Dear theatre friend,
Among numerous plays opening the Spring season, here are ones which appear likely to blossom!
To begin, I can guarantee the London production of “Lungs,” coming to BAM later this month. A sellout at the Old Vic could have been solely because of “The Crown” stars, Claire Foy and Matt Smith. Add Duncan Macmillan’s elegant script and sensitive direction by the extraordinary Matthew Warchus (current Artistic Director of the Old Vic) and you have a winner!
Coming to The The Irish Rep from the estimable Galway Festival is “Incantata” by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Paul Muldoon. You may wish to read a review of its Irish premiere.
Do you know another Pulitzer Prize winner, playwright Martyna Majok? She received the prize for the unforgettable “Cost of Living” in 2018. Please run, right now, to buy tickets for her next, “Sanctuary City,” from New York Theatre Workshop. My expectations are exceedingly high.
After reading this review of “Wolf Play,” the latest by the highly regarded young Korean, Hansol Jung (“Wild Goose Dreams”), I was thrilled Soho Rep would be bringing her play to New York, in conjunction with Ma-Yi Theatre Company.
Although I ordinarily don’t see musicals, I’d be remiss not to mention “Whisper House,” the latest from Grammy and Tony Award winner, Duncan Sheik, and Obie winner, Kyle Jarrow. It will be coming from the much admired theatre company, Civilians. to 59e59 this month. You, too, may want to try a dark ghost story/rock concert after reading this review.
While on the 59e59 website, please peek at the Brits off Broadway schedule beginning in April– one of my favorite NY Festivals since 2004 (yes, I’m an unrepentant Anglophile!)
Another theatre company well worth watching is Labyrinth. Their next is “Bees and Honey,” which sounds delectable! It’s by Guadalis Del Carmen, one of Ars Nova’s Play Group alumni and tells a love story set in Washington Heights.
I always admire Rattlestick Theatre Company’s work. Their latest “The Siblings Play,” by Tow Playwrights-in-Residence, Ren Dara Santiago, is about two brothers and a sister left to raise themselves.
Looking ahead to April, you have another chance to experience, not just see, the searing“The Jungle” at St. Ann’s,originally staged at The Young Vic. Here’s theNew York Times’ review from last year’s production. Even if you’ve become inured to the heartbreak of immigrants, this play will shake you to your core.
Hope you enjoy the start of a new season, in the theatre– see you there!
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.