August Wilson's "Fences' in New York

The trouble with Denzel Washington

When a big movie star like Denzel Washington plays an often-unlikable character, the audience is determined to love the character regardless. So blame the audience for degrading August Wilson's complex Fences into a sit-com.

Toby Zinman

May 01, 2010 · Articles · 5 minute read

"American Idiot' on Broadway

Adolescence after 9/11 (but before Bernie Madoff)

Is American Idiot just another punk rock jukebox musical fouling the Great White Way? Or is it an earnest and even passionate attempt to recapture a moment a few years ago when the concept of “coming of age” changed irretrievably? American Idiot. Musical based on the album by Green Day; Michael Mayer directed. St. James Theatre, 244 West 46th St., New York. (800) 432-7250 or americanidiotonbroadway.com.

Wendy Rosenfield

Apr 27, 2010 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Romeo and Juliet' at Annenberg

Romeo at the grass roots

The co-producers of this touring Romeo and Juliet have targeted communities across America and, in particular, young audiences. But something got lost in the transition.

Steve Cohen

Apr 27, 2010 · Articles · 3 minute read

McPherson's "Shining City' by Theatre Exile (3rd review)

Shining city, damaged souls

Conor McPherson's Shining City might more fittingly be titled Island of Lost Souls. Excellent performances, particularly by Scott Greer, can't quite lift the play out of its existential funk, nor can a surprise ending that left the audience gasping.

Robert Zaller

Apr 25, 2010 · Articles · 4 minute read

Sheila Callaghan's "Crumble,' by Flashpoint Theatre

When a woman needs a man

Sheila Callaghan's politically incorrect Crumble boldly asks, in effect, “What would women do without men?” The answer is provided in her title.

Jim Rutter

Apr 24, 2010 · Articles · 2 minute read

McPherson's "Shining City' by Theatre Exile (2nd review)

Heaven's my destination (not)

Conor McPherson's Shining City raises uncomfortable questions about human relationships. I would have appreciated some attempt at an answer.

Jim Rutter

Apr 20, 2010 · Articles · 3 minute read

Enda Walsh's "Bedbound,' by Inis Nua Theatre

Death of an Irish salesman

Ireland is no longer poverty-stricken, but you wouldn't know it from the current crop of pessimistic Irish playwrights. Witness Enda Walsh's allegorical Bedbound as the latest example.

Jim Rutter

Apr 20, 2010 · Articles · 3 minute read

Neil LaBute's "Fat Pig' by Theatre Horizon

Size matters

Neil LaBute's Fat Pig— a commentary about prejudice against those who are different, especially the overweight— is a daring choice for a small suburban company. Its callous characters are difficult to watch but also difficult to turn away from.

Steve Cohen

Apr 17, 2010 · Articles · 2 minute read

Lee Blessing's "When We Go Upon the Sea'

Europe's ghosts, and ours: George W. Bush on trial

Lee Blessing's new play, When We Go Upon the Sea, imagines George W. Bush in a place liberals would love to see him: awaiting trial as a war criminal in The Hague. Blessing has plenty of fun with “George,” as he calls him, but he points a darker finger at the rest of us, Americans and Europeans alike.

Robert Zaller

Apr 17, 2010 · Articles · 7 minute read

"The 39 Steps' in Wilmington

Hitchcock goes slapstick

Patrick Barlow's The 39 Steps is an entertaining spoof of the Hitchcock genre, using a series of clever slapstick stunts in place of the master's subtle wit.

Steve Cohen

Apr 13, 2010 · Articles · 1 minute read