Rachael F. Goldberg - Page 4

'Heroine' handles a number of deep, complex issues. And yet, it manages to do so with a sensitivity and care that feels respectful and fitting to those it portrays, directly or indirectly. The care and attention put into this production by every member of the team shows in the performance, and beyond the stage.

Sir Matthew Bourne's 'Swan Lake' has a reputation as a beloved, fascinating, and powerful ballet. The latest production certainly justifies this reputation.

'A Measure of Cruelty' is a deep, intimate portrait of what happens when social norms and expectations drive people to act in ways that are more damaging than fulfilling, more harmful than helpful, and how to break the cycles of violence and anger we think need to define us, especially men.

IN Series' 'Le Cabaret de Carmen' is a haunting, beautiful spin on the popular tragedy. It's a unique and thoughtful retelling, with a wonderful cast and production team, and is entrancing from its languid opening to its dramatic finale.

'Eureka Day' is still a fun show with a solid cast and production team. I certainly laughed, and enjoyed the performance. But I also had a lingering distaste from its heavy-handed, clumsy messaging.

The Second City's 'She the People' is back at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The jokes and social commentary have been updated to address current events, as well as keep some evergreen topics fresh and remind us how upsetting it is that some things are considered evergreen. But, above all, 'She the People' is a call to action. It's a reminder that women's experiences matter, and women's voices matter.

'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' is a moving, funny, and heartbreaking show with a sweetly earnest cast and a formidable production team. Based on the true story of playwright Ken Ludwig's parents' letters and courtship during World War II, 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' is a lovingly told and timeless romance, and a pleasurable reminder of the past and of our humanity.

Imagination Stage has revived their Helen Hayes Award-winning 2012 production of 'The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe' for the 2019 holiday season. With stunning sets and engaging musical elements, it's not hard to see why this production is a local favorite. The show takes a well-known tale and retells with the fun creativity of a children's production, but with the sensibilities that play to adults' nostalgia.

'No Exit' itself is a wonderful source material, and it was intriguing to hear Live Garra Theatre's plans to update and add an escape room element to the famous play. I walked into this show excited to see a new, modern twist on one of my favourite plays. Instead, I walked out incredibly disappointed.

'19: The Musical' is the brainchild of Through the 4th Wall co-founders, Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw. Both DC natives, Schwed and Bradshaw conceived the idea of a musical about the passage of the 19th Amendment in 2016, and, along with Composer Charlie Barnett, have been overseeing workshops and concert performances for the last two years. Now, the team is preparing for the premiere of the full production, to be staged at the National Museum of Women in the Arts November 25-27.

'Occupant' is a beautiful, intimate piece about a fascinating woman, presented in a clever and engaging manner. Every element of the production is thoughtful, and it's thoroughly enjoyable to settle in for an evening with Louise and her part-admiring, part-critical interviewer.

The knowledge that Mark Morris Dance Group's 'Pepperland' is based on the Beatles' a?oeSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Banda?? album sets the expectation for a bright, vivid performance that's just edging into trippy. For the most part, the show lives up to that expectation, but with some twists.

Factory 449's 'Agnes of God' is an emotional, intimate play that speaks to inner struggles. With a sharp script and an exceptional cast, it's an insightful and aching performance that is both enjoyable and heartbreaking to watch.

Theory is an interesting show with a strong cast and solid technical elements. It raises some valid questions about living our ideals and the limitations we set (or don't) on ourselves and others in public, but it never quite figures out how to go beyond that. Still, it opens conversations about these issues, and pushes audiences to reconsider their own perspectives, and there's certainly value in that.

'Right to be Forgotten' is a thought-provoking, insightful play that addresses a key issue in our lives. Arena Stage's production is a smart, solid, and charming show with a strong cast and production team, and has the ability to elevate the debate in an honest and nuanced way.

'Everybody' may not be for, well, everybody - it's a quirky play that tackles humanity, life, death, and our own fragile existence head-on. But those who are brave enough to face these uncomfortable truths are rewarded with a fast-talking, quick-witted, deep-thinking performance.

Although it's an intense play, Surfacing is also incredibly thoughtful. In the manner of most good art, it takes difficult and abstract ideas and gives the people behind them a face and a voice. And, even though we don't know how these particular stories end, it's hard not to walk out of the theatre feeling hopeful.

In Theater J's fall opening, we are asked to consider: what really happens when love makes you sick? And yet, despite a strong cast and well-executed technical elements, 'Love Sick' suffers from a slight disconnect.

Folger's 2019 Season opener deftly tells the tale of king's reign and the rebellion he faces, a prince burdened by expectations, and the struggles of family, honor, and duty. Rosa Joshi's production enchantingly revives this age-old tale with the help of stunning sets, expert staging, and a phenomenal cast.

Prologue Theatre's 'The Explorers Club' is both immensely funny and immensely profound. The careful attention to detail and context pays off greatly, and the result is a wonderful experience for the audience.