James Barbour Announces 4th Annual Holiday Concert Tour, CD Release

Broadway star James Barbour has announced his 4th annual Holiday Concert Tour and the release of his "Bring Me the Giants" CD.

The tour will play:

• The Spanish Hills Country Club (999 Crestview Avenue, Camarillo, CA) on Sunday, Dec. 4. 805-388-5000
• Sardi's (234 West 44 St., NYC) on Thursday, Dec, 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11. 212-838-4444
• The Coterie (1775 North Highland Ave., CA) on Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. 530-426-8374

Each concert will feature special surprise guest stars and a program of the most exhilarating Christmas and Holiday songs in the American Song Book.

This year Barbour’s tour will precede his return to Broadway where he will be featured as Jack Favel in the highly anticipated production of  Rebecca which begins performances on March 27 at the Broadhurst Theatre.
Barbour most recently starred in the world premiere of Nightmare Alley at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.  He has also starred on Broadway in A Tale Of Two Cities.

Theater Professionals to Advise Samuel French Publishing

Samuel French has announced the formation of an Advisory Committee for the 181 year old publishing company.

Beth Blickers –Agent at Abrams Artists Agency where she represents artists working in
theatre, opera, television and film. Before joining Abrams, she was an agent at Helen Merrill
Ltd. and the William Morris Agency, where she began work after graduating from New York
University. Read more at www.lmda.org/user/13.

Adam Bock –Obie-winning Canadian playwright currently living in the US, earlier this
year, Bock’s play A Small Fire premiered at Playwrights Horizons and is now published and
licensed by Samuel French along with The Receptionist, The Thugs, and The Drunken City.
Read more at http://newdramatists.org/adam_bock.htm.

Steven David – Director of Theatre Business Affairs, ICM. Prior to joining ICM in 2005,
he had a 25 year career in theatrical management as a company manager, associate general
manager and general manager at firms including Gatchell & Neufeld, Ltd., Joseph Harris
Associates, Marvin Krauss Associates and Dodger Theatricals, and served as an Executive
Director of the Lark Play Development Center.

Kathy Evans – Founder of the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat. The 2011 inaugural summer
of the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat included Michael Friedman, Itamar Moses, and Alex
Timbers. Previously, Kathy was the Executive Director of the National Alliance for Musical
Theatre, working with 150 theatres and producers as well as more than 400 writers; and she now
serves on their Board of Directors. www.namt.org.

Todd London - Artistic director of New Dramatists, where he has worked closely with
more than a hundred of America's leading playwrights and advocated nationally and
internationally for hundreds more. He is author of the book, Outrageous Fortune, among
many others, and a highly sought conference keynote speaker throughout the theatrical
industry. Read more at www.newdramatists.org/what/about-us.

Theater Review: Private Lives

A Marriage on Display Still Can Be Private
By Lauren Yarger
The honeymoon is over even before it begins when Elyot (Paul Gross) and his new bride, Sybil (Anna Madeley) arrive for their wedding night at a hotel room next to the one shared by his ex, Amanda (Kim Cattrall, ), and her new husband, Victor (Simon Paisley Day), also on their honeymoon in a Broadway production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives.

Elyot and Amanda discover each other across the terrace, and try to hide the unfortunate coincidence from their rather uptight respective spouses who just wouldn’t understand. The loathing they have felt for each other during the five years they have been divorced suddenly turns to longing as the couple realize they still have feelings and decide to abandon their new spouses and run off to Amanda’s apartment in Paris.

They soon are drowning (literally, as Rob Howell’s Riviera terrace set is dismantled to reveal an aquarium-and-chrome themed pad complete with a humongous three-tiered fish tank) in the wave of their lust. When they come up for air, some of the issues that drove them apart –like a tendency toward arguments and violence-- surface with them. They decide the only thing that will serve as a lifeline for the relationship is a “stop” word that each can use when they feel an argument is getting out of hand. Once uttered, the couple falls into two minutes of silence.

Meanwhile, Sybil and Victor track the couple down and show up in the middle of a knock-down-drag-out fight between Elyot and Amanda that makes us really fear, at the very least, for the safety of the fish in that tank. The next morning, the maid, Louise (Caroline Lena Olsson) hardly is nonplussed to find the apartment wrecked and Sybil and Victor asleep in the living room. Could this be normal?

The new spouses try to find out where they stand given that the relationship between Amanda and Elyot seems over. Not all might be what it seems, however, since what keeps two people together might not be obvious, even when the couple’s relationship is swimming around in a fishbowl for all to see. After all, they ask, what is “normal” in our private lives?
While some of the play defers to plot needs rather than reality, there is much humor, subtly executed by Day who brings guffaws with simple lines like “hush now.” He is brilliant as the calm, steady, stodgy guy who suddenly finds himself neither calm nor steady. Director Richard Eyre highlights the sexiness of Cattrall’s character, but makes sure she portrays someone different from Samantha Jones, the “Sex and the City” role for which she is known. Gross also is known to fans of TV’s “Due South” and “Slings and Arrows.”

