Need an escape from New York’s long, hot summer? How about trying short, cool plays?
Look no farther than “Summer Shorts”at 59e59. These one acts by well-known and upcoming playwrights should delight, as they have in previous years. You can book both programs, for a pair of shorts (sorry about that!).
And for cool (both figurative and literal), go to Ice Factory at the New Ohio Theatre and see what some of the brightest stars of new writing are up to — short runs, lots to choose from.
For an annual summer treat, look at the Lincoln Center Festival’sseason. “DruidShakespeare, the History Plays” especially intrigues me — it’s an update by the wonderfully poetic Mark O’Rowe (Howie the Rookie, Terminus). Short run — hurry!
Another summer treat, do investigate Potomac Theatre Project’s three play bill. Be sure not to miss Jan Maxwell in Howard Barker’s “Scenes From An Execution,” returning after a sensational run a few years ago, and reviewed here. PTP’s other two plays sound terrific, too.
Ready for a bit of heat? “Threesome” by Yussef El Guindi comes with good reviews from Portland, Oregon, and will be starting at 59e59 this month.
Appreciate air conditioning — see “Awake and Sing” by Clifford Odets at the Public and feel the heat in this 1935 classic.
I’m also going to try “At the Table” byGLAAD Award winner, Michael Perlman, at HERE. His first, “From White Plains ” was memorable — here’s the New York Times review.
How about seeing “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey,”which you may have missed despite being wonderfully reviewed. I’m taking advantage of this discount offer, too.
If these treats in darkened theatres don’t sufficiently counter heat prostration, please come to Scotland next month for really chilly nights — oh, and a few cool plays. Experience the largest arts festival in the world — the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.Just drop me an email if you’d like any help planning a visit.
Stay cool — see more plays!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.