Glengarry Glen Ross
This is the fourth production of Glengarry I've seen. This one showcases the unbridled talents of it's headliners. Al Pacino and Bobby Cannavale are sensational and are supported by an extremely talented cast. The play shows just how difficult it is for the working man to get ahead and maintain his (or her) self worth while being held down and exploited by their superiors. Written in 1984 the dialog is (unfortunately) still pertinent today. David Mamet is one of America's premier playwrights. To see one of his plays performed by such an accomplished cast is a delight for anyone to see. The message here is hold on to your dignity, it's a bumpy ride!

Glengarry Glen Ross on Sunday, Dec 2nd, 2012

Checkers
Checkers refers to President Nixon's dog who he mentioned in his speech attempting to sway the political machine and public to accept him as a viable running mate for Dwight Eisenhower. It reveals the relationship Nixon had with his wife Pat and shows how scummy the political process is. (as if we didn't know). The play is extremely interesting and enlightening and shows how driven Nixon truly was. Anthony LaPaglia and Katherine Erbe are incredible and really nail their roles as Richard and Pat Nixon. Kudos to both. The supporting cast is excellent with a particular thumbs up to Lewis J. Stadlen. Very well written (Douglas McGrath) and directed (Terry Kinney) this production is well worthy of the big stage. Go see it while you still can.

Checkers on Sunday, Dec 2nd, 2012

The Heiress
The Heiress is a wonderful play about the relationship of a plain Jane (but wealthy) socially shy girl with her domineering father and interested suitor. The cast is excellent as well as the direction of Moises Kaufman. Although the story is fairly simple and predictable, the very talented cast pulls it off perfectly. The Heiress will keep your interest and stir your emotions as the plot continues on and you will be entertained by a truly professional cast. I enjoyed The Heiress very much and think you will too.

The Heiress on Sunday, Dec 2nd, 2012

The Good Mother
Although it was a pleasure to watch the very talented Gretchen Mol as the mother and Mark Blum as her therapist, The Good Mother didn't do it for me. Although the storyline is one that should spark interest and deep emotions,the plot dragged on and got stale fast.There were many dead spots in this production which can be blamed on the subpar direction of Scott Elliott and the writing of Francine Volpe. The subject matter is one that is explosive but fails. Too bad it could have been a contender.

The Good Mother on Sunday, Dec 2nd, 2012

The Good Mother
Although it was a pleasure to watch the very talented Gretchen Mol as the mother and Mark Blum as her therapist, The Good Mother didn't do it for me. Although the storyline is one that should spark interest and deep emotions,the plot dragged on and got stale fast.There were many dead spots in this production which can be blamed on the subpar direction of Scott Elliott and the writing of Francine Volpe. The subject matter is one that is explosive but fails. Too bad it could have been a contender.

The Good Mother on Sunday, Dec 2nd, 2012

VIVA STEPPENWOLF!!!
This revival of Edward Albee's magnificent play shines. The cast is flawless. Tracy Letts who just happened to pen my favorite play August: Osage County does a terrific job backed with the extremely talented Amy Morton portraying George and Martha, an explosive couple engaging in a battle of wits using an unsuspecting young couple Nick and Honey wonderfully portrayed by Carrie Coons and Madison Dirks as pawns in their mind bending game. The play really is about the love George and Martha have for each other although they express it in a most bizarre manner. The set design and direction are top notch and the acting is superb. This is what theater is all about. Although the play runs three hours, the time flies by and you are left drained but begging for more. With a cast like this coupled with Albee's stinging dialog you can't go wrong. You really have to see this wonderful production. In my opinion this is the best show to come to Broadway in a long time. See this one at all costs.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet is an interesting study of a family spiraling downward. Jake Gyllenhall is truly magnificent in his very challenging role as Uncle Terry who tries to reach out to his socially chided niece Anna wonderfully portrayed by Annie Funke. Bryan O'Byrne and Enid Graham are outstanding in their roles as Anne's caring but helpless parents. The set design is plain and what you would expect of an off Broadway show but the way the props are disposed of in scene changes is brilliantly unique. This play has one of the most disturbing scenes I've ever experienced in the theater so hold on tight. It will keep your interest throughout and you will be entertained by a terrific cast with a particularly stellar performance by Jake Gyllenhall. One slight problem for me was that it was very difficult to understand all of Uncle Terry's words due to the character's thick accent but it is also part of his charm. Go see it.

