Out of the 151 plays I saw and reviewed in 2014, these are my Top Ten for their unforgettable quality. GRIFFIN THEATRE: Titanic was a ship to love. The emotional connection between the characters and the audience was powerful. I found it memorable for its passionate and hopeful portrayal of the tragedy. THE SECOND CITY & ...
Review “The Humans” (American Theatre Company): Disconcertingly and Hysterically Authentic!
American Theater Company presents the World Premiere of THE HUMANS. Welcome to the Blakes for Thanksgiving! Dad is exhausted. Mom is intoxicated. Sis is brokenhearted. Momo is demented. Brigid and her new boyfriend are hosting the family gathering in her new, unfurnished apartment. This family is tight. They know each other’s past mistakes and current inadequacies. And ...
Learning to say ‘Yet’
At a random restaurant a few years back, I asked Josh if he liked mushrooms. His response was ‘not yet.’ This exchange has stayed with me because it was so unique. The question seemed like an easy ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. I tend to go with the easy answer. Thankfully, Josh doesn’t. This morning I was struggling ...
2015?! So far, so good!
Hello 2015! What did you bring me? 2-0-1-5 seems as futuristic as growing up in the 1900’s now feels historic. As a fan of THE JETSONS, back in the day I imagined I’d have a robot and a car that flies by now. I still remember how intense it felt going into the 2000s. We were ...
My year ‘not’ on Facebook
It’s the end of 2014, a year of adventure, challenge and joy. In my twenties, I was all about seasonal goals. Each season would have different focuses. In my thirties and most of my forties, I drifted. My resolutions tended to be things like ‘giving up smoking.‘ And I’ve never been a smoker. I liked ...
I’ve become a beach slug!
Balance is important to me. I juggle my jobs, my writing and my working out. I’m always trying to get everything in. I have a weekly To-Do list. And I enjoy scratching off each play review, treadmill stint, and even the most mundane of tasks. ‘Pick up toilet paper.‘ Scratch! I find satisfaction in the ...
I’m no Orphan Annie!
When I woke up this morning, my parents were gone. This is an unsettling statement for me on multiple levels. Now, don’t worry! They just decided to get up early and start their journey back to Elkhart from Myrtle Beach. And I also know there is a casino in West Virginia that they’ve never been to. ...
Review “Pirates Voyage” (Myrtle Beach): Aye Aye!
Myrtle Beach, in conjunction with Jenny Hamel, presents PIRATES VOYAGE. When driving into Myrtle Beach, two specific signs will make you go ‘huh?‘ Hardees boasting a bologna-Velveeta-egg biscuit. And the billboards promoting a Pirates Voyage with live nativity. Both sound like odd, distasteful combos. Although the Hardees’ announcement can be disregarded, 100+ Pirates’ billboards and a ...
Change? Yes Please!
I’m finishing up Amy Poehler’s “Yes Please!” on my seaside holiday. Her nuggets of wisdom are even more thought-provoking when contemplated with an amazing view. Change is the only constant. Your ability to navigate and tolerate change and its painful uncomfortableness directly correlates to your happiness and general well-being. -AP Nothing stays the same. I love that ...