tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155528062009-11-23T15:10:57.404-05:00<b>An Insightful Look at What's Happening on The New York Stage</b><p><i>THEATER TALK</i> has enlisted a group of up-and-coming, young theater professionals to see and review some of the latest stage productions in New York City.</p>New Theater Corpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11642889837181693705noreply@blogger.comBlogger954125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-40724354090736674502009-11-22T14:16:00.003-05:002009-11-22T14:21:54.476-05:00

Allan Harris’s new musical, Cross That River, sheds new light on the old story of the Wild West. Reviewed by Ilana NovickThis isn’t your average pop-culture rendition, in which John Wayne and the Marlboro Man fight off Native Americans in the pursuit of the self-sufficient American way. But it’s also not an in-your-face rebuttal of those days; instead, it’s a gentle (perhaps too gentle)

Ilana Novickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10083670663901536281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-82866364082028150932009-10-26T18:29:00.005-04:002009-10-26T18:43:53.080-04:00

The opening show of La Mama's 48th season, a play-within-a-play modern adaptation of Euripides' The Trojan Women by puppet savant Theodora Skipitares, makes for a visually impressive, if uneven, production. Reviewed by Ryan MaxOne by one, four enormous, gorgeous puppets rumble onto the stage. As each emerges at intervals throughout they play, she delivers a monologue detailing cruelties she has

Ryan Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02405932508031396889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-24760270982482079092009-10-14T10:16:00.003-04:002009-10-14T10:35:52.924-04:00

23 Coins is a provocative and intense play about the lies blind faith allows - but the fire and brimstone themes are no easy fit for the cheery song and dance structure. Come with an open-mind, and be prepared to leave unsettled. Just don't expect to be humming any tunes on your way out.Isaac Thigpen (played by Oliver Conant) and Gin Walker (played by Rebecca Lee Lerman) practice what they’ll

Caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002633248415345927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-47435332435855367922009-10-09T23:56:00.003-04:002009-10-10T00:05:52.665-04:00

My Illustrious Wasteland, by Tod Kimbo, is a fantastical, thrilling escape into the future. It’s science fiction, political satire, social commentary, and more, set to full-throttle rock music. Reviewed by Amanda HalkiotisTod Kimbo’s My Illustrious Wasteland welcomes us to an America only a few light years off, one where Hollywood is the new capital and the Democratic Party is a dictatorship.

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-16871854163669693152009-10-05T08:05:00.004-04:002009-10-07T13:14:00.254-04:00

Megan Riordan’s autobiographical one-woman show Luck is us a dizzying glimpse of the life of a professional blackjack player’s daughter. Using nicknames, code words, and complex mathematics, along with the occasionally sobering monologue, Riordan gives the audience the one thing that Vegas can’t: a sure thing.Reviewed by Amanda HalkiotisAs the daughter of a professional gambler and raised in Las

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-43007866482250426642009-09-25T17:42:00.004-04:002009-09-29T13:26:26.546-04:00

Roger Guenveur Smith’s new play Frederick Douglass Now modernizes the slave-turned-activist’s letters and journals and adapts them for the stage. Using mixed media and passionate, rhythmic speech patterns, Smith targets many still-relevant social issues surrounding race and democracy. Smith’s ambitious, if not heavy handed, use of other additional traits linked to African America culture and

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-7198635766114763992009-09-24T17:35:00.000-04:002009-09-29T13:26:16.997-04:00

In Fathers and Sons, two men rehearsing a new play together find a way to relate to each other beyond the fabric of their work. Through introspective dialogue and heated arguments, the old, seasoned bit actor and young new talent share stories of growing up and fitting in, discussing everything from drug abuse to career decisions. Richard Hoehler’s new play gives a genuine insight into the male

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-58279926639185155102009-09-10T15:19:00.001-04:002009-09-10T15:24:11.554-04:00

Reviewed by Ilana NovickAnita Bryant has long been seen as a punchline: she’s most known for getting pied in the face by protestors who hated her anti-gay activism. But David Carl Lee wants to earnestly tell her story—Pie Face: The Adventures of Anita Bryant—and of how she affected his own identity as a gay man. His subtle use of drag allows us to mock her politics and take them seriously at the

Ilana Novickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10083670663901536281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-26280672635720506502009-09-10T13:16:00.006-04:002009-09-10T14:28:29.905-04:00

