I often salivate over plays being produced in London, imagining them to be far more interesting than those home grown. I can report, with mixed emotions, that these past two weeks in London had the same “win some, lose some” results as I’ve had right here in New York.
The most interesting aspect, however, is the lack of correlation between price and quality. The best plays I saw in London included “The Domino Heart” at Finborough, “Ciphers” at The Bush , “Blurred Lines” at The National’s Shed, and both “Vaudevilles” and “White Carnation” at Jermyn Street. I don’t think all added up to the cost of one ticket for either “Fortune’s Fool” or “Strangers on a Train” — both of which I left at the interval.
Playing again at The Tricycle is “Red Velvet” which was magical — and is coming soon to St. Ann’s. If you’re going to be in London, please look at these off-West End theatres for innovative and inexpensive productions.
Back in New York, here are some ofthe plays I’ll be seeing this month — and they promise excitement. Do look into “Love and Information” at Minetta Lane produced by New York Theatre Workshop; “Middle of the Night” with a special discount offer herefrom Keen and enter in TRKEEN; “The Tribute Artist,” for fans of Charles Busch at Primary Stages; “Stage Kiss” at Playwrights’ Horizons; “London Wall” at Mint; and “Appropriate” at Signature Theatre.
I’ve already seen, and can still laughingly recommend “Hand to God” revived from Ensemble Studio Theatre to MCC at Lucille Lortel.
You might want to get advance tickets forthese classics: “A Doll’s House” coming to BAM; “The Three Penny Opera” at Atlanticand “No Exit” at The Pearl. All are already on my calendar, since I’ll be staying right here for what promises to be an excellent Spring season for serious theatre. Let the Londoners salivate!
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.