Dear Theatre Friends,
This month there are some highly praised works coming to New York. Transferring from its sold-out Off Broadway run, “Oh, Mary!” will be on Broadway, in case you missed it. I did, because campy comedy isn’t my thing. However the reviews were stellar, such as this from the New York Times.
St. Ann’s will be presenting “Dark Noon” which is billed as outsiders’ envisioning the wild, wild U.S. West. The director is Danish and the actors, South African– their view is not what we learned in school, certainly. It was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Festival last year. This British Theatre Guide review of that Fringe production might just make you run to Brooklyn for its brief run.
Coincidentally, speaking of an outsider’s view of the U.S. West, another is “Cowboy” by Layon Gray (“Black Angels Over Tuskagee”). It tells the tale of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshall who rose from slavery and possibly inspired “The Lone Ranger.” Show Score reviews are excellent and the play has been called an “engaging, thought-provoking 21st Century drama” in the Miami Herald. Oddly, it plays only on Saturdays.
Another voice you may be interested in hearing and seeing, is that of French-Algerian Award-winning playwright, Catherine Filloux. She’s written the fascinating story of Argentine visual artist, Claudia Bernardi, growing up under the military junta and fanatically excavating the past. “How to Eat an Orange” is on at La Mama.
A revival of the 1979 Tony-Award nominated show, “Home”, by Samm-Art Williams, is being presented by Roundabout. This coming of age story begins in rural North Carolina, but the loss of home and love forces a move to the big city. It’s directed by Tony Award-winner, Kenny Leon, of “Raisin in the Sun’ and “Purlie Victorious” fame.
It’s always exciting to see an actor’s full range of talent and Marin Ireland is a favorite of mine. She’s written a new play, “Pre-Existing Condition”, at the Connelly Theatre. It will be headed by a formidable group of female leads, in rotation.
Being that we are now into Summer– mobile, free Shakespeare from the Public Theatre is on the move. A joyous New York tradition, you can come to “Comedy of Errors” this year. Please check out the venues and dates here. Enjoy the great outdoors, a great picnic, and great theatre!
See you at a play– soon! Thank you for reading!
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.