The Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck [B]

This is the second of a trilogy. This one gets the same B grade from me as part one. In fact, I thought most of "Shipwreck" was weaker than "Voyage" (part one); however the last 30-40 minutes were extraordinary, thus bringing the entire experience at least to the B level. It the next-to-last scene, Richard Easton finally achieves the level that I expect of him. He is wonderful as the Russian envoy: mixing in just the right amoung of pomposity, seriousness, and silliness. In the last scene, Ethan Hawke and Brian F. O'Byrne are excellent.

-barry

Spring Awakening [B+]

I loved the first act. That's a pretty good start. In the second act, the play began to get serious, and I didn't like what the play had to say. Also, the music became, with a couple of exceptions, somber which I also didn't like. Even so, I had a quite enjoyable evening.

Pro's:

• Good music (rock oriented)
• Excellent singing/voices
• Very good acting: personable, attractive, believable young actors
  
• Entertaining
• Excellent lighting
  

Con's:

• Disappointing (to me) plot/theme in the second act.
• Way too somber (for me) in the second act.

All in all, I do recommend this show: it's entertaining, unusual, and does make you think a little.

Suddenly Last Summer [B-]

This is not one of Tennessee Williams best plays. In addition, of the three "stars", on Carla Gugino is terrific. Blythe Danner is only OK, and Gale Harold is pretty bad. The bit part players are all very good.

Still, fans of drama should go see it. First, as I said above Carla Gugino is terrific. It's worth going to the show just to see her. Second, I'll quote from a review at nytheatre.com: "... Suddenly Last Summer is a much-needed reminder that second-rate Williams is still better than first-rate work by most other playwrights."