Another Fascinating Annie Baker Play

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/28/17, 2:08 PM

Annie Baker may be my favorite current playwright based on her output of the last few years.  Thus, it is a pleasure to report that Ms. Baker's new play "The Antipodes" ‪@SignatureTheatr‬ is a brilliant exploration of story telling that wormed its way into my head and won't let go since I saw it several days ago.   It features a flawless cast, precise direction and appropriately realistic feeling physical production.

"Dolly" Is Dated

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/25/17, 11:40 PM

‪@HelloDollyBway‬ is dated, too broadly performed & rather dull except for the fine title song scene in which Bette Midler and her fine dancing ensemble shine.   Bette strains singing most of the show, but her sass and personality are a great fit for Dolly Levi.  However, the production surrounding Ms. Midler seems stuck in a long lost time, missing a welcome opportunity to revive this show in a fresh and contemporary way.

A Welcome "Six Degrees" Revival

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/24/17, 10:39 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting ‪John Guare's "Six Degrees Of Separation" on Broadway 27 years after its Lincoln Center premiere.   Allison Janney & Corey Hawkins are great together in this crisp, funny revival that is smartly directed by Trip Cullman.  When the show begins, it feels a bit dated, but that fell away for me when I began to notice the huge difference in perspective between seeing this show in my late 20s versus my mid-50s.  That difference made this revival especially compelling for me.

"Sweeney Todd" Is Unsatisfying

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/24/17, 7:51 AM

I was largely disappointed by the imported London revival of "Sweeney Todd" now playing at the entirely reconfigured (as a pie shop)  Barrow St Theatre.  The cast & singing are uneven.  Norm Lewis is too one note as Sweeney and lacks the needed chemistry with the much more adept Carolee Carmello as Mrs. Lovett.  This rendition pales in comparison to the best "Sweeney" productions I have seen.  The direction and acting styles were also too broad and "British music hall" style for my taste.

A Humorous & Intriguing "Doll's House" Sequel

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/21/17, 11:10 PM

The cast, direction & writing of ‪@DollsHousePart2‬ are superb. Lucas Hnath's comedic play is very funny, but also quite thoughtful and contemporary, raising intriguing thoughts about marriage, equality, freedom and responsibility.  Director Sam Gold stuns me once again, sheparding 3 Tony worthy performances from Laurie Metcalf, Jayne Houdyshell & Condola Rashad.  This is the winning sleeper surprise of the Broadway season.

Laura Linney Dominates "The Little Foxes"

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/21/17, 12:11 AM

Laura Linney is perfection as as the cold, scheming Regina in ‪@MTC_NYC‬ traditionally staged #TheLittleFoxes .  Micheal McKean, Richard Thomas, Caroline Stefanie Clay & Cynthia Nixon are also great in their supporting roles.  

"Pacific Overtures" Disappoints

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/19/17, 10:54 PM

The off Broadway revival or Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures" ‪@classicstage‬ disappoints with static, repetitive staging & an uneven cast.  Still, it is always a treat to hear this show's fine score performed live.

A Bold & Exciting "Menagerie"

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/19/17, 10:50 PM

The new Broadway revival of "The Glass Menagerie" directed by Sam Gold is a bold, daring & exciting take on Tennessee William's classic play.  This production and its excellent cast expose the raw emotional core of the play.  I loved it, and found it very moving, but I recognize that this unorthodox, deconstructivist production will not be to everyone's liking.

A Great "Two Trains" in Ft Worth

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

4/8/17, 8:31 PM

#TwoTrainsRunning ‪@JubileeTheatre‬ is an outstanding rendition of one of August Wilson's best plays.  It features a great cast that make August Wilson's poetic and searing words sing.  Highly recommended.