Dear Theatre Friends,
People talk about the magic of theatre. This month, we have the chance to see the theatre of magic!
From The Atlantic comes “A Simulacrum” by Lucas Hnath and Steve Cuiffo. You surely know Lucas Hnath’s name from his most recent works on Broadway– “A Doll’s House, Part 2” and “Dana H.”
I first became aware of his ambitious, highly original talent at least a decade ago. His “Isaac’s Eye” at Ensemble Studio Theatre was so refreshing, I was driven to get Edinburgh University’s Bedlam Theatre to put it on. The students were excited by Isaac Newton’s early experiments, presented in a most contemporary style.
You may know Steve Cuiffo’s name less well. He has worked with Lucas before on the lip-synching magic in “Dana H.” He’s also a master magician and illusionist. His skill will be on full display in “A Simulacrum”– don’t miss it!
If you like to discover new plays for yourself, do try Clubbed Thumb’s Summerworksprogram. This is where Heidi Schreck’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” was first seen and it eventually transferred to Broadway. So exciting to be in at the beginning!
Another world premiere, “The Comeuppance,” by MacArthur Award-winning Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, will be presented by Signature this month. In it, a “multi-ethnic reject group” returns for their 20th reunion– considering Mr. Jacobs-Jenkins’s previous credits, this one looks a winner, too.
If you haven’t seen Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage”, or even if you have, do try this revival by Theater Breaking Through Barriers. This is the first time the Award-winning play’s been seen since 2009 and it is bound to be innovative, coming from a very impressive company.
“Wet Brain” by John J. Caswell, Jr., is a co-production of MCC and Playwright Horizons and a winner of the Weissberger New Play Award. It combines humor and horror in equal measure, describing a household haunted by addiction and hallucinations– sounds promisingly weird!
Briefly, if you like musicals, go to St. Ann’s for “Monsoon Wedding”— I still remember the joyous 2001 film it’s based on.
Another film to stage adaptation, “Days of Wine and Roses” will be at the Atlantic, where music was exquisitely added to “The Band’s Visit.” It will be directed by the uber-talented Michael Greif.
Please forgive a repeat nudge to immediately reserve a seat for “The Doctor,” which will be presented at The Armory beginning in June. Having seen it in London last year, I can attest it’s both a memorable play and an unforgettable performance, by Juliet Stevenson. Do not miss this one– it will be the subject of conversation for many months beyond viewing.
That’s all for now. Hope to sit next to you in a theatre– soon!
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.