Woolly Artistic Director Howard Shalwitz, and starring Company Members Rick Foucheux, Kimberly Gilbert, and Kate Eastwood Norris, Stupid Fucking Bird will tickle, tantalize, and incite you to consider how art, love, and revolution fuel your own pursuit of happiness." When? June '13 Where? Woolly Mammoth, Washington DC Why? Well? I loved this. Clever, quirky, wonderfully performed. I am not someone who is well-versed in Chekov's The Seagull, but that didn't matter. The vagaries of unrequited love, betrayal, aging, friendship, family and self understanding had me captivated. The direct interaction with the audience was seamless and effective. Most importantly, the cast brought so much heart to the performance that there was a true empathetic unity created in the theater between the cast and the audience. |
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Celebrity AutobiographyWhat? From the show website: "How does Vanna flip her panels? What does Stallone have in his freezer? Why did Burt and Loni topple from the upper tier of their wedding cake? What makes the Jonas Brothers get along? Find all this out and more in the new hit comedy “Celebrity Autobiography” where super star memoirs are acted out live on stage. Audiences walk away from the show asking, “Did they actually write that?” Yes, we couldn’t make this stuff up!
Created and developed by Emmy award nominated writer-performer Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, “Celebrity Autobiography” features a first rate comedic ensemble performing from the actual memoirs of a wide range of celebrities. The passages run the gamut from the “poetry” of Suzanne Somers to the shocking “romance tips” from Tommy Lee to the most famous Hollywood love triangle in history – Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, and Eddie Fisher. And what’s remarkable and unforgettably hilarious – It’s all in their own words. Running for three sold out years in New York; “Celebrity Autobiography” won the 2009 Drama Desk Award in the category of Unique Theatrical Experience and the 2010 Bistro Awards. The show has been one of the most critically acclaimed productions ever in the Off-Broadway scene and one of the most “buzzed about shows” of recent years." When? June '13 Where? Sidney Harman Hall, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC Why? I've always wished this show would come to DC, and now it has. Well? There were parts of the show that were wildly funny, and parts that fell flat. My sense is that the creators (both of whom performed) did not pick the best excerpts for this particular evening. The greatest treat was seeing Mario Cantone and Rachel Dratch, both incredible comedians, work their magic (even with the weaker material); less successful were Steve Schirripa, who seemed woefully unprepared, and Lainie Kazan, who just didn't have particularly funny material to work with. The special guest performer was former Top Chef contestant, DC native and now a host on ABC's The Chew, Carla Hall. Her charm was definitely a plus. The most successful segments, for me, were the Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher vignette, and the one using autobiographies of Tiger Woods, Mr. T, Joe Namath and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I would be interested in seeing this again with different performers/different material. |
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A Winter's TaleWhat? From the show website: "A celebration in the art of storytelling, the STC presents The Winter’s Tale, one of Shakespeare’s late romances. Traveling through time, visiting the austere court at Sicilia and the bright sea shore of Bohemia, two generations transcend torment and obsession. The Winter’s Tale is a compassionate and dazzling saga that tells the tale of King Leontes, who is overcome with jealousy when he believes his pregnant wife Hermione and his good friend King Polixenes are lovers. Director Rebecca Taichman, whose Cymbeline was “brimming with both heart and good humor” (Washington City Paper) and whose Twelfth Night was “gorgeously romantic… as a brand new as a first kiss” (The Downtowner) returns to direct this classic piece through imagination and wit."
When? June '13 Where? The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC Why? This show was included in a three-play mini-subscription with a great price, from a theater company I love. Well? Wonderful staging and a captivating cast made this such an enjoyable evening. There is humor and pathos in good measure in this work, and I thought this production served both well. Shakespeare's stories of mistakes, misunderstandings and hidden identities always leave room for creative tellings. Particularly effective, in my opinion, was the technique of freezing the action in parts of the stage, while spotlighting the increasingly agitated King Leontes. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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CompanyWhat? From the show website: "Fresh from directing the critically-acclaimed production of Sondheim’s Follies on Broadway, Eric Schaeffer brings a new production of the musical comedy Company to Signature–produced here for the first time in 20 years.
