John McDaid

Burbage mounts captivating RI premiere of Barnes' intense slice-of-life comedy

As written—and as typically performed—Sam Shepard's 1980 dark comedy True West can feel like it skates around some of the troubling issues lurking beneath America's self image. Its vision of a dichotomous West of freedom and constraint, open range and suburb, can seem a naive gloss over questions of dislocated Native American nations and the slave labor which drove the engine of nineteenth-century progress. Not so with the keenly visualized, expertly directed, and authentically acted production at Brown/Trinity MFA. This is a brilliant take on this classic that everyone should see. Even if you don't think you like Shepard. Seriously.

Outstanding performances light up the stage in this twisty futuristic tale.

Shakespeare, late in his career, braided many of his preoccupations—love, the machinations of court, magic, low comedy, visual spectacle, theatre itself—into what may be his culminant work, 'The Tempest.' The Colonial Theatre production in Wilcox Park, Westerly, ticks all these boxes, offering a spectacular evening that will surprise and delight even long-time fans of the Bard's last solo play.

What did our critic think of THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at Contemporary Theater Company?

Arthur Miller's 1964 drama explores how fascism paralyzed even those who considered resistance; this production at the Head Trick Theatre strips the play to its bones, focuses on the characters, and delivers a visceral punch.

Wilbury's world-premiere production of GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT is a feast for the senses and a pointed modern feminist take on the work of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi.

Wilbury mounts Teddy Lytle's trenchant, stylish (mostly) one-man show with music about addiction and recovery

What did our critic think of THE OLDEST PROFESSION at Burbage Theatre Company?

What did our critic think of WE'RE GONNA DIE at Wilbury Theatre Group?

What did our critic think of FAITH HEALER at Gamm Theatre?

What did our critic think of JAGGED LITTLE PILL at Providence Performing Arts Center?

Rose Weaver has impeccable credentials: a highly respected actress, singer, and writer, whose star turn as Aunt Ester in last season's 'Gem of the Ocean' at Trinity was transcendent. Alas, the world premiere of her new play, 'Silhouette of a Silhouette' at the Wilbury aims high, but never quite soars.

The production by Brown/Trinity MFA brings this post-apocalyptic nightmare to vivid life with memorable performances and jaw-dropping visual style that make this show a must-see.

Explore the Colorado River in this taut, compelling — and darkly funny — production at the Contemporary Theater Company.

Over its 70-year history, Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' has been staged in many venues, but Colonial Theatre's current production offers a most congenial outdoor setting in Westerly's Wilcox Park. Combine that with stellar performances all around and deft, assured directorial choices, and you have a compelling evening worthy of the material.

Wakefield's Contemporary Theater Company held a grand opening July 28 for a new theatrical space overlooking the Saugatucket River. The half-million dollar facility connects wieth their outdoor performance patio and comprises a new rehearsal room/classroom, a new lobby, outdoor audience balconies, and enhancements to the patio space.

Shakespeare warns early in the first act of Midsummer Night's Dream that 'the course of true love never did run smooth.' In that warning lies the comedic core of the show, and the Gamm Theatre delivers a visually stunning, delightfully playful production that fully captures the Bard's vision. It's a thoroughly enjoyable, punchy take on the classic.

A show where all the characters are squirrels? Yes. Playwright Robert Askins puts a warning in the mouth of the scientist who opens the show: 'Buckle up, you discerning patron of the arts.' And you should. Because this cleverly written, brilliantly acted, and flawlessly executed production takes audiences on quite a wild ride.

The source material of Sueño may be 400 years old, but a brilliantly updated script, combined with the stunningly beautiful production currently onstage at Trinity Rep make this a fresh, relevant -- and darkly funny -- must-see experience.