Off- Broadway, Hurt Village, by
Katori Hall, is a play about an African-American family living
in a project in Memphis in poverty and rampant drug use. The actors
are quite good, but loud, and the vulgar language is painful to
hear.
Beyond the Horizon, by Eugene O'
Neill, is a splendid production of his first full-length play,
about two brothers in love withe same lady. It features an excellent
cast, directed expertly by Ciaran O'Reilly. Among the opening
night guests were Arthur and Barbara Gelb, Rosemary
Harris, Frances Sternhagen and Tony and Gen Walton.
The celebration took place at Jake's Saloon.
The new revised version of Carrie,
music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, is
much better than the original, which was a flop on Broadway. The
cast is wonderful, especially Molly Ranson in the title role
and, as always, Marin Mazzie as her mother, directed by
Stafford Arima. The opening night party at Griffin attracted
Clive Davis, Lesley Gore and Jason Danieley.
Rutherford & Son, by Githa Sowerby,
is an excellent production by the Mint Theatre with a wonderful
cast, headed by Robert Hogan as a tyrannical father. The
opening night party was held at the Irish Rogue.
Assistance, by Leslye Headland,
is an office comedy about workers with a tyrannical boss. He drives
them crazy, but they are all neurotic anyway. It is quite funny. The
opening night party was at Heartland Brewery with guests Aubrey
Dollar, Shannon Esper, Nicky Silver and many more.
Rated P for Parenthood, music & lyrics
by Dan Lipton and David Rossmer, is a ninety-minute
revue about raising children, with songs and brief sketches by a
four member cast. It is mildly amusing. Opening night was celebrated
at Southern Hospitality with guests Cindy Adams, Noah Emmerich
and Kelli O'Hara.