On his 35th birthday, Bobby, a commitment-phobic bachelor, searches for the answers to love and life in New York City. While enjoying the company of some lovely ladies, he observes both the joys and pitfalls of marriage from his five quirky couple friends – but is he ready? Only Bobby can find the answer in this witty and piercing examination of matrimony. For how else can you treat marriage, but as a comedy? Sondheim’s award-winning score includes “Being Alive,” “Side By Side,” “Little Things You Do Together,” “Another Hundred People” and “Ladies Who Lunch”." When? June '13 Where? Signature Theatre, Arlington VA Why? A musical I have long waited to see. Signature does a consistently good job with revivals such as this, so I know I'm in good hands with them. Well? We are so lucky to have such talent in the DC theater community. This was a crisp, well choreographed production, with a stellar musical ensemble and completely committed performers. A stand out for me was Erin Weaver, whose rendition of "I'm Not Getting Married," stole the show. Kudos also to Erin Driscoll, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Sherri Edelen, Jamie Eacker and Carolyn Cole. I recently read a reference to doing a gender-blind production of "Company," and now that I've seen the show, I'm all for it! The familiar-to-many scenario of being the single "good friend, member-of-the-family" to coupled-up friends is universal. |
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The GuardsmanWhat? From the show website: "When Budapest's most beautiful and beloved young actress decides to marry, she of course chooses Budapest's most handsome and talented young actor. When she falls out of love a few months after the wedding, and the actor learns she is fantasizing about a courtier to the Emperor--a guardsman--the actor launches a mad plan to impersonate that very guardsman and seduce his own wife.
Finn Wittrock (Death of a Salesman), Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), Julie Halston (Anything Goes), and Tony winner Shuler Hensley (Oklahoma!) star in the Kennedy Center's brand new production of The Guardsman, Ferenc Molnár's classic play featuring a new translation by Tony-winning playwright Richard Nelson (James Joyce's The Dead). The production is directed by two-time Tony winner Gregory Mosher, whose credits include the acclaimed 2010 Broadway revival of A View from the Bridge starring Scarlett Johansson and Liev Schreiber, and the 2004 Kennedy Center production of The Glass Menagerie starring Sally Field. The Guardsman was performed for decades in a drastic adaptation tailored to the light comedy skills of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. Molnár was unhappy to see the passionate heart of his play cut out, but like many a writer before and since, he kept quiet and cashed the royalty checks. Playwright Richard Nelson recently re-discovered Molnár's original version, and has restored the young wife's real despair at being trapped, and her husband's insane jealousy of the other man, who is of course the actor himself. The funny play about the bad marriage is a classic setup, the greatest modern example being Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, while disguised lovers animate comic romps from Così fan tutte to Some Like It Hot. With The Guardsman, Molnár, who is best known for La Ronde and Liliom (the source for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel), created a comedy that ranks among the best of the genre." When? June '13 Where? The Kennedy Center, Washington DC Why? This was a cast-driven decision, and the fact that I love taking chances on shows with which I'm unfamiliar. Well? Finn Wittrock is a star, plain and simple. His dual role/psyche in this play requires a Herculean effort to make the story believable enough that the audience is willing to go along for the ride. He was ably abetted by the wonderful Shuler Hensley (who won wide acclaim last season in the Off Broadway hit "The Whale"). As the audience was leaving the theater at the end of the show, I overheard many an exchange speculating on what the truth of the story might have been. That's a compliment to the cast, and to the set, in this case. There were audible gasps from the audience when the curtain rose. That kind of spontaneous reaction is a testament to the importance of the sets, costumes, lighting, etc. to the experience! |
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MatildaWhat? From the Playbill.com show page: "The gifted child Matilda, unloved at home but supported by her teacher, tries to rid her school of its evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Based on the Roald Dahl children's book, the hit London production won seven Olivier Awards.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her parents but impresses her schoolteacher and, over the course of her first term at school, teacher and pupil have a profound effect on each other's lives." When? June '13 Where? The Shubert Theatre Why? I was truly blown away by the magical qualities of this show, and wanted to see it again as soon as I saw it the first time! Great opportunity to share it with a friend. Well? I am very glad to have seen the same young actress perform the title role at this performance, Bailey Ryon. She's perfect. My friend loved the show, and I found many new details to enjoy this time around; especially finding more words in the massive letter-block set. And I was reminded how truly lovely is Lauren Ward's voice; and her gently powerful performance is heart-touching :). It cannot be emphasized enough the talented young people in this cast!! They are each memorable and wildly charismatic :). |
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Annie [3rd time, first for friend]What? From the show website: "LEAPIN' LIZARDS! It's an all-new production of one of the most acclaimed musicals of the past 35 years! With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan ANNIE charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. And now, alongside her signature pal dog, Sandy, she's set her sights on making us grin from ear to ear as she inspires a whole new millennium.
Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, ANNIE - with Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, and Book by Thomas Meehan - makes its triumphant return to Broadway in a brand new production from Tony, Drama Desk and Pulitzer Prize-winning Director James Lapine and an A-list creative team." When? June '13 Where? The Palace Theatre Why? Jane Lynch as Miss Hannigan :). And my friend wanted to see it. Well? I really enjoyed Jane Lynch's performance; it was far more understated than Katie Finneran's, and that suited her and the show well. And any chance to see/hear Anthony Warlow perform is worth the ticket! He really is spot-on as Daddy Warbucks! |
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Charles Ives Take Me HomeWhat? From the show website: "When a father’s love of music clashes with his daughter’s passion for basketball, modernist composer Charles Ives is the perfect referee. Charles Ives Take Me Home is a comedic and poignant story of dissonance, defense, and devotion. Jessica Dickey received a Susan Blackburn Prize nomination for Charles Ives Take Me Home. She made her playwriting debut with her hit one-woman show The Amish Project, which premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival. The Amish Project has since been produced at the Cherry Lane Theatre, Rattlestick, the American Theater Company (Chicago), the City Theatre (Pittsburgh), and internationally. Her newest play, Row After Row, has a scheduled production in Tucson next spring."
When? June '13 Where? Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Why? I subscribed to Rattlestick's '12-'13 season, in part to secure tickets to "The Revisionist" with Jesse Eisenberg and Vanessa Redgrave, and also because the other shows looked intriguing. This is one of those shows. Well? Such an unexpected pleasure! A poignant, powerful exploration of family, dreams, disappointment, regret, loss and love. My favorite performance was that of Henry Stram as Charles Ives. His quiet charm, and air of wisdom, had the audience in his thrall from the moment he began to speak. I feel like a broken record when I hail the creative and effective uses of tiny stages that productions such as this afford me the opportunity to marvel at. The story spans generations, years, locations and events with ease; from a basketball locker room to a music studio in the matter of a few feet...I am in awe. |
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The Comedy of ErrorsWhat? From the show website: "The sparkling new production of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS concerns two sets of identical twins who were separated as children and now live as master-servant pairs in rival neighboring cities. When one pair crosses the border to find the other, so begins an exquisitely enjoyable mess of mistaken identity, wrongful imprisonment, questionable flirting and general mayhem! The stage is set for a wildly fun evening of physical comedy and brilliant wordplay as this irresistible Shakespearean confection returns to Central Park for the first time in 20 years!"
When? June '13 Where? Shakespeare in the Park Why? Shakespeare in the Park is a beloved annual tradition in New York City, thanks to Joe Papp, founder of The Public Theater. Two productions are staged in the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park, and are offered free to the public (ticket distributions are done each day through queuing & by lottery so it's a time commitment), but some tickets are reserved for supporters. I joined The Public Theater to give me access to scheduled tickets to the shows and loved seeing "Into The Woods" last season. This year, I'm going to try and see both "The Comedy of Errors" and "Love's Labour's Lost"! Well? Delightful. Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Hamish Linklater make this production such a joy. Add Emily Bergl, and you have a magical trio of comedic actors (all the cast is great though!!). Sitting in the Delacorte as the light of day fades, and the stage lights up, is worth all the effort (and/or expense) to get tickets to a Shakespeare in the Park production. Let Jesse Tyler Ferguson tell you, in his own words, just how remarkable this experience can be in this post on his facebook page. |