Poppy Bulova, a lighthearted parody of a hardscrabble, down-and-out lounge singer, uses her hauteur and strange life story to charm her audience into the adoring fans she firmly believes she deserves.PoppyReviewed by Ryan MaxMs. Poppy Bulova—a performer of incredible talent, fame, and self-regard—would not have liked the scene just outside of her recent performance. As happens with the

Ryan Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02405932508031396889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-32355633116664288252009-09-09T09:59:00.003-04:002009-09-09T15:34:00.593-04:00

Powerhouse ran as one of the 201 shows in the 2009 Fringe Festival; it is now being extended as part of the Fringe Encores series and runs at the Actor's Playhouse (100 Seventh Avenue South) on 9/19 @ 5, 9/20 @ 12:30 & 6, and 9/21 @ 3. Tickets are only $18, so go get 'em.Reviewed by Aaron RiccioWhy are they called Sinking Ship Productions? Their latest show, Powerhouse, is absolutely buoyant--in

Aaron Ricciohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003634532469211190illogicaljoker@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-62201528881829427392009-09-08T09:56:00.003-04:002009-09-09T15:34:10.733-04:00

Viral ran as one of the 201 shows in the 2009 Fringe Festival; it is now being extended as part of the Fringe Encores series and runs at the SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street) on 9/14 @ 9, 9/20 @ 1, 9/24 @ 7, 9/26 @ 2, and 9/27 @ 6. Tickets are only $18.Reviewed by Aaron RiccioThe most addictive thing about Mac Rogers's writing is that even when his characters say the darnedest things, you never

Aaron Ricciohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003634532469211190illogicaljoker@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-62305301163237695402009-09-07T13:54:00.001-04:002009-09-07T13:56:24.465-04:00

Reviewed by Nicole C. LeeIt’s all about the actors in The BAMA Theatre Company’s production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Simplicity is the governing theme: the set design is simple; the performance space is denoted by blue masking tape laid down by the actors at the start of the show. This allows all focus to be on the performers, and the audience is not disappointed. The

Nicole C Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483732690203227754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-64704908097369072372009-09-06T20:48:00.004-04:002009-09-09T10:22:29.773-04:00

BY CAIT WEISSEvery cloud has a silver lining. Just for kicks, let’s call that cloud the collapse of the modern economy. Fun game, huh? Well, if that’s the case, and the demise of the American Dream really is just another rain cloud, at least Love Money provides a mighty entertaining silver lining.A clever, quick-witted take on the post-bail-out world, Love Money, like many a now-poor Wall Street

Caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002633248415345927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-57761833633804000612009-09-05T19:15:00.003-04:002009-09-05T19:20:00.993-04:00

Reviewed by Cindy PierreEtch Dance Co.'s Testify is a display of athleticism and dance tricks that is high on energy, but low on tangible emotion. Artistic Director and Choreographer Elisha Clark Halpin's 30-minute, contemporary dance presentation is supposed to embrace what lurks in women's hearts, but the execution is frenetic instead of heartfelt, and overwrought when it could have been

Cindy Pierrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064638333498469923martinshalo@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-48782898708013469932009-09-04T15:23:00.000-04:002009-09-09T09:55:19.451-04:00

Reviewed by Nicole C. LeeDo you know the Muffin Man? Lyla sure does – and she loves more than the muffins he brings. Muffin Man follows her adventures as a new barista who, on her first day of work, falls all over again for her childhood crush, Justin (the “Muffin Man”). Camille Harris writes and directs this sweet, light-hearted musical, combining the addictive nature of a good cup of java with

Nicole C Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483732690203227754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-88571216611400084102009-09-03T19:01:00.000-04:002009-09-09T09:54:53.261-04:00

Reviewed by Cindy PierreDespite the title Face the Music...and Dance!, there isn't a lot of confronting going on in this collection of mostly excerpts of choreography designed to tackle everyday struggles. There may be some strong choreography and beautiful lines from the dancers, but only one piece earns the title. As a result, the uneven, 75- minute show zigs and zags from pieces with gravitas

Cindy Pierrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064638333498469923martinshalo@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-74376052001438835532009-09-02T12:52:00.000-04:002009-09-09T09:56:38.652-04:00

Reviewed by Amanda HalkiotisBaby Wants Candy uncannily lends uncompromising musical flair to improv comedy. Its seven-person ensemble takes the basic sketch-comedy framework and puts an even geekier, kitschier twist on it. What makes them stand out is their musical backup, a tightly-orchestrated, talented, toe-tapping four-piece group known as the Yes Band. But what makes this touring company

