Optimism. It is a quality in short supply across the land these days, but if it is something you crave, take a cue from a spunky carrot-topped orphan who inspires optimism in a Depression-era Hooverville of homeless souls as well as in FDR and his presidential cabinet. I’m referring, of course, to the musical Annie, currently receiving a near-perfect … [Read more...]
‘White Guy on the Bus’ engages, unsettles at GableStage
Remember the song from Avenue Q that chirps that “Everyone’s a little bit racist”? That is the premise as well of Bruce Graham’s unsettling contemporary drama, White Guy on the Bus, now receiving a powerful area premiere at Coral Gables’ GableStage. Expertly directed by Michael Leeds, who orchestrates a top-notch cast led by Tom Wahl – the eponymous “white guy” – the play … [Read more...]
Sharp FAU cast does well by Gunderson’s ‘The Revolutionists’
There are several things you can count on in a play by Lauren Gunderson. It will center on women with a feminist bent, it will have crisp, witty dialogue yet make plenty of serious points and it will self-reflectively keep reminding us that we are watching a play, what theater folks call “meta.” Certainly that is the case with The Revolutionists, a tongue-in-cheek … [Read more...]
Zoetic Stage is big winner at 41st Carbonells
It was a spread-the-wealth evening Monday, as nine South Florida theater companies took home Carbonell Awards at the 41st annual event at the Broward Center. Still, Miami’s Zoetic Stage was the big winner with six awards – three each for the Stephen Sondheim musical Passion and for Michael McKeever’s new play, After. Then again, judging by who walked off with the top awards, … [Read more...]
McKeever’s ‘After’ a taut, powerful look at bullying
Extremely prolific South Florida playwright Michael McKeever has now written two plays ripped from the headlines, yet humanized for increased impact. His earlier Daniel’s Husband, which concerns itself with gay marriage and the legal complexities of that institution, is off-Broadway-bound this spring. His latest, called simply After, is about bullying and school violence. It … [Read more...]