Mikhail Baryshnikov, Jessica Hecht in The Orchard at the Baryshnikov Arts Center Photo: Maria Baranova The Orchard A Review by Deirdre Donovan Robots rule in The Orchard, the fascinating new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard at the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC). This new take on Chekhov’s masterpiece has the quality of soulfulness, not to mention a superb performance by Mikhail Baryshnikov as the old servant Firs….
Phylicia Rashad in Skeleton Crew Photos: Matthew Murphy Skeleton Crew by Deirdre Donovan Hat’s off to the Manhattan Theatre Club for bringing us Dominique Morisseau’s searing new drama, Skeleton Crew! With a superb cast led by Phylicia Rashad, this play about a tight-knit working family in uncertain times, is profoundly moving and altogether real. Set in Detroit, Michigan, during the economic recession of 2008, the play…
Carmit Levite (Leah Erdmann) and Curzon Dobell (Mark Erdmann) by Eugene Paul The bitterly ironic title of Iddo Netanyahu’s blunt weapon of a play leaves no room for waffling, which is the exact opposite of the behavior of his central characters, Mark Erdmann (sterling Curzon Dobell) and his stunning wife Leah (picture perfect Carmit…
Paradise Lost By Eugene Paul For the actively –no pun intended – proselytizing Christian centered Fellowship for the Performing Arts, playwright Tom Dulack has rendered a staged version of the great John Milton’s massive ten volume epic poem, “Paradise Lost” which saw the light of day and brought it to the English speaking…
The Journey By Eugene Paul If you haven’t been to The Tank in a while you’ll notice several improvements in signage which could enable you to navigate the unchanged cramped premises – you’re definitely Off Off Broadway – maybe Off Off Off. Which, inevitably has an impact on the plays presented. Too…
Woman in Black By David Schultz Author Susan Hill’s haunted gothic novel has been adapted for the stage yet again. It is hard to fathom that this worn-out creaky ghost story has been running for 30 years, and gone on an unfathomable 14 tours worldwide. A British television rendition ran in the…
photos, credit Richard Termine Medea By David Schultz This ancient tragedy by Greek playwright Euripides was written in 431 BCE, and is his most well-known play. This shocking story of Mother Love mingled with demonic revenge has been given a shaky modern reboot for current millennials to ponder. Upon entering the cavernous hulking semi…
Charles Busch photos by Carol Rosegg The Confession of Lily Dare by Marc Miller Ruth Chatterton may be an unfamiliar name to a lot of latter-day theatergoers; so, for that matter, may be Wynne Gibson, and even Helen Hayes and Claudette Colbert. But they’re the guardian angels watching over The Confession of Lily Dare,…
Halfway Bitches Go Straight To Heaven By David Schultz This highly respected playwright has a unique predilection for unusual titles. As these various past plays can attest…Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, Our Lady of 121st Street, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, and his most recent From Riverside to Crazy, which won the coveted…
Caroline Strang and Ian Holcomb London Assurance By Eugene Paul With a New York assurance bordering on sorcery, director Charlotte Moore romps through one of the most delectable and enchanting — and fiendishly difficult to perform – of theatrical endeavors, the drawing room farce and comes up a winner all round with Irish-American Dion…