Nancy Grossman - Page 13

DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP invokes gender-bending, magical realism, and a real-life war hero, but has trouble staying afloat when the narrative jumps back and forth between two centuries. A pair of good performances in the roles of well-drawn characters aren't enough to keep this ship on course.

BRECHT ON BRECHT is the second in New Rep's series of Prophetic Portraits, following Johnny Lee Davenport's acclaimed portrayal in last month's THURGOOD. Brecht's art focuses on his experiences in Berlin, his flight from Nazism, and his life as an expatriate in America, where he faced accusation by the House Un-American Activities Committee. The 90-minute show is a revue of words and music, arranged by George Tabori, with direction by Jim Petosa and music direction by Matthew Stern.

Roundabout Theatre Company's North American tour of its award-winning CABARET revival is a stunning production that stands out in high relief to the theatrics playing in our nation's capital. Fifty years after the pre-Broadway Kander and Ebb musical tried out in Boston, the show still packs a punch. Randy Harrison is mesmerizing as the Emcee, eschewing any references to the powerhouse pair of actors who preceded him in the role.

Ronan Noone is both an alumnus and adjunct assistant professor of the M.F.A. Playwriting Program at Boston University. He has written a revision of his play THE ATHEIST, reimagining the satirical comedy with a female protagonist. At Boston Playwrights' Theatre, Georgia Lyman gives a robust, multi-dimensional performance as the crooked tabloid journalist who looks all too familiar in today's media landscape.

Character-driven Alan Ayckbourn play is a complex sequence of branching storylines, leading to numerous endings, with multiple characters played by two actors. Olivia D'Ambrosio directs fine performances by Sarah Elizabeth Bedard and Jade Ziane at the Nora Theatre Company at Central Square Theater.

With nine Tony Award nominations under its belt, SOMETHING ROTTEN! closed on Broadway on January 1, 2017, and barely took a breather before hitting the road with three of its principal players reprising their roles. Director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw brings Rob McClure, Adam Pascal, and Josh Grisetti on the National Tour that launches in Boston at the Opera House.

WINTER PANTO 2017: THE PRINCESS & THE PEA is served with a generous portion of political satire. What better villains than orange-haired Queen Clump and her alt-right hand man Stompundstammer? The best jokes go over their heads, but definitely bring the kids to this loosey-goosey fantasy world of fun and frolic.

Edward Albee's 1962 barn-burner at the Lyric Stage Company is an emotional conflagration that rages and consumes everyone in its path. Director Scott Edmiston adheres to the playwright's strict blueprint, but takes full advantage of the singular qualities of his quartet of actors - Steven Barkhimer, Paula Plum, Dan Whelton, and Erica Spyres. Definitely do not miss this one.

Huntington Theatre Company's staging of a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic drama, directed by Melia Bensussen, belongs to Andrea Syglowski and her formidable interpretation of Nora. James Noone's scenic design deserves kudos.

Johnny Lee Davenport and Director Benny Sato Ambush collaborate for a powerful production of George Stevens, Jr.'s THURGOOD in its area premiere at New Repertory Theatre in Watertown. Together, they create a humanized portrait of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, that is at once relatable and larger-than-life. It is also a reminder that one man can make a difference if he is determined and perseveres.

FAITHLESS is an intimate study of a Boston Irish-Catholic family facing a crisis. Mom is dying, but the adult children have different beliefs, resulting in a debate about her fate and a rehashing of family history before any resolution is possible. Sitting in a hospital waiting room with these four actors, the audience recognizes these people and understands what they're going through. Can they find closure and rebuild lost connections?

The American Repertory Theater reunites with Oregon Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Bill Rauch to present FINGERSMITH, Alexa Junge's adaptation of Sarah Waters' 2002 novel of the same name. The playwright's Herculean effort capsulizes the 582-page opus into a taut two-hour drama enhanced by exceptional performances and outstanding production design. Words are insufficient to praise the central trio of women - Tracee Chimo, Christina Bennett Lind, and Kristine Nielsen - who inhabit all the layers of the fascinating characters in this Victorian thriller.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is not just a revival; it has the hallmarks of a revival meeting. It inspires the audience with its themes of tradition, community, and family, and, under the direction of Austin Pendleton, is a shofar call to stir the hearts and minds of all who would recall the Holocaust motto, "Never again."

Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Steven Drukman's GOING TO SEE THE KID, an homage to an icon of "Red Sox Nation." Two Boston Globe reporters journey to Florida to interview an aging and ailing Ted Williams, but learn more about working as a team from each other. It's a feel good, family friendly story that taps into the holiday spirit.

The Gold Dust Orphans' 2016 Christmas show features "The World's Foremost Drag Detective" Shirley Holmes and her sidekick Dr. Jody Watley attempting to solve a series of mysterious deaths in Ryan Landry's MURDER ON THE POLAR EXPRESS. Directed by Larry Coen, it has an impressive roster of veterans and newcomers playing all of your favorite fictional Christmas characters, and a cameo appearance by Rhoda, the dog. Scott Martino's costumes are to-die-for, and Meredith Langton and the GlitterPuss Dancers kick up a (snow)storm.

MURDER FOR TWO is a musical whodunit in its Boston premiere at Lyric Stage Company. A pair of versatile actors provide their own piano accompaniment and play a total of thirteen characters between them. Jared Troilo and Kirsten Salpini are a charming and energetic twosome who entertain with song, dance, and shtick.

Kathy St. George may be diminutive in stature, but she is a feisty force of nature as the title character in MAME at Stoneham Theatre. Mary Callanan returns from Broadway and national tours to play her sidekick Vera, and ten-year-old triple threat Cameron Levesque plays her precocious nephew Patrick. One of Jerry Herman's great works, MAME is a joyous celebration of living life with brio and without apologies.

Moonbox Productions, Director Allison Olivia Choat, and Music Director Dan Rodriguez pay precise attention to the musical framework of Peter Shaffer's AMADEUS, with music performed by the Baroque ensemble Grand Harmonie Orchestra. Matthew Zahnzinger owns the spotlight as Antonio Salieri and newcomer Cody Sloan embodies the boyishness of the prodigy. The cast impresses, but the playwright had a hard time finding an ending he liked, so be prepared for a long night.

Author and humorist David Sedaris made his 12th appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston as the final stop on his Fall 2016 tour. He read some of his essays and diary entries to a packed Symphony Hall Sunday night and proved that there is no such thing as a bad show when he is at the podium.

Tony Award-winner Beth Leavel launched the Broadway Series at The Black Box at the Franklin Performing Arts Company in a boffo one-night-only concert, accompanied on piano by Musical Director Phil Reno. The star was joined onstage by five young FPAC vocalists who portend a bright future for musical theatre.