Dear theatre friends,
Before I get to the outstanding plays in store for October, I need to pay homage to “The Great Gambon”.
Sadly, Sir Michael Gambon has died at 82– far too young, although his career spanned six decades. I was fortunate to have seen him in “A View From the Bridge” in the 1980s. Then, in “Skylight” in the 1990s. Most recently, in 2013, I could breathe the same air as he and Eileen Atkins, in “All That Fall” at 59e59th. Sitting in the front row of that intimate space is one of my most cherished theatre memories.
He will be missed!
In no particular order– try to get tickets to these:
“Sabbath’s Theater”, an adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel, with John Tuturro, comes this month from The New Group to Signature Theatre. It co-stars Elizabeth Marvel, directed by Jo Bonney.
“Salesman” by Yangtze Repertory Theatre sounds unmissable! In 1983, Arthur Miller directed “Death of a Salesman” with an all-Chinese cast in Beijing. This play is inspired by that resoundingly successful cross-cultural production, as detailed in Miller’s memoir, “Salesman in Beijing”.
Once again, the Mint Theatre is presenting a “lost” play by a forgotten playwright. Elizabeth Baker’s “Partnership” won high praise when it premiered in London in 1917, and its concern with women’s ambitions outside the home resonate today, indeed.
The first installment in The Irish Rep’s Friel Project, “Translations”, begins shortly— you cannot miss this gorgeous play! I’ve seen productions at The Donmar in London, The Abbey in Dublin, and here starring Brian Dennehy. All three times I cried and look forward to doing so again! The next two Friel Plays are also unforgettable– buy all three for discounted tickets.
Superstar playwright, Tom Stoppard, will have his jewel, “Arcadia”, interpreted by the seriously inventive Bedlam company. This is another play which requires several viewings– it is densely packed with beauty, dexterous language, wit! Each time I’ve seen it, I’ve been struck with Stoppard’s total brilliance. Long live Sir Tom!
Enjoy these, and I’ll be back next month with more recommendations.
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.