Dear theatre friends,
It’s with a heavy heart that I write. Please forgive if these sentiments seem inappropriate in a theatre news column; my frustration and rage have overwhelmed me.
The events of the last few days have highlighted my relative inertia– my lack of a real response to the inequities in our society. Is it enough that I support and attend plays written/directed/produced by black and minority theatre companies? Of course, the answer is NO. Even the people involved in those productions are the privileged few who can afford to make the arts their lives, if not their livelihoods.
A rhetorical question to further unsettle likeminded theatre fans– when will this authoritarian regime also turn its sights to the artistic community– historically among the first groups to be censored?
However, you’re not subscribing to this to hear more of injustice– how can we be diverted, albeit temporarily?
Since the weekend is near– here are two for the out of school set:
Broadway HD, although a subscription service, is providing access to some of the biggest West End hits. Now, you can see “The Wind in the Willows,” a musical smash hit— although better for lovers of the book, it’s here described as not a children’s book at all!
From Bristol Old Vic’s Youth company is “The Tinderbox.” Although nominally for a young audience, this review claims the play is not only great youth theatre, but great theatre– full stop!
I said I’d let you know more about purchasing Old Vic tickets to Duncan Macmillan’s “Lungs”— tickets will be on sale from next week. They’re offering a limited number of virtual seats– sure to sell out because the stars, Claire Foy and Matt Smith, are stars of the TV series, “The Crown.” Here’s the Guardian review , if you need further encouragement.
After much suspense, National Theatre Live has announced they’ll be streaming Nottingham Theatre’s production of “The Madness of George III” from Thursday, June 11th. This is one to highlight on your calendar– here’s the sensational Guardian review, with special mention of its star, Mark Gatiss.
I’d not focused on plays which have been filmed, now offered on Amazon Prime Video. There are several I look forward to seeing again on screen. One, bound to put a smile on your face, is “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Chicago’s First Folio Theatre’s is offering an updated, musical version of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” reviewed here. Yes, it’s with James Earl Jones II! After reading, you might like to buy a ticket. Sounds like a joyous romp, indeed!
Also, you might like to check out what else is happening in Chicago theatres. The quantity and rich diversity might encourage a visit when they finally re-open– if a London quarantine doesn’t appeal!
That’s all for now– as I receive news I’ll pass it along. But don’t completely fill your calendars yet– more shows are continuing to find their way to our screens.
Aren’t we fortunate to be living during this plague and not Sophocles’? Or, are you stymied by choice?
Again, if you discover other theatre-related news– please get in touch: Carol@BestofEdinburgh.org.
And, need I reiterate? I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content!
Please send other theatre related information, or do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
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.