Uniquely Structured “Cambodian Rock Band” Rocks The House

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

2/24/20, 8:28 AM

Lauren Yee's expertly cast “Cambodian Rock Band”  ‪@SignatureTheatr‬ is wildly creative & original in its structure & form. This play with great music, including rarely heard in the US 1970s era Cambodian rock, compellingly relates details of the Khmer Rouge genocide & its impact on later generations. Admittedly the underlying story is fairly simple and not especially unique, but the way this tale is structured and presented is very unique and is supremely engaging.  The audience response at the performance I saw would justify a transfer to another theater after its Signature run, and a small Broadway house would make for a very welcome home for this show.

A Superlative “Hamlet” from Dublin’s Gate Theatre

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

2/23/20, 11:32 AM

The Gate Theatre Dublin ‪production of "Hamlet" ‪@stannswarehouse‬ is astonishing. The technical elements are perfect, but what really makes this a must see show is Ruth Negga's searing portrayal of the deep and fascinating complexities of the Dane prince.  Her performance made me experience each of the other major characters in the play in a way I have never previously experienced.  Admittedly, there is one weak link in the cast (Aoife Duffin as Ophelia), but no matter- this one of the finest Shakespeare productions I have seen.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The character complexities that imbue the Gate's "Hamlet" are largely missing in Simon Stone's modern adaptation of "Medea," a deficiency I attribute largely to Stone's writing and not the fine actors in this production at BAM.  But the production design and staging is mesmerizing and make this worth seeing.  MILDLY RECOMMENDED, WITH RESERVATIONS

The one person stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strout's fine novel "My Name Is Lucy Barton" is not inherently theatrical, but the always wonderful Laura Linney is the star of this show and makes for a largely compelling production.  RECOMMENDED

“Hot Wing King” Is Vastly Entertaining

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

2/20/20, 2:30 PM

‪Katori Hall's vastly entertaining & smart new play "The Hot Wing King" ‪@SignatureTheatr‬ features great dialogue, interesting characters, a talented acting ensemble & expert direction.  The play explores black gay male relationships in ways that few plays are able to accomplish.  Even after 140 swiftly passing minutes, I did not want this play to end, as I wanted to spend more time with its multi-faceted characters.  I have admired much of Ms. Hall's previous work, and this play ranks among her best.  Highly Recommended

By contrast, I was greatly disappointed in Roundabout Theatre's revival of Charles Fuller's Pulitzer winning drama "A Soldier's Play."  Director Kenny Leon tries to add some contemporary flourishes to this rather old fashioned and dated play, but some odd directorial choices and inconsistent acting quality make this a mediocre revival, at best.  Not Recommended

“Dana H.” Mesmerizes Telling Its Astonishing Story

KenderTheater (‪@KenderTheater‬)

2/19/20, 2:00 PM

Lucas Hnath's "Dana H." ‪@vineyardtheatre‬ is an astonishing & powerful testimonial docu-drama drawn from interviews with the playwright's mother.  This necessarily disturbing play is powered by a mesmerizing Deirdre O'Connell performance, elegantly refined staging & Hnath's expertly edited and structured play.    The play explores wide ranging themes involving memory, trauma and mortality.   I cannot stop thinking about this compelling production since I bore witness to its telling.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED