Theatre Reviews

There are two schools of thought as to how Shakespeare is to be done: there are those who think of it as sacred text, and would not have it touched but for (necessary) cutting; and then there are those who see it as a playground and something meant to be reconstructed and reimagined. The Globe Theatre in London certainly is not afraid of improvisation and crowd interaction from on the stage. Indeed, that position almost is more truly Shakespearean – one cannot expect Richard Burbage to have followed exactly the text.

McDonagh’s absurdist bent and his love for pitch-black humor mixed with Grand Guignol elements makes for a pulsating 90 minutes of terror-filled theatre. Weirdness, mystery, dark obsession and revenge fill the low-life world of four distinct characters.

The reunion gives Emiliana a second chance to become a father. He is painting the martyrdom of poet Federico Garcia Lorca who was killed in Spain by Fascist soldiers for being gay and a communist. The ghost of Lorcas (Ivan Vega) is at hand to give the painter advise on life, being an artist, and a father. Vega effectively delivers Lorca’s poetic language penned by Cruz

Along the way, Black realizes that color or finding love is as much internal as external: that there are more ways to get color that just finding love. Loving and excepting yourself is a worthy, colorful love-so Black finds out

Bruce Arnston created and performs the role of Doyle Mayfield with his sidekick, Buddy (Matthew Carlton) and his singing partner Debbie (Jenny Littleton). This threesome deftly spoofs, lampoons, and mocks with a series of down-home yet original country tunes every cliche revolving around the Southern mentality and the essence of old-time country music.

I was particularly impressed by Antoine Pierre Whitfield’s commanding sheriff; with Jon Steinhagen’s performance as a funny yet deeply flawed tragic figure. Sophia Menendian exudes hope and kindness as a pure romantic while Michael Stegall was strong and manic as the love-struck cowboy. Ultimately, Bus Stop is a love story where in Cherie learns that Bo has a gently side besides his handsome sexy mann

The desire for and inability to communicate mark the haunting theme of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. This is the tale of a mute ironically named Singer, who not only is deprived of the recipient of his innermost thoughts and feelings but who now, in turn, becomes the uncomprehending focus of the thoughts and feelings of everyone surrounding him.