Posted in November 2011 …

No Roadrash for 26 Miles: Kitchen Dog Theater

A teen-ager’s frantic plea for help due to a queasy stomach upsets the cozy familial status quo applecart. Quiara Alegria Hudes’ popular 2009 domestic dramedy 26 Miles evolves into a rapid-fire twenty-six-scene journey of exploration from a blue collar Philadelphia suburb to Yellowstone’s pristine peaks. Feeling sometimes like drawing source material from the films “Kramer … Continue reading →

Lost in Panto-land: Circle Theatre

There’s a real art to writing and mounting children’s theatre. That’s why there are companies that specialize in both, why beaucoup sums of sponsorship funds get solicited to assure the genre’s continued success. It’s not something to be tossed off lightly or thrown up on a whim. Overly clever, hyperkinetic, absurdist adult satire and children’s … Continue reading →

Come Out Swinging: John Michael

I attended John Michael’s performance of sections of his original one-man show “Would You Like Guys With That? And 0-69” at Nouveau 47′s Theatre Appresh at The Magnolia Lounge on 11/14 and found it focused, fresh and engaging. Dallas native and Jesuit High School graduate John Michael Colgin defines himself as a Queer performance artist … Continue reading →

Waxing Kahlo Wanting at The Ochre House

What I like best about most of Matt Posey’s original plays and how he produces and directs them is the uncanny way he gets inside the minds, psyches and souls of the characters he creates. He doesn’t rely on linear structure or follow a pre-set “paint by numbers” narrative, even when bringing non-fiction characters to … Continue reading →

Lorca in Denton: Dead Poet’s Green Dress Society?

University of North Texas presents a beautiful dreamer through November 13…. In a wise, daring move UNT’s Department of Dance and Theatre offered its drama students the opportunity to mount the non-linear, surreal, sophisticated Lorca In A Green Dress by celebrated Pulitzer-winning playwright Nilo Cruz as a major Fall production. Why wise? Why daring? Wise, … Continue reading →

Christmas in Our Hearts: Holidazzle Act II Benefit CD

I can out-Scrooge just about anyone with bah humbug cynicism as THAT end-of-year season, replete with commercial hype, gluttony and conspicuous consumption, draws near. But today I stepped through a portal ringed with holly sprigs, mistletoe and pine bough I haven’t walked through in a long, long time. I’ve been resting on the sofa, listening … Continue reading →

Rags’ Resplendent Riches @ Lyric Stage

Nothing ragged about Lyric Stage’s current production of the 1986 Tony nominated Rags, created by the top-flight musical theatre trio Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, book), Charles Strouse (Annie, music) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, lyrics). A visually elegant performance placed within an austere but evocative setting with strong acting and superb singing in compliment … Continue reading →