I just returned from New York and am happy to report that new plays (as opposed to musicals) are alive and well on Broadway. If you are in New York anytime soon, DO NOT MISS Tracy Letts' outstanding new play "AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY." This dark family drama is funny, smart, engaging, and the acting ensemble from Chicago's Steppenwolf theater provides a master class in acting. I do not recall being more excited about a new American play since "Angels in America." I will be shocked if this play does not win the Pulitzer and Best Play Tony Award next year. If you are in New York and can only see one show this season - without question, this is the one to see.
I also enjoyed Connor McPherson's engaging new drama "THE SEAFARER." Irish actor Jim Norton gives an amazing performance amidst many strong performances from the talented cast. ""THE SEAFARER" has much more humor than McPherson's prior works, but retains the depth that permeates his writing.
By contrast, I was disappointed in Tom Stoppard's new play "ROCK 'N ROLL," which suffers from the bombastic and unemotional direction by Trevor Nunn. It is not a bad play or production, but the other two plays mentioned above are head and shoulders in quality above this one.
New musicals in New York this season? Let's not go there. I did not even use my ticket to "YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN," because those whose opinions I trust have trashed the show, and the snippets from the show I have seen are painfully bad. Two off-broadway musicals I did see ("MAKE ME A SONG" and "THE GLORIOUS ONES") were lifeless and disappointing.
As for Los Angeles right now, my highest recommendation goes to "QUALITY OF LIFE" at the Geffen Playhouse which is a moving and well written play that is performed by a dream cast. If you have not seen this show, try to catch it before it disappears in a few weeks.
Finally, a quick word on the Broadway-bound new musical "A CATERED AFFAIR" now playing at the Old Globe in San Diego. This show seems to be splitting opinion among its viewers, but count me in the group that found the show to be an uninvolving and cold show which finds merit only in the wonderful performance given by Faith Prince. The New York crowd is hoping this is the musical that will emerge as the best of the season when it hits New York in the spring. IMHO, I don't think so.
