If you find the news about censorship, in the arts and media, upsetting — please join me in seeing “My Name is Rachel Corrie,” which caused a brouhaha when it was cancelled in New York in 2006. Here’s Brantley’s assessment when it finally opened later that year. I somehow missed it then, but won’t again. It will be in NY for only TEN performances, at The Culture Project. We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to judge for ourselves!
Another revival worth noting is “The Heidi Chronicles,” by the much beloved Wendy Wasserstein. How will her views of feminism and women’s choices stand up, after more than twenty five years? Here’s a link for discounted tickets.
If you missed “An Octoroon” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, at Soho Rep, you have a second chance, at Theatre for a New Audience. This is the same production (albeit with a new cast), which garnered terrific reviews — such as this one by Mr. B. again, in the New York Times.
And fairly new writing, NOT TO BE MISSED — “Grounded,” by George Brant, which will transfer to The Public in April after a very brief NY run. New York Times has a great review. I was astonished by the power of the play in Edinburgh. The beauty of the writing will not be eclipsed by the beauty of the star, even though this challenging role will be played by Anne Hathaway. This is riveting theatre! RUN!
And for a real antique, the century old “Fashions for Men” by Ferenc Molnar. I wouldn’t miss a Mint revival — always such beautiful productions!
Now, for the new writing:
The most extraordinary play I’ve seen in years is David Greig’s “The Events,” coming to New York Theatre Workshop . Full disclosure — the play won my Award in Edinburgh in 2013. It was then named the Number One Play of the Year in The Guardian . It is a daring piece of theatre, and I urge you to experience it.
If you haven’t yet gotten tickets for David Ives’ “Lives of a Saint” — run, NOW, before reviews are in and tickets will be scarce, indeed. Mr. Ives is certainly a saint in my book, after writing “Venus in Fur” and “All in the Timing.” Thank Primary Stages for presenting this comic genius’ work.
MTC is another theatre company to thank for new writing this season — first for the sensitive “Constellations” by Nick Payne and now “The World of Extreme Happiness” by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig.
I’m going to try “The Liquid Plain” by Naomi Wallace, at Signature. For $25 a ticket — you can’t go wrong! Additionally, the play was the winner of the Horton Foote Prize for Promising New American Play.
Finally — do run to Atlantic for “Posterity” by Doug Wright. If his name sounds familiar, it may be because he also wrote “I Am My Own Wife.” Who wouldn’t want to see the next work from that pen?
So much fun to contrast the revivals from the new writing; to see where this wonderful art form is going, and where it’s been. Enjoy!
See you at the theatre,
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.