GableStage’s riveting ‘I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard’ is a hit
(Photo by George Schiavone) David (Tom Aulino) seems more interested in his booze than his daughter, Ella, in GableStage’s production of I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard. CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Our desire for affirmation that others value us is sometimes as strong as our hydration needs on...
New City Players’ strong, new production is a work of art
(Photo courtesy of New City Players) (From left) Ryan Maloney, Joey De La Rua and Timothy Mark Davis appear in New City Players’ production of Yasmina Reza’s Art FT. LAUDERDALE — It’s funny how someone buying a white painting can nearly destroy long-lasting friendships. If you want to experience...
Powerfully-staged ‘Equus’ at PBD proves terribly timely
(Photo by Samantha Mighdoll) Alan Strang (Steven Maier) has a disturbing obsession with horses in Peter Shaffer’s Equus. WEST PALM BEACH — In the wake of recent school shootings, some undoubtedly and understandably harbor emotions too raw to ponder psychological motivations behind heinous crimes. Yet, theater has a responsibility to...
‘Queen of Basel’ is an eye-opener of a play at Miami New Drama
(Photo by Stian Roenning) Rudi Goblen and Betsy Graver appear in Miami New Drama’s world premiere production of Queen of Basel. MIAMI BEACH — Is it possible to write and stage an August Strindberg play adaptation that’s #MeToo friendly? Playwright Hilary Bettis and Miami New Drama have succeeded admirably...
‘Be Here Now’ an engrossing experience at FAU Theatre Lab
(Photo courtesy of FAU Theatre Lab) Mike Cooper (Desmond Gallant) and Bari (Laura Turnbull) appear in a scene from FAU Theatre Lab’s production of ‘Be Here Now.’ BOCA RATON, Fla. — Bari has a pre-cancerous brain tumor – which she considers a treasure. From Bari’s perspective, her growth is...
Meaty, cerebral Clybourne Park is a necessary visit at New City Players
(Photo courtesy of New City Players) Pleasantness doesn’t last long in Clybourne Park. Pictured from left are Daniel Gil as Karl, Krystal Millie Valdes as his wife, Betsy, Ilana Isaacson as Bev and John A. Dalton as her husband, Russ. FT. LAUDERDALE — Maybe developing two left feet would...
‘Dancing Lessons’ is a touching, thoughtful play
Photo by Justin Namon Senga Quinn (Lindsey Corey) reaches out to Ever Montgomery (Caleb Scott) in Zoetic Stage’s fine production of Mark St. Germain’s Dancing Lessons MIAMI — People attend live theater because they “feel other people’s emotions, see the world like they do,” opines a character in Dancing...
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ ‘On Golden Pond’ is touching and funny
Photo by Alicia Donelan Ethel Thayer (Pat Bowie) tries to get through to her husband, Norman (John Felix), in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ staging of On Golden Pond. WEST PALM BEACH — If you were to read the 1979 classic, beloved play On Golden Pond, it might seem easy to lump...
Hop on this emotional, heartfelt and humorous ‘Ride’
Photo courtesy of Area Stage Company Abigail Baldwin, Kate Markus and Jackeline Gonzalez appear in a scene from Area Stage Company’s production of Eric Lane’s Ride. CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Stories about a long journey allow the playwright to focus not only on the physical trek but to metaphorically suggest...
Playwright Lauren Gunderson wins prestigious critics award
Gunderson (photo by Charles Giuliano) Playwright Lauren Gunderson is officially the first repeat winner of a prestigious award from a group of theater critics . Four years after she received a top award from the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) for her play I and You, the writer recently won...