A musical stage version of a classic book beloved by young adults for over a century is a daring challenge inherently difficult to do. Despite many adaptations for the stage and screen, none have succeeded in compressing into a short few hours the rich texture of character and detail that account for the enduring appeal […]
In Cloud Eye Control’s Half Life, performed at Columbus Theatre on November 21, images projected in front and behind an actor create the illusion that the woman, moving subtly on the stage, is being whipped through mountains or getting lost in the sea. She holds up her hand to have a flurry of dots fly […]
Kevin Broccoli (Motif): What would you say is your biggest challenge when it comes to producing theater? Chris Simpson: Audiences have access to infinite modes of on-demand entertainment, and are often reluctant to commit time and money to a theatrical experience. In addition, legions of mediocre productions across the history of live performance have dulled […]
Previews! Almost all theaters need to get in a few performances in front of a live audience before they are comfortable opening the show for reviewers. These are always the lowest priced tickets you’ll find. The Goldstar app is your best friend. While it’s more of a wild-card as to what tickets will be available, […]
The sights and sounds of the holiday season are upon us, and nowhere is that more evident than in the abundance of choice we have in holiday-themed theater in Rhode Island. And, as in years past, the challenge remains: How do you produce yet another “fresh new approach” to A Christmas Carol (which produces the […]
With the holiday season in full swing, area dance companies are doing their best to help spread some Christmas cheer, from dancing mice to dancing dolls to dancing snowflakes and, yes, even dancing reindeer! While many whose holiday festivities include a trip to the ballet are familiar with most of the aforementioned dancing oddities, the […]
New York City. It’s a mere three hours away, you can get there by train, or a drive down the Tappan Zee. Even with all of that it’s tough to get to New York City! We’re so close, yet so far. And I have wanted to make it to the great White Way to see The Book of […]
In December, Providence’s own TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, Providence’s premiere school for the integration of the arts and academics, along with the URI Providence Campus Arts & Culture Program, will bring Prospect High: Brooklyn to Rhode Island audiences. TAPA will be the one and only school in Rhode Island and New England […]
Reginald Rose’s granddaddy of all courtroom dramas, Twelve Angry Jurors, is quite an interesting acting and staging challenge for even the most mature of groups to tackle. Originally airing on television in 1954, and adapted by Sherman Sergel, the script is more commonly known as Twelve Angry Men. My memories of the play and […]
Sometimes the truth isn’t what it appears to be. The themes of police brutality, racial injustice and journalistic integrity run through The Rant, which is a compelling and effective drama featuring powerful performances and tight direction by Tyler Dobrowsky. The play opens in darkness. There are gunshots. The lights come up and we see Denise […]