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Theatre

Faced With Need

West Coast Debut of the “Grand Concourse” brings Northwesterner Heidi Schrek’s  Story of Identity Crisis Home. A nun in a Bronx soup kitchen struggles with her faith, as a spunky teenager turns the operation upside down. Don’t be fooled. It might sound cute, even quaint or tired, but those expecting a feel-good piece involving restored faith, […]

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Theatre

ALL THAT I TAKE FOR GRANTED

The Miracle Worker reminds one of the gift of consciousness. Spoiler Caution: the following review assumes you are totally familiar with this classic play from 1960, as it is depicted in the 1962 film, or from television, and the ending is discussed. Helen Keller’s story will always strike awe in hearts and minds. Everyone’s takeaway […]

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Theatre

Misunderstood: One Witch’s Story

“BROOMSTICK,” A PLAY ABOUT A WITCH WITH AN IDENTITY CRISIS COMES TO ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATER The lights come up on a witch’s cottage complete with a wall o’ potions and a number of other eccentric, dusty knickknacks, all backed by what looks like the strands of a giant fraying wicker chair. Basically, the kind of […]

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Theatre

How would Kafka point a gun?

The Artists Repertory Theater kicks off its season with Theresa Rebeck’s meta-comedy The Understudy. In a scene midway through Theresa Rebeck’s glimpse into the world of theater understudies, the question is repeatedly posed, “how would Franz Kafka point a gun?” Would it be slick and confident, like action star Jake (Jared Q. Miller) demonstrates? Would […]

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Theatre

In Spirit of Being

I’m nearing my seat as my ears are met by the buttery notes of Bing Crosby’s “Love in Bloom.” I quickly nestle in, Merlot in hand, shortbread awaiting an eager tongue. With each bite I can taste the familiar richness in his voice. With each trumpet solo I’m sent to a place I haven’t visited […]