Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June 2006 “The threads of misery and joyAre woven fine.Into a vast design,When tragedy gives way to comedy.Until you can’t discernThe line between them.”– William Dumaresq I cannot think of a show more wholesome and squeaky clean than The Human Comedy. When people speak about “American…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June 2006 The first thing this show needs is a new title. The Burnt Part Boys suggests a tragic tale of burn victims or innocent civilians wounded as “collateral damage” in some war. In fact this is a fairly gentle musical coming-of-age tale about two brothers, Jake…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June, 2006 I was once turned down for a desk job because I was “not ethnic enough.” Anyone with two brain cells can tell that that is a patently ridiculous statement. We are all “ethnic” and ethnicity is not something that can be quantified. In…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June, 2006 When I go to see an oft-produced classic like South Pacific I ask myself two questions: Does it effectively tell the story? Does it bring anything new to the story? Some theatrical reimaginings bring so much that is new that the original intent is lost,…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June 2006 It is a sad comment on how we prioritize our arts dollars that I am used to seeing even the very best children’s theatre presented with fairly low-budget production values. So NYSTI’s top-flight production of The Cat, the Sun, and the Mirror, a new…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June, 2006 Enchanted April is a mediocre play based on a charming novel being given a far better production than it deserves at Shakespeare & Company. While this production is enjoyable and features fine performances in the leading roles by Diane Prusha and Tod Randolph, I…
Reviewed by Gail M. Burns, June 2006 The Theater Barn has launched their 23rd season with a rip-snorting farce, Caught in the Net, which has been directed with verve by Michael Marotta and performed at break-neck speed by an amiable cast, solidly anchored by the hilarious performance of John Philip Cromie…
