The Brothers Karamazov (Lookingglass Theatre) - 10/22/08

This may very well be Lookingglass's crowning achievement to date. I've always thought that these guys were more style than substance, but with this show, they not only display breathtaking theatrical craft, but also a an intelligence and heartfelt muscularity I have not seen before. Heidi Stillman has managed to adapt Dostoesvsky's complex, iconic novel for the stage with great skill and theatrical flair. Unlike her previous popular and critically acclaimed adaptation of Dickens' "Hard Times", which I found cloying and unnecessarily didactic, her work here exudes newfound maturity. Indeed, the show's ultimate message of community and social responsibility is fully earned and not trivialized by being taken for granted.

Rating: ****1/2 (out of *****)

Picnic (Writer's Theatre) - 10/22/08

Writer's Theatre has staged William Inge's "Picnic" to gut-wrenching effect. Having said that, this Pulitzer Prize winning play has not aged well, particularly in the third and final act, which reeks of melodrama. However, director David Cromer has overcome this drawback and has injected real urgency and detail into the characters, dispelling any sense of caricaturization. Indeed, although the play takes place in a small town in 1950's Kansas, it all seems so vividly contemporary.

Rating: **** (out of *****)

Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards Ceremony ("Jeff Awards") - 10/20/08

The 40th Anniversary Equity Jeff Awards ceremony brought a new level of professionalism to the event. The biggest winners of the evening were the Chicago Shakespeare for "The Comedy of Errors", Marriott Lincolnshire for "Les Miserables", Drury Lane Oakbrook for "Sweet Charity", and Chicago Dramatists for "A Steady Rain". A very rewarding, fun night all around. Go Jeff!

SAN DIEGO: Back Back Back (Old Globe) - 10/19/08

Alongside the stunning all-woman production of the classic "The Women", the Old Globe is currently presenting "Back Back Back", an intense new play by Itamar Moses, which features a trio of bravura "guy" performances. The play cleverly and concisely chronicles the use of steroids in professional baseball, and packs a punch thanks to these three adrenaline-infused, yet nuanced affecting performances. The play is a smart, well-rounded dissection of the issue which will be seen later in the season (in a new production) in NYC. All in all, a great way to end my theater-going in San Diego!

Rating: ***1/2 (out of *****)

SAN DIEGO: The Women (Old Globe) - 10/19/08

The hilarious classic "The Women" (often referred to as a precursor to "Sex and the City" and the like) at the Old Globe in San Diego is an absolute luscious treat. Led by an impeccable performance by Kate Baldwin, the entire cast gives well-crafted, perfectly timed performances; this is ensemble acting that pops. Darko Tresnjak has directed a truly stylish, well paced production, and his design team have provided a luxurious art deco set and absolutely delicious costumes. I hear the recently released movie version was treated coolly by the critics and audiences; the stage version is red hot.

Rating: **** (out of *****)

SAN DIEGO: Tobacco Road (La Jolla Playhouse) - 10/17/08

Despite being one of the longest running non-musicals in Broadway history, "Tobacco Road" is often alluded to but rarely performed. Hence, I jumped on this opportunity to see this legendary play at the La Jolla Playhouse during my recent trip to San Diego (I also caught two shows at the Old Globe). What struck me most about, and what I enjoyed most about, this tale of Depression era desperation was its surreal overtones and racy content. Indeed, the cast gave appropriately over-the-top performances all around, and David Schweizer heightened, hyperactive direction all worked towards giving this production a gutsy, heightened, dreamlike (nightmarish is more like it) quality. This is a great opportunity to see a wonderful production of "Tobacco Road".

Rating: *** (out of *****)

On the Shore of the Wide World (Griffin Theatre Company) - 10/16/08

Griffin Theatre is currently producing the North American premier of Simon Stephens' award winning play "On the Shores of the Wide World". Set in England, the play honestly deals with the realities and complexities of modern day relationships (romantic, family). Jonathan Barry has thoughtfully directs a contemplative, slowly-paced pot boiler, which crawls under your skin before you know it. He also draws lovely, direct work from his cast. A slight distraction is the "echoe-y" acoustics at the Theater Building, which at times takes one out of the moment of this intimate play.

Rating: *** (out of *****)