Dear theatre friends,
Summer is the season for country outings as well as theatre dates. Perhaps if you’re planning to leave the city, you can discover regional theatres near you.
Two years ago, I saw “Lunar Eclipse” in Lenox, Massachusetts. Now, you can catch Reed Birney reprising his role in this thoughtful two-hander at Second Stage. There is a certain insiders’ pride in saying you “discovered” either a play or an actor!
Next month I’ll be going to Penguin Rep to see “Miracle on South Division Street” by Tom Dudzick. I’ve never been to Stony Point, NY– a perfect summer excursion! You might like to join me after reading this NYTimes review of an earlier production.
Although I’m ordinarily not a musical fan, summer is also about relaxing some rules– going to a cabaret show seems to fit the bill. I’ll be seeing “A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening: Gertie Lawrence” , music from Noel Coward to Kurt Weill will be sung by Lucy Stevens.
More nostalgia– “Lights Out: Nat ‘King” Cole” at New York Theatre Workshop is described as more than a playlist of his iconic music. It tells of his relentless fight against prejudice in TV, even after his enormous success at Capitol records.
New to New York is “Duke and Roya” which will be presented at Lucille Lortel. It tells of an unlikely relationship between a hip-hop artist and an Afghan interpreter. You can read more in this Hollywood Reporter article, It certainly promises to be a timely tale.
Despite the current dearth of serious plays, an annual plight of summer– I do see some glimmers of hope looking ahead. Although tickets are not yet available– I can promise “Oedipus” — the HUGE Olivier Award-winning hit in London, starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville (also Olivier Award winners) reprising their roles–will be equally successful. It will be produced by Roundabout at Studio 54, again adapted and directed by the brilliant Robert Icke. I’ll send an alert!
Another returning mythic classic is “Eurydice”, updated by Sarah Ruhl. Presented by Signature Theatre, it’s the first offering of their Fall season. Although I missed it in 2007, I won’t again after reading this New York Times rave review.
Finally, for those enjoying an evening at home, beginning tomorrow you can see David Henry Hwang’s Award-winning “Yellowface” on PBS. It will be available until the end of June.
This is yet another reason to send a donation to our beloved and beleaguered public television station.
Enjoy these longer days– and squeeze in a play or two!
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.