BWW Reviews: Black Rep's Excellent Production of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
Revisiting a popular play in the ten work "Pittsburgh Cycle" from August Wilson, the Black Rep has put forth a superior effort. MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM is especially interesting to me as a musician since the focus is really on the interplay that goes on between Ma Rainey's band as they banter about various aspects of life and the music business, all while waiting for Ma to show up, or trying not to incur her wrath when she does. A terrific cast makes for an enjoyable, if tragic, ride that's well worth your time and attention.
BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre's Taut Production of PLAYLAND
Mustard Seed Theatre continues their season with playwright Athol Fugard's PLAYLAND, and the location of the play affords the company a chance to be very creative with the set design (Courtney Sanazaro). But, this is a dark, although it brightens just as the sun rises, tale of border wars and Apartheid, all wrapped up rather neatly in a pretty package by sterling performances and compelling direction.
BWW Reviews: The Black Rep's Haunting Production of RUINED
RUINED is one of those plays that lingers in your mind long after it's over. There's a reason that playwright Lynn Nottage won the Pulitzer Prize for drama with this powerful story, and once you've seen it yourself, it may well haunt you too. Because, even though this tale about the plight of civilians caught in a civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may seem far removed from your own sense of reality, the kinds of atrocities that are being related here are still happening all around the world, and with far-reaching consequences. The Black Rep's current production of this disturbing and harrowing work is buoyed by fine performances and insightful direction.
BWW Review: The Black Rep's Intriguing Production of PERICLES
Though not as frequently performed or fondly remembered as some of the classics in the Shakespearean canon, PERICLES is an interesting tale nonetheless. While it's usually cataloged along with the romances and comedies, its circumstances are really quite tragic, until it reaches for a fairytale ending that neatly resolves matters in a satisfactory manner. The Black Rep's inspired re-imagining of this piece makes for a very captivating evening of theatre, as the characters travel back and forth in time, and locations are altered from the original text to include scenes in Haiti, Cuba, Sapelo Island, Georgia and New Orleans.
The Black Rep Presents PERICLES 1/5-30
William Shakespeare's PERICLES, a sweeping tale of politics and intrigue, laughter and tears, loss and reunion, lies and treachery, exhilaration and sex, magic and mystery, and death and miracles will be presented by The Black Rep, January 5 through January 30, 2011, at the Grandel Theatre, with performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.
Black Rep Kicks Off Their 33rd Season with ROMEO AND JULIET Jan 13
The summer of love gives way to a summer of hate as two families fight to rule the streets. Inspired by social movements and popular music of the late '60's, The Black Rep's dynamic production of ROMEO AND JULIET follows the Montagues and Capulets in their tragic dance with honor and destiny. And in the middle of it all, the world's most famous couple reminds us that love is the real revolution.
