Controversial ‘Bent’ is a cautionary play for our times
Warning: This play contains brief nudity, disturbing images, and subject matter. Photo by Preston Bircher Max (Matthew Salas) tries to get a point across to Rudy (Ben Shaevitz) in a co-production of the historical play, “Bent.” By AARON KRAUSE If Martin Sherman’s moving and disturbing, at times implausible...
‘The People Downstairs’ receive much-deserved recognition at Dramaworks
Photo by Alicia Donelan Photography Henk (Bruce Linser) and Miep (Amy Miller Brennan) comfort each other during a scene from Palm Beach Dramaworks’ world premiere production of The People Downstairs. By AARON KRAUSE If you knew him, you may not have wanted to invite Mr. Visser to your house....
Approaching Anne Frank from another angle
Photo by Tim Stepien Amy Miller Brennan plays Miep Gies in the world premiere production of Michael McKeever’s play, The People Downstairs. By AARON KRAUSE Whenever Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) Producing Artistic Director William Hayes read or watched Anne Frank’s story play out on stage or screen, he wondered...
The 1950’s feel like today in compelling ‘Ordinary Americans’
Photo courtesy of GableStage Gertrude “Tillie” Berg (Elizabeth Dimon) asks a favor from Cardinal Spellman in the world premiere co-production of Joseph McDonough’s play Ordinary Americans. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Late actor Philip Loeb was a “stain,” which wouldn’t “go away,” if you believe one...
‘Wiesenthal’ is a winner at GableStage
Photo by George Schiavone Simon Wiesenthal (David Kwiat) takes some time to reflect in the one-character play, Wiesenthal. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — An admirable quality of one-person plays is their ability to establish an especially intimate connection between the audience and the character. Such a bond can...
Area Stage Company’s vibrant ‘Cabaret’ speaks to our times, implicates us.
(Photo by Giancarlo Rodaz) The flamboyant, charismatic Master of Ceremonies (Giorgio Volpe) interacts with the audience in Area Stage Company’s production of Cabaret. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — Without warning, a group of Nazi flag-waving activists march down the aisle of the audience seating area, fervently singing the anthem...
Little-known Holocaust-era photograph is subject of new play being presented
The cast of Moisés Kaufman’s The Album MIAMI BEACH –Moisés Kaufman’s father survived the Holocaust. So you can imagine what the younger man thought when he saw photos of Nazis partying at a resort near an infamous concentration camp. “When I saw these pictures, something very personal happened,” said the renown...
New staging of musical offers fresh take on a classic
Maria (Jill-Christine Wiley) is at home amid the hills in Austria near the Nonnberg Abbey. FT. LAUDERDALE — Chances are, you’re familiar with The Sound of Music. But you’ll rediscover this classic musical anew once you’ve witnessed three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien’s fresh, vital take on the beloved Rodgers...
