Richmond/Maxwell’s Witty, Whimsical Musical Spotlights Stellar Ensemble by Kim Waldron The standard musical does not start with a death, let alone half a dozen, but there’s not much standard in this off-beat, yet upbeat production. Six teens killed in a carnival ride accident must compete for one chance to return to life in a…
Tere Martínez’s “Paradise” provides crucial facts about life in Puerto Rico. She introduces us to the realities of the island: Law 22 that encourages U.S. exploitation, the failing public transportation system, and the frustrations of renewing a car registration.
At Theatre Brava in The Mission, La Lengua Teatro brings a strong anti-imperialist message—delivered in Spanish and English, with helpful super-titles on a screen. Martínez slowly unfolds the long list of U.S. aggression against “colonial” Puerto Rico, under the lyrical direction of Samuel del Rosario. The story unfolds smoothly, gripping our attention to a series of domestic struggles that show the island under U.S. rule.
The self-righteous American landlord Julian (assertive Chris Tilley) struggles with Doña Tata (loveable Iris Diaz), the elder tenant whom he is EVICTING. Julian blames Tata for her poverty—calling her a crazy cat lady. But Doña Tata still believes that Julian is buenagente (a good person). She still believes that the U.S. will save her island.
Noel Coward Blends Farce & Wit in Elitist Encounters by K. Marguerite Caronna Whether verbal, emotional, or physical, abuse is often fatal—especially for women. The glorification of an abusive couple, even if humorous, feels tone deaf these days. Director KJ Sanchez provides an imaginative, glamorous Argentine veneer for a predictable comedy of rich people…
A visit to the Forest of Arden brings a bracing breath of fresh air.
Scenic Designer Nina Ball has outdone herself with the creation of a glorious Forest of Arden for Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” When refugees from the corrupt court flee to the forest named after Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, they are off to build a new world.
Inspired by Dali, giant pink, yellow, and blue leaves decorate Ball’s stunning staircase set—backed by the living forest. Ball conjures a dream commune embedded in Nature. Her beautiful set evokes a fantasy land that liberates and welcomes the immigrants from the court, offering them asylum.