Returning to the sizzling city has proved a difficult transition from Edinburgh’s literal and figurative cool — but I need a rest!
If you didn’t see the announcement of this year’s winner for drama at the Fringe, here’s the New York Times mention.”Life According to Saki” by the brilliant Katherine Rundell, will play at the 4th Street Theatre, NY, from February 9th- March 4th. If you fail to mark your calendars now, worry not — I’ll remind you again, closer to the date. You must see this brilliant play about an iconic British writer who influenced authors such as Noel Coward, Roald Dahl, A.A. Milne and P.G. Wodehouse, with his acerbic short stories.
Back to New Yorkwork to see right now — these are some I’ll be trying:
“Marie and Rosetta” about the legendary gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, is at the Atlantic, by George Brant. After his unforgettable “Grounded,” I’ll see anything by Mr. Brant.
“All the Ways to Say I Love You” kicks off the MCC season at Lucille Lortel. With the triple promise of playwright, Neil Labute, direction by Leigh Silverman, and performance by Judith Light — I trust this will be an evening of good theatre.
“Maestro” at 59e59 is one I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend — bios often bore me. However, Leonard Bernstein was a larger than life composer/performer and his music, played by pianist/author Hershey Felder, is an integral part of the show. Here’s a review from a previous production. I’m looking forward to reveling in those melodies again!
For exciting, new writing, I often turn to Ensemble Studio Theatre. Their latest is ” Where did We Sit On the Bus,” by a young Latino writer, Brian Quijada. This review convinced me to go along for the ride.
I’ll be at Playwrights Horizons for “Aubergine” by Julia Cho.It was called “astute” and “sumptuous” when it was reviewed during its Berkeley Rep world premiere.
Do get a seat for Simon McBurney’s “The Encounter.” I was bowled over by this aural, immersive adventure story, when it premiered in Edinburgh. Here’s the review of the London run from the New York Times. I guarantee you will find it as unforgettable as I did.
If you missed “Heisenberg” at MTC last year, you now have another chance to see this charming two-hander by Simon Stephens (“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”), with Marie-Louise Parker, on Broadway.
I’ll see anything penned by the great Irish playwright, Brian Friel, who died last year. Now, The Irish Rep is staging “Afterplay,” which I’ve not seen, but won’t be missing. Read this Guardian review from a London run.
If Richard Nelson’s “Apple” family plays intrigued you — the second of another tribe, “The Gabriels”, entitled “What Did You Expect?” begins this month at The Public. Be forewarned — the play is subtitled: “Election Year in the Life of One Family,” You may have already had enough talk of politics around your own dinner table!
Finally, the end of the month brings the world premiere, “A Life,” to Playwrights Horizons. it’s written by Adam Bock, a prolific author who garnered an Obie for “The Thugs” in 2006.
I may have missed you at the Edinburgh Fringe, but hope to run into you at one of these!
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.