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-60867582274233458242009-09-01T18:19:00.004-04:002009-09-09T10:22:22.270-04:00

BY CAIT WEISSTim Watt's The Adventures of Alvin Sputnick Deep Sea Explorer is unexpectedly engrossing. Far deeper than its title implies, its inventive presentation is magical and sincere. There's animation (line drawings done via laptop and projected onto a large, circular white screen center-stage), puppetry (emotionally-evocative creations that completely transform any previous conception of

Caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002633248415345927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-73667688924070743412009-09-01T17:25:00.003-04:002009-09-01T17:28:31.968-04:00

Reviewed by Nicole C. LeeWhat do you get when you take a classic Shakespearean tale, Romeo and Juliet, and mix it with Japanese interpretive dance and…a toilet? We’re never exactly sure in this 60-minute performance entitled Romeo and Toilet, presented by Kaimaku Pennant race. Written and directed by Yu Murai, six male actors engage in intense, physical actions that never seem to compliment or

Nicole C Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483732690203227754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-43034396886065173332009-09-01T13:10:00.002-04:002009-09-09T10:14:12.459-04:00

Reviewed by Amanda HalkiotisWritten and performed by honest-to-God teenagers who aren’t shy about looking (or acting) their age, Girl Power combines monologue, spoken word, montage, and soliloquy as a platform for their fears, desires, dreams, and doubts, all based on real interviews, emotions, and experiences. Addressing topics spanning reality TV, social networking, gossip, high school

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-69931910970702487792009-08-31T14:22:00.007-04:002009-08-31T22:51:04.728-04:00

Image Courtesy of George and Laura Bush perform...Reviewed by Nicole C. LeeIn George and Laura Bush perform…Our Favorite Sitcom Episodes, writer Ryan Gajewski unsuccessfully attempts to mock the former President in a new way. The show begins with a re-enactment of a favorite “I Love Lucy” episode, featuring President Bush as Ricky Riccardo – using a stereotypical Cuban accent – and Laura Bush

Nicole C Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483732690203227754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-15776129374133954222009-08-31T14:03:00.005-04:002009-08-31T14:10:21.497-04:00

Reviewed by Amanda HalkiotisAre you feeling guilty about secretly wanting to become a wife? Dreading the eventual ownership of it, unsure of how it will work on personal terms? Coping with your parents’ reaction, or finding that you have to discard your former identity to attain it? Erin Judge and Ailin Conant's The Meaning of Wife wants to resolve all these concerns and more, mixing variety-show

Amanda Halkiotishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668757579445524634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-41675610969199700772009-08-30T13:04:00.001-04:002009-08-31T13:58:40.608-04:00

Reviewed by Cindy PierreBlack Moon Theatre Company's production of Dante's Divina Commedia-Inferno is an innovative, visually stunning and audibly moving take on the Italian poet's masterpiece. Unfortunately, it's also entirely in Italian—wait, what? Presented as a one-man show with English title cards that are like bad Cliffs Notes to the text, this crash course through the nine circles of Hell

Cindy Pierrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064638333498469923martinshalo@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-49330174265568830302009-08-29T12:32:00.000-04:002009-08-31T13:58:07.038-04:00

Reviewed by Cindy PierreWhat would you do if you lived in an apartment cluttered with books, but there still weren't enough stories to escape into? What would you do if you were filled with rage, but the illustrations weren't enough to stifle the beast within? If you're Mark O'Connor (Scott David Nogi) in The Books, you'd hire a pro Domme named Mistress Chimera (Aadya Bedi) to fill you with

Cindy Pierrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00064638333498469923martinshalo@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15552806.post-1428815920246361652009-08-28T14:25:00.000-04:002009-08-31T13:57:55.930-04:00

Reviewed by Ilana NovickWatch out! It’s Jews Gone Wild! In Melanie Zoey Weinstein’s Sex and the Holy Land, Lili (Weinstein) travels to Israel with her two best friends, hoping for adventure, knowledge, a connection with Jewish History, and and—hopefully, —and orgasm. She’s hounded—in her head, at least—by a chorus of Jewish mothers (pitch-perfect Yiddish accents from Susan Slatin, Michelle Slonim

Ilana Novickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10083670663901536281noreply@blogger.com0