The Merry Wives of Windsor

August 20, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company presents The Merry Wives of Windsor through September 1. This rollicking comedy is presented outdoors in The Roman Garden Theatre. This lovely space is ideal for the comings and goings of the various characters. Queen Elizabeth must have been delighted to see how the women outwitted the men. Shakespeare’s comedies often border on farce. One can imagine the Bard of Avon being a top comedy writer in every period and with every medium. Some of the great comedians of film and television would have found his material just what they wanted. This comedy should be produced more frequently than it is. Bob and I discuss this production in greater detail. Click on the link Discussion of Merry Wives of Windsor

For tickets click on Shakespeare and Company or call (413) 637-3353

For reviews click on Berkshire Theatre Critics Association

Then watch Director Kevin Coleman video

Nigel Gore, Jennie Jadow and MaConnia Chesser

Martin Jason Aspre7, Tobias Goodman, Jennie Jadow and MaConnia Chesser

The Skin of Our Teeth

July 23, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy Berkshire Theatre Group

The Berkshire Theatre Group presents The Skin of Our Teeth at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage through August 3. Thorton Wilder won one of his three Pulitizer Prizes for this play which is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it in 1942. David Auburn directs an outstanding production with a fine cast who bring this unique play to life as Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus and their two children survive three catastrophes. Survival is one of the themes of the play which broke theatrical conventions when it was first produced and continues to do so now. This is a production that should not be missed. Listen to what Bob and I have to say about it by clicking on The Skin of Our Teeth Discussion

and then go to to The Berkshire Theatre Group web site or call 413-997-4444 for tickets.

For reviews click on Berkshire Theatre Critics Association

Danny Johnson and Harriet Harris as Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus

The Taming of the Shrew

July 23, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy, Shakespeare Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company presents William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew outdoors at the Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, MA through August 17. Seeing these outdoor productions is always a delight. For some of us who remember the early days of Shakespeare and Company, these productions bring happy memories of the days when the company was in residence at The Mount. Looking at the families sitting on the green hillside, it is clear that new memories of Shakespeare productions out of doors are being created. The Taming of the Shrew is a challenging play which Bob and I discuss. That, however, does not diminish the pleasure of this production.

Click the link for our discussion. Discussion of The Taming of the Shrew

Listen to director Kelly Galvin share her thoughts Kelly Galvin on Taming of the Shrew

Then click on the Shakespeare and Company website or call 413-637- 3353 for tickets.

Brighton Beach Memoirs

July 21, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy Oldcastle Theatre Company

Oldcastle Theatre presents Brighton Beach Memoirs through July 28. This production should not be missed. Neil Simon was a prolific American playwright. At one point, it would have been difficult to imagine a season without a Neil Simon play being performed. This is the first of an autobiographical trilogy that has pleased audiences both in film and on stage for many years. Starting with Brighton Beach Memoirs, Simon’s work changed. It was not any less humorous but there was a greater depth to the characters. They were not types as much as very human individuals. All of this is beautifully captured in this production of the play. Given the intimacy of the Oldcastle Theatre and the outstanding acting and direction of the play, the audience feels emotionally connected to the Jerome family with its ups and downs. Over the years, Bob and I have seen productions of the play, but each production of a play is a unique experience. The humor and the humanity of this family offer a special evening in the theatre. After listening to our discussion by clicking below,

Brighton Beach Memoirs Discussion

Click on the Oldcastle website. Oldcastle Theatre or call 802-447-0564 for tickets.

For reviews click on Berkshire Theatre Critics Association

Time Flies and Other Comedies

July 21, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy Barrington Stage

Barrington Stage Company presents Time Flies and Other Comedies at the St. Germain Stage through July 27. This delightful assortment of six comedies with five versatile actors moving through the various situations with flair and brilliant comedic timing. Each play is quite different and the actors change into the clothes, characters and situations with remarkable ease. The playwright, David Ives is well-know for his various sets of short plays that are challenging and amusing. This cast keeps the audience attentive and amused through all these unique and delightful plays.

After clicking below to listen to our discussion,

Discussion of Time Flies and Other Comedies

Go to the Barrington Stage web site or call 413-236-8888 for tickets and information about the rest of the season.

For other information and reviews click on Berkshire Theatre Critics Association

Carson Elrod, Cary Donaldson, Debra Jo Rupp and Ruth Pferdehirt in Enigma Variations

Carson Elrod and Debra Jo Rupp in Variations on the Death of Trotsky

Carson Elfoed, Debra Joe Rupp, Cary Donaldson, Jeff McCarthy and Ruth Pferdehirt in The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage

The Living Room Theatre

July 17, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy Living Room Theatre

The Living Room Theatre is a, professional theatre company located in North Bennington, Vermont at the Park McCullough House. Bob and I have attended their productions since the theatre opened eight years ago. Co-founded by Randolyn Zinn and Allen McCullough, the company has provided unique and exciting productions including Chekhov, Ionesco and Annie Baker among others. When we went to interview the company at Randolyn and Allen’s house, we remembered seeing their first production The Sea Gull on the lawns and in the living room of that house. Since then most of the productions have been in the Carriage Barn of the Park McCullough House.This year the production is an original comedy written by Randolyn Zinn. Click below for our interview

Lucy’s Wedding Interview

Since the production is only running two weeks, Wednesday through Sunday, July 17-July 28, call 802-442-5322 or click Living Room Theatre for tickets.

Here is a link to the Bennington Banner article about the production. Bennington Banner

Reviews from The Berkshire Theatre Critics Association

Sara Canter, Michael Broadhurst, KirkJackson, Will Gallacher. Colleen O’Connor, Karen Trott, Julia Valen
and playwright/director Randolyn Zinn

Twelfth Night

July 10, 2019 ssugarman407 Comedy, Shakespeare Shakespeare and Company

Twelfth Night plays at Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, MA through August 4th. This is one of Shakespeare’s most produced comedies. It is always delightful, no matter how many times you see it. For a play that starts with the line, “If music be the food of love, play on,”it seems appropriate that this production is filled with music. Set at the seaside in 1959, the play once again shows Shakespeare as a playwright for all times. The set, the costumes, the music reflect a particular time as well as all times. This Fifties were when, as director Allyn Burrows points out, music was enjoying a new energy. Like the music, this production is vibrant and engaging. Click below to hear what Bob and I have to say about it.