Sarah Ruhl Turns Doldrums to Delight by Lynne Stevens We take our seats opposite the minuscule, stark, black stage. The only set pieces are five black stools and two window frames hanging from a track. The actors move the frames to change scenes, a clever device from Set Designer Malcolm Rodgers. The window frames…
Jay Kuo’s Spirited Lyrics Illuminate Japanese American Story by Lynne Stevens From the opening scenes, I was almost moved to tears by this drama inspired by the true-life experiences of TV/film actor George Takei. “Allegiance” tells the story of his family’s internment during WWII—80 years ago, when Japanese Americans were removed from their homes…
Jane Martin’s Modern Spin on “Three Sisters” Makes Us Laugh! by Lynne Stevens Manipulative TV actor Holly snags the lead role of Masha for herself in this modern take on Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters.” Holly turns the idea of the casting couch on its head: She’ll screw anyone to get what she wants. With…
Jaclyn Backhaus Ridicules Male Heroes—Bring on the Gals! by Lynne Stevens Sarah Bernhardt did it playing Hamlet. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon did it to infiltrate an all-woman band in Some Like It Hot. Shakespeare’s pals played the roles of women in his plays. It’s called Cross-dressing. It’s also called acting. Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus…