Recommended by Donna Gordon

  • Ossietzky - A Peace Play
    9 Jan. 2022
    A really wonderful biography and recapitulation of the injustices of war. Ossietzky didn't see what was glorious about war, and his own treatment is a testimonial to this. The technical skill with which this is written is noteworthy as Hoogendyk manages to combine interesting monologues, memory sequences and lively dialogues. This would be an inspirational piece for college-age students, and a very informative production for any age.
  • LILY, OR, THE SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL
    30 Oct. 2021
    Patterson takes a short time to describe a woman artist and her difficulties first, in finding herself, and, secondly in finding a partner. Though the story is set in 1899, it has some truth for today. The scene reveals the truth of these characters so well. The conflict is believable.
  • Wintersong
    12 Oct. 2021
    I especially like the songs in Talbott's play, as they carry the theme well but add something more. This musical has deep meaning in it, and covers what it was like to be an early settler in Nebraska (especially those winters). Those endless skies brought great freedom but Talbott reveals characters that are tethered to their own flaws. "Wintersong" reveals the simple passions in his characters as well as the path to adulthood and wisdom.
  • I THINK IT'S A WHALE
    9 Sep. 2021
    Deja vu interests just about everybody. Can we relate this phenomenom to a time loop? Levine makes some interesting connections. A cruise is always a good place for an adventure.
  • What Happened to Eddie
    9 Sep. 2021
    I like a good crime story. This sounds exactly like they should be sounding...and acting. The irony of it all is a great twist to the story.
  • Two Girls
    7 Aug. 2021
    A complicated subject comes across in a few words - quite an accomplishment. Costa manages to get across the idea that this subject, in fact, can be impossible to talk about. I'm grateful Costa does, however, tackle this crime for those victims who find solace in identification. By the looks of the performance list, others have also seen the importance of these "Two Girls".
  • LADY RANDY
    7 Aug. 2021
    Undeland develops a fascinating portrait of the mother of one of England's greatest statesmen. She includes the most important elements of Lady Randy's personality in an engaging manner. I love the wit with which she portrays a colorful personality, and includes just enough interaction with Winston and the other Churchills for historical accuracy. This depiction is never dull, not even for a moment.
  • The Heart and Soul of Thomas Elegie
    5 Aug. 2021
    This couldn't be a better description of what makes an artist who he/she is. Hageman shows both the beauty and the pain an artist feels, and she inspects the quest to be "great". Separating the person from his art defeats the artist in many ways and Hageman has a fine understanding of this.
  • RE-SIL-IENCE
    25 Jul. 2021
    You do well in showing the hate that masquerades the cowardice of such people. Would a Nazi stand up and say what he believed to a hostile audience of one or many? Aiming for racial purity is just a cover up and excuse for wanting to hate. So sad, so much of it in the world. Thanks for this expose.
  • Wish You Were Here
    3 Jul. 2021
    I'm one of Haas's fans and this play doesn't disappoint. When doing romance, why beat around the bush (or the lamp, as the Parisian would say). This would be perfect for Valentine's day and any day, for that matter. When the unbelievable becomes the believable c'est amour (it is love).

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