Tag Archives: arts

‘Winter’s Tale’ — Shakespeare’s Problem Play Nearly Solved by Loving Hands

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Steve

It’s a tragedy, and a comedy. It’s magical, like Midsummer Night’s Dream; pastoral, with hints of As You Like It; everything, save the death of a stray son, works out in the end. The first half risks sending you screaming … Continue reading →

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‘Hey Bartender’ – The Perfect Documentary at SXSW

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Steve

Not the best or most affecting – and others here might be perfect as well. But as a fellow craftsman, here’s why I think Hey Bartender is the perfect doc. Douglas Tirola sets up his story on at least four … Continue reading →

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Two Gentlemen of Verona – Not!

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Steve

There’s a rumble going on – it starts in a suburban parking lot created from sheet metal and a few yellow lines on the stage of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theater. (The playwright has simply called for “an open … Continue reading →

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‘Black Watch’ Gives Audiences a Welcome Beating

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Steve

Black Watch, from the Scottish National Theatre, pummels you into submission. It’s loud and flashy (literally), and meant in every way to convince us civilians that explosions and death are more than we could handle. And yet it’s also meant … Continue reading →

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Candide – Optimism Triumphs in Washington

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Steve

Director Mary Zimmerman has tamed the unruly and fabulous show that is Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. Continue reading →

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Not enough heat in this “Light in the Piazza”

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Steve

This production of “The Light in the Piazza” hits all the right notes – but something is missing. The show ends up feeling thin. The lovely voices, the beautiful set, the strong performances don’t set off a river of tears, or even provide a fully engaging evening of theater. Why? Continue reading →

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Siento Hermosa (West Side Story 2008)

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Steve

“I Feel Pretty.” Or “Siento Hermosa.” The brilliant and problematic stroke of genius in this new production of West Side Story, seen at Washington’s National Theater, is not only to have real Latinos playing most of the Sharks, but to … Continue reading →

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