A Captivating ‘Saint Joan’ from Bedlam

March 12, 2018March 12, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

Bedlam’s “Saint Joan” by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Eric Tucker. Presented by Arts Emerson, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St, Boston, MA through March 25.

The great thing about attending a Bedlam show – this is my fourth – is that you know you will never, ever be bored. This company’s take on the classics is so energizing and fresh that even when you think you know the script, you’ll find yourself in for some surprises. Saint Joan is no exception. Four characters play all of the roles, and they do it amazingly well.

ART’s ‘The White Card’ is Very White, Indeed

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

by Michele Markarian

The White Card. Written by Claudia Rankine. Directed by Diane Paulus. The World Premiere of American Repertory Theater’s production, presented by ArtsEmerson , 559 Washington Street, Boston, MA through April 1.

Wealthy New Yorkers and avid art collectors Virginia and Charles (Patricia Kalember and Daniel Gerroll) have, through their colleague Eric (Jim Poulos), invited artist Charlotte (Karen Pittman), to dinner, in the hopes of purchasing some of her work for their illustrious collection. Charlotte, who is the only black person at the dinner, is making a name for herself creating photographic re-enactments of racist crimes. Charles and Virginia, well-intentioned white people, collect art on this very subject, thinking it the essence of the black experience.

Animated Pre-Teen Trans Experience ‘Torrey Pines’ at ArtsEmerson Has Universal Appeal

February 16, 2018February 19, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

‘Torrey Pines’ – Director: Clyde Petersen; Animators: Clyde Petersen & Chris Looney; Production Team: Aidan Baxter-Ferguson, Jack Carroll, Dena Zilber, Terrance Robinson, Merce Lemon, Zach Burba & Leah Gold. Original music recorded in collaboration with Kimya Dawson and Chris Walla. Presented by ArtsEmerson at the Emerson Paramount Center Jackie Liebergott Black Box through February 17.

Admittedly, Torrey Pines, the moving and often hilarious stop-motion animated feature film now making its Boston premiere at the Emerson Paramount Center Jackie Liebergott Black Box, is not your everyday coming of age story. In the director’s notes, Clyde Petersen says his film – which is also accompanied by his live band, Your Heart Breaks, – “is for queer punks, trans youth and people who struggle with mental health issues in their lives”, but it’s also for anyone who enjoys imaginative animation, quirky (and painful) storytelling, and great live music.

“Home” Brings Magic to the Familiar

September 29, 2017September 30, 2017 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

Home – Written by Geoff Sobelle; Directed by Lee Sunday Evans. Presented by ArtsEmerson at the Emerson Paramount Center at 559 Washington St. Boston through October 1.

Home – the theatrical experience built around the onstage construction of a home and the lives of its multiple inhabitants – is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, although you’ve certainly experienced everything in it over and over and over in your own life. Absurdist actor, illusionist, and playwright Geoff Sobelle has devised a work that takes the most familiar parts of our lives, from getting out bed, brushing our teeth, taking a shower (which includes brief nudity) and yes, going to the bathroom, and turns it into a symphony of movement in the comfort of a kind of “every-home”.

Jenson Channels the Spirit of Lester Bangs in ArtsEmerson’s ‘How To Be A Rock Critic’

May 16, 2017May 16, 2017 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Mike Hoban

‘How To Be A Rock Critic’ – Based on the Writings of Lester Bangs; Written by Erik Jenson and Jessica Blank; Performed by Erik Jenson; Directed by Jessica Blank; Lighting Design by Lap Chi Chu; Scenic Design by Richard Hoover; Sound Design by David Robbins; Dramaturg: P. Carl; Produced by Thomas O. Kreigsmann at Emerson/Paramount Center’s Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, 559 Washington Street, Boston, through May 21.

If you are a music fan of a certain age who experienced the evolution of Rock n Roll from the late sixties to the early eighties with any degree of enthusiasm, ‘How To Be A Rock Critic’ – a kind of one-night stand with the (deceased) seminal rock critic Lester Bangs – is not to be missed. Erik Jenson, who plays the speed and cough syrup-fueled pseudo-journalist and bona fide creative writer Bangs with a beautifully unhinged bravado, perfectly captures the near spiritual experience of what happens when people like Bangs (and me) hear those three chords that unleash the mind-bending power of a truly great rock song.