Scene: March '12
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WitWhat? The first person account of a highly educated, forceful woman battling cancer.
When? March, '12 Where? Why? I am a fan of Cynthia Nixon and was scheduled to see this play during its initial run on Broadway a number of years ago, but had to miss it. I've had several friends battle cancer and I think this gives a voice to that journey. Well? I am beyond grateful I made the effort to see this show. It was a heartbreaking, mesmerizingly beautiful performance by Cynthia Nixon. I could not take my eyes off of her. The play is wonderful and authentic, and spoke to me as someone who has experienced profound losses as a result of cancer. The process of death is a subject that is mostly taboo; the mention of it often strikes us with a primeval fear of our own mortality. The vulnerability expressed in this play is at once raw and uncomfortable; and yet oddly comforting. I was unprepared for the lovely last moment, and applaud Cynthia Nixon for her fearlessness. |
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The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve JobsWhat? Where? When? March, '12 Why? This is an extension of an original run that got incredible buzz and I was intrigued by the subject matter and the chance to see a unique piece of theater. Interestingly, the show had its first run in DC, and somehow I missed it. Goes to show...support local theater! Well? This was a powerful piece of theater. Mike Daisey is a masterful storyteller and commanded the space and the audience. This commentary on the daunting human (and, he argues, purposefully hidden) price of our technologies is impossible to watch and hear without being moved. Certainly, it owes a great deal to Daisey's willingness to own his personal love of all things Apple. He touches a nerve and makes you want to unhear the stories he's telling. Epilogue: of course, it has now been revealed that much of this story was fabricated by Daisey. Read how I feel about it here. |
Jesus Christ SuperstarWhat? Des McAnuff's revival of Andrew Lloyd Weber's 70s rock opera about the final days of Jesus' life; and raising the question of Christ's divinity and the high drama surrounding his death.
Where? When? March, '12 Why? Well? From the opening, pounding chords of this score, I remembered how much I really love this show. It's dark and brooding and relentless, and the songs are memorable. And I loved some moments of this production. The standout performance was Josh Young's portrayal of Judas~he has a remarkable voice and is incredibly charismatic on stage. The downside to this was that he overshadowed the performances of the other two leads, Paul as Jesus and as Mary Magdalene; neither of whom had . The show had a hugely successful run at the Stratfo |
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Freud's Last SessionWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? Why? Well? A fascinating |
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Godspell (Lotto)What?
When? March, '12 Where? Why? Well? Each time I see this show, I walk out feeling as if I |
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The Best ManWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? Why? They had me at Candice Bergen, Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones, John Laroquette, and on and on...a dream cast. Well? I really loved this play. So very relevant, despite having been written 50 years ago. The |
RedWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? Arena Stage, Washington DC Why? Well? One of the most intense, powerful pieces of theatre I've ever seen. It's one of those plays where the audience breathes as one so as not to miss even a raised eyebrow. The entwined threads of art and soul are so compelling to watch unravel. |
SpamalotWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? The Warner Theater, Washington DC Why? Well? My niece, nephew & brother have been quoting lines and moments from this show for years; and while it didn't really seem like something up my alley, I thought I'd take advantage of the tour coming to DC to see what I'd missed (and I took my expert niece along for the ride). It was a delightful production; unabashed silliness and with no real aim other than to entertain. The cast was excellent and the audience had a blast. I'm still not a Monty Python fan; and I don't know that I would have given the show a Tony award, but it was good fun! |
Really ReallyWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? The Signature Theater, Arlington VA Why? Well? This was one of the best plays I've seen all year, including those I saw on and off Broadway in NYC. Searing in its emotional impact, it was remarkably acted and perfectly staged. I felt personally wounded by it in all the right ways. It brought to mind the impact that seeing "Doubt" had on me years ago; i.e., I know I will be thinking about these characters and this story for years to come. |
Brother RussiaWhat?
When? March, '12 Where? The Signature Theater, Arlington VA Why? Well? I found a lot to like about this show; not the least of which is its pure inventiveness. |