Posts in Theater Review
Nothing’s Ever Gone: The Garbologists Review

One man’s trash is another man’s mongo. Lindsay Joelle’s The Garbologists, set in the streets of New York, brings us through the grime of the other circle of life—the lifespan of a person’s stuff by way of that cycle’s end. This play champions themes of grief, invisibility, and the value of the discarded; from the people that society doesn’t have the eyes to see, to the things that make them luminous. Theaterworks Hartford’s intimate playhouse sets the stage for the unboxing of truths for sanitation workers across the nation as told by Danny and Marlowe.

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Mi Vida: A Simona’s Search Review

Simona’s Search is a deep dive into the languages of trauma that inspires us to take a more thorough look at how the pains of our past might be showing up in our present, and against our future. Playwright Martín Zimmerman’s words are the foundation for a beautifully layered production, under the direction of Melia Bensussen, set in the passage of time itself—by way of the lifespan of a memory. Hartford Stage’s theater transforms into what looks like a very simple set, compounded by time-moving projections, to bring us the captivating exposition of Simona’s Search—a story open-ended enough for each audience member to plug themselves into it, walking a mile in Simona’s shoes, or that of her father. This production successfully brings theatergoers into the fold.

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Unserious: A Pride and Prejudice Review

Hertfordshire descends upon Hartford in this rendition of Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice put on by The Hartford Stage. The Regency receives a breathtaking reimagining in this production, fusing the old-world charm of a 1700s parlor with the vibrant Spanish-style decor of this "radical adaptation." Director Tatyana-Marie Carlo’s vision is a theatrical delight as she fortifies Austen’s place among the greats, confirming that the relevance of Pride and Prejudice goes beyond the propriety of the era in which it was first penned— it transcends tradition.

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Cartoon Humor: A Rumors Review

Who needs enemies when you have a group of friends like that of Charlie and Myra Brock? Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” directed by Rob Esposito, shakes up Shelton, Connecticut's Center Stage Theatre. This uproarious production delves into the chaos and intrigue of an anniversary dinner party that quickly spirals out of control. In a world where the lives of the upper-class are examined through a lens of comedy, "Rumors" successfully reveals the double-edged nature of close friendships, where your nearest allies can become your fiercest foes.

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Pa'lante: A Viva Broadway Review

Representation of Hispanic and Latine culture in the arts is a labor of love, according to Caraballo, one that she and the rest of the team gladly take on. Viva Broadway asks questions that can only be answered by time and progress. Among those questions are, what can the stories of Hispanic and Latine culture add to the culture of theater that Hispanic and Latine people can’t deliver themselves?

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Grease Trap Confessions: A Clyde’s Review

The recurrence of the perfect sandwich discussion, amid their respective and communal trials, is like a trick candle, reigniting each time we think their hope has been put out. The war between their “we leave the pain in the pan” and Clyde’s “don’t get too high on hope” resonates with us all. 

You can catch a showing of Clyde’s at Theaterworks Hartford , extended through August 5th. 

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A Few Good Men - A Bandstand Review

Bandstand shouts the boys are back in town. The progression of camaraderie through sadness and terror, the timely funny moments popping up again and again makes us feel like we are part of the show. This feel-good story is our hope for all of our soldiers that come back home, that there’s friendship, joy, and love to be found in their second act— despite what we know to be true.

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