Not amusing, however, is the physical abuse and casual acceptance by everyone that Elyot hits Amanda, or the spanking of Sybil by Victor. That unfortunately might have been considered appropriate in 1930 when the play was written, but it’s hard to understand why audiences today will think it funny to see women treated this way. Perhaps producers were willing to overlook this in the hopes that this Coward play would run similar to the recent success of his others on the Great White Way, like Present Laughter and Blithe Spirit. 

Howell also doubles as costume designer creating beautiful period gowns and dresses for the women and dapper suits for the men. The three acts are presented with one intermission between the first two and a brief pause between the second and third. Running time is two hours and 50 minutes.

Private Lives is on view at The Music Box Theatre, 239 West 45th St., NYC. For tickets, call 212-239-6200.

Christians might also like to know:
--Show lists a Mature Advisory
--God’s name taken in vain
--Adultery

Quick Hit Theater Review: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs

Mike Daisey in The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, created and performed by Mike Daisey and directed by Jean-Michele Gregory, running at The Public Theater. Photo credit: Stan Barouh

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
Created and Performed by Mike Daisey
Directed by Jean-Michelle Gregory
Scenery and Lighting Design by Seth Reiser
The Public Theater
Summary:
Storyteller Mike Daisey (The Last Cargo Cult; How Theater Failed America; 21 Dog Years among others) shares his obsession with all things Apple and Steve Jobs along with his growing repugnance toward the labor conditions in China created by consumers’ obsession with having corporation's products.

Against a metal backdrop with LCD lighting (also a product of China), Daisey entertains with a monologue about technology and his trip to China to talk to workers who produce I-Phones and other technology. Technology itself becomes a metaphor for religion as users worship the products and believe they need ever latest upgrade. If we control the metaphor through which we see the world, then we control the world, he preaches. He combines humor, history and his own research to tell a sweeping story of genius, technological breakthroughs and heartbreaking disregard for the thousands of workers, many children, exploited by the industry.

It’s a tight two-hour presentation (no intermission) that will make you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Highlights:
Entertaining, well written, thought provoking piece. Contemporary given the recent news cycle following the death of Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Lowlights:
A little confusing at the beginning for those not familiar with Daisey’s presentations. It appears to some that Daisey might be trying to portray Jobs himself.

Information:A flyer is distributed following the performance with information on how to communicate with Apple, how to resist upgrading every device, educating yourself and others on labor conditions in China and how to speak out.

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, Off-Broadway at the third-floor Martinson Hall at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., NYC, has been extended through Dec. 4. The show runs Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 pm with matinees at 2 on the weekend. Call 212-539-8642 or visit www.publictheater.org for tickets.

Christians might also like to know:
--Lord’s name taken in vain
--Language throughout

--Lauren Yarger

Quick Hit Theater Review: Horsedreams

Michael Laurence, Roxanna Hope, and Matthew Schechter  Photo: Sandra Coudert.

Horsedreams
By Dael Orlandersmith
Directed by Gordon Edelstein
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

Summary:
Against a metaphoric cracked backdrop (Takeshi Kata, set design), drug use takes its toll on one family in an intensely gripping, unrelentingly engaging world premiere of Horsedreams, a play by Dael Orlandersmith, who also plays the role of Mira, a housekeeper who tries to help young Luka (Matthew Schechter), caught in the middle of his parents' addictions.

Loman (Michael Laurence) and Desiree (Roxanna Hope) seem like any other young couple. They're successful, enjoy the club/party scene and are physically attracted. They get married and have a baby and move out of the city to Westchester, but Desiree soon finds playing housewife and mother unfulfilling. She also starts to doubt whether she loves Loman and turns to drugs to feel more in control. Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Loman starts taking her back to the clubs, but the once-a-week stimulation and snorting of coke lines isn't enough and Desiree starts injecting a mix of cocaine and heroin with devestating results.

In the wake of his wife's overdose, Loman swears off coke and hires Mira to look after Luka who craves some attention from his father who consoles himself with alcohol. When Loman succumbs to the temptation of escape "just this once" and "one last time" through the same cooked narcotic combination that took his wife, Mira wonders whether she should intervene and have Luka removed from the home, especially when Loman starts taking the boy with him to drug-buying trips to 125th and Lexington Avenue.

Highlights:
An uncompromising look at the downward spiral drugs bring and their effects on addicts and those who love them. Orlandersmith has a gift for storytelling and for realistic characters. I particularly liked the development of Loman's thoughts that he is somehow above having a drug problem because he is rich and white. The play answers a lot of questions about why people turn to drugs and has a great message about how our kids are more influenced by what we do than by what we say. Should be required curriculum for middle schoolers (and their parents).

