Author Archives

University administrator and teacher by day, theater and arts critic by night.

REVIEW: Awake and Sing! Recovers a Precious Bit of American Theater History

Seen here, one is aware of Clifford Odets’ flaws as a writer—but even more, we see his grandeur.

AVA’s Rusalka—a rare venture into the Slavic repertoire—left a divided impression.

Together, Bernstein’s Kaddish and Rossini’s Stabat Mater made for one of Philadelphia Orchestra’s finest concerts in recent memory.

Eleanor Burgess’s thought-provoking, intelligent play was a balm to my wounded soul.

Blanka Zizka’s high-concept production consistently tries too hard.

Nearly everything about America seems to frighten this playwriting snowflake.

We’ve moved on from Harold Pinter’s pregnant, tedious pauses. Who has the time?

Jez Butterworth’s epochal play provokes feelings of exhilaration and mourning.

A charming and unusual song program showcased AVA’s rising group of singers.

Two highly satisfying evenings, more evenly drawn than I had expected.