Neil Simon’s clever use of humor to tell soulful stories about the suburbs of New York City and the friction of ordinary lives is spellbinding. He wrote what he knew, which were primarily autobiographical pieces he termed “urban neuroses.” Barefoot in the Park depicted his marriage to his first love and wife. They lived every detail.
The President has blurted out another gaffe, and everyone is scurrying to fix his latest blunder. Sound all too familiar? Well, in this case, it takes more than his wife and favorable news reporters to cover up this mess. It’s so bad that the care of seven women is needed for damage control.
The women carry the show. Memorable, and the highlight is Mrs. Laine (Mare Winningham). She has dementia and lost her filter years ago. She is rip-roaring hilarious and made the otherwise severe, sad, and depressing depiction of life wake up the audience. Another resident Mrs. Burke (Luba Mason), takes off and starts playing the drums – in heels!
The brother Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell created the book and are back at it again to make music and lyrics of pure unadulterated fun. Mrs. Doubtfire at the Stephen Sondheim theater is an update of the 1993 film starring Robin Williams, but funnier and more entertaining.
If you’re a Shakespeare fan and a purist, Sam Gold’s direction is not the version for you. The entire company breaks out into song with original music by Gaelynn Lea, and Michael Patrick Thornton narrates the play from his wheelchair, beginning with a brief history of Shakespeare. Yes, this is Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
On Monday May 23rd, The Town Hall presented an amazing line-up of talent for their 21st landmark season of Broadway by the Year. Created, written, directed, and hosted by talented Scott Siegel, the audience settled in for a musical journey that did not disappoint with an array of special performances that spanned from Ziegfeld to the Moulin Rouge.
The Metropolitan Playhouse transforms into the L station/Venus Records and a block in alphabet city with the help of Lassen Paulk’s scenic painting and the superb cast transporting us to various scenes in the neighborhood.
¡Americano! The Musical introduces the audience to the actual life story of Tony Valdovinos who came to the United States with his parents when he was two.
Mr. Saturday Night is the story of Buddy Young, Jr. (Billy Crystal), an aging comedian whose career has long waned. He’s forced to play the retirement homes and is lucky to get a laugh when the audience is breathing. During an Emmy award show broadcast on television, it’s announced that Buddy Young Jr. has passed away, giving rise to his second career chance.
It is not a happy birthday. No full life savored and enjoyed or marked with celebration. Birthday Candles is traumatic and not for those that wear their emotions on their sleeve or recently have participated in life.
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