Edelstein's direction is excellent, as are lighting and sound ((Marcus Doshi; Ryan Rumery).

Lowlights:
The theater was unbearably warm the night I attended and the use of a strong herbal cigarette made it more uncomfortable for the intermissionless, 85-minute presentation.

Information:
Hosrsedreams runs through Dec. 11 at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, NYC– off 7th Avenue South – between West 11th & Perry streets. Performances are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $55 and are available at 212-279-4200 or at www.ticketcentral.com.

Christians might also like to know:
--God's name taken in vain
--Drug usage
--Language
--Sexual activity

Theater Review: Chinglish



Stephen Pucci and Jennifer Lim. Photo: Michael McCabe

Humorous Look at Communication Glitches Uncovers Human Frailties Too
By Lauren Yarger
Miscommunications in language and love highlight Chinglish, a humorous offering from playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly).

Ohio sign maker Daniel Cavanaugh (Gary Wilmes) heads to China to try to win a contract for making signs that will be needed at a newly constructed arts center. He thinks convincing officials to spend a little money now to avoid embarrassment later like that suffered by other cities who post incorrectly translated signs will take about a week, but that's not the first misunderstanding that he encounters.

He enlists the help of Peter Timms (Stephen Pucci), a Brit who teaches English and who passes himself off as a sort of consultant for the Chinese government. In a land where there is no justice, just predictable outcomes, it will take Cavanaugh at least eight weeks just to build relationships, Timms explains. He doesn't realize, however, that Cavanaugh will start a romantic relationship with Xi Yan (Jennifer Lim), vice minister of cultural affairs, which complicates negotiations as well as the couple's personal lives as they ponder their own unhappy marriages and experience a gap in communication with each other, even in bed.

"OK, I think what you said to me is really important," Cavanaugh says, but has to admit that he has no idea what it was. He also doesn't catch that the words Xi Yan speaks during their lovemaking are all about the frustration she feels with her husband. He finds himself falling in love, however, and plans to leave his wife.

Xi Yan's boss, Culture Minister Cai Guoliang (Larry Lei Zhang) opposes awarding the contract to Cavanaugh, though he indicates through a grossly inept (and riotously funny) translator Miss Qian (Angela Lin) that he s considering it. Communications between the players get even more muddied as it becomes obvious that Guilang may want to hide some nepotism, Timms might not have been clear about his standing with the government, Cavanugh's company might not be quite what he said and Xi Yan's ulterior motives might be to gain a promotion for her husband (Johnny Wu).

Hwang's nice character development and humorous dialogue create an interesting study of the clash of cultures as well as human frailty. Chinese dialogue is translated with the words projected on David Korins' fabulous modular set pieces that revolve and float together to construct various settings (Brian McDevitt, lighting design; Jeff Sugg and Shawn Duan, projection design). American-sounding music with Chinese lyrics (Darron I. West, sound design) is used between scene changes.

Some of the funniest moments come from a slide show where Cavanaugh displays examples of grossly mistranslated signs."To take notice of safe. The slippery are very crafty," is one way of warning about "slippery slopes ahead." One other thing that's not clear is why Wilmes delivers mist of his lines in full yell. It's almost like that joke where someone yells at someone speaking a foreign language in the hopes that volume will somehow supersede the inability to understand.

Overall, it's an enjoyable time at the theater, and the very sparse audience the day I attended was a surprise. Might be a good choice for easy tickets if you are wondering what to see over the holidays.

Catch Chinglish at the Longacre Theatre, 220 West 48th St., NYC. Discounted tickets are available by clicking here.

Christians might also like to know:
--Show posts a Mature advisory
--Language
--Sexual dialogue
--Sexual activity

Quick Hit Theater Review: Richard II -- The Pearl

From L to R: Sean McNall (Richard II), Jolly Abraham (Harry Percy), and Grant Goodman (Henry Bolingbroke). Photo: Gregory Costanzo

Richard II
By William Shakespeare
Directed by J.R. Sullivan
The Pearl Theatre Company

Summary:
Shakepeare's verse-laden play about 14th-century King Richard II (Sean McNall) who starts by making a poor decision while deciding a charge of treason brought by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, the Duke of Hereford (Grant Goodman), against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mobray (Chris Mixon) and ends up by losing his crown. A series of plots and rebellions undermine his power and that of Bolingbroke, who usurps him, as men vie for control of " this earth, this realm, this England."

Highlights:
Jolly Abraham shines as Richard's queen and in a second role of Harry Percy. (a number of the ensemble, six of whom are members of the Pearl's resident acting company, play dual roles across genders in the production). Sullivan's tight direction creates some vivid visuals. Carol Schultz as the Duchess of York shows comedic skill in a scene where she pleads for the life of her son, the Duke of Aumerle (Wayne T. Carr) who has plotted against the king, a crime for which his father, the Duke of York (Bill Christ) wants him punished. Harry Feiner's simple set quickly conveys time and place as well as providing a second platform level for action in the tiny stage. Lighting designer Stephen Petrilli contributes some nifty stained glass and other (and stairs tuck neatly underneath the platform). Martha Hally's minimal costumes convey period and character well and the mood is enhanced by music and sound effects (Jane Shaw, sound design).

