Curtain Call – Page 2 – Arts & Leisure

Curtain Call: The God Game or a political prayer for agnostics

November 8, 2018November 7, 2018

Square One Theatre Company, Stratford: With politics and midterm elections in the spotlight, it’s not surprising that artistic director Tom Holehan chose Suzanne Bradbeer’s The God Game for the November slot of his 29th season. You certainly couldn’t ask for a more timely production. Since every aspect of a politician’s life is analyzed and scrutinized …

Curtain Call: Goshen production almost too good to be true

November 1, 2018October 30, 2018

Goshen Players, Goshen: When John Cariani spoke about his play “Almost, Maine,” he said that if it was presented strictly as comedy that would be terrible. He also said that if it were too cute or too depressing that would be equally terrible. Happily, the Goshen Players hit the sweet spot and got it absolutely …

Curtain Call: The Roommate or what’s dormant comes alive

October 25, 2018October 24, 2018

Long Wharf, New Haven: Sharon has retired from marriage (divorced) and now needs a roommate to help fill the emptiness she feels in her large Iowa home. She’s 50-something and she wants a roommate about the same age. Robyn arrives from the Big Apple and though the ages are similar, they exemplify total misfits. Sharon …

Curtain Call: The Laramie Project is a beautiful tribute

October 18, 2018October 17, 2018

Community Theatre at Woodbury (CTAW) couldn’t have planned the opening of The Laramie Project at a better time. Not only is this the 20th anniversary of the savage murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, but it was just announced that his ashes will now remain in the crypt at the Washington National Cathedral. This …

Curtain Call: Evita: Not your father’s production

October 12, 2018October 9, 2018

Don’t think that if you’ve seen this play years ago or the movie version of Evita, that you probably know what to expect with ACT of Connecticut’s current production of Evita. This is not like anything else that you’ve seen before, but it’s a show that you absolutely must see. It’s so good, once will …

Curtain Call: Man of La Mancha in Westport – Less is not always more

October 4, 2018October 3, 2018

I couldn’t wait to see Westport Country Playhouse’s production of Man of La Mancha. With my schedule so full, I was allowed to see the preview, the night before the official opening. I admit to being spoiled. I had seen so many great men perform the title role. The most memorable was Robert Goulet, who …

Curtain Call: Casting gone wrong in All My Sons

September 27, 2018September 28, 2018

It’s almost impossible, but it happened. A cast of fabulous actors on a gorgeous set in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons had this reviewer nearly in tears because one of my all-time favorite plays was ruined by miscasting. There were other small problems as well, but when a much too young Chris Keller stepped on …

Curtain Call: Phoenix Stage Company brings home the gold

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018

I’ve known Ed Bassett, the executive manager and artistic director of the Phoenix Stage Company, to be excited before, but there was no doubt that this time he was ecstatic and rightfully so. Phoenix Stage Company walked away with a couple awards at the Connecticut Community Theatre Festival held at the Warner Theatre in Torrington …

Curtain Call: Phoenix deals eight hearts — all winners

September 7, 2018September 5, 2018

Phoenix Stage Company, Oakville: Anyone who has a sister can imagine what would happen when eight sisters get together every other Friday night to play bridge. Stories are going to be shared, gossip will make the round; and sparks will fly. So it is with The Octette Bridge Club, when eight Irish Catholic sisters come …

Curtain Call: Westport Country Playhouse comedy is not so funny

August 30, 2018August 29, 2018

When a line like “Get in the truck!” catapults Jake to a two million dollar paycheck, it’s not surprising that Harry, his Broadway understudy, is resentful. Theresa Rebeck’s play The Understudy showcases a talented actor’s frustrations. Celebrities earn the big bucks while some great actors never get a break. The play is touted as Rebeck’s …