Author Archives: burdreviews

What is the point of life? What is in our power? Do we control our own fates? These are the questions asked by the existentialist thinkers of the late 19th and the 20th century. And one of its greatest proponents was philosopher Jean Paul-Sartre, who expressed those ideas in film, in books, and in plays.Continue reading “No Exit at Quintessence Theatre”

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the abuser attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim’s mind. That is the definition from Google. Most people are familiar with the term from a 1944 film starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman, based on a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton. Act II PlayhouseContinue reading “Gaslight at Act II Playhouse”

“True West” is one of acclaimed playwright Sam Shepard’s many plays. He won eleven Obie Awards as well as a Pulitzer Prize for “Buried Child” in 1979. The following year, “True West” opened. And over the next 20 years, the two main roles were played by Peter Coyote, Gary Sinese, John Malkovich, Dennis Quaid, PhilipContinue reading “True West at People’s Light”

Say the name Boca to young people and they probably won’t know what you’re talking about. However, most seniors recognize it as the shortened version of Boca Raton, a city in South Florida where many go, first for a winter getaway, and later, to retire in active adult communities. The play, “Boca,” by Jessica Provenz,Continue reading “BOCA at Act II Playhouse”

Lettie is a young woman in her early 30’s who has recently been released from prison after serving seven years for using and dealing drugs. She lives in a halfway house and plans to find work as a welder after she completes an internship. She is also hoping to reunite with her children who areContinue reading “Lettie at People’s Light”

In my junior year in college, I took a class in Shakespeare. I was a history major and only familiar with the few plays I read in high school, with a Cliff’s Notes by my side to help me understand what was going on. Fast forward a half century later and I find that ShakespearianContinue reading “Twelfth Night at Wilma Theater”

Six rather quirky kids are competing for the title of spelling bee champion in the gymnasium of a Putnam County school.  These young adolescents are joined in the competition by four invited audience members. It is hosted by two “moderators” who are rather quirky themselves. Billed as a musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam CountyContinue reading “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Arden Theatre Company”

            In 1954, “The Matchmaker,” by Thornton Wilder debuted in London. About a widow who brokers marriages in Yonkers, New York at the turn of century, the play came to Broadway a year later with Ruth Gordon. A 1958 film adaptation starred Shirley Booth and included Shirley MacLaine, Anthony Perkins, and Robert Morse, before DavidContinue reading “Hello Dolly at Act II Playhouse”

How many of you have ever heard of Phillis Wheatley? Sadly, I knew nothing of this 18th century enslaved Black American poet’s existence until Quintessence Theatre brought her to my attention with the world premier of Paul Oakley Stovall’s play, “Written by Phillis.” What a fascinating and brilliant young woman!             The play begins withContinue reading “Written By Phillis at Quintessence Theatre”

            “The Play That Goes Wrong”, written in 2012, is probably one of the most successful comedies of the past ten years. It’s been on the London stage most of that time and ran on Broadway for two years before going to off-Broadway.  It’s toured across the U.S. and Australia. The story is a spoofContinue reading “The Play That Goes Wrong at 1812 Productions”