Lowlights:
Not one of Shakespeare's more interesting plays, it feels like a very long history lesson at two hours and 50 minutes (with one intermission). This Richard seems a little too weak and eager to shed tears. Folks at intermission were asking who the characters were and how they were related to each other. A helpful synopsis of the plot is included in the program, but the large number of characters (more than 30) and the doubling of roles apparently is confusing for many.

Information:
Richard II runs through Dec. 24 at New York City Center Stage II, 131 West 55th St. (between 6th and 7th avenues). Tickets can be purchased by calling 212-581-1212 or online at www.NYCityCenter.org.

Christians might also like to know:
No notes. Enjoy!

Theater Review: Venus in Fur

Audition Turns into Another Kind of Role Playing
By Lauren Yarger
Nina Arianda recreates the role which brought her acclaim in her Off-Broadway debut last season in David Ives Venus in Fur, now in a Broadway run produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club.

She plays Vanda, an actress going all out to win a part in a play written by Thomas (Hugh Dancy) based on an erotic novel about a man in bondage to the goddess Venus. She comes equipped with all of the costumes she'll need (Anita Yavich, design) and a knowledge of how to work the rehearsal studio's lighting (although a couple of real lighting cues were missed. Peter Kaczorowski, design. The minimal set is designed by John Lee Beatty).

As lines and scenes from the script are read for the audition, reality and fantasy blur as emotions and desires of Vanda and Thomas mimic those of the characters. Arianda and Darcy give charged performances and under the direction of Walter Bobbie, slip seamlessly, sometimes in mid sentence, between the characters in the play and the characters portraying them. It's really good acting.

While the performances are excellent and Ives incorporates a lot of humor in the script, there isn't much purpose to the play beyond being a study of desires around domination, submission and sadomasochistic sexual practices. A sexual tension builds with the actors reversing roles to see who will be dominant and in control. The "surprise" ending isn't, really, and personally, I can think of more worthy subjects then S&M on which to spend an hour and 45 minutes.

Venus in Fur runs through Dec 18 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 West 47th St., NYC. Discounted tickets are available by clicking here.

Christians might also like to know:
--Language
--God's name taken in vain
--Goddess
--Sexual activity and dialogue
--Dialogue about sadomasochism

Quick Hit Theater Review: Iron Curtain

Jenn Gambatese with Top L to R: Sara Brophy, Robby Sharpe, James Patterson;

Bottom L to R: Clint Carter, Ronn Burton. Photo by Gerry Goodstein

Iron Curtain
Book by Susan DiLallo
Music by Stephen Weiner
Lyrics by Peter Mills
Directed by Cara Reichel
Choreography by Christine O'Grady
Music Supervision & Orchestrations by Remy Kure

Summary:
The musical writing team of Howard Katz (Todd Alan Johnson) and Murray Finkel (David Perlman) strikes out on Broadway when Damn Yankees steals the basis of their show about a baseball player who sells his soul to the devil. They attract the attention of Yevgenyi Onanov (Gordon Stanley), in charge of the Soviet Union's Ministry of Musical Persuasion, charged with staging a propaganda musical about the evils of America. His Soviet version of Oklahoma directed by whip-cracking (literally) East German Hildret Heinz (Bobbi Kotula) hasn't impressed Nikita Khruschchev (John Fico), so he kidnaps Katz and Finkell, with the help of KGB agent Sergei Schmearnov (Aaron Ramey), brings them to Moscow and forces them to create a musical. Desperate, the team retools their failed musical "Faust Ball" as "Damnable Yankees" and they hit one out of the park.

Finkel is morose, trying to fend off Hildret's romantic (and sadistic) advances, and is just beginning to realize how much he cares about Shirley Dooley (Maria Couch), the actress/girlfriend he never quite committed to at home. Murray isn't minding Russian hospitality, even at the rundown Lapov Luxury hotel, though, especially if it means getting to spend time with the show's star, Masha (Jenn Gambatese).

Will clueless Shirley be able to track Howard down behind the Iron Curtain with the help of a border guard (Ronn Burton)? Will a Frau divided between her duty and love let Howard go? Will Masha defect to join Murray? Will Onanov get to fully express his love for musicals? The answer to the last question is yes, in the fabulous send up of the song "If Not for Musicals." The rest I will leave to your imagination.
Highlights:
I love this show. DiLallo's book is tongue-in-cheek, hysterically funny. Weiner's score is varied, full and fun. "Half a World Away" is right up there with the loveliest ballads to grace a stage. Mill' lyrics are tight, clever and poetic. Why this show hasn't gotten a larger New York production is a mystery. I'd love to see what John Rando would do with it.

