ICS’ ‘The Niceties’ neatly captures the zeitgeist

ICS’ ‘The Niceties’ neatly captures the zeitgeist

Photo by Matthew Tippins Zoe (Rachel Michelle Bryant) is clearly unhappy with her professor (Lisa Kay King) in Island City Stage’s production of The Niceties.   By AARON KRAUSE “What are you doing to promote equality?” a black college student demands of her white professor in Eleanor Burgess’s taut, intense,...

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Playwright peels away ‘The Niceties’ from her piece

Playwright peels away ‘The Niceties’ from her piece

  “We spend so much of our time berating the far right for being racist,” Island City Stage (ICS) Associate Artistic Director Michael Leeds says. However, “we don’t often look to ourselves to see how we might be perpetuating the system. We’re always the ‘nice’ guys. But what happens when...

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‘Compensation’ is a compelling, timely new play

‘Compensation’ is a compelling, timely new play

Photo by Matthew Tippins Tara (Gaby Tortoledo), Gabriel (Stephen Kaiser), and Elliot (Israel Vinas) are engaged in conversation in Island City Stage’s world premiere production of Compensation.   By AARON KRAUSE If you couldn’t have children the conventional way, how far would you go to form and raise a family...

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Island City Stage offers ‘Compensation’ as its next production

Island City Stage offers ‘Compensation’ as its next production

      PHOTO BY MATT TIPPINS The cast of Island City Stage’s upcoming production of Compensation comprises (l-r) Stephen Kaiser, Gaby Tortoledo, and Israel Vinas.   When Island City Stage (ICS) Artistic Director Andy Rogow discovered a new piece titled Compensation, “I knew right away this was a play...

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Island City Stage in Wilton Manors announces hybrid season

Island City Stage in Wilton Manors announces hybrid season

      By AARON KRAUSE Island City Stage’s upcoming season will feature both live and virtual productions. Artistic Director Andy Rogow said that responses from a recent survey of patrons informed this decision. Specifically, a “portion” of respondents indicated they are ready to return to the theater. At the...

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World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

Photo courtesy of Wentzler Photography Henry Willson (David Edwards) feels like he’s on top of the world, surrounded by his star “creations” in Michael Leeds new play, “Starmaker.” The work’s debut production runs through Sept. 8 at Island City Stage, near Ft. Lauderdale. By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS — It’s...

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‘Veronica’s Position’ entertains, provokes thought at Island City Stage

‘Veronica’s Position’ entertains, provokes thought at Island City Stage

  Photo by George Wentzler Philip Wilder (Ben Sandomir) is flanked by the women in his life. To our left, looking at the screen, is stage director Christina Groom (Mallory Dascomb) and Veronica Fairchild (Laura Hodos)     By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS, Fla. — The senator proclaims his vision for...

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Island City Stage’s From White Plains packs an emotional punch

Island City Stage’s From White Plains packs an emotional punch

    Photo by George Wentzler Ethan (Todd Bruno) and John (Alex Alvarez) live it up in Island City Stage’s production of From White Plains.    By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS, Fla. — William Faulkner wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” And in a devastatingly honest...

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Imagining an implausible but delightful scenario with Island City Stage’s ‘Buyer & Cellar’

Imagining an implausible but delightful scenario with Island City Stage’s ‘Buyer & Cellar’

  Photo by George Wentzler Matthew Buffalo plays several roles, including struggling L.A. actor Alex More, in Island City Stage’s production of Buyer & Cellar. By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS, Fla.  — If Alex More were a real-life struggling actor, you probably wouldn’t want to roll up his sleeves if...

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New universally-relevant McKeever play receives strong world premiere

New universally-relevant McKeever play receives strong world premiere

(Photo by George Wentzler) Mr. Parker (Michael McKeever) and Justin (Samuel Maya) enjoy a playful moment in the world premiere production of Mr. Parker. WILTON MANORS, Fla. — You don’t have to be gay to find resonance in Mr. Parker, a funny, touching play receiving its world premiere at Island...

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