Nancy Grossman - Page 14

Arthur Miller's 1947 Tony Award-winning play ALL MY SONS is strikingly relevant nearly seventy years later. There is still much to be learned from this compelling play and the Elements Theatre Company production doesn't shy away from the ugly truths or raw emotions embedded in Miller's story. Sr. Danielle Dwyer reaches unbelievable depths in her portrayal of Kate Keller, the heart and soul of this damaged family, and the work of the entire cast of artists is truly worthy of the word ensemble.

Bad Habit Productions inaugurates their 10th anniversary season with the world premiere of Kirsten Greenidge's HOW SOFT THE LINING, a historically-based play about the unusual relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress Elizabeth Keckley, a freed slave. Director M. Bevin O'Gara draws strong performances from Bridgette Hayes, Elle Borders, and versatile, diverse ensemble, to tell a story that resonates on many levels in today's political climate.

ArtsEmerson presents the world premiere of Melinda Lopez's one-woman play MALA. Ostensibly autobiographical, it is an honest representation of the ups and downs of one woman's journey as she bears witness to the most ordinary, shared human experience, the act of dying. As playwright, she incorporates a cultural sensibility; as actor, she is deeply in touch with the mixed emotions that are part and parcel of this bumpy ride. This full-length monologue is powerful and compelling.

Success in academia is not always transferable to personal or professional success upon leaving the halls of ivy. Playwright Mike Lew explores this phenomenon in his new comedy TIGER STYLE! The laughs come fast and furiously as siblings Albert and Jennifer Chen struggle to figure out who to blame for their recent failures as adults. From California to China, they try on different identities in an effort to find out where they belong. Think Dorothy Gale takes a newer, hipper journey.

Boston premiere of Kenneth Lin's ('House of Cards') "political thriller" at Lyric Stage Company ultimately works because of a trio of fine performances by Steven Barkhimer, Michael Tow, and Jessica Webb, under the taut direction of Dawn M. Simmons. You may have had more than your fill of politics for now, but the cat and mouse game devised by the playwright and the authentic portrayals will keep you guessing until the final blackout.

ABIGAIL/1702 is playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's exploration of the aftermath of the 1692 Salem witch trials. Merrimack Repertory Theatre and Director Tlaloc Rivas push all the right buttons to give the audience a scary ride. The outstanding design elements create an atmosphere that is spooky on many levels, and Rachel Napoleon is convincing as the troubled young accuser trying to escape her past.

Stoneham Theatre presents the New England premiere of playwright Thomas Gibbons' UNCANNY VALLEY, a view into the not too distant future when researchers have found a way to extend the human lifespan through artificial intelligence. While it raises more questions than it answers, its rich subtext and the fine work of Nancy E. Carroll and Lewis D. Wheeler combine to make this a compelling piece of theater.

MAN IN SNOW, Israel Horovitz's newest play, receives its world premiere at Gloucester Stage in a riveting production directed by the playwright. A full-length stage adaptation of an earlier radio play, the seed of the fictional story was sown from a real-life event in Alaska nearly twenty years ago. A stellar cast, led by a convincing and commanding Will Lyman, fully inhabits their characters, and the design team creates an effective, evocative landscape and soundscape.

Fiddlehead Theatre Company's Boston premiere production of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT dazzles, and it's not just because of the millions of sequins used by Director/Costume Designer Stacey Stephens for the ab-fab fashions of the glamorous drag performers and their entourage. With over 300 costumes, eleven 3-foot wide head-dresses, more than two dozen musical numbers, and a life-size bus named Priscilla, the show offers a visual and aural smorgasbord to rival a midnight snack on a cruise ship.

SpeakEasy Stage Company is presenting the New England premiere of a new comedy by Joshua Harmon (BAD JEWS) prior to its scheduled Broadway run in February, 2017. Under the insightful direction of Producing Artistic Director Paul Daigneault, SIGNIFICANT OTHER offers a cornucopia of talented players (Greg Maraio atop the list), pointed humor, and poignant commentary on the universal human condition.

