Comment Archives: Stories: Theater
Re: “The Village”
You'll like "Hurt Village," I think. You'll at least admire the formal aspects. It's Romeo & Juliet with all the emphasis taken off the lovers. It's Gorky's "Lower Depths" but with Memphis wit.
Re: “The Village”
Thanks for plugging college theatre. Your review of Hurt Village compels me to go see it, though I heard horrid things about "Mountaintop" in NYC.
Re: “Rhodes hosts a global Shakespeare symposium, screens a Kung Fu Hamlet”
This is what I suggested singing, but apparently there were concerns about "academic reputation",etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JQ8yF04y9o
Re: “Playhouse on the Square announces its 2012-13 Season”
IMHO there is a lack of edginess to the season, but it can't always be societal sledgehammers at POTS.
Re: “What will the new Hattiloo Theatre look like?”
Looks terrific! Can't wait until the new theatre opens!
Re: “Ordinary People: David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” is good theater”
Mr. Davis, since you drew a comparison to Mr. Gravois and Ms. Justis' previous "better work," I was wondering if you would kindly elaborate for the benefit of your readers. I would like to think about the comparative standards you were using for this review before I see Good People this weekend. Thanks in advance.
Re: “Ordinary People: David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” is good theater”
Nice Kerry. I wanted to avoid too much on the nose comparison, but that's about right. I have to admit, I caught a very empty Sunday matinee, and both Kim & Michael were trying to fill that void with their acting. I didn't enjoy either as much as I have in the past, but was still pretty knocked out. Lisa seemed so tiny and distant by comparison, but she and Josh were probably my favorites this go-round.
Re: “Ordinary People: David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” is good theater”
And given the political rhetoric in the atmosphere this week, the subject matter is eerily prescient. It might as well be subtitled "Adventures of the 47%!"
Re: “Ordinary People: David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” is good theater”
Kim was superb. She's working a physical frailty that gives her darker moments here an almost feral quality. And Lisa was a revelation. Here's hoping she gets more opportunities in the year ahead.
Re: “Movement/Writing Workshop hosted by Project: Motion with Juliet Waller Pruzan”
I so would have gone to this - please give us more notice next time! :)
Re: “Ostrander Awards, 2012: Like you were really there”
It's Ave Q. Brain fart. Written up on a plane skirting a hurricane on an hour's sleep. It all became German to me. Fixed now thanks to some good eyes and ears who caught it quickly and texted me in Tampa. Tech win!
Re: “Ostrander Awards, 2012: Like you were really there”
yeah thats defiantley avenue q and not spring awakening..... just to be clear.
Re: “Planting Stars at the Orpheum”
That's a fine workpic, sho 'nuff, but where's the story? I guess that new hole is for The Gentrys star, and it's about time, I must say, but I still think Larry Raspberry should have gotten one of his own years ago. Just sayin'.
Re: “Lend Me Some Shoe Polish: Is casual blackface appropriate in 2012?”
Hi Tito (if that IS your real name)! I never had a qualm about doing it. You're playing Tito, an opera singer who's there to play Otello. Of course he wears dark makeup to do this.
Ultimately, I think this: It is an issue only for people who are paid to think about the theatre. In other words, theatre personnel, and reviewers such as Chris. And that's fine; I totally understand the basis for raising the question of its appropriateness. Blackface can certainly have a loathsome connotation. But can you find one single example of a regular audience member, in any of the thousands of performances this play has had, objecting to it? Picketing, angry letters to the editor, complaints to the management, anything like that? I tried, and couldn't. Once you're inside the theatre, for actors and audiences alike, I think it's a non-issue. Break a leg!
Re: “Lend Me Some Shoe Polish: Is casual blackface appropriate in 2012?”
I'm fascinated by this discussion, frankly, and I completely get where you're coming from here. I've recently been cast as Tito in a production, and while I'm grateful for the opportunity, I suddenly find myself a little embarrassed to tell some of my friends about my role. Worse, I'm unsure whether to promote the show or encourage them to see it. On the one hand, I hope that they would be able to see past the potential insensitivities of the play; but the fact remains it'll still be their friend up there in blackface. I wonder whether the other actor here who played Tito encountered a similar problem?
Re: “Beat Davis, Win Steak: The Ostrander Contest”
I fully agree with the King Lear sentiment. It would be a very worthy winner.
Re: “Ostrander Award Nominations: College & University, 2012”
Thanks! That makes sense.
Re: “Ostrander Award Nominations: Community Division, 2012”
@irenecrist, I completely agree. Ms. Oliver's work was simply amazing!
Re: “Ostrander Award Nominations: College & University, 2012”
I think the directors indicate how they want roles to be classified as to lead or supporting.
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Re: “Will Call: Tips and tidbits for the theatrically inclined.”
Looks as though Andre is at his best with costumes...great expectations for Becky at U of M in its last performance.