Week of May 28, 2023
1. “The Rocky Horror show” at Iron Crow Theatre
“Under the direction of Sean Elias, it is strongly acted, beautifully choreographed, and balances favorite traditions with new and timely takes. ” – Emily Hofstaedter
READ review.
Synopsis: In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever.
Nicholas Miles as Frank ’N’ Furter, Hana Clarice as Magenta, and Christian Gonzalez as Riff Raff in Iron Crow Theatre’s “The Rocky Horror Show.” Photo by Wilson Freeman.
2. “Dissonance” at The Essential Theatre
“…an emotional powerhouse of a production…This play lands within my top three for the season…riveting…” – Anne Valentino
READ review.
Synopsis: Dissonance is a heart-warming conversation between two friends of 20 years that explores the international hurt following the murder of George Floyd and how it impacts both these black and white American women. Can a friendship survive the brutal honesty of differing experiences?
Kerry Sandell as Lauren (left) as Marci J. Duncan as Angela (right) in “Dissonance.” Photo by Anthony Nolan.
3. “The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
“…The Little Theatre of Alexandria has outdone itself.” – Fosse Thornton
READ review.
Synopsis: Every year since Emancipation, the Nacirema Society of Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant African-American debutantes to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility. This year, at its 100th anniversary, with young love brewing, old flames simmering and national media attention on-hand what would dare to go awry? A sparkling romantic comedy with warmth and wit, Cleage invites you into this glamorous world where folks still dress for dinner and strong-willed grandmothers work behind the scenes. This is one invitation you’d be crazy to refuse!
Front Row (L to R): Jummy Lash, Jacquel Tomlin, Lisa Hill-Corley, and Selina Tom-Johnson. Back Row (L to R): Barbara Cooper, Tiffany Morina, Kamilah Lawson, Kellie Santos-DeJesus, Juanisha Brooks, Robin Lynn Reaves, and Evin Howell.
Photo by Matt Liptak.
4. “The Humours of Bandon” presented by Solas Nua & Fishamble at Atlas Performing Arts Center
“…a master class in storytelling…McAuliffe’s range…is impressive…a piece that fully, and quite beautifully, inhabits the stage.” – Anne Valentino
READ review.
Synopsis: On the eve of the Irish Open championship, we meet Annie, a 16-year-old Dubliner, as she charts us through the various successes and disappointments of her Irish Dancing life. We share her mind numbing commitment and burning desire to win the Irish Open title. Will she win and, if so, in what way? From the confines of every parochial hall in Ireland, Irish Dancing champions are churned out at a massive rate. Medals and cups build up in drawing rooms and Riverdance swells a national pride, but the public aren’t privy to the blood, sweat and tears that pave the way to the first place podium. The Humours of Bandon is a coming of age story, full of heart, humour and wisdom, for anyone who had a childhood passion that threatened to overwhelm their life.
Fishamble’s THE HUMOURS OF BANDON by Margaret McAuliffe. Photo by Maria Falconer.
5. “Incendiary” at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
“…the wild ride provided by this exceptional cast, director, and designers is not to be missed this season.” – Nancy Blum
READ review.
Synopsis: Tanya is a Black mother determined to break her son, Eric, out of death row — or die trying. She’ll need guns, to get her hair done, and to mess some people up. As time ticks towards the fateful date of Eric’s execution (and birthday), the play explodes into a collision of the hilarious and tragic. In this world premiere, playwright Dave Harris harnesses the storytelling techniques of comic books and video games to explore the complexities of generational trauma and daring heroism with his singular, satirical style.
Breon Arzell as Markus, Nehassaiu deGannes as Tanya, and Brandon J. Pierce as Marcus in
“Incendiary” by Dave Harris at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Photo by Teresa Castracane.