If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

The Other Place is a study of a brilliant woman's decent into mental instability. Laurie Metcalf gives a Tony worthy performance as the troubled Julianna. The plot takes many turns as more and more of Julianna's life is exposed. The Other Place play will peak your interest throughout it's entirety. The supporting cast does an admiral job with a two thumbs performance by the multitalented Daniel Stern, but it is Ms. Metcalf who steals the show.I would have preferred to have seen this show as an off Broadway production.I say this because the set design simple and basic, the show runs very short (about 80 minutes) and it would be more effective in a smaller and more intimate venue .Still I enjoyed this play very much and would encourage you to go see it if for nothing else to see Laurie Metcalf's magnificent performance.

The Other Place on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

The Other Place is a study of a brilliant woman's decent into mental instability. Laurie Metcalf gives a Tony worthy performance as the troubled Julianna. The plot takes many turns as more and more of Julianna's life is exposed. The Other Place play will peak your interest throughout it's entirety. The supporting cast does an admiral job with a two thumbs performance by the multitalented Daniel Stern, but it is Ms. Metcalf who steals the show.I would have preferred to have seen this show as an off Broadway production.I say this because the set design simple and basic, the show runs very short (about 80 minutes) and it would be more effective in a smaller and more intimate venue .Still I enjoyed this play very much and would encourage you to go see it if for nothing else to see Laurie Metcalf's magnificent performance.

The Other Place on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

The Other Place is a study of a brilliant woman's decent into mental instability. Laurie Metcalf gives a Tony worthy performance as the troubled Julianna. The plot takes many turns as more and more of Julianna's life is exposed. The Other Place play will peak your interest throughout it's entirety. The supporting cast does an admiral job with a two thumbs performance by the multitalented Daniel Stern, but it is Ms. Metcalf who steals the show.I would have preferred to have seen this show as an off Broadway production.I say this because the set design simple and basic, the show runs very short (about 80 minutes) and it would be more effective in a smaller and more intimate venue .Still I enjoyed this play very much and would encourage you to go see it if for nothing else to see Laurie Metcalf's magnificent performance.

The Other Place on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful revival of Gershwin's Nice Work If You Can Get It. Kelli O'Hara is so incredibly talented you can't get enough of her and Matthew Broaderick plays the rather Thurston Howell 111 playboy brilliantly. And the music; well it's the Gershwin brothers. What else can you say. Go see this spectacular production You'll be singing beautiful songs the whole day through.

Nice Work If You Can Get It on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012

Welcome Back Tennessee, We Miss You!!
This production of the great Tennessee Williams' play is one of interesting interpretation. Scarlett Johansen gives a noteworthy performance as Maggie the Cat that is different than what I expected. Her Maggie was more of an alley cat rather than a purring kitty. With her sultry voice it would have been more interesting if she put a little more coquettish sensuality into it but all in all she puts in a fine performance. Benjamin Walker's performance as Brick was sometimes ineffective and sometimes brilliant. Ciaran Hinds comes on initially so bombastic as Big Daddy you wonder if you can stand him for the next two hours but after a little while (and after he simmers down) you are rapt in his terrific performance begging for more.The big aspect missing in this production in my opinion was there was very little sexual attraction between Big Daddy and Maggie. I think Tennessee wrote the script to intimate if Brick wasn't around old Big Daddy would be on Maggie like a water buffalo on o bunny rabbit. Kudos also goes to the other members of the supporting cast in particular Debra Monk who gives a stunning performance as Big Momma. I was very pleased to see somebody finally had the stones to reveal Brick had an occasional homosexual tryst with his best friend Skipper. It really adds another dimension to his relationship with Maggie and his view of the mendacity of life. Two flaws in direction I thought were distracting were the loud and purposeless singing of the servants and the ear splitting effect of the fireworks coupled with thunder which was about 1000 decibels more than needed. All in all it was a good show. I think old Tennessee would think "its not quite what I meant, but it ain't bad"