Stanley, who has portrayed Onanov in prior productions of Iron Curtain (once in 2008 when the musical was in development at the O'Neill Theatre Center where I first fell in love with it) sort of IS this character to me now and lends a lovely voice to the musical numbers. Gambatese sings up a storm and Burton steals the scene as different characters Shirley encounters in her search for Howard.

Lowlights:
This presentation, helmed by Reichel, who also directed prior versions which won it the Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical., just doesn't achieve Détente, however.
This production by Prospect Theater Company takes itself too seriously. Half of the fun of the corny book and lyrics is a subtle double entendre that you don't always catch on the first pass. It's much funnier to let the audience "get it," or have it come back to bite them a few seconds later. Here they make sure we get it, and it seems like the actors almost slow down to the point where they might check and ask "Did you get the pun there? Did you catch those snappy lyrics?" Part of the reason my critic Fellows and I at the O'Neill begged to see this show a second time was to see what we had missed in the fast-paced, laugh-filled first time.

Also too pronounced as the strange accent and S&M tendencies of Hildret (though Kotula originated the role at Village Theatre). And there isn't enough chemistry between Katz and Finkel.

Information:
Catch the humor before the Iron Curtain comes down on Nov. 27. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.  There are added performances on Nov. 19 at 3 pm, Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 26 at 3 pm.  No performances on Nov. 23 and 24. The Baruch Performing Arts Center, Baruch College is located at East 25th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue.  Tickets are $50, with premium seating availablefor $65.To purchase tickets visit www.ProspectTheater.orgor call 212-352-3101.
www.IronCurtainTheMusical.com.

Prospect Theater Company is a non-profitorganization founded in 1998 by five graduates of Princeton University in orderto allow a diverse group of emerging theater professionals to work together inpursuit of artistic excellence and innovation.  Known both for itsdevelopment of new musicals and its engaging interpretations of classic plays,Prospect strives to build bridges between artists and audiences, and to connecttheater's present to its past—in order to build its future. www.ProspectTheater.org.

Christians might also like to know:
--God's name taken in vain.

Quick Hit Theater Review: A Christmas Story, The Musical

Photo from Kansas City Production. Credit: Don Ipock and Kansas City Rep

A Christmas Story, the Musical
Book by Joseph Robinette
Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Directed by John Rando
Choreography by Warren Carlyle

Summary:
All I want for Christmas if for this show to come to New York.

Jean Shepherd's classic film "A Christmas Story" comes to life in a bigger-than-life production that is fun, heartwarming and of a better production quality than any of the recent holiday musicals we have seen in the Great White Way. A tour of the show opened last night in Hershey, PA before heading to Detroit, Raleigh, NS, Tampa and Chicago.

Heading a really great cast is the beautifully voiced Clarke Hallum as Ralphie, who wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder carbine action BB gun. He schemes to let his parents (Rachel Bay Jones and John Bolton) know and even writes an essay about it for his teacher, Miss Shields (Karen Mason). But even Santa (Adam Pelty) doesn't think it's a good idea. He might shoot his eye out!

The humor of the movie is translated seemlessly into the musical format. All of your favorite scenes are there: the ugly leg lamp, bullies Farkus and Dill (Charlie Plummer, John Francies Barbo) and the flagpole, Randy (Matthew Lewis) stuck in his snowsuit and even the neighbor's dogs, thanks to Foley Artist (Nick Gaswirth) who provides sound effects for the radio chat narrated by Shepherd (Gene Weygandt).

Pasek's score is jazzy and fun, if a little on the long side. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank; musical supervision by Ian Eisendrath. Scenes unfold with huge sets (Walt Spangler) enhanced by colorful costumes ranging from every day clothes to bunny suits (Elizabeth Hope Clancy, design) and Carlyle's choreography. Lighting is by Howell Binkley.

Highlights:
Hallum is outstanding. Rarely have I seen a kid this age with such a good singing voice who is a master actor as well. All of the kids are triple threats. It's one of the strongest kid ensembles I have seen. All of the performances are top notch. Bolton brings a lot of humor to "The Old Man" and has the audience in stitches with his prolonged mumbled profanities. Weygandt virtually channels Shepherd and his recollections of that 1940 Indiana Christmas.

Rando's skillful direction brings out in-depth performances. He keeps the action intimate and the story's message in focus in the midst of colossal sets and full production numbers with a large cast. I particularly liked a scene where Shepherd and Ralphie, dressed similarly, stand next to each other as the one acts out the other's memory of himself. There are a few other subtle encounters between the two as well, which is a nice touch.
"Ralphie to the Rescue," a fantasy sequence in which Ralph imagines saving everyone with his BB gun is tight, imaginative, fun and well executed. Dance arrangements by Glen Kelly.

