Summer is notorious for offering different fare from much of the year — in all the arts. But, for all the culture maniacs, festivals abound and most are listed here. I’m very curious about the New York Fringe, but since it overlaps with my first love, the Edinburgh Fringe, I’ll need you to give me feedback.
Also, please try a company which only shows up in Summer — Potomac Theatre Project. Both “Gertrude: The Cry” by Howard Barker (much celebrated in the UK, less so here) and “Pentecost” by David Edgar, sound challenging. A reliably excellent antidote to much of the fluff produced for heat-addled brains.
I’m also going to try The Amoralists’ “The Gyre,” two plays in rep. Both of these sound intriguing, if dark: “The Qualification of Douglas Evans” and “Enter at Forest Lawn.”
Second Stage is producing two this summer as well: “Sex with Strangers” a fabulous two hander from Laura Eason and “Mala Hierba” which promises to be steamy, by Tanya Saracho.
Primary Stages is not waiting for Fall for the start of their new season at the Duke on 42nd St. First up is “Poor Behavior” by Teresa Rebeck…a very prolific funny/sad playwright. Here isa review from its premiere at Mark Taper.
One of my favorite playwrights is Stephen Adly Guirgis, and his latest “Between Riverside and Crazy” starts this month at The Atlantic. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, he’s the author of “Motherfucker With a Hat” and the amazing “Jesus Hopped the A Train,” among many others.
If you won’t be joining me in Edinburgh, you may want to check out 59e59 where they are showing some on their way there, “East to Edinburgh.” Also playing is “The Pianist of Willesden Lane,” which has already garnered excellent notices.
I’ll leave you with some last minute advice — if there’s not enough new theatre around for you in New York, you still have time to book tickets at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Please get in touch for an invite to both the Awards Ceremony and our cocktail party for the winners, August 22nd and 23rd.
Oh, and if you still have time for the beach — use sunscreen!
Until September…
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.