So many good plays are on the horizon – here are a few worth noting:
Nick Payne delighted us with “Constellations” and now is back at MTC with “Incognito.” It was called “astonishing and original” in this London review.
“Kentucky,” from Ensemble Studio Theatre and Pg. 73, is a drama regarding the escape from family to the bright lights of New York. It’s by Leah Nanako Winkler, whose bio is indeed impressive.
Despite its title, “The Purple Lights of Joppa, Illinois,” also takes place in Kentucky — by Adam Rapp (“Red Light Winter”) at Atlantic.
I’m also seeing “The Ruins of Civilization” at MTC, a futuristic world premiere by British playwright, Penelope Skinner (“Village Bike”).
Three worth going to Brooklyn for:
The Young Vic production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” with Gillian Anderson at St. Ann’s, which was reviewed glowingly in The Guardian.
“Judas Kiss” by the venerable David Hare, will have its latest UK production at BAM. This sad tale of Oscar Wilde’s disgrace and imprisonment was given five star review.
At Theatre for a New Audience, Strindberg’s ” The Father” (not to be confused with the Frank Langella vehicle on Broadway), newly adapted by David Greig (“The Events”), will be shown in rep with Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House, adapted by Thornton Wilder (“Our Town”). Apparently, Strindberg wrote his play after seeing Ibsen’s — and reacted violently!
For music lovers, from the team of Stew and Heidi Rodewald (“Passing Strange”) — get to The Public for “Total Bent.” Musical theatre is not usually my thing — but if it’s gospel and rock and roll…this sounds terrific!
How wonderful to find humor in difficult surroundings, so I’ll be seeing “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit” by Halley Feiffer (“I’m Going to Pray for You So Hard”) at MCC.
A welcome revival, “Shining City” by Conor McPherson, will be coming to Irish Rep, starring Matthew Broderick. If you don’t know this fine play — here’s the New York Times’ review for the 2006 production. Seems like yesterday!
I’ll end with advance notice for two must-sees:
“Privacy” at The Public. Although Daniel Radcliffe starring will make tickets scarce, it’s the subject of privacy and its inevitable demise which sound fascinating, especially after reading this fine review from its production at The Donmar.
“Golem,” part of the Lincoln Center Festival, is 1927’s latest. At Edinburgh’s 2007 festival, I was blown away by, and gave my Award to, their first piece, “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” which came to P.S.122. “Golem” has already had amazing UK reviews, for 1927’s unique blend of animation and theatre — RUN!
That’s it for now — hope to see you at the theatre!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.