Lowlights:
Not every event needs to be told musically, and a few of the 23 songs could be cut to trim the two-and-a-half-hour run time (the first act is 1:45). Prime candidates to go would be "Up on Santa's Lap," "He's Blind" and  "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out." a fantasy number for Miss Shields which did little to advance the story and failed to showcase Mason's substantial vocal talents.

The father's mumbled-grumbled swearing is very funny and doesn't grow old. The bit should be used throughout the show instead of inserting a few of the real McCoys from time to time. This should be a family-friendly show, after all.

Information:
One of the show's producers is the film’s original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley. For more information about the show and the tour, visit www.aChristmasStoryTheMusical.com. The tour schedule is:

November 8 – 13
Hershey, PA
Hershey Theatre
www.hersheytheatre.com

November 15 – 27
Detroit, MI
Fisher Theatre
www.broadwayindetroit.com

November 29 – December 4
Raleigh, NC
Memorial Auditorium
www.progressenergycenter.com

December 6 –11
Tampa, FL
Straz Center
www.strazcenter.org

December 14 – 30
Chicago
Chicago Theatre
www.thechicagotheatre.com

Christians might also like to know:
--Lord's name taken in vain
--Language

-- Lauren Yarger, at the opening Nov. 8 in Hershey.

Theater Review: Godspell

The Youthful Flesh is Willing, but the Spirit is Weak
By Lauren Yarger
Since feel-good messages, relevance to contemporary culture and an urgency to reach out to the younger generation have become commonplace in modern churches, it should be no surprise that a retelling of the gospels in theatrical form via the first Broadway revival of Godspell would strive to do the same.

A young, forever smiling, blond-haired Jesus (Hunter Parrish of TV's "Weeds") forsakes costumes like a cleric's robe (traditional religion) and a Superman T-shirt (he's not a super power...) to select a "Co-Pilots" (we're all the same) baseball shirt with a #1 on the back to be a sort of team captain to a bouncing, energetic group of ethnically diverse disciples.There are jokes with references to today's headlines and a rock beat with lots of good singers performing hip choreography (Christopher Gattelli) amidst special effects (Chic Silber, design). It's not unlike a lot of worship services at today's mega churches, but while the flesh is willing to entertain audiences with a glitzy performance, the spiritual message as interpreted by Director Daniel Goldstein is weak.

The vision starts off well as the regular routine of frenzied cell phone users is interrupted by John the Baptist's (Wallace Smith, who also plays Judas) call to "Prepare Ye" for the coming of the Lord (yes, for you die-hard Godspell fans, the Prologue is in). They abandon their everyday garb for some rather odd green, orange and blue-hued costumes (Miranda Hoffman, design) and get baptised in a nifty pool with dripping water right on stage.

The set is designed by David Korins, who does a nice job with some minimal props in the theater-in-the-round confines at Circle in the Square Theater. Stations for the musicians (Charlie Alterman provides music direction) are placed throughout the house, with a piano on stage as part of the set.

The Jesus whose coming is trumpeted is a little disappointing, however. Parrish, unfortunately, is miscast and appears to struggle for some of the notes in Stephen Schwartz' score ("Alas for You" is particularly weak). He portrays a character who ranges from an excited, mischievous little boy to a rock star (using a hand-held microphone for a couple of numbers) to Groucho Marx to Bozo the Clown on speed (for you Godspell fans, the clown motif begun with the original production in 1971 actually is gone).

He never embodies Jesus, though and when one of the disciples calls him "Master," we wonder why. In addition, there are a few times when Jesus seems to be a little slow -- like when Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and he have to count out on their fingers the three things she prays "Day By Day." 

If you take your eyes off Jesus and focus on the glitz you'll feel better (hmmm... that sounds like some churches too). The cast is very strong vocally and Lindsay Mendez, who genuinely appears to be enjoying herself, gives a rousing send up of "Bless the Lord" while Telly Leung delivers a nicely belted "All Good Gifts."

Standing out is a fabulous Uzo Aduba, who brings humor and depth to the various parts she plays in the retelling of the parables. She plays a funny nasty bird in the "sowing of the seeds" story, then sings a beautiful, emotion-filled "By My Side" in what is the productions most spiritual moment -- a life changed by an encounter with Christ.  This number sounds the most like its original version, whereas most of the other numbers have been updated with reverb, rock, hiphop and other youth-friendly sounds and new arrangements by Michael Holland. Some of them, like the modern jokes inserted, work better than others. "Turn Back, O Man" (sung by Julia Mattison, understudying Morgan James the day I attended) is a particularly disappointing arrangement. Schwartz also has updated some of the lyrics. Overall, bringing the show out of the hippie movement into the 21st century works well.