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on Wednesday, Jan 30th, 2013

This Is No Picnic
I saw Picnic in previews through the Gold Club from TheaterMania.(which I recommend you join if you attend a lot of plays as I do). I was glad I saw it with a complimentary ticket. Picnic is a simple play with a simple plot. The dialog is pretty uninspiring with bursts of mirth. Basically it is about a country girl who is smitten with a handy man hunk who is a drifter. It goes on and on with family insight interjected with a side bar romance between a lonely aging woman and her marriage dodging beau. This part of the play turned out to be much more interesting and entertaining than the main story. Maggie Grace does an OK job as the beautiful Madge but her performance in just OK. I really don't like to give a bad review of an actor's ability but Sebastian Stan's performance as Hal the drifter was appalling. He has the physique of an Adonis but the acting talent of Ozzie Osborn. Dude, keep your shirt off and stick to modeling. (sorry Sebastian, but it was pretty dreadful). It is a joy to see Ellen Burstyn again on Broadway. She and Mare Winningham were marvelous and a big round of applause goes to Madeline Martin in her Broadway debut as Madge's kid sister Millie. The real show stealers of this dull play are the wonderful Elizabeth Marvel and Reed Birney as the lonely lovers who will never marry as far as Howard (Reed Birney) is concerned and the inner turmoil this presents to Rosemary (Elizabeth Marvel who is Marvel-ous!) The play itself was written in 1953 and it shows. The dialog is trite and the story is rather droll. If you really like old, quaint, shows that do nothing to stimulate you this show is for you. For. all others there are a lot of better (and worse) ones out there--- but think twice.

Picnic on Wednesday, Jan 30th, 2013

Loved it!
I did not want to see this play. I was given the DVD for Christmas last year. It was so sappy I couldn't watch more than half of it. Even my wife who loves sappy movies couldn't watch such dribble. Well, I succumbed to my curiosity and attended the Broadway play with fairly low expectations. Boy, was I ever pleasantly surprised. What a beautiful show. Maybe a smidgen sappy but delightfully so. The music is terrific and was performed by extremely talented and accomplished musicians. The direction was flawless. I was anxious to see Steve Kazee's Tony Award winning performance but this performance was performed by his understudy Ben Hope who did a stellar job showcasing his tremendous talent. The real star of the production was Cristin Milioto who was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in Once. She has a voice as sweet as honey, blends in beautifully with her simple harmony and performs her rather difficult role flawlessly. She also plays piano with a simple sweet passion. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this marvelous production and highly recommend it to all. I plan on purchasing the cast CD and maybe even giving the DVD another chance. Maybe.

Once on Thursday, Mar 7th, 2013

Holly Goslightly
I attended the Breakfast at Tiffany's when it was in previews. Being a fan of Truman Capote I entered the Cort Theater with great anticipation but left disappointed. The gorgeous Emilia Clarke gives a good (not great) performance as Holly and Cory Michael Smith handles his role adequately as Fred but there is no real chemistry there even if Fred's sexual preference is in question. Sean Mathias' direction is misguided and murky. The set design is drab and dull but the real problem is Richard Greenberg's adaption of Capote's novella.The relationships of the characters are so mundane and boring that by the time the curtain falls you really don't care what happens to them. This is not the first time Breakfast at Tiffany's made a lackluster appearance on Broadway. It may be time to finish breakfast and move on to lunch. There were three stellar performances that deserve mention. George Wendt (Hey Norm!!), Murphy Guyer and Vito Vincent ( the cat--played his part with extreme believability) were superb. I think Vito Vincent did the smartest thing he could have done when he prematurely bolted from the stage. I think he was on to something.

