Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

August 7, 2018

REVIEW/PREVIEW: A Week of Berkshires’ Theatre/ July-August, 2018


by Shera Cohen

Seared
Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown, MA

Photo by Daniel Rader
Unfortunately, this mini-review of “Seared” must be written in the past tense, as the run of this amazingly delicious play ended on August 4th. Written by the prolific Theresa Rebeck, the comedy was intended for anyone who eats – in other words, everyone.

“Seared” literally and figuratively sizzled with luscious dialogue in rapid pace. The lead actors portraying co-owners of a restaurant (Hoon Lee and Michael Esper), oftentimes standing at opposite sides of a long food preparation table, seemed to play a ping-pong of words on speed. Their fights were peppered with salty language, as one would expect in the tightly choreographed work in a restaurant kitchen. WTF staff selected well, serving “Seared” as one of its main dishes for its 2018 season.

A relatively new play, written in 2016, here’s hoping that “Seared” soon finds many more audiences.

Creditors
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA
through Aug. 12, 2018

Photo by Nile Scott Studio
Based on a play in the late 1800’s by August Strindberg, the only problem is its title. Perhaps a direct translation of the original, it doesn’t quite work in this dark comedy about revenge, relationships, and retribution.

Three of Shakespeare & Company’s top actors – Jonathan Epstein, Kristen Wold, and Ryan Winkles – take the stage at the Bernstein Theatre on the set of an 1889 artist studio. Epstein’s older gentleman portrays an erstwhile mentor to Winkles naïve sculptor. Enter Wold as a globe-trotting sophisticated woman of means, whose relationship with her young husband (sculptor) is atypically convenient for her alone.

The mystery of the play lasts approximately four minutes in. However, the execution of the secret, with twists and turns, is the crux of the story. Epstein portrays a master manipulator with Winkles as putty in his hands. In a role that’s quite new to the latter (Winkles usually stars in comedies), the actor proves his versatility. As for Wold – she can do anything onstage, and always to perfection.

The Chinese Lady
Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
through Aug. 11, 2018

In 1834, the first female Chinese immigrant, Afong Moy, was sold…American traders in order to “perform” on Broadway. She is purely an exotic object to be gawked at in the same manner [as other circus acts]. Lloyd Suh’s play tells Afong Moy’s true story. “The Chinese Lady” is performed at the BSC’s smaller St. Germain Stage, a perfect venue for this intimate, two-person production. [Review by Rebecca Phelps continues HERE)

The Petrified Forest
Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA
through Aug. 25, 2018

David Auburn knows his way around words, a good story, and onstage action to build an exciting, heart-pounding theatrical experience. In “The Petrified Forest” at BTG, he masterfully maneuvers a strong 13-member cast through Robert Sherwood’s rich dialog and seething emotions for a contemporary reflection on timeless themes that combine humor, intelligence, desire, and violence. [Review by Jarice Hanson continues HERE) 


UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Dangerous House, Williamstown Theatre Festival
This new play by Jen Silverman asks what one woman can do for her people, for her nation, and for the love of her life.

Mothers & Sons, Shakespeare & Company
In this funny and moving piece, Tony Award-winning playwright Terence McNallys sharp dialogue illustrates how reconciling loss and transgression can reveal the enduring nature of love.

West Side Story, Barrington Stage Company
While Leonard Bernstein’s hit musical and Academy Award-winning movie of modern-day “Romeo and Juliet,” audiences never grow tired of this poignant story.

Sister Mary Ignatius…, Berkshire Theatre Group
Harriet Harris stars in this farcical, raucous comedy production which is directed by Matthew Penn and written by prolific playwright by Christopher Durang.