Monday, September 16, 2024
Review Highlights: WE AIN'T EVERY GONNA BREAK UP: THE HYMON & PARFUNKEL MUSICAL at The Phoenix Theatre Company
Louis Pardo and Gregg Hammer Photo by Brennen Russell, Blink Sessions Photography |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 3
"Gregg Hammer, Louis Pardo, and Scott Weinstein have attempted to create a satire of (jukebox musicals) with their We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical, which uses a duo modeled on Simon and Garfunkel and a structure similar to many jukebox musicals. The show is making its world premiere at The Phoenix Theatre Company. While there are several laugh out loud moments, some nice songs, and a few lines that joke about other shows in this genre, it's also a tad too long and not quite the satire it's being billed as. Fortunately, Hammer and Pardo are very talented and the poignant ending provides a high note for this fun, cheerful and charming show." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
WEEK AT A GLANCE: September 16-22, 2024
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Review Highlights: THE TRIAL OF ONE SHORT-SIGHTED BLACK WOMAN VS. MAMMY LOUISE AND SAFREETA MAE at Black Theatre Troupe
LaTraye Meredith, Lydia Corbin, Cynnita Agent, Regina White, and Kimberly A. Coleman Photo by Laura Durant |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through September 22
"Karani Marcia Leslie's The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae is an intriguing drama that depicts a young Black woman suing two women from over a century ago whom she accuses as the embodiment of African American stereotypes in media that have sidelined her career trajectory. Black Theatre Troupe's cast is stellar, a thought-provoking production of this unique but not entirely successful play....Under David Hemphill's perfect direction, the entire cast shines. Lydia Corbin and Cynnita Agent are excellent as the lawyers for the prosecution and the defense, respectively, and Jessica Ortiz Sanroman, Kimberly Coleman, and Regina White shine as Victoria, Mammy Louise, and Safreeta Mae, instilling each woman with nuance, depth and realism. LaTraye Meredith is perfect as the no-nonsense judge, and Paul Perkins is wonderful as all of the witnesses, bringing a distinct and unique style to each....still incredibly very timely. With a cast of exceptional actors and smart direction, Black Theatre Troupe's production does an excellent job in demonstrating the important reminders that Leslie brings up in the play: It's necessary to remember the archetypical characters of our past while also needing to learn the personal, factual stories of the individuals they were based on and how the stories of those who came before us and what they did to overcome their struggles paved the way for the benefits and abilities we have today." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)