Reviews
Here I search for the good, the bad, and the oh-so ugly plays of the dramatic world. I offer detailed criticism of classic and contemporary plays. I consider a wide range of interpretations as I analyze each dramatic work.
'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.
'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.
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.
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 CowardÂ’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.
Noel CowardÂ’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.
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.
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.
Rogers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" - Review
A critical review of Rogers and Hammerstein's musical Carousel.
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.
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.
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.
Willy Wonka Jr. Review
Review of the children's theater adaptation of "Willy Wonka Jr." aka "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Review of the children's theater adaptation of "Willy Wonka Jr." aka "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
"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."
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."
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.
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.
Hamlet: Branagh vs. Olivier
With the DVD release of the 1996 version of William Shakepeare's Hamlet, About Guide Ivana Redwine compares and contrasts two highly talented thespians: Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Olivier.
With the DVD release of the 1996 version of William Shakepeare's Hamlet, About Guide Ivana Redwine compares and contrasts two highly talented thespians: Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Olivier.
Broadway Reviews
Before you spend that $130, you better find out if that new Broadway show is worth it.
Before you spend that $130, you better find out if that new Broadway show is worth it.
Theater Review: "Equus"
Everyone has been clamoring about how Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the "Harry Potter" films, removes his clothes. But does this drama live up to the hype?
Everyone has been clamoring about how Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the "Harry Potter" films, removes his clothes. But does this drama live up to the hype?