Tag Archives: Washington

‘Brief Encounter’: A Movie Brought to Vivid Life Onstage

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Steve

The love that dare not speak its name? Perhaps it’s the love between two people who can never consummate their passion, never live happily ever after. The love between Alec and Laura is such a love. They’ve met quite by … Continue reading →

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‘The Importance of Being Earnest’: Bright, but Shallow

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Steve

There’s nothing wrong with The Importance of Being Earnest, on view, and already extended, at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington. It’s funny, gorgeous, and seems to capture Oscar Wilde’s satirical take on upper crust British mores just perfectly. So it … 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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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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