Non-Registered Critics: Rich Borowy
Postponed - Our Man in Santiago
It’s not often where one can experience a spy thriller play as seen on an intimate stage as Theater West provides. It’s really rare to see a comical spy thriller on the same stage set. But OUR MAN IN SANTIAGO fits the bill quite nicely. It’s a load of laughs, and no secret code is needed, or even used! Besides, overthrowing a government is so easy, anyone can do it! All it takes is a little know-how!
POSTPONED - Taming the Lion
Melanie Macqueen directs this drama as an interesting stage work. It contains as much conflict and pathos as one would see in any picture released by Metro in the 30’s. This time, its stakes would be for real!
Postponed - Murder Mafia
The idea of such a show is rather promising. For its running time at eighty or so minutes, it could play out as a much tighter program for its plotting and pacing. Whatever the case, the show contains a setting where everyone is innocent until proven worthy enough to ice off the unlucky victim. That to in itself is enough to blend into its comic relief!
POSTPONED - Antigone, Presented by the Girls of St. Catherine's
It’s rather difficult to call this play a “tragedy”. However, it’s very amusing for what it is and may even bring back some nostalgia, especially if one did attend a Catholic girl’s high school. Most of these school tend to present fluff pieces for their theater shows rather than performing Greek plays long forgotten. But this isn’t a story about lost youth. It’s really a tale about youth lost!
Postponed - SHOW ME A HERO
This play takes its title from a quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald that states Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy. This play does presents its heroes, yet also shows some tragic results. But exposing those tragic elements would only become a spoiler. SHOW ME A HERO is a stage production that rings true and just won’t spoil!
Canceled - Measure for Measure
Armin Shimerman & Elizabeth Swain share director duties making this program pit itself itself out from one scene into the next, offering everything one can expect to discover inside of a Shakespearian program as this one from its dramatic effects to its comical interludes. One thing about this play is it features a high conclusion that is left open ended. It showcases that a theater piece some 400 years old can be just as thrilling and captive in this high tech day and age as it was way back then.
The Book That Won't Close: Confessions of a Love Addict
...TL emotes her words and actions in a very animated fashion, never slowing down unless the story calls for a milder pace.
Suspended - Rorschach Fest
...in today’s media landscape where every visual and audible aspect is played out as an anything goes-esque motif, these plays as depicted are a welcomed relief to those other notions that could be seen between something that’s genus quirk, or as an “I-don’t-get-it” method of theater! Whatever the case, each selection seen within this series passes the inkblot test–permanent ink stains and all!
Shattered
In her seventy minutes (give or take) emoting on stage, it’s Diana all the way, playing against her 35+ characters that speak within her mind. These supporting players are her inner voices that the audience can hear, while Diana shows in a very candid and honest (if not brave) method that she will remain the last person standing!
Law and Order: the Musical!
Even if one never saw the actual TV show it’s attempting to satirize, one still has a very witty, hilarious, and entertaining musical that proves that law and order is in lawful order!
And for the record, this program is labeled as a parody in accordance with fair use law. This means that the producers are saying in their own ways, “Can’t you take a joke?” The audience can and will laugh their way through until the cops and court can provide who’s guilty and who’s gonna walk! Until the next week’s episode…
Frida - Stroke of Passion
Directed by Odalys Nanin with assist direction by Corky Dominguez, FRIDA-STROKE OF PASSION is a play that is informative, entertaining, and even sexy at times.
The Manor: Murder and Madness at Greystone
Along with viewing the homestead and the grounds, one will witness a great play that’s fully loaded with all the drama that such a stage work firmly allows.
DEAR YOKO
Jessica Lynn Johnson developed and directed this show as a highly informative and very tight production. The audience takes part as that every lovin’ fly on the wall(s), while Anzu captures the spirit and aura of Yoko, down to mimicking her through her words and actions.
"The Unseen Hand" and "Killer's Head"
Directed by Darrell Larson, the pair of plays that make up this Odyssey Theatre production these isn’t as well known as the other works from the portfolio of this respected American playwright. So it’s worth the time to see these two gems as presented. And as Gabby would say, “Yes-ser-ee-bob! Yer darn tootin’”!
Gifted
Rebecca Larsen directs this show in an even stand adding an equal and steady blend of humor and drama.
Nowhere On The Border
NOWHERE ON THE BORDER is a very well created stage piece. It’s also sit within a timely subject that’s been part of the domestic political field. Although it doesn’t take any stand or sides about the entry of undocumented aliens or its consequences, it shows the physical and emotional side of what people will do to seek a better life no matter what it may take. And this form of life is accessible to all.
Sunday Dinner
SUNDAY DINNER can be shocking at times based upon the opinions and viewpoints expressed through its characters. This is what makes this play shine throughout!
Steel Magnolias
The cast of six players that appear in this program live up to their characteristics that make this stage work a real charmer! They all speak their verbiage in southern-style dialogue with touches of sweet charm and hints of sassiness. This said wordiness, as well as what they wear on their persons and on their heads add to the flavor of this production. Brandon Ferruccio directs this show that lever loses any of its momentum, keeping its creative style set in place!
Charley's Aunt
Carter Thomas directs this show with all the frenziness one can expect in such a comedy. By way of the action of the cast and through their spoken dialogue, all provides their amusement through every twist and turn!...
It’s not often that such a show is made available for modern day audiences to enjoy while getting a good laugh or three. For those that desire to get a supply of such comedy, then this is the show to see–the same program where the nuts do come from!
LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE
The theater group For The Record Live conceived the idea of taking a movie and mashing it together with a stage musical. It’s a very interesting and amusing concept. And since it’s the time of the season to promote peace on earth and good will to all, LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE is the place to be, and it’s what all you need!