David’s Picks
If you like the films of John Waters, you’ll love….
Hairspray
Some combinations simply warrant sitting up and taking notice. And in the world of local theatre, when one of the collaborators is Wright State theatre, it’s a good bet you’re in for a hit. Based on the hit John Waters’ film and the Tony-winning mainstay, WSU will open its blockbuster season with what might just be the definitive production of this addicting musical comedy. Under the direction of visionary director Joe Deer, HAIRSPRAY will kick off one of the most ambitious seasons in recent WSU history which also includes RENT and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
Wright State University Department of Theatre, Dance & Motion Pictures
If you would like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” on steroids, you’ll love…
God of Carnage
If you see nothing else at The Loft this season (and you’d be a fool not to), be sure to catch this darkly comic Tony-winner in its regional premiere. This is simply one of the finest stage plays in years and a perfect choice for the steady hand of the Human Race. The story follows two ‘civilized’ couples who gather to work out a playground dispute between their children only to find that civility only goes so far. Also this fall, Roman Polansky helms the film version of this stage play – simply Carnage – making it a great way to prep yourself for what will surely be an Oscar contender for its starry cast.
If you like Angels In America, you’ll love….
The Laramie Project
Sinclair Theatre will close its season with arguably one of the most heralded plays of the last 15 years. From Moises Kaufman and members of Techtonic Theatre , The Laramie Project follows the media descent on the small town of Laramie, Wyoming following the brutal murder of Matthew Shephard. Sadly, the events of this play still resonate in 2011. With a unique and riveting structure, and a script that simply doesn’t let go, The Laramie Project continually leaves audiences breathless and challenged in a way few plays can achieve.
If you (or your children) love the books of Melinda Long and David Shannon, you’ll love…
How I Became a Pirate
I’m a sucker for new musicals (occupational hazard), so it’s no surprise that I am THRILLED to see Town Hall bring one of my favorite children’s books to life in an original swashbuckling adventure for the family. One an average day at the beach, Jeremy Jordan is recruited to join Captain Braid Beard’s scurvy crew and treasure-hunting mayhem ensues. In an added bonus, the original score is composed by Cincinnati- based writers Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman (Human Race’s Green Gables).
If you love the family dysfunction of August: Osage County, you’ll love….
Lost In Yonkers
I love when the right company and the right material collide. Too often when people choose legendary playwright Neil Simon for their seasons, we see another retread of Barefoot in the Park or Biloxi Blues. How refreshing then to see DTG presenting his Pulitzer-Prize winning (and personal favorite) Lost In Yonkers. It is simply one of Simon’s finest scripts and features some of his most fleshed out, meaty characters. At once a nostalgic look at war-time America, and a contemporary tale of family dysfunction, Lost In Yonkers is a near perfect night of theatre. This is exactly the kind of powerful theatre the Guild does oh so well.
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