Tag Archives: Theater

Miss Julie/Mies Julie – Strindberg’s Classic Brought to Vivid Life

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Steve

I’ll admit it. I didn’t get Strindberg. Introduced to the talky, stagey play The Pelican in college — I had a bit part — I thought he was one of those playwrights that made sense long ago, but was no … Continue reading →

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‘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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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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Krapp’s Last Tape – John Hurt Creates Beckett’s World in D.C.

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Steve

John Hurt – his face a topographic map of disappointment and failure – sits at a desk as a light above him slowly blooms. He is Krapp. His life, crap. As Samuel Beckett introduces him to us in Krapp’s Last … 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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Stacy Keach, King Lear, D.C. 2009

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Steve

(Stacy Keach as Lear, Howard Witt as The Fool; photo Steve Mencher) The king’s three daughters have a chance to claim their inheritance, as “King Lear” opens. He’s stepping down. To get their fair share of the kingdom, all they … 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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