THE STATE OF THE ARTS – October 22, 2014

RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS

WHEN JANUARY FEELS LIKE SUMMER – One of the small gems of the fall theater season and a complete surprise from left field. “January” is an uneven play, but its riches are many. It features characters you can really cheer for and moments of real theater magic.
THE RITE OF SPRING – Basil Twist is a true visual genius, and with this interpretation of the Stravinsky landmark (played by a full orchestra!), he is working on his largest canvas yet. Despite some technical glitches on the opening night of this White Light Festival offering, the visual and aural thrills both tickled and astounded.
FOUND & THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE – Two of the most original and charismatically performed musicals in town opened Off-Broadway this past week at the Atlantic and Public, respectively. It’s great to see that our musical theater artists are happily pushing the form into new territories.
THE DEATH OF KLINGHOFFER – John Adams’ affecting and controversial oratio-like opera makes a rare appearance in full production in New York. The hecklers were out in full force, but the work (which is sensitively staged at the Met) had the last word.
4:48 PSYCHOSIS – Although Sarah Kane’s hour-long howl of a play demands and takes a lot from its audiences, you’ll not soon forget the bleak landscapes of despair the production conjures. It’s currently being performed at St. Ann’s Warehouse, courtesy of Poland’s TR Warszawa.

UPCOMING AND HOTLY ANTICIPATED

DISGRACED – The sizzling 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama premiers on Broadway. I caught this one Off-Broadway and can’t wait to see how it fares on second viewing in a much larger house.
ANGELS IN AMERICA – Ivo van Hove is a polarizing director, but I personally love his visceral, emotionally naked work. I can’t wait to see what he and his company does with Tony Kushner’s visceral, emotionally naked “Angels in America” at BAM.
THE REAL THING – My favorite Stoppard play, one that deeply resonates emotionally with me. The starry Broadway revival features Ewan McGregor, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Cynthia Nixon.
GENERATIONS – Soho Rep continues to be one of the most exciting places to see theater in the city. The current offering, debbie tucker green’s “generations”, a play that combines the performing and culinary arts, promises more of the same.
JACUZZI – The fascinating Debate Society are at it again with their provocative new play “Jacuzzi”. Expect plenty of intrigue (and an authentic setting) from this collective.

Interludes