Philadelphia

The Sun Shines Nellie (Review of Taylor Mac, Part II at PIFA, for Parterre Box)

Warmth, humor, and joyful out-and-proud-ness dominate the mood, yet there is considerable darkness in Mac’s view of both past and present.

600 Highwaymen’s non-play was an endurance test—how long could I stay in a theater without screaming?

This serious, ambitious show feels like its still a work in progress.

A particular tension—between angry political resistance, and gloriously buoyant queerness—fuels TM24’s immense energy.

Less here would be so much more.

The wonderful Corinna Burns shines especially brightly in this droll, delightful show.

But whether this earnest, winning piece is a successful play is an open question.

The “semi-staging” seen here delivers less theater than no staging at all.

This brilliantly acerbic, absurdist comedy gleefully thumbs its nose at trigger warnings.

Is this once-iconic satire still viable, or a historical curiosity? That is the question.