Author Archives: Bill Hirschman
In Fine Performance, Misery’s Annie Wilkes May Seem More Familiar Today Than You Recall
An unintended resonance echoes in Empire Stage’s production of Misery that Stephen King likely did not quite foresee. In a world where some people steadfastly, even violently believe whatever they want to believe, somewhere Annie Wilkes is shrugging and asking “What’s your point?”
Conolly Adds Dramaworks Role to Seven Decade Career
Patricia Conolly is one of the most prolific actresses you’ve likely never heard of. But you’ve very likely seen her: 3 times as Blanche, 1 as Stella, 2 as Hedda, 16 Shakespearean heroines. This month Conolly will play the 91-year-old grandmother trying to connect with her grandson in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 4000 Miles.
2021-22 Silver Palm Awards Announced; Gala Set Oct. 17
A familiar slate of names and talents have been announced as recipients for the newly reconfigured Silver Palm Awards celebrating honoring South Florida theater artists. As with last year, awards will be presented at a gala on Oct. 17 at The Addison restaurant in Boca Raton.
Main Street Players’ Topdog/Underdog Is Slow Motion Shattering Drama
Main Street Players’ version of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog rewards the patient patron is watching a slow-motion shattering of two brothers struggling with institutionalized racism, poverty, sibling rivalry, and troubled pasts stretching from childhood to last week.
Theatre Lab’s ‘Red Riding Hood’ Entertains More than Just Kids
So Allison Gregory’s Red Riding Hood is a delightful hoot in which Theatre Lab has mounted a production meant to enrapture young theatergoers, but also liberally peppered with jokes, asides and other humor that only the adults will understand.
Recreating A Family is Central to Larsen’s Dramedy “The Actors”
Savor an unqualified success with playwright-actor Ronnie Larsen’s The Actors. Copious laughs dominate a seemingly silly sit-com situation, but they recede (though never disappear) as the human angst underneath keeps poking toward the surface until it becomes the reason for the evening.
Bent’s Horrors Go Beyond Homicidal Homophobia; Asks What Would You Do If Targeted
Bent deserves honor for putting recognizable human beings amid Hitler’s decimation of homosexuals during the Holocaust – and re-reminding the public of this horror. But rising above the gender topicality of Sherman’s script in Empire Stage’s uneven, but ultimately scorching production are universal issues about the challenge of preserving yourself basic humanity in such times.
Can’t Tell You Why, But Savor ‘Now and Then’ When You Can
I am begging every critic colleague, everyone who has seen Actors’ Playhouse’s Now and Then to NOT give away anything! One of the many pleasures in this drama laced with humor is watching the story unfold bit by bit, knowing something is going on underneath but enjoying how layers are peeled away by a quartet of superb actors and director.
Diversity Inside Identity Is Central Issue In Fade At GableStage
Fade predictably indicts talent succumbing to ambition, but what’s special is how the verbally intense script infuses an insider’s incisive depiction of a diversity within modern Latinx life in a predominantly Anglo society.
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