From the Second City - 1961 - Broadway Articles Page 3

“Judgement at Nuremberg” at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s (MET) Warwick Theatre is a fictional rendering of the 1947 Judge’s War Crime Trial held at Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. “Judgement at Nuremberg” is a painful remembrance of an attempt to both punish those accountable for the barbarisms committed in the name of the German state and to be consciously impartial in the administration of an accused’s trial rights. Eighteen million people died at the hands of the Third Reich and its National Socialist (NAZI) leaders. Six and a half million of the dead comprised two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population. It was a determined and deliberate stated goal of genocide of a people. Post war, many of Europe’s surviving Jews fled places they had lived for millenniums in favor of reestablishing a sovereign state in their ancestral homeland where they could finally feel safe. It is ironic that this play opened in Kansas City on the very day that South Africa brought an accusation of genocide against the descendants of the survivors, today’s Israelis, at the International Court of Justice. The play centers on three main characters. One is Dan Heyward, a retired American District Court Judge called to lead a panel of three non-biased jurists in the trial of three NAZI era judicial officials. The second is a renowned German Judge named Ernst Janning. Janning had once sat in the chair similar to America’s Attorney General during pre-NAZI days. The third character is a youngish defense attorney named Oscar Rolfe, a volunteer defender of the estimable Ernst Janning. Janning initially refuses to recognize the authority of the court. It is two years since the end of the war in Europe. The scope of the evil that was done has become clear. The question facing the court is how far down into the German Bureaucracy must consequences for the German people reach? Usual suspects have already been tried, convicted, jailed, executed, or committed suicide. What is left to adjudicate are those who have allowed the worst to happen and why they allowed it. Were they true believers? Were they people who went along in hopes the system would self-correct? Is there any defense for crimes against humanity? Judge Heyward is our eyes as we attempt to understand how this monstrosity that was the Third Reich could have ever happened. “Judgement at Nuremberg” by Abby Mann is sixty-three years-old, yet it mirrors the Donald Trump era in exquisite detail. The arguments put forward in the staged court and from Judge Heyward’s investigation are heard in today’s legal briefs almost word for word. This makes “Judgement” frightening and important for 2024 audiences to see. When you see this play, you will recognize modern, living associates of the past administration mouthing dialog written before they reached their majority. MET has done an excellent job of casting. Director Karen Paisley has choreographed an exquisite twenty-four scene, two-act play in precise detail using minimal, yet effective set pieces. The few conceits adopted for this production work exceptionally well. Most acting is restrained and understated; except for two or three explosions from wholly appropriate characters when needed. Ms. Paisley has incorporated vintage documentary film from the era and what almost seems like a motion picture score backing up the action. “Judgement” is the third iteration of this story by Abby Mann, born Abraham Goodman, a son of Russian Jewish immigrants to the United States. The story first appeared as a television episode of Playhouse 90 in 1957, a feature film in 1961, and this version, a Broadway play in 2001. The Broadway version of “Judgement” was performed a total of fifty-six times. The expanded filmed version recently became available on “Prime Video.” The leading cast members in the MET production are John Clancy as Judge Dan Heywood, Tim Ahlenius as Ernst Janning, and Michael Dragen as Oscar Rolfe. They are backed up by a fine supporting cast. All the characters in this play are products of the playwright’s imagination. They are inspired by similar, real life people. True, historic situations influenced the plot and the legal arguments. “Judgement at Nuremberg” continues at the Warwick Theatre through January 21. Tickets are available at https://www.warwickkc.org/ or by telephone at (816) 569-3226.

LA MAMA will present “CANDIED CAMERA LIVE!” - a variety show celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 'Storied' public access TV program. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!

The Joyce Theater Foundation has revealed the complete calendar of performances from renowned U.S. and international dance companies slated for The Joyce Theater’s Spring/Summer ‘24 season.

Dazzling and rare high fashion pieces owned and worn by legendary style icons, Princess Diana, Princess Grace of Monaco, Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Joan Collins, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton. Check out the full lineup!

The Greek National Opera (GNO)'s tribute to Maria Callas for the the centennial anniversary of her birth, curated by the Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera Giorgos Koumendakis, will be coming to a head this November and December with its major events held at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and premiering online on GNO TV.

Mitski, Eboni Booth, and Whitney White have been announced as the newest additions to the creative team of the Broadway production, THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT. Learn more about these talented individuals and how they will contribute to the success of the show.

Discover the most-produced plays of the season, including 'What the Constitution Means to Me' and 'Clyde's.'

