Pylon

Portland Ensemble Theatre Co.
July 31 - August 31, 2008

Review by Thursday

A two-act play retrospectively told by the characters about their high school friendship. Fun and funny, with beautifully supportive designs and talented actors. Although script could use another rewrite to flesh out the nature of narration in Pylon, the play as a whole is articulate, engaging, and resonates with viewers.

21A

Arts Equity
***Extended through August 30***

Review by Thursday

One-man show about people on the 21A bus in Minnesota. Joey LeBard plays eight characters in Kling's hilarious one-act show. Somewhat spotty lighting and out of place props are overshadowed by LeBard's captivating performance. Go see this talented actor create distinct, sympathetic characters, and constantly bring energy to the stage.

The Three Musketeers

Lakewood Theatre Co.
July 11 - August 24, 2008

Review by Thursday

Production brings depth and humor to Ludwig's funny yet one-dimensional adaptation of Dumas's classic. Director Don Alder, with an all-around extraordinary cast, embraces the comedic nature of the piece, yet brings complexity to easily one-note characters. Design supports the action, and audience is easily immersed in the constantly engaging story.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Northwest Classical Theatre
February 8 - March 2, 2008

Review by Thursday:

NWCTC's production confirms Wilde's classic still timely. Direction plays up overt comedy, sometimes at expense of subtler humor. Edwardian set, costumes appear slightly faded; mirrors reflecting audience somewhat distracting. Excellent acting, although Swartout difficult to understand at times. Hilarious rows between Simon, Godell, Walton, and Swartout not to be missed

A Feminine Ending

Portland Center Stage
February 5 - March 23, 2008

Review by Thursday

Amanda Blue scripts a short section of her life as composer and oboe player. Beautifully written text compensates for one-note Amanda. Land, Schultz bring out colors in Bloom's performance. Although lighting in first scene distracts; inventive set, blocking make show seamless. Ambiguous closing proves piece indeed has a feminine ending.

Antigone

Blue Monkey Theater
February 1 - February 24, 2008

Review by Thursday:

Anouilh's modern interpretation of Sophocles' ancient play follows same story-line. Show includes audience interaction, and smartly plays up ironic comedy of piece. Overly obvious blocking continually places Antigone "outside the circle." Pretty, well-integrated design is occasionally intrusive. Teen actors' performances noticeably weaker than adults in cast. Sikking, Porter, and Fletcher shine.

Dead of Winter

The Bluestockings
February 1 - February 23, 2008

Review by Thursday

Three ghost-story style plays use familiar themes of séance, morgue, and clairvoyance. Still, tales presented from a different, often humorous, angle, making them intriguing and creepy. Sparse, specific design elements parallel style of show, leaving much to the imagination. Unusual location adds to haunting atmosphere. A fun and chilling evening.

Tales of Ordinary Madness

CoHo Productions
January 18 - February 23, 2008

Review by Thursday

Director Stepan Simek's new translation of a quirky well-written Czech play. His style plays up comedy and absurdity of the piece. With exception of sound at times, production was seamless. Inventive design and blocking support and enhance action. All actors' work on this thematically complex script pays off. Don't miss.

Believers

Fever Theatre
January 17 - February 2, 2008

Review by Thursday

Collaborative, cult-related show falls somewhere between theatre and performance art. Site specific; requires audience participation from most. Excellent integration of acting, singing, music, and dance. Somewhat episodic. Not quite sure what they were trying to do, although it does hold attention. Dress warmly, but comfortable shoes not necessary. Interesting evening.

Curate Shakespeare As You Like It

Lakewood Theatre Company
January 11 - February 12, 2008

Review by Thursday

Nigro attempts to do many things with this play, including pare down all of Shakespeare into glib phrases. He fails at them all. Somewhat difficult blocking and lights don't help. Why see it? Actors Scales, Young, Bigelow, and Weston bring life to flat characters, amazingly. Sometimes funny, with excellent singing.

Off Book

New Group Theatre Co.
January 10 - February 2, 2008

Review by Thursday

Pirandello meets The Actor's Nightmare meets Jasper Fforde. Well-written, combining intellectual and physical comedy, although sometimes weighed down by numerous theatre, film, and pop-culture references. Some light and set changes unnecessary and distracting. Writer Gallic plays main character Corgan; all actors except Director shine. A fun, enjoyable evening of theatre.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Oregon Children's Theatre
January 4 - 27, 2008

Review by Thursday

A children's show about the daily life of Lilly, a mouse. Well directed, good script. All design elements support whimsical style of show well, including mouse ears for crew. Lilly's performance not as strong as ensemble, Wilson, and Chester, who shine. Fun, compelling show, interesting for both children and parents.