by Julia Polinsky So often, words are open to interpretation. In the best possible way, interpreting almost every word spoken makes Lauren Yee’s In A Word deeply engrossing, a surprise in a play so short. Usually, “80 minutes no intermission” is code for “we know it needs work, but don’t want…
By Ron Cohen Phrase of the day is deus ex machina. Don’t bother clicking on or getting out your dictionary. Borrowed from the Greek, it translates literally as “god from the machine” and has evolved into a dramaturgic term referring to an unexpected or surprising – maybe even illogical — turn of plot that…
by Deirdre Donovan The American loser gets his day in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. Sondheim’s 1990 vaudeville musical features two centuries of villains who have tried to kill the U. S. President. Some succeeded, others didn’t. But one thing was believed by all these historical reprobates, and dramatized by the Proprietor in the show’s opening…
By Ron Cohen The foreboding set establishes the mood immediately. A grimy wall of grey stone broken by half-circle windows, looking out into impenetrable darkness, surrounds the playing area. Dotting the playing area are spikes of misshapen metal. Some of them look like long-dead trees. The play Terezin, written and directed by Nicholas…
Bryce Pinkham, Lauren Worsham, Chuck Cooper, Lilli Cooper, Ryan Silverman. Photo credit Richard Termine by Deirdre Donovan Wouldn’t it be loverly if the best songs of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe could be resurrected in a live stage performance for New Yorkers? Well, that recently happened at the 92nd Street Y when…
By Arney Rosenblat When Zero Mostel starred in Rhinoceros on Broadway, a critic remarked how realistic he was as a human being in the 1st Act- Drama Desk winner Jim Brochu, who both wrote and performs Zero Hour, seemingly channels the roaring bellowing rhinoceros Sam “Zero”Mostel, a complex man that used humor…
Ashley D. Kelley (as Bella) photos by Joan Marcus by Julia Polinsky It’s so tempting to like Bella: an American Tall Tale a lot. There’s so much to like! The cast for one thing; the talented and charming Ashley D. Kelley, as Bella, leads a group of ridiculously good actors. Special kudos…
Gregg Henry, center, and the company (Credit: Joan Marcus) By Arney Rosenblat The current retelling of the life and death of Julius Caesar, the 400 year old historic tale by William Shakespeare, has become a battle field, with friends of the present political administration whipping up the crowds to anger and retaliation just…
By R. Pikser The high point of the Rioult Dance is the dancers. They move beautifully and they find a way to make each and every transition necessary and clean. Rioult’s lifts, which often stop halfway through their trajectory, are performed effortlessly, the dancers seemingly perched on air. Their energy is filled…
Mary Testa, Michael McGrath, Michael Urie, and Talene Monahon photos Carol Rosegg By Ron Cohen Believe it or not, some two hours of Russian-themed political corruption can provide you with a rollicking good time. You just have to forget our current imbroglios in Washington, DC, and turn yourself over to Red Bull Theater’s…