Four women writers of the Harlem Renaissance meet in 'Telling Tales Out of School' by Wesley Brown, directed by Woodie King, Jr. at Castillo Theatre/ASP. The play offers a unique perspective on the Harlem Renaissance by providing a character study of four of its most-noted female prime movers. Check out event information here!

Are you bound for the Philadelphia area this fall.  There’s so much to see and do that our readers will like to know about. 

Discover the talented dancers set to perform in American Ballet Theatre's 2023 Fall Season at the David H. Koch Theater. Get the inside scoop on the cast and be the first to know who will grace the stage during this highly anticipated event.

Discover the captivating production of Helen, presented by La MaMa in association with En Garde Arts. Immerse yourself in this innovative blend of art and theater that will leave you spellbound. Get all the details and book your tickets now.

Seventeen years ago, Susan Priver starred as Flora opposite Henry Olek as Edward with Shelly Kurtz as the match seller in Harold Pinter’s A Slight Ache, a tragicomedy of manners that takes a funny, ominous, and unsettling journey into the human psyche. All three actors will reprise their roles in a visiting production of Pinter’s play, directed by Jack Heller at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A. from August 26 through October 1. I decided to speak with Susan about her experience with both productions of Pinter’s play.

Director Phil Wright magnificently captures the playwrights voice in this premiere production of WAYWARD. He leads a talented cast to tell the stories of the young women who were forced to give their babies up for adoption due to the societal norms of the 1960s. Wright’s analysis of the script and his collaboration with his cast take Berg’s compelling characters from page to stage with genuine realness and authenticity. Each of the actors successfully and effectively creating brand-new characterizations of never before played roles. Eric Berg has penned an extraordinary narrative filled with fascinating characters facing trying personal situations while navigating complex relationships. While his work takes on a serious subject matter and an important topic his script is not without a few light moments and laughs. Wright’s staging of the play is phenomenal and his work with his cast and crew have breathed life into a new play that is both entertaining and captivating.

Learn about the exciting collaboration between National Black Theatre and the production team of PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Discover how this partnership is set to enhance the upcoming show and bring a unique experience to audiences.

TheaterWorksUSA's world premiere of the musical adaptation of Cat Kid Comic Club series by Dav Pilkey opens today, Sunday, July 30, at 3 PM. The limited run is written by the award-winning team of Kevin Del Aguila (book and lyrics) and Brad Alexander(music), with direction and choreography by Marlo Hunter and musical direction by Paul Staroba, and runs through August 27, 2023 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Check out photos here!

Discover the world premiere of CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL, an enchanting theatrical production based on the popular book. Delight in the adventures of Cat Kid and his friends as they bring laughter and excitement to the stage. Perfect for families and fans of the book, this captivating show is not to be missed. Get your tickets now!

Discover the enchanting world of American Ballet Theatre's 2023 Fall Season, featuring a diverse selection of three captivating programs and seven breathtaking ballet performances. Get ready to be mesmerized by the extraordinary talent and artistry of ABT's renowned dancers.

The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open in September. Learn how to purchase tickets!

San Antonio's original Latinx film festival returns on Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the historic Guadalupe Theater with a greater than-ever Texas filmmaker presence. Featuring 114 films, including 38 films from San Antonio and 40 films from the Lone Star State, the 44th CineFestival San Antonio continues to support local and regional filmmakers, while offering a well-rounded program to local audiences that also includes national and international films that highlight artistic excellence and diversity.  

TheaterWorksUSA has revealed the cast and creative team for the upcoming World Premiere of the musical adaptation of #1 bestselling  Cat Kid Comic Club series by Dav Pilkey.

An all new video has been released featuring the Emcees of London’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrating John Kander and Joel Grey’s Tony Lifetime Achievement Awards!

In the second week of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2023, the internationally renowned Dutch National Ballet will make its historic debut in the Ted Shawn Theatre, July 5-9. Week 2 of the Festival will also feature several one-night-only performances on the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage, including Ice Dance International on July 5, Querencia Dance Company on July 6, waheedworks on July 7, and The MasterZ At Work Dance Family on July 8—tickets for which are available on a Choose What You Pay model. Tickets for all performances are now on sale.

Joel Grey and John Kander will each receive the 2023 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

New Federal Theatre will present 'Telling Tales Out of School,' a new play by Wesley Brown, from May 2 to 7 as a work in progress at Castillo Theatre/ASP.

Following the success of Dog Man: The Musical, TheaterWorkUSA’s new musical adaptation of  Dav Pilkey’s acclaimed and bestselling Cat Kid Comic Club series will debut at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.