by Shera Cohen
Seared
Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown, MA
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| 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
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| 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.
