Neil Simon is one of America’s most successful playwrights for a reason. He is skilled at crafting funny dialogue and memorable characters while reflecting our common humanity. That is why it is sad to report that Rumors, now being presented by Swamp Meadow Community Theatre, is one of Simon’s weaker efforts. The talented cast […]
Chicago is a musical with a lot of punch. This sizzling production with songs by the famed composers Kander and Ebb tells the tale of vixens Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in the world of 1920s Chicago. Roxie shoots her no-good lover and hires hotshot attorney Billy Flynn to defend her in court. While […]
As more and more words are deemed insensitive or offensive, musical theater remains one of the few places where politically incorrect language does not ignite one’s ire. Such is the case with Ocean State Theatre’s gender-bending musical comedy Victor/Victoria. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the suggestion throughout is that being gay is not “normal.” […]
For the latest in our new set of RI Theatre Profiles, we talked to Rebecca Maxfield about Head Trick Theatre: When was the theater started? Officially 2014, I suppose, when I directed/produced Pirandello’s Tonight We Improvise under that name at AS220. Where does the name come from? Well, I said “officially” 2014 to the earlier […]
Arriving at Contemporary Theater Company to see Bryony Lavery’s Dirt, the audience members navigate around beds of soil surrounding the minimal set to find their seats. They look at a glossy white floor with a red chair. In the red chair is a neatly piled mound of soil. As the action of the play unfolds, […]
The real Wilhelm Furtwängler was a polarizing and divisive figure in 20th Century music. Universally acclaimed as one of the greatest orchestra conductors of all time, he chose to remain in Germany during its Nazi years between Adolf Hitler coming to power in 1933 and the end of World War II in 1945. Furtwängler made […]
If you’re a fan of Monty Python and the Holy Grail but haven’t seen the musical Spamalot, Roger William’s University’s production is a great opportunity. For a mere $10 admission, you can see why this funny satire that mocks theatrical musicals and epic films ran for five years on Broadway. Theater announcements before a show […]
I had the good fortune to interview John O’Hurley (Seinfeld‘s J. Peterman). He is an extremely tall, extremely handsome actor who has, in his own words, “cornered the market on arrogance and pomposity.” My personal observations about his appearance are noted only because – yeah, right – his physical presence is a great part of […]
I transcend the three flights of stairs at 95 Empire Street and pass through the dance studio door at AS220, encountering yon Tande and Jude Sandy — together known as Denizen Arts in their creative endeavors — talking through a run of their premiere collaboration, “Walk the (pink) Elephant.” White quilts hang from the rafters […]
The Academy Players are staging a production of Singin’ in the Rain Jr. If you’re expecting to see Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, you won’t find them here. Yet. What you will see is the next generation of Broadway stars before they leave for New York. These kids are going places! The “junior” production is […]