New City Players’ ‘Cry Old Kingdom’ emits a vital sound
The artist Edwin (Denzel McCausland) and his wife, Judith (Odlenika Joseph) harbor different ideas about how to deal with the murderous Duvalier regime in 1960s Haiti in New City Players’ production of Cry Old Kingdom. By AARON KRAUSE What sacrifices would you make for freedom? What about just to...
‘Refuge’ shines at Theatre Lab as rolling world premiere continues
Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography Performers tell the story using a variety of techniques. By AARON KRAUSE “I may be a wolf but I’m afraid all the time,” the wild animal tells us in the compelling new play, Refuge. He lives in “a state of fear even in my...
2023 finalists announced for annual new play award
Six playwrights are vying for a national theater award which a group of critics presents annually to the best plays that premiere professionally outside of New York. The top award carries a $25,000 prize and two citations carry a value of $7,500 each. The presentation will take place...
’42nd Street’ sparkles at LPAC
Photo by David Popken The cast performs a scene from the Broadway at LPAC’s production of “42nd Street.” By AARON KRAUSE In the classic Broadway musical, 42nd Street, a character invites another to “come on along and listen to…the lullaby of Broadway.” But a current professional production of...
‘The Science of Leaving Omaha’ a new moving play at PBD
Photo by Tim Stepien Baker (Nicholas-Tyler Corbin) gets the attention of Iris (Georgi James) in the world premiere production of The Science of Leaving Omaha. By AARON KRAUSE In his classic poem, Harlem, Langston Hughes wondered what happens to a “dream deferred.” In particular, he wrote: “Does it dry...
‘Rotterdam’ is relatable, touching theater at Island City Stage
Photo by Matthew Tippins Alice (Suzanne Ankrum) and Fiona/Adrian (Autumn Kioti Horne) play lovers in Jon Brittain’s touching play, Rotterdam. By AARON KRAUSE Change can be hard for anybody, especially when they least expect it. With that in mind, you may find it easy to identify with Alice,...
‘Last Night in Inwood’ is a cautionary tale for our time
Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography Here is the cast of Theatre Lab’s world premiere production of Alix Sobler’s comic drama, Last Night in Inwood. All of the cast members are in this scene, except for Jovon Jacobs, who portrays Cal. By AARON KRAUSE “Sometimes you just have to… encourage...
‘Anything Goes’ at The Wick is a much-needed respite
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Billy Crocker (Jeremy Benton) and Reno Sweeney (Aaron Bower) live it up in The Wick Theatre’s production of Anything Goes. By AARON KRAUSE Try to look away from her. Just try. She’ll captivate you, my pretties! And her castmates will too! With a clarion voice, cool,...
‘Tina’ triumphs in national touring production
Photo courtesy of Broadway Across America Naomi Rodgers slays as Tina Turner in an equity national touring production traversing the U.S. By AARON KRAUSE Tina Turner reportedly said that she summoned her “Inner Lion” to make it through various challenges. Certainly, the renowned performer’s fierce inner strength, fire, and...