★★★★★ A classic poem becomes a stunning music theater piece celebrating identity and dignity in the face of oppression
Beyond
From London: The Young Vic’s Fun Home and the Donmar’s Aristocrats
Sam Gold’s London production of Fun Home retains its full magic, while Brian Friel’s Aristocrats is interesting but not top tier
From London: The Lehman Trilogy, a Thrilling Look at the American Experience
An altogether terrific chronicle of money, power, and the American Way
From London: McKellen’s Lear and Christie’s Witness, Both Excellent
Ian McKellen makes a monumental Lear, while Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution literally goes to court
From London: The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The King and I, Both in Brilliant Form
Martin McDonagh’s macabre thriller and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Siamese spectacle are done to perfection
From London: A Bracingly Bristling Jungle, Plus an Overly Wilde Earnest
The Jungle is a remarkable theatrical experience; a sexualized Importance of Being Earnest works as poorly as one might suspect
From London: Rylance vs. Othello, plus World War II Weather
Mark Rylance’s Iago electrifies Othello, while D-Day forecasts bring suspenseful chills in Pressure
Petrified Forest, Sister Mary Ignatius: Revivals Under the Berkshire Elms
Harriet Harris shines as Chris Durang’s nutty nun, while Robert E. Sherwood’s vintage melodrama just shines, period.
West Side Story: Reproducing a Classic With Sincerity, and Safety
★★★★☆ 100th birthday tributes to Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins yield a familiar but affecting take on timeless material.
Fern Hill: Three Couples Get Around to Clean Sex on a Farm Weekend
★★★☆☆ Michael Tucker writes a smart script for six top actors that starts out less than smart