The staging of the parables is fun, clever and engaging (though the eternal damnation of the goats separated from the sheep is delivered like a punchline). The good Samaritan is told to the beat of an African drum (apparently written by cast member Celisse Henderson as her audition for the show)with the clever use of a newspaper and a ladder; the unmerciful servant is recounted with beat box; audience members, some seated on rush-priced cushions around the edge of the stage, are brought up to participate in among other things, a game of Pictionary; one story is told in different languages. At intermission, a tray of wine in communion-like cups is brought onto stage where the audience hangs out with cast members while the band rocks.
Some of the staging and choreography is visually stimulating, but not easily explained. Confetti is shot at the audience, trap doors reveal mini trampolines on which the cast members bounce, the last supper table is a pit of fog.  Cleaning up the stage during scenes is a bit distracting.

The Crucifixion scene is nicely done and well staged with moving effect for the audience in the round (David Weiner, lighting design). Jesus is lowered and carried dead from the stage while his disciples sing about building a "Beautiful City" on their own without his returning to join them. Yes, fans, the Resurrection is out (and as a result,  thousands will skip this production and attend community or church productions of the musical where a resurrected Jesus returns to join the cast for the last choruses of "long live God.")

The cast is rounded out by Nick Blaemire and George Salazar.

Godspell plays at The Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St., NYC. Tickets: 212-239-6200.
Christians might also like to know:
--The good seed is equated to a stimulous package
--Rich man Lazarus in hell cries out to Father Abraham that he wants to see his birth certificate
--Judas tells Jesus his father wants him to friend him on Facebook
--The language from scripture isn't exact. For example, Jesus tells the disciples that they all will betray him before the crock crows three times, not just Peter.
--While telling a joke, Jesus says that while some people read palms or tea leaves, he reads feet.

Douglas Carter Beane, Lewis Flinn, David Henry Hwang, David Ives on Drama Desk Panel to Discuss 'Anatomy of a Breakout'

The Drama Desk and the Fordham University Theatre Program will present a special panel discussion at 6:30 pm Sunday, Nov. 13 titled “Anatomy of a Breakout,” reflecting the remarkable trend of breakthrough productions and breakout performances on the New York stage.

The panelists include (in alphabetical order): Douglas Carter Beane (book writer, LYSISTRATA JONES), Lewis Flinn (composer/lyricist, LYSISTRATA JONES), David Henry Hwang (playwright, CHINGLISH), David Ives (playwright, VENUS IN FUR), Samuel L. Jackson (actor, THE MOUNTAINTOP), Dan Knechtges (director/choreographer, LYSISTRATA JONES), Kenny Leon (director, THE MOUNTAINTOP and STICK FLY), Jennifer Lim (actor, CHINGLISH), and Leigh Silverman (director, CHINGLISH).

This special panel discussion will be moderated by Randy Gener, the George Jean Nathan Award winning editor/critic, and Leslie (Hoban) Blake, the Drama Desk’s Vice President.

It will be held at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus (Pope Auditorium, 113 W. 60th Street, corner of Columbus Avenue). The backdrop will be Matthew Maguire’s production of “The Marriage of Figaro” by Pierre Beaumarchais, which performs Nov 9-11 and Nov 17-19 at 8:00 PM.

A surprising bulk of the Fall 2011 New York theater season consists of new plays and new musicals that have received great critical acclaim, major awards and successful productions at major venues across the country prior to their emergence on Broadway:

• CHINGLISH, the new comedy by Tony Award winner and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang, is making its Broadway premiere, starring Jennifer Lim and directed by Leigh Silverman, following its run at the Goodman Theatre of Chicago
• David Ives’s comedy VENUS IN FUR had a critically acclaimed life Off-Broadway at Classic Stage Company prior to its Broadway premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club
• THE MOUNTAINTOP, directed by Kenny Leon, written by Katori Hall and starring Samuel L. Jackson, was awarded the coveted 2010 Olivier Award for Best Play after it received critical acclaim in a three-week premiere at Theatre 503 in June 2009, followed by a West End transfer in London.
• Lydia R. Diamond’s STICK FLY, staged by Leon, was developed in a co-production last year between Huntington Theatre Company in Boston and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The play had its world premiere at Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre Company in 2006 and was performed at theatres including McCarter Theatre in 2007 and Matrix Theatre Company in L.A. in 2009.
• LYSISTRATA JONES opened to rave reviews in a Transport Group production at the Gym at Judson in Greenwich Village; this critically acclaimed musical comedy show will transfer to Broadway’s Walter Kerr Theatre in December.

Ticket prices:

General Admission: $20 Drama Desk members and their Guests: $15; Fordham Faculty, Alumni, Staff: $10; Students* & Senior Citizens: $5 (*from any school with valid ID)

Reservations are requested. Send RSVPs with first and last names plus number of guests to DramaDeskRSVP@aol.com.

