Dear theatre friends,
Hello again and happy weekend! I know, I know, just like any other day– but, no– there are new plays to see, albeit online.
Whenever possible, I’ll give you advance notice of a play you can view. Unfortunately, I’m sometimes informed just a day or two in advance. I just found out that tomorrow, April 19th, you can see the delightful “Buyer and Cellar.” Michael Urie (who is as adorable as talented) plays a hapless fellow hired by Barbra Streisand to curate her extensive collection of — everything! The play is a humorous tonic, whether you need it or not (and these days, who doesn’t?)
I hope you’ve all had the opportunity to go to Hampstead Theatre at Home — if not, “Drawing the Line” is still on, only until tomorrow. Please make time in your perhaps heavily scheduled day to see this play, Howard Bretton’s lucid history lesson.
I actually visited the Viceregal Lodge, an imposing Raj-style sprawl in Shimla (a.k.a. Simla) to see the site of the agreement which caused a seismic, bloody change. Known as The Partition, it was the creation of India and Pakistan. Seeing “Drawing the Line” brought that experience back to life.
If you need lighter fare– WNET is showing “Old Hats” with the inimitable Bill Irwin and David Shiner. I guarantee that you’ll be delighted by their intelligent clowning. While at the 13.org site, please look at the other offerings, which may be available for a limited time.
From Edinburgh’s venerable Traverse Theatre, the yearlong new writing center at the heart of Edinburgh’s Fringe as well, comes five previously unseen monologues by Scottish darling, Rona Munro. These are available until May 2nd, the date Rona’s show “Donny’s Brain” was to have closed prior to the building being shut down.
A date to mark down– in red– is April 25th. From 6:30pm Berlin time (12:30pm in NY) you’ll be able to see Schaubuhne’s “Lenin” by Milo Rau, He’s been described as the most creative, influential, as well as controversial, director of our time.
Last August, the Edinburgh International Festival presented “La Reprise.” It was my first exposure to Rau. Remember the first time you saw Ivo van Hove’s work, or Robert Lepage’s, Complicite’s, or our own Bedlam’s? I hope anything by Milo Rau will soon be seen in New York– when live work continues. Until then– “Lenin” on April 25th!
In closing, please check out TimeOut, now TimeIn for this weekend’s (and then future weekends) choices. Yes, too many decisions to make! However, the more time we spend finding entertainment, the less time we have to worry about this pestilence.
I keep recalling Alan Rickman’s line in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”— “It’s beyond my control.” Ah, to see him, and the play, again.
I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content! Do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
No matter how bleak the current theatre scene looks– remember, we’re all in this together!
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.