- ‘The Mystery of Love and Sex’ at Iron Crow Theatre.
“…Thomas and Vicks displayed some interesting chemistry that kept the performance fluid and organic…” – JV Torres.
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Synopsis: Straight from Lincoln Center Theatre in NYC and from the critically-acclaimed playwright Bathsheba Doran, comes a new play heralded by the New York Times as, “Perfectly wonderful! Among the season’s finest plays.” Deep in the American South, Charlotte and Jonny have been best friends since they were nine. She’s Jewish, he’s Christian; he’s black, she’s white. Their differences intensify their connection, and they are now trying to determine whether their close friendship might be something more. When they discover exactly what “more” entails, sexual desire complicates everything in surprising, compulsive ways, as it comes as a surprise to them both — and to Charlotte’s parents, who are holding secrets and resentments of their own. An unexpected love story about where souls meet and the consequences of growing up, this compelling and spirited narrative of intricate relationships is an entertaining and explosive look at race, sexual identity, and family dynamics.
2. ‘Superior Donuts’ at Reston Community Players.
“When a play leaves you wanting so much more, it’s a good sign. ‘Superior Donuts’ is a pleasure and a privilege to see.” – Mary Ann Johnson.
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Synopsis: Arthur Przybyszewski, burnt-out hippie owner of a fading Chicago donut shop, has lost interest in life because of guilt over avoiding military service and a failed marriage. When a charismatic young African-American man named Franco Wicks talks his way into a job, Arthur begins to recover his spark. He encourages Franco’s goal of publishing the next Great American novel. When the would-be novelist’s past catches up with him, Arthur finds more than his livelihood may be in danger. A comedy drama from the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of August: Osage County, Superior Donuts explores the challenges of accepting the past and the redemptive power of friendship.
3. ‘Jerusalem’ at Fells Point Corner Theatre.
“…Rogers makes the viewing worthwhile.” – Lynne Menefee.
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Synopsis: St. George’s Day in England, the morning of the county fair, the local drifting soul and pied piper of chaos, Johnny “Rooster” Byron, stirs the souls of his countrymen to forego the comforts of modern suburban life and raise their spirits in the countryside. His children want to spend the day with him, thugs want to teach him a lesson, the authorities want rid of him, but Rooster just wants more out of life. Having played on the West End and then on Broadway (and back to the West End), Jerusalem is a darkly comic and modern meditation on the spirit of a nation.
4. ‘Chess’ at 2nd Star Productions.
“Chess” is heavy on the symbolism, which makes for an intriguing evening.” – Kelsey Casselbury.
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Synopsis: This highly acclaimed musical develops the ancient and distinguished game of chess into a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political intrigue. The principal pawns
form a love triangle: the loutish American Grandmaster, the
earnest Russian champion and the Hungarian-American
female chess second, who arrives at the international
championships with the American but falls for the Russian.
From Tyrol to Thailand the players, lovers, politicians, CIA
and KGB make their moves to the pulse of this monumental
rock score.
The ensemble of Chess by 2nd Star Productions at The Bowie Playhouse.
5. ‘Fun Home’ at Baltimore Center Stage.
“It is a rich story filled with drama and moving components, ingeniously adapted for the stage.” – JV Torres.
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Synopsis: Welcome to the Bechdel family. But just what family is it? Through the searching eyes of daughter Alison—aged 9, 17, and then 42—we meet her ever-shifting and sometimes unreliable memories of brothers, mother, and above all her repressed father, along with recollections from the family funeral home to Alison’s coming out. Based on Bechdel’s own best-selling illustrated memoir, this poignant tale harnesses every facet of music and theater to explore and unravel the mysteries of childhood and the surprising secrets that shape a life. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical, from the composer of Caroline, or Change and the writer of 2.5 Minute Ride.
