American Traveler

You know what happens when you’re in a dark, cold, dry room and you rub a fat long-haired cat the wrong way? Right: sparks fly. And that’s just what happens in Venus in Fur at the Lyceum. The play opens as thunder and lightning boom and flash on a dark stage. What follows is an hour and a half of non-stop building sexual tension between Vonda (Nina Arianda)  and Thomas (Hugh Dancy). Just the two of them, a bag full of costumes dragged in by Vonda, a few pieces of furniture and a witty, edgy script full of twists and turns.With it’s play-within-a-play structure and 19th century shadow story, the play is quite Tom-Stoppard-esque. The plot is convoluted, the characters exchange roles, and, in the end, a bit more clarity would have been appreciated. But, when leaving the theater everyone can be hard exclaiming the same thing: Nina Arianda! She is a force of nature. Beguiling. Sexy. Dangerous. Eccentric. Endearing. As electric as the lightning that flashes throughout the show. Hugh Dancy does a great job just to keep up with her. Don’t miss it!

If you’re tired of the mannered, understated, ironic performances that are so prevalent on the stage theses days, Teatro Circulo has something  different to offer. This East Village Latino theater presents an energetic and raw performance of one of Frederico Garcia Lorca’s greatest plays. La Casa de Bernarda Alba is Shakespearian in its tragic