The opening scene of the Torn Space production of Caryl Churchill’s "Far Away" is the most engrossing. In it, a young girl named Joan (Allison Barsi) approaches her aunt Harper (Bonnie Jean Taylor) to tell her that she cannot sleep. TST mainstay Taylor is particularly strong, her performance, characterized by restraint as well as range, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Far Away’ at Torn Space Theater
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Theatre Review: ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ at MusicalFare Theatre
There's a certain advantage to attending a show you know very little about -- there are no preconceived notions, and the intent is simply to enjoy the performance. MusicalFare's production of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" certainly delivered a knockout performance for their audience. This musical revue is an enjoyable mix of high-energy ensemble pieces and slower, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ at MusicalFare Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Over The Tavern’ by Lancaster Regional Players at Lancaster Opera House
Tom Dudzick’s “Over the Tavern” recalls a time when the comedic violence of Woody Woodpecker and the shoot-‘em-up heroics of The Lone Ranger flickered on an absurdly futuristic black and white television set. . . .impressive and entertaining. . . A time when juvenile delinquency amounted to crude and simple street graffiti, smuggled and concealed … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Over The Tavern’ by Lancaster Regional Players at Lancaster Opera House
Theatre Review: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Theatre of Youth
Theatre of Youth’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a delight. Charles M. Schultz’s beloved holiday story, based on his “Peanuts” comic strip, debuted as an animated television special program in 1965, and quickly became as representative of the season as Scrooge and eggnog. Its sophisticated anti-commercialism nods and winks – revolutionary then for a children’s … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Theatre of Youth
Theatre Review: ‘Painting Churches’ at O’Connell & Company
“Painting Churches” follows the story of Fanny and Gardiner Church and their daughter, Mags, as they prepare to pack up and move from their home in Boston to Cape Cod year-round. As can be expected with any family dynamic, the strains between characters are there – but what the actors show the audience is the … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Painting Churches’ at O’Connell & Company
Theatre Review: ‘The Crucible’ at Kavinoky Theatre
“We are what we always were in Salem,” John Proctor cries out in Act II of Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," “but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!” Proctor (Adriano Gatto), guilty of adultery, realizes that his act unwittingly empowered the single minded girl … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Crucible’ at Kavinoky Theatre
Script’d Box Review: ‘Luna Gale’ by Rebecca Gilman
Rebecca Gilman creates an easy read with this script. I don’t mean that this is, by any means, light-hearted content. "Luna Gale" isn’t THAT type of easy read; it’s a heart-wrenching, cant-put-it-down page turner that captures the reader’s attention and doesn’t relinquish it until the back cover is closed. Gilman creates a cast of relatable … Continue reading Script’d Box Review: ‘Luna Gale’ by Rebecca Gilman
Theatre Review: ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
Starring as the the title character in Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s “Macbeth” this summer, Matt Witten reminded us that “Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more. It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
Script’d Box Review: ‘Hir’ by Taylor Mac
Taylor Mac’s fast-paced dramedy explores the dissolving dynamics of a traditional family. We are introduced to the family when the oldest son Isaac comes home after being dishonorably discharged from the Marines. His mother, Paige, welcomes him to a much different home than when he left: clothes piled on the floor, dishes molding in the … Continue reading Script’d Box Review: ‘Hir’ by Taylor Mac
Theatre Review: ‘Killer Rack – The Feminist Horror Musical Comedy’ at Alleyway Theatre
“There’s something more going on here than your usual human remains scattering.” So says James Cichocki’s Detective Bartles toward the end of the Alleyway musical “Killer Rack,” in a brief moment of calm, before the topless plot bounces and bounds its way to a camp-horror conclusion that will send you laughing into the lobby. “Something … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Killer Rack – The Feminist Horror Musical Comedy’ at Alleyway Theatre