The Controversy of Valladolid [B+]

This is a fascinating show that delves into a Catholic Church analysis, in 1550, of whether the indigenous people of South/Central America were actually human ("Gods Children") or not, and thus whether the Spaniards were justified (allowed by the Church?) in raping, torturing, and killing them.

It is quite well acted. The set is magnificent and provides an open, eerie atmosphere that encourages the audience to think about what is being said.

My only complaint was that the author apparently decided to use this as a vehicle to criticize our current Mideast policy. While this is a legitimate purpose for theatre, on a couple of occasions I think he tweaked the text to be sure to drive home his point. I suspect that he feared that the audience would miss his point if he didn't somehow emphasize it. Had he not emphasized it, he may have actually made a better, though subtler, argument.

Brooklyn Boy [C+]

I hate to give this play only a C+, but I just cannot bring myself to give it better. It was obviously written with such good intentions. Sadly, it just didn't quite fly with those intentions.

The story is of a newly famous author who has written a breakthrough book about his childhood, and is just now coming to terms with his childhood. The subject clearly means a great deal to the author (it's semi-autobiographical), but he just can't seem to put enough punch into it.

There is one wonderful scene - in the movie producer's office - but the rest of the play is pleasant enough but dull.

Spamalot [A]

I knew I was going to love this show, but sometimes those are the very ones that are punch-in-the-gut disappointing. Well not this time. It was blindlingly silly, rediculously nonsensical, and basically one big string of non-sequitors -- just what we've come to expect from Monty Python. It was a bit rough-edged, but I suspect a few more performances under the belt will fix that.

I don't need to say much about the acting. With Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce, and Hank Azaria, how could it be anything but great.

The thing that really surprised me was the music. I never expected to walk out of the theatre humming a tune!

Another surprise: you don't really need to be familiar with Monty Python to enjoy it - it is pretty self-explanatory. You may wonder why the audience is bursting into applause when a (beloved) character merely walks onto the stage, but you will soon get it.

The Night Season [A-]

This was a one-time reading at the Roundabout Theatre. It's sad and it's sweet; a play about a week or so in the life of an Irish family. Nothing much really happens, but, in life, when nothing much is really happening that's when quite a bit often happens. When it eventually comes to town, you should see it.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee [C+]

The first half hour was an A. It was very funny. The second half hour was a B, the third was a C, and the final 20 minutes was also a C. It probably averages out to B-, but I'm deducting points for very uncomfortable seats, made even more unpleasant by the two hour (from initial seating until leaving) length with no intermission.

Note: The morning after I wrote the above reviewlet, I read Frank Scheck's review in The Post, and he concluded with the following sentence which says it all: "Under the lighthearted direction of James Lapine, the performers garner the requisite laughs, even if their broad turns sometimes smack more of condescension than affection."

Hurlyburly [A]

This is an excellent show with a star studded cast who perform their parts quite well. It is very long (3:10). The script is a very wordy play about sex, drugs, and life in Hollywood in the 80's. I like the languagel, but it is very complex, and it goes by very quickly. You really have to pay attention for the entire 3+ hours, and even then you'll miss some of it. I'm almost ready to go back again, already, to hear some of what zipped past me.

Note: The off-Broadway run of this show is already sold out, but there are rumors aplenty about moving it to Broadway. Keep an eye out for it, if it moves.

The Lonely Way [B+]

Good first act; even better second. Wonderful script/translation. The acting was good, but not great. The age of cast members (men) was not terribly convincing: the ages of the three men who were supposed to be boyhood friends seemed to differ considerably. But all these things are nits when viewed in light of the powerful effect of the whole show.

Historical Note: This Schindler play was headed for Broadway, but previewed around the East Coast in the 30's. The previes run was (shall we say) not a success, and the play never made it to Broadway. This current production is the only other time this play has been performed in America.

I see fire in the dead man's eyes [D+]

This is a very long 90 minute show. There's definitely some substance to this show - perhaps the author wants us to feel the frustration, boredom, and terror that everyday life creates for the paralyzed man - but, for me, the substance wasn't worth the candle.