Reviews Category
When Was the Last Time You Met a Lizard at the Beach?
Nick Sandys introduces himself as the new Artistic Director of Remy Bumppo with a strong, comical and eye-catching play. Edward Albee’s Seascape looks at the interpersonal relationships of two couples entering transitional periods in their lives. A human couple bickers over what to do now that their children are grown, and whether that means life is over or just beginning. So logically, Albee introduces them to a giant lizard couple, also debating their future; they are exploring the possibility of evolving to become land creatures. This makes for a witty parallel between the couples and the difference between men and women, despite their species.
Read MorePraise for Gift Theatre
DIRTY : THE GIFT THEATRE
REVIEWED BY : Frank Meccia
How do you take a liberal yuppie investment banker married to a pregnant Eco-friendly social liberal who is now unemployed due to self consciousness make money., in a capitalist world ? For the answer you have to see Andrew Hinderaker's new play “Dirty” at the Gift Theatre. Hinderaker last teamed up with Michael Patrick Thornton in the 2010 premier of Suicide,Incorporated.
Thornton plays an investment banker who no longer can put up with his job, but is struck with a business idea that can net him millions incorporated with his wife, yet everyone thinks his idea is more vile then the job he just left. “Dirty”is a great play that mixes humor and porn into 2hours and 10 mins of great enjoyment.
Led by a great cast, Paul D'Addario (Terry) plays the shrew investment banker with the no-moral side. Hillary Clemens plays Katie his eco-friendly social liberal with a cause wife. And for her Gift Theatre debut Mouzam Makkar as the cover girl Mikayla.
I really enjoyed the Scenic Design created by Courtney O'Neill. This Jeff Award winner shows her talent in this small theater. .Jonathan Berry (Director) who's prior work at Gift include Suicide Incorporated, shows how a good drama with a great cast can work so well in a small theater.
“Dirty” gets a high recommendation
“Dirty” plays till November 18th. Tickets can be purchased at www.thegifttheatre.com .or call the box office 773-283-7071
Seeking Entrance
By: Kayland Smyth
The ensemble, Stage Left, is kicking off its 31st season with the world premiere of Impenetrable, written by Mia McCullough and directed by Greg Werstler, a Stage Left ensemble member. Impenetrable tells the story of a spa owner who erects a billboard to advertise his services and increase business. The billboard shows a gorgeous model with arrows superimposed pointing out her “imperfections” and suggesting cosmetic “solutions” his spa can provide. It sparks outrage in the women of the community and after protesting and boycotting of the salon the billboard is taken down.
Read MoreThree Cheers, for Three Sisters at Steppenwolf
By Lazlo Collins
Steppenwolf’s “Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov (adapted by Tracy Letts) is journey that will leave you with a beautiful smile of melancholy and hope. This well-acted production is rich with beauty and texture.
No Missteps Here, Only the Best 39!
By Lazlo Collins
This Tony award winning play “The 39 Steps” is a faced paced monomyth, with intriguing characters, varied settings, and some greatly timed fog. The time tested story of intrigue and comedy is an easy evening of entertainment. With clever twists and staging, the story is never dull. I have seen this stage adaptation a few times, and I enjoy it every time. Drury Lane’s “The 39 Steps” is no exception.
Read MoreHold Out for This "Hero" at The Marriott Theatre and Go!
By Lazlo Collins
The Marriott Theatre’s “Hero” is up, up, and away entertaining.
Eastland the Forgotten Disaster Gets a New Life
Eastland: A New Musical
Reviewed by Frank Meccia
Read MoreFrom Russia with Love, from The Strange Tree Group
By Lazlo Collins
“Goodbye Cruel World”, presented by The Strange Tree Group at Theater Wit, is completely satisfying soviet satirical farce, with plenty of great acting and characters. The adaptation of the 1928 play “The Suicide”, has had a checkered past. The scenes come fast and furious during this 90 minute romp that asks the question, “If I committed suicide, who would it benefit?” Well, the many answer to the question are revealed throughout the show.
Read MoreAll is Good at the Asylum
By Lazlo Collins
Seeing the “The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis De Sade” after so many years, I was a little nervous. It is not done and generally contains a large cast committed to being, well, crazy. Commonly known as the “Marat/Sade”, this intensely written drama by Peter Weiss is a masterwork in its depth of emotions, and what it causes us to think about, as we witness the plays’ events. This innovative play portrays class struggle and human suffering. It asks the very basic questions of power, authority, and our own destinies.
Are You Down with the Sisterhood?
Kayland Smyth
When I first researched and read the synopsis for The Dowager Daughters of Transcendence I made the assumption that it would be boring. But when I found out that the play was a comedy I became a little more excited and prepared for a laughing fit. And I am pleased to say that I got the laughter I was looking for but I left the theatre a little confused on a few parts in the play.
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