What did our critic think of THE WINTER'S TALE at Hartford Stage? The Winter's Tale, currently at Hartford Stage through May 7 and directed by Artistic Director Melia Bensussen, confronts an audience with a story difficult to believe from the start, whether or not one is a Shakespeare fan. Add to this Bensussen's vision, which includes problematic design elements and some unfortunate casting, and you have a version of the play that leaves us relatively unmoved. This is a shame, as The Winter's Tale is not often performed, and I was very eager to see it at this historically revered home for Shakespeare productions.
'Tales from the Guttenberg Bible' is now on stage at George Street Playhouse (GSP). This is a must-see show starring Steve Guttenberg who recounts his incredible journey as a movie star.
So, by virtue of all of these elements this show is compleat in the senses fostered by the archaic spelling of the word, what Webster's renders as 'having all the necessary or desired elements or skills.' The characters, the music, the dancing, the lyrics, and the overall message are all new and different, even if deployed in the service of 'an old tale from way back when,' and they come accompanied by a message of inspiration in the midst of tragedy. A must-see.
“Hadestown” will return to Los Angeles as part of Center Theatre Group / Ahmanson Theatre’s 2023-2024 Season. See performance dates, and learn how to purchase tickets!
George Street Playhouse (GSP) is currently presenting The 25thAnnual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It's the most fun you'll ever have going to the theatre!
What did our critic think of THE ART OF BURNING at Hartford Stage? Kate Snodgrass' world premiere play, The Art of Burning, presented by Hartford Stage in association with Huntington Theater Company, is a disappointingly thin work, though the producing theaters are to be congratulated for supporting new scripts. The production itself, led by the sure hand of Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen, is well cast and fascinating to look at: Luciana Stecconi's scenic design creates an atmosphere of alienation, leaving the characters looking uneasy, often lost, and like chess pieces trying to defend their positions on a brutally cold board. However, the set is more original than the plot, which attempts to put a feminist spin on old themes: marriage is difficult; raising a child is even more difficult; affairs lead to thorny divorce settlements; and children get caught in the middle.
Hartford Stage is presenting a remarkable and courageous New England premiere: Christine Quintana's bilingual play, Espejos/Clean. The play gives us two very different women: Adriana, from Chetumal, Mexico, who speaks Spanish and a bit of English, and Sarah, from Vancouver, who speaks only English.
Blend two ancient Greek myths, add the climate change crisis, a screed on capitalism, fears surrounding immigration, sprinkle in delightful, original folk music, and stir. The unlikely result is the 2019 eight-time Tony-winning folk opus “Hadestown,” an exceptional piece of musical theater.
In our Entertain and Dine series, we are showcasing New Brunswick where George Street Playhouse and Crossroads Theatre Company have productions at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) Get your tickets and plan a dinner while you're in town.
George Street Playhouse (GSP) at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) is presenting 'Joy, The Musical' and the timing is ideal. In this season of wonder and hope, the show is both entertaining and inspiring.
Get an exclusive first look at photos of the world premiere of new musical Joy the Musical at George Street Playhouse, starring Erika Henningsen, with choreography by Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Joshua Bergasse.
You may have a certain idea of what a musical based on Greek mythology would look and feel like, but chances are you’ve never seen or heard anything like singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell masterpiece (and Tony and Grammy Award winning) HADESTOWN. Told through a haunting folk rock, blues, gospel and jazz-infused score, HADESTOWN puts a stylistic and modern twist on the tragic love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice and of Persephone, the goddess of spring and Hades, the king of the underworld. Bringing the role of Hades to life in the national tour of HADESTOWN, which takes the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando December 13th – 18th, will be Matthew Patrick Quinn. I caught up with Matthew to find out more about HADESTOWN and what it’s like performing this visionary show to audiences all over the country.
Yes, the Holiday Season is once again upon us. Time for merriment, gathering with friends, family, chosen family, and what have you to enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the food of the season. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of the times, the Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall brings a different fable and tale of love, hope, and the courage to survive against all odds to its patrons following the close of Thanksgiving weekend, and ushering in the first week of December. Unlike Ghosts of both Past, and Present, patrons of the Straz Center are plunged head-first into a dark tale based on figures found in Greek Mythology, and the tale itself seems all too relevant and perfectly placed in our current climate.
The Broadway Smash Hadestown takes the stage by storm and leaves no prisoners in its wake. I for one am thankful for this time, the time to sit in a sacred space and experience the undeniably beautiful event that is live theatre, and the Straz Center is the Gift that keeps on giving, not only during the holiday season but all year long. Their 2022/2023 Bank of America Broadway Season is one of the absolute best yet!