Music Worcester had a grand opening to its 157th season last night at beautiful Mechanics Hall, a treasure in downtown Worcester, presenting Patti LuPone in her latest solo concert program, DON'T MONKEY WITH BROADWAY. She shared the stage with her fantastic musical director/accompanist Joseph Thalken, and was joined by The Worcester Chorus for several songs in the second act. It was thrilling to hear so many signature songs performed live by one of the great Broadway divas.

Zeitgeist Stage Company presents a collection of short plays by Tennessee Williams. EIGHT BY TENN has the trademark lyrical writing style that makes Williams Williams, but not all characters are equally developed, posing a challenge for the actors. Artistic Director David J. Miller directs an ensemble of three newcomers and five returnees whose performances are uneven.

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE opens the Huntington Theatre Company's 2016-2017 season. Directed by Artistic Director Peter DuBois, with Music Direction by Eric Stern, it features a large and talented ensemble with a mix of Boston theater artists and those with Broadway credits. Jenni Barber is a delight as Dot/Marie, but Adam Chanler-Berat does not match her intensity as George. The production looks great, sounds good, but feels less filling than a Sondheim show should.

Stoneham Theatre has a lively hit on its hands with the Lynn Ahrens/Stephen Flaherty 1980s musical murder mystery farce, LUCKY STIFF. The rom-com romp stars young company alum Andrew Barbato, with direction by Caitlin Lowans, choreography by Ilyse Robbins, and music direction by Bethany Aiken. It's a madcap journey to Monte Carlo with a rich, dead uncle, mistaken identity, slamming doors, romance, and great songs.

Producing Artistic Director Spiro Veloudos opens the 2016-2017 Lyric Stage Company season with Stephen Sondheim's ground-breaking concept musical COMPANY. Winner of six Tony Awards in 1971, as well as the 2007 winner for Best Revival of a Musical, don't be surprised to find this modern makeover capturing some hardware when awards season rolls around in Boston next spring. The ensemble is filled with a roster of talent that doesn't quit.

New Repertory Theatre presents the Boston area premiere of the final component of Richard Nelson's four-play cycle. Weylin Symes, the producing artistic director of Stoneham Theatre, returns to the helm with the stellar six-member cast of Joel Colodner, Laura Latreille, Karen MacDonald, Paul Melendy, Bill Mootos, and Sarah Newhouse. The actors are the strength of the production, providing a master class on working as an ensemble. REGULAR SINGING is a feel good drama, but, at two hours, less would be more.

Gloucester Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's THE TOTALITARIANS, an over-the-top satire about an unqualified female political candidate wooing the electorate by promising 'Freedom from Fear.' GSC Managing Director Jeff Zinn makes his local directing debut and keeps everything moving at a good clip, and the four actors do what they can with a quartet of less than likable characters. If you like your humor broad, this may be the comic relief you seek during this chaotic election season.

There's good news and bad news in the Gloucester Stage production of Jason Robert Brown's SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. The inspiring song cycle from 1995 shows the composer's promise that has been fulfilled, as evidenced by his three Tony Awards, and there is much to enjoy in both the music and lyrics (when you can hear them). The five-member cast features quality vocalists, but they often lose focus while they are busily moving around the stage in Director Robert Walsh's zeal to substitute action for the nonexistent connective libretto.

Bridge Rep dives into its fourth year with the U.S. premiere of Reto Finger's DOG PADDLE (Or, Struggling Inelegantly Against Drowning), translated by Lily Sykes and directed by Israeli Stage founder Guy Ben-Aharon. While maintaining their expected standard of excellence, Bridge Rep expands their tent to include new actors and a new (to them) venue. The cast of five gives intelligent character interpretations that leave room for each audience member to experience the play through their own lens.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston brings back the original sets, costumes, and choreography for its fourth production of the 1992 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical. CRAZY FOR YOU could be subtitled "Gershwin's Greatest Hits," with eighteen musical treats splendidly played by a 15-piece orchestra conducted by Music Director Dan Rodriguez. Broadway veterans and Reagle audience favorites Kirby Ward (Director) and Beverly Ward star and give a song-and-dance master class that will have you tapping your feet right along with them. CRAZY FOR YOU is a classic 1930s musical comedy, full of energy and optimism. It's just what the psychiatrist ordered!