I've only been writing scripts a relatively short time, less than 15 years. While I played around with the idea when I was younger, I never seriously attacked it. I wish I had started earlier. On this national day I've reached out to a number of young writers to encourage their work. I've been part … Continue reading National Encourage a Young Writer Day
Playwriting
In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Playwright Terrence McNally passed away from complications of COVID-19 yesterday in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was in the target danger group as he was 81 and had COPD. He was a prolific writer I admired very much and still actively writing. A great loss to the theatre community. He wrote the book to … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Patience and Fortitude
Like so much else, the New York Public Library is shut down. I miss going there to do my playwriting, especially the beautiful Rose Reading Room at the main branch. Flanking the entrance to that gorgeous building are two stone lions. During the Great Depression Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them names that he felt … Continue reading Patience and Fortitude
Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
The new play by George Eastman is about growing older and the consequences thereof. Harry Townsend (Len Cariou) is widowed, in his eighties and still living in the lake house he treasures. A visit from his son Alan Townsend (Craig Bierko) slowly wends its way to the easily anticipated question - shouldn't dad move somewhere … Continue reading Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
This weekend (Friday, January 24 @ 7 PM; Saturday, January 25 @ 7 PM and Sunday, January 26 @ 2 PM) you should stop by the Polaris North Studio (245 West 29th Street, 4th floor) here in New York. There you will find a very talented cast led by a very talented director and assisted … Continue reading Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
Review – The Sound Inside
Playwright Adam Rapp has made an auspicious Broadway debut but in a house that is too large for the work. The delicate yet driving work centers on writer and writing teacher Bella Baird, brilliantly acted by Mary Louise-Parker. The quiet touches Rapp provides for Parker provide a moving and touching portrait of a character that … Continue reading Review – The Sound Inside
Review – In a Dark Dark House
You have only one week left to catch the Knife Edge Productions performance of Neil LaBute's "In a Dark Dark House" at the A.R.T./New York Theatre at 53rd Street and 10th Avenue. Though it is a difficult subject, I recommend you get there to see it. The script is consistent with Mr. LaBute's reputation as … Continue reading Review – In a Dark Dark House
National Miner’s Day
It seems almost anyone can name a National Day to hype their product, but today's was declared by Congress. It commemorates the worst mining disaster in US history when 362 coal miners lost their life in Monogah, West Virginia in 1907. One of my full length plays is based on the southwest West Virginia coal … Continue reading National Miner’s Day
Review – Hillary and Clinton
Playwright Lucas Hnath is on a bit of a "what if" kick lately, following his recent "A Doll's House, Part 2" with a look into two of our most famous political figures. While I shied from his multiple universe framing device, he nails the insight inside one of the most famous marriages of all time. … Continue reading Review – Hillary and Clinton
Review – Gary: The Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Start with the "source material" - Shakespeare's bloodiest play "Titus Andronicus." This isn't really a sequel. Sure Taylor Mac's script starts by plucking three minor characters from Will's play to follow as they clean up all the corpses (and they are stacked high in Santo Loquasto's set). In theory they are here to clean up … Continue reading Review – Gary: The Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Review – Proof of Love
Audible, the company that brings you entertainment meant for ear buds, has teamed with the Minetta Lane Theatre by producing stage work that can be translated to their medium. I have seen a number of these works, most impressively "Harry Clarke" performed by actor Billy Crudup. To this point they have chosen existing one character … Continue reading Review – Proof of Love
Review – Jack of Cups
Unlike the folks doing this work, I am old enough to have seen and worked around Experimental Theatre back in the 1970's and 1980's. Inevitable components included earnest monologues on how we need to come together, interpretive dance, and sounds and music made from unusual items and innovative instruments. Turtleneck shirts were optional but recommended. … Continue reading Review – Jack of Cups
Review – Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune
