Review: CENTENNIAL CASTING at Penguin Rep Theatre
Mike Labbadia creates a larger-than-life Vincent whose slow burns, emotional outbursts, and comically hapless attempts at romance reminded me of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden in seminal sitcom The Honeymooners. I mentioned the Gleason comparison to Mr. Labbadia after his performance. What I didn’t realize at that moment is that in the script, which I read later, the character breakdown for Vincent invokes “Ralph Kramden” and an authors’ note in the script references “The Honeymooners.”
Review: AGNES OF GOD at Theatre Artists Studio
Theatre Artists Studio delivers a riveting production of John Pielmeier’s AGNES OF GOD, directed by Judy Rollings. In a cerebral play that pits faith against reason and is a murder mystery to boot, Rollings's cast keeps the audience invested in a drama that is well-paced and loaded with gravitas.
Review: THE ROOMMATE at Theatre Artists Studio
The must-see production of Jen Silverman's THE ROOMMATE, directed by Patti Suarez and featuring the stellar performances of Debra K. Stevens and Jodie Weiss, runs through May 7th at Theatre Artists Studio in Scottsdale, AZ.
BWW Review: AFTER at 59E59 Theaters is a Riveting and Important Drama
After, a powerful and profound drama, is now being performed at 59E59 Theaters through April 14. Written by Michael McKeever and superbly directed by Joe Brancato, the show features five exceptional actors. The story shines a light on bullying, its victims, and the effects that it has on families.
Penguin Rep's Production AFTER By Michael McKeever Opens Off Broadway March 12
59E59 Theaters (Val Day, Artistic Director; Brian Beirne, Managing Director) is thrilled to add the NYC premiere of AFTER, written by Michael McKeever and directed by Joe Brancato, to the Winter 2018 Season. Produced by Penguin Rep Theatre and InProximity Theatre Company, AFTER begins performances on Tuesday, March 12 for a limited engagement through Sunday, April 14. Press Opening is Sunday, March 17 at 2 PM. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Friday at 7 PM; Saturday at 2 PM & 7 PM; and Sunday at 2 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison). Single tickets are $25 - $70 ($49 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call the 59E59 Box Office at 646-892-7999 or visit www.59e59.org. The running time is 85 minutes, no intermission.
BWW Reviews: Theatre Artists Studio Presents NEW SUMMER SHORTS
Theatre Artists Studio has set the table for a healthy, satisfying, and inspiring feast of plays in its 2015 NEW SUMMER SHORTS which runs through June 28th. The play's the thing in a festival of short works written and directed my members of the co-op. At ten minutes a pop, each of the eight productions in this year's showcase catches the audience's conscience, at one level or another. As mirrors of human foibles and affects, their themes resonate with the familiarity of an old mistake, eliciting a knowing smile or a reluctant frown.