Quick Hit Theater Review: Milk Like Sugar

Tonya Pinkins and Angela Lewis. Photo: Ari Mintz

Milk Like Sugar
By Kirsten Greenidge
Directed by Rebecca Taichman
A co-production of Playwrights Horizons, The Women's Project and La Jolla Playhouse

Summary:
Three inner-city teenagers cope with their bleak lives by making a pack to get pregnant. They think babies are all cute and cuddly, won't be any trouble, and will provide a source of love. Cell phone-obsessed Margie (Nikiya Mathis) already is pregnant, so Talisha (Cherise Boothe) and Annie (Angela Lewis) need to be quick about joining her so the three will be able to have a baby shower together.

Talisha is dating an older abusive man, but 16-year-old Annie still is a virgin. Margie sets her up with astronomy-loving Malik (J. Mallory-McCree) who hopes college will provide a ticket to a better life and he inspires Annie to wonder whether she might want something more too. Maybe she should start worrying more about school tests than pregnancy tests.

Her mother, Myrna (Tonya Pinkins), is no help. She has her own dreams of being a writer (despite the fact that she's almost illiterate) and is frustrated as she scrapes to provide for her children by cleaning offices at night. Myrna can't even remember to call her daughter on her birthday or provide the family dinner she has requested as the gift to mark her sweet 16.

Annie's burning desires take the shape of a tattoo by artist Antwoine (LeRoy McCain) and are fueled by stories of a normal family life enjoyed by an unpopular classmate, Keera (Adrienne C. Moore), who shares wisdom from her father and her pastor about valuing one's self. Annie begins to wonder whether Keera's mantra to look for 'a more excellent way" might mean she can find an alternative to a cycle of children having children that landed her where she finds herself.

Highlights:
The performances are strong. Greenidge pens realistic, compelling, contemporary characters and gives insight into why the girls would make undesirable choices. Pinkins is particularly gripping as the insensitive, vindictive mother.

Lowlights:
Some of the dialogue, particularly with reference to the play's title, seems contrived. Another title, like "Something from Nothing" might have been more natural.

Information:
Milk Like Sugar runs at Playwrights, Horizons, 416 West 42nd St., NYC through Nov. 27. Tickets:  212-279-4200.

Christians might also like to know:
--Lord's name taken in vain
--Language
--Sexual dialogue
--Sexual activity

Theater Review: Celebrity Autobiography

Mario Cantone. Photo: Joan Marcus

They Couldn't Make This Stuff Up if They Tried
By Lauren Yarger
Thoughts on having little guidos and guidettes by "Jersey Shore's" Snooki, Geraldo Rivera's reflections about a romantic encounter with Liza Minelli, Cher's obsession with M&Ms, the two sides of Ricky Martin and the eating habits of Neil Sedaka are just a few of the topics given a very comedic reading during Celebrity Autobiography: The Next Chapter playing at the Triad Theatre.

This second rendition of the show (the 2009 version took the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience) created by Eugene Pack features all new readings from autobiographies penned by the stars. A rotating cast of celebrity readers offers excerpts from the books -- sometimes solo, sometimes ensemble -- with a little added dramatic interpretation for the lounge-style crowd tightly packed at small tables in the house. Some impersonations add to the fun, but this material is funny enough to stand on its own. The words are exactly what the celebrities have written in their books. A comedy writer couldn't make this stuff up if he tried and it was lots of fun watching comedy writing legend Alan Zweibel's incredulous expressions as he read out loud.

The company of performers for the Monday night shows has included Carol Kane, Dick Cavett, Sharon Gless, John Goodman, Debi Mazar, Rosie Perez, Harry Shearer, Jerry Springer, Jennifer Tilley, Fred Willard, Vanessa Williams, Rhea Perlman and a long list of others. The night I attended, the cast included producer Pack, Craig Bierko (Broadway's The Music Man; TV's "Necessary Roughness"), Mario Cantone ("Comedy Central," "Sex in the City"), Susie Essman ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), Florence Henderson ("The Brady Bunch"), Dayle Reyfel (also a producer of the show) and three-time Emmy-Award winner Zweibel, who was one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live (most recently "Curb Your Enthusiasm").

Every reading earns guffaws, and you haven't really laughed, until you have heard Diana Ross describing her rained-out concert in Central Park. Also reducing the audience to tears were David Hasselhoff's recollections of the "difficulties" involved in his "Bay Watch" and Jekyl & Hyde roles. Henderson kept cracking up her castmates with a chest-hefting, southern-drawling Dolly Parton and Martone's channeling of Barbra Steisand's thoughts about baked kale brought down the house. (Martone also impersonated Minelli and others).

One highlight is a return of the "mashup" combining excerpts from the autobiographies of Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. He said, she said has never been funnier.

The rambling thoughts, boring details and self-absorbed reflections might not make the best literary offerings, but they sure do make great comedy material.
The next show is scheduled for Nov. 21 at the Triad, 158 West 72nd St., NYC. Tickets range from $35 to $60 and are available by clicking here. There is a two-drink minimum, cash only. For more information, visit www.celebrityautobiography.com.
Christians also might like to know:
--Lord's name taken in vain
--Language