Articles Index
West Side Story
Which is better? The stage production of West Side Story, or the film version of West Side Story?
"How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel
A review and study guide of Paula Vogel's play, "How I Learned to Drive."
"The Real Thing" - Tom Stoppard's Unromantic Comedy
A review of Tom Stoppard's relationship drama, "The Real Thing."
The Iceman Cometh
A review of Eugene O'Neill's classic drama, The Iceman Cometh. What are the flaws and strengths of this play? Analyze the characters Theodore Hickman (Hickey), Larry Slade, Harry Hope, and Don Parritt. What is the meaning of the title, The Iceman Cometh?
Am I Blue - One-Act Drama by Beth Henley
There’s a lot to admire about Beth Henley’s 1972 one-act, “Am I Blue.” First of all, dramatic works for teen-age thespians are in short supply, especially plays that aren’t too preachy. “Am I Blue” provides juicy roles for a young actor and actress, despite a few flaws typical of this genre.
Proof - A Play by David Auburn
"Proof" by David Auburn premiered on Broadway in October 2000. It is a drama about Catherine, the twenty-something daughter of an esteemed mathematician, has just laid her father to rest. He died after suffering through a prolonged mental illness. Robert, her father, had once been a gifted, ground-breaking professor. But as he lost his sanity, he lost his ability to coherently work with numbers.
"Bus Stop" - A Comedy by William Inge
Review of William Inge's comedy, "Bus Stop." This 1955 comedy is filled with sentimental characters and a slow-but-pleasant, slice-of-life storyline. Bus Stop manages to charm its modern audience, if only with our inherent longing for a simpler, more innocent past.
"Topdog/Underdog" - A play by Suzan-Lori Parks
"Topdog/Underdog" is a play by Suzan-Lori Parks. This two-person play is filled with gritty dialogue and age-old themes, rooted in a long tradition of sibling rivalry. The brothers are named Lincoln and Booth. Lincoln wants to forget about his life as a card shark, and Booth wants become master of 3 card Monte. Learn about the plot and characters of Topdog/Underdog.
'Noises Off' - A Comedy About the Theater
'Noises Off' is a hilarious play within a play. It is about an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors. The cast and crew are putting together a silly sex comedy. It is one of the funniest comedies ever written, and a brilliant satire of life in the theater.
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by Tom Stoppard
Written by Tom Stoppard, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" is a mixed bag, artistically speaking. The dark parody of what goes on behind the scenes throughout the story of "Hamlet" is an interesting comedy that sometimes tried to be too smart for its own good.
"Copenhagen" by Michael Frayn
This historical drama explores the year 1941. German physicist Heisenberg paid a visit to Bohr. The two spoke very briefly before Bohr angrily ended the conversation and Heisenberg left. Mystery and controversy have surrounded this historic exchange.
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Noel Coward’s "Blithe Spirit" playfully mocks the traditions of love and marriage. It also thumbs its nose at the Grim Reaper. What a perfect defense mechanism against the harsh realities England faced during World War II. West end audiences embraced this darkly amusing comedy. "Blithe Spirit" became a resounding success that continues to haunt the British and American stage.
Rogers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" - Review
A critical review of Rogers and Hammerstein's musical Carousel.
Review of "The Hobbit"
Review of a stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." The play version by Edward Mast has removed many of the original story's elements. However, it can be an enjoyable piece of theater for children or newcomers to Tolkien's work.
"Death of a Salesman" - Review
A critical look at Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. Is this famous play overrated? An insightful look at some of the flaws in this classic American tragedy.
Review of "The Crucible"
Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" remains his most difficult play to convincingly produce. One wrong choice from a director, one wrong tone from a performer, and the play will elicit laughter instead of gasps of pathos.
"Man of La Mancha" -- Review
A positive review of the Mitch Leigh / Joe Darion musical retelling of Cervantes' "Don Quixote." Learn more about the popular Broadway show that features the famous song, "The Impossible Dream."
Willy Wonka Jr. Review
Review of the children's theater adaptation of "Willy Wonka Jr." aka "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.