What happens when you combine a three decade old two hander by one of our greatest living playwrights with two of our finest stage actors? Magic at the Broadhurst Theatre, that's what. "Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune" is a passionate defense of reaching out for love against all odds. When co-workers from … Continue reading Review – Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune
Review – To She Who Waits
The American Renaissance Theater Company is presenting a new play at Theatre 54 at the Shetler Studios. It is the 2018 Jerry Kaufman Award winner "To She Who Waits" by Bob Clyman. The subtitle "God's Plan v. A Mother's Love; Winner Takes All" provides a clue to the plot. The play jumps back and forth … Continue reading Review – To She Who Waits
Review – Caroline’s Kitchen
Caroline's Kitchen is a transfer of a British farce that was very popular there. Maybe they will cling to anything to divert them from Brexit. It is certainly a manic comedy with characters keeping secrets from each other running in and out of the set. The concept is that TV cooking show host Caroline (Caroline … Continue reading Review – Caroline’s Kitchen
Review – The Archbishop’s Ceiling
Great playwrights create some less than great works in their career. Even though I admire many works by Arthur Miller ("A View From the Bridge" is in my top ten plays of all time) I had never heard of "The Archbishop's Ceiling." I am glad I had the chance to see it, but it remains … Continue reading Review – The Archbishop’s Ceiling
Review – Curse of the Starving Class
Many directors and designers have chosen to tear apart a stage set as a physical mirror of the disintegration happening to characters on stage. This can happen as a steady erosion or a grand explosion. This production switches that up with the walls and shelves of the Tate family kitchen being rendered in one grand … Continue reading Review – Curse of the Starving Class
Review – BLKS
It is very good to hear new voices in the American Theatre and the play BLKS at the new Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space certainly represents new outlooks. This is poet Aziza Barnes' first play script and she doesn't hold back. It is a full bore buoyant bounty of Brooklyn people of color that … Continue reading Review – BLKS
Review – Friendly’s Fire
In this blog I review lots of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. There are many readings and off-off-Broadway shows I attend and they must be addressed sightly differently. FRIENDLY'S FIRE by John Patrick Bray is just such a developing work. Productions like this are being formed and will hopefully develop into larger environments. This play addresses … Continue reading Review – Friendly’s Fire
Review – Nantucket Sleigh Ride
There is some self-indulgent frippery going on at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center. But as the playwright is John Guare, he has certainly earn the right to be indulged. And because the playwright is John Guare, his frippery is far funnier than most. The plot is far too complicated and intricate to … Continue reading Review – Nantucket Sleigh Ride
“At the Diner with Dad” to be performed in Hood River, Oregon
My short play "At the Diner with Dad" will be performed at the Adult Center Theater in Hood River, Oregon over the next two weekends. Performances are scheduled for April 26-28 and May 5-8. It will be part of a program of four short play on the theme of "Parents and Their Adult Children." As … Continue reading “At the Diner with Dad” to be performed in Hood River, Oregon
Review – Ink
Who knew I would enjoy spending 2 1/2 hours with Rupert Murdoch? In this case it is a play by James Graham which dramatizes when Mr. Murdoch stormed Fleet Street to trash and revolutionize the august British newspaper trade in 1969. The now familiar themes and memes and methods of populist journalism are planted and … Continue reading Review – Ink
Shakespeare’s Birthday?
NEW YORK - Statue of William Shakespeare by the American sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward was erected in the Central Park in 1872. We don't really know for sure. The later to be famous Bard was christened on April 26, 1564 and that is the first time he is recorded to be around. Scholars make … Continue reading Shakespeare’s Birthday?
Review – Burn This
Lanford Wilson's BURN THIS is a good script where what the heart wants the heart needs to get despite odds and likelihood. I saw a wonderful production of this work at Signature Theatre in 2002 with Edward Norton and Catherine Keener. It is not a good sign when that production is a more compelling memory … Continue reading Review – Burn This
Review – King Lear
Seeing a great work of art elevates the soul. William Shakespeare's KING LEAR is a very familiar and one my favorite's of the Bard's script. I was fortunate to see the great Christopher Plummer take up the mantle a couple of decades ago in what was a more traditional but powerful production. Controversial director Sam … Continue reading Review – King Lear