Breakfast at Tiffany's on Thursday, Mar 21st, 2013

Fun Fun Fun
This is a fun show. It's kind of like Pee Wee's Playhouse. It is not an in depth analysis of the human spirit but it is definitely cool. Every member of the cast was superb playing each role with a perfect blend of respect and camp. Although this is an off Broadway production it is held at the on Broadway sized New York City Center. It also has a stunning twenty six (or so) piece orchestra to accompany the very catchy Strouse and Adams songs. I can't believe so much has gone into this production for such a limited amount of time. I'd love to see this play make it to Broadway with an open run. It deserves it. Go see this show but you'll have to fly to catch it. Up Up and Away!!!!!

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman on Thursday, Mar 21st, 2013

We're lucky to have this show on Broadway
I saw Lucky Guy while it was in previews. Lucky Guy is a play based on the life of the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Mike McAlary's rise, fall and resurrection (both physically and professionally) as being a prominent newspaper investigative journalist. Written by the late Nora Ephron, the dialogue and story line are worthy of high praise; something you would expect of Nora Ephron. The story was well researched and shows the true nature of the gifted McAlary warts and all. What I liked about the play was it brought an insight into the world of newspaper men and women and the closeness and competitiveness they have in their chosen profession. The cast is made up of outstanding professionals who perform magnificently. You've seen all of them before and will recognize most of them on sight. Of particular note was Maura Tierney who played Mike McAlary's supportive and strong willed wife with her usual perfection. Of course most everyone in the theater will come to see Tom Hanks . You will not be disappointed. Mr. Hanks plays his role as Mike McAlary brilliantly with just the right amount of warmth and charisma. It is a pleasure to see such a talented and celebrated actor perform live on stage. Welcome to Broadway Mr. Hanks. We hope you will find a home here! This play is very entertaining, interesting and highly enjoyable. It is a very fitting tribute to both Nora Ephron and Tom Hanks. Go see it!

Lucky Guy on Tuesday, Apr 2nd, 2013

Bountiful Talent
I saw this show while it was in previews. The Trip to Bountiful is a beautifully simple story of a feisty elderly lady's journey back to her place of birth to return to her roots and renew her dignity. Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Condola Rashad and Tom Wopat give outstanding performances but it is Cicely Tyson that steals the show with her Tony worthy performance as the impish elderly and totally lovable Carrie Watts. Ms Tyson fills the stage with her magnificent talent which keeps you rapt in her character from beginning to end. Cecily Tyson has said she plans on retiring after this show finishes (let's hope she changes her mind---please) so if you want to witness a gifted treasure of the theater please go see this play. Some performances are good, some are great. This one is memorable.

The Trip to Bountiful on Thursday, Apr 4th, 2013

You Will Be Glad David Konig Is Addicted!
Addicted To Show Business is a compilation of stand up comedy routines performed by David Konig in his one man show. I am very pleased to inform you David's material is clean and very funny. You can tell David loves the stage and his enthusiasm is contagious. The play (routine) is loaded with laughs with David's commentary on his amusing outlook on various aspects of his life. The hour and 15 minute presentation seems to fly by. Accompanied only by his talented piano player David's presentation of Addicted to Show Business is something all can enjoy.

Addicted to Show Business on Thursday, May 9th, 2013

A Little Song, A Little Dance, A Little Seltzer Down Your Pants!!!
You know what I love about New York theater? You have the privilege of seeing the best of the best. And that's exactly what you will see in Old Hats. Bill Irwin and David Shiner are truly amazing and one (or two) of a kind. I don't think there are two other people that can come up with these hilarious skits much less have the impeccable timing and talent needed to pull them off. I can't remember ever laughing so hard for so long at the theater. Fresh from their earlier play Fool Moon, the dynamic duo keep the laughs rolling along. There was some talk of this play going on Broadway to a bigger venue. I hope that happens. This play is too good for just a few lucky people to enjoy. What a riot!!!

Old Hats on Thursday, May 9th, 2013