For some reason, I’ve noticed a flurry of national coverage of the Broadway scene today. Both Entertainment Weekly and USA Today (here, here and here) have big sections devoted to theater – relative, that is, to their usual coverage which is pretty limited. Don’t understand the timing but it makes for interesting reading just the same.
Living Word puts on Richmond's second production of “Steel Magnolias” this year, this one distinguished by its African-American cast. I won’t be seeing this production but Style is planning on covering it. Another possible reviewer is taking a shot at this production. Stay tuned for the results!
If you didn’t see it back during the winter, here’s an article written by Living Word founder Derome Scott Smith. Makes for an interesting read.
Speaking of reviews, I would have expected a review of “The Importance of Being Earnest” to show up in the T-D today, but didn’t see it. I did see the review of “Aida,” which didn’t say anything that made me want to see this traveling show.
2 comments:
I did see "Earnest" and while there were some nice performances, the production overall is very uneven. The men are really outshone by the women in this effort. Tara Linn Sheekley is a delightful Gwendolyn, and Jolene Carroll is a frumpy but heartwarming Ms. Prism. But the show really belongs to Una Harrison. Her Lady Bracknell works magic for the production - the audience was tempted to give her exit applause after her first scene but seemed hesitant, as if it would be a slight to the other actors. The show is hit and miss but Ms. Harrison knocks it out of the park, and makes it worth the effort to go see this show.
I saw the show, too, and found it to be enjoyable. The script is a classic for good reason! However, while Lady Bracknell had undeniable stage presence, the night I saw it she stumbled over numerous lines and sometimes came off as more loopy than imperious. I felt that she, along with many in the cast, delivered numerous lines as if they had been rehearsed rather than as organic reactions. For me, the most natural, engaging part of the show was the affectionate banter between the two young couples in the second act. I especially enjoyed the genuine chemistry between Algernon and Cecily. And the costumes were lovely!
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