Alan Cumming in ‘Macbeth’ is a Must See

macbeth

Playing until July 14, 2013 at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre is Alan Cumming in Macbeth.  This production is totally unique in that Mr. Cumming puts on a one person version of the Shakespeare classic.  There are only two other people in the show but neither one of them have any lines.  All dialog is provided by Mr. Cumming.

The main character enters what appears to be a mental institution with obvious damage to his body.  As he comes in and begins to get cleaned up, his recitation of the Macbeth play begins.  Cumming plays all parts in the Shakespeare classic in the modern day surroundings.  Suggestion for play goers: if you aren’t already very familiar with Macbeth, take a little time before attending to review it.  You will also find a nice synopsis inside the Playbill for the show which you can scan if you get to the theater early enough.

Alan Cummings is amazing as he delivers one of the most stirring interpretations of this dynamic show you will ever want to see.  You can almost feel how he is deteriorating as a person as the plot progresses.

The staging for this show adds tremendous value to the phenomenal acting that Mr. Cumming does.  The effects of the listening equipment and lighting bring about what could be described as eerie feel such as one might get seeing the actual Macbeth in its full presentation format.

For me, this show was one of the highlights of the Spring 2013 season on Broadway. See it before it ends it run.

Posted in Broadway | Tagged , | Leave a comment

‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Paper Mill Playhouse through June 30

Disney’s The Little Mermaid began its run a few days ago at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The show will run from May 29 through June 30, 2013. Playing the lead roles are Jessica Grove as Ariel and Nick Adams as Prince Eric.

JESSICA GROVE AND NICK ADAMS IN ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’

This run of The Little Mermaid will be the American premiere of a brand new production featuring a revamped script, additional songs, and a new physical production including characters flying over the stage. This video was distributed by the Paper Mill Playhouse to give theater goers an idea of what the production is like including scenes where the sea creatures appear to be swimming underwater:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bhsIOenL-g&w=560&h=315]

The Little Mermaid will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. The performance schedule includes Wednesday at 7:00pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm, Friday at 7:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.

The theater will host a special, Autism/Sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at 4:00pm. This performance is designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities, and planned in cooperation with Autism New Jersey and Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers.

Posted in New Jersey Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Paper Mill Playhouse 75th Anniversary Gala (photos)

On May 10, 2013, the Paper Mill Playhouse celebrated its 75th Anniversary at a Gala held at the Hilton, Short Hills. It was a beautiful event which was well attended.  Here are some photos from the evening’s program:

Pamela and Howard Hirsch, Chairs of the Gala, welcomed the crowd at the beginning of the evening.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The ballroom was filled to capacity.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Students from the Paper Mill Playhouse’s Theatre School, Summer Musical Theater Conservatory and The Broadway Show Choir entertained by singing the opening song from “Thoroughly Modern Millie” which had just finished its run at the Paper Mill and John Lennon’s classic hit “Imagine.”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Music was provided by the Eddie Bruce Band.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

An auction was held and Lorna Kelly served as the Auctioneer.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Bryne/Kean Arts Advocate Award was presented to Kevin Cummings, President and CEO Investors Bank.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Antoinette Scudder Patron of the Arts Award was presented to Carolyn Ferolito.

Carolyn Ferolito

There was a special performance by Jeremy Jordan (center) shown here with Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director (left) and Todd Schmidt, Managing Director (right).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Posted in New Jersey Theater | Tagged | Leave a comment