David Cromer
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“Punch” and “Caroline”
I’ve gotten tired of thuds. They are particularly obnoxious in the coming attractions for films in which every other cut is accompanied by a huge WHOMP! In combination with the images of explosions and fireballs, the effect can be numbing. The relentless noise suggests that the filmmakers don’t believe the subject matter might be sufficient Continue reading
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Review: “The Counter”
Much drama focuses on conflict. Two or more points-of-view building to the point where they bang away at each other. What we’ve come to expect from Arthur Miller, Lillian Hellman, August Wilson, Tennessee Williams and Tony Kushner. I’m not saying I don’t love it when the adrenaline kicks in and the metaphoric swords start clanging. Continue reading
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Review: DEAD OUTLAW
I didn’t expect to see two musicals within one year about the disposition of corpses. But, yes, last summer I saw the London hit, Operation Mincemeat and the other day I saw Dead Outlaw. Both shows are based in fact. Mincemeat is about a misinformation operation run by British intelligence during WWII which involved dressing Continue reading
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Thoughts on “Prayer For the French Republic”
At a time when we’ve gotten used to tasty 90-minute hors d’oeuvres, it’s exhilarating to encounter a play with enough on its mind to hold the attention for three hours (including two 10-minute intermissions). Joshua Harmon’s Prayer For the French Republic (immaculately directed by David Cromer at Manhattan Theater Club’s off-Broadway house) is a full Continue reading
Jeffrey Sweet--Making the Scene 