I have been curious about the theatre company, Ophelia’s Jump, ever since I saw their mad-cap, streaming version of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice back in the height of the Covid Pandemic. It was kind of rough and not to my taste, but they were there doing what almost all the companies were doing…trying their best … Continue reading “The Hall of Final Ruin” at Ophelia’s Jump
The cast of Marvin’s Room (l. to r seated ) Dean Hermansen, Marek Meyers, Tara Battani, Francesca Casale, Crystal Yvonne Jackson; (standing) Justin Bowles, Kimi Walker, Brian Habicht. Photo: Larry Sandez. Spring is just around the corner. And this theatre critic is emerging from a two-year stint of attending very few live performances and too … Continue reading “Marvin’s Room” at Actor’s Co-op Theatre Company
In the wake of the recent death of Stephen Sondheim, International City Theatre is smart to give audiences a chance to experience some of the great man’s lesser known songs with the musical revue, Marry Me a Little, a potpourri of engaging tunes brought vividly to life by the excellent talents of songsters Katy Tang … Continue reading “Marry Me a Little” at International City Theatre
(l. to r.) Elizabeth Elias Huffman, Lily Knight and Ron Bottitta: Photo by Jenny Graham. Under the keen direction of Simon Levy, The Children, by British playwright Lucy Kirkwood, is a fast-paced, kitchen-sink wonder with a special kick. Hazel (Lily Knight), and her husband, Robin (Ron Bottitta), are retired nuclear scientists who live just beyond … Continue reading “The Children” at The Fountain Theatre
First of all, it’s great to see the Open Fist in production once again at the Atwater Village Theatre. It has been a long hiatus since reviewing “Rorschach Fest—Inkblot A: Ghosts” back on March 7, 2020. This bold, venerable company always comes up with unique shows. This time out it’s an hour long one-acter by … Continue reading “The Soldier Dreams” at Open Fist Theatre Company
Chiara Atik’s new play, Poor Clare, is an astonishing new piece of theatre. Not knowing what to expect, save for it being based on the famous saint, I was amazed to hear the characters spouting modern vernacular such as might be heard in a high school. Is it funny? Oh yes! Is it a good … Continue reading “Poor Clare” at Echo Theater Company
As a boy from a small rural town in Minnesota, I have had so much to learn. It would take a thick bound tome to write the autobiography, not that anyone would ever care to read it. Along the way I became aware of the blues. As a teenager, I bought a double album of … Continue reading “Blues in the Night” at International City Theatre
Ascension. Photo by Ahmed Best Interactive theatrical productions, where audience members are asked to participate, are a risky business. Some audience members may be shy, others too outspoken. This is not like a performer who may go out into the audience or might address an audience member. The great Irish performer, Pat Kinevane, often jollies … Continue reading “Ascension” at Echo Theater Company
With a big nod to Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana, Mark Wilding’s Our Man in Santiago, set in 1973, is a black comedy send-up that features a low-level CIA operative, Daniel Baker (Nick McDow Musleh), flown in to Santiago, Chile, to assist in the take down of that country’s duly elected president, Salvador Allende, … Continue reading “Our Man in Santiago” at Theatre West
There are all kinds of solo performances. Some are musical, some are comedic, some dramatic. It takes a certain bravery to undertake the endeavor. A few I have seen were ill-conceived, an embarrassment with friends of the performer cheering them on. Others are okay, mildly entertaining, enough to give it a positive review. Some others … Continue reading “The Wolfe & The Bird” at The Matrix Theatre
Paul Myrvold's Theatre Notes 