Palmer Hefferan News

World premiere play by Paul Downs Colaizzo deserves a shot at Broadway

Constellation Theatre has mounted a breathtakingly beautiful production of Naomi Iizuka's labyrinthine play, 36 VIEWS. The play draws inspiration from legendary Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai's renowned series of woodblock prints, "36 Views of Mt. Fuji," created between 1826 and 1833. The narrative, like the 36 views, revolves around ever-shifting points of focus, leading the audience on a dizzying journey across centuries of Japanese history, art and culture. Simple this production is not, but oh what spectacular views along the way.

This timeless presentation is definitely one that needs to be seen. At just $15 a ticket, Taffety makes Shakespeare accessible to everyone and, to my mind, is among the most successful in the city at doing justice to the material - regardless of ticket price.

This is a difficult piece, but one which has undeniable promise. With some tweaks here and there, I think it could be ready for primetime at an area theatre. Washington DC Artistic Directors? Hope you all took a look at this one.

YALE SCHOOL OF DRAMA (James Bundy, Dean; Victoria Nolan, Deputy Dean) presents CLOUD NINE by Caryl Churchill, directed by Margot Bordelon, January 22-26, 2013, at the Iseman Theater (1156 Chapel Street).

Montoya's writing is impassioned, witty and insightful and we can't help but come away knowing that we and our family history are part of the Night too. The play disappoints, however, when it allows leftist politics a soapbox.

Yale Rep (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) opens its 2012-13 season with AMERICAN NIGHT: THE BALLAD OF JUAN JOSÉ, written by Richard Montoya, developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney, and directed by Shana Cooper. AMERICAN NIGHT will play now through October 13 at the University Theatre (222 York Street). Opening Night is tonight, September 27.

Yale Rep (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) opens its 2012-13 season with AMERICAN NIGHT: THE BALLAD OF JUAN JOSÉ, written by Richard Montoya, developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney, and directed by Shana Cooper. AMERICAN NIGHT will play September 21-October 13 at the University Theatre (222 York Street). Opening Night is Thursday, September 27.

Broadway's Matt McGrath makes his NY directing debut with writer/performer Phillip Taratula's bravura solo piece CALL ME ANNE, the biting and riotous story of actress Anne Heche and her singular journey, a cautionary tale of finding stardom while losing your mind.

Broadway's Matt McGrath makes his NY directing debut with writer/performer Phillip Taratula's bravura solo piece CALL ME ANNE, the biting and riotous story of actress Anne Heche and her singular journey, a cautionary tale of finding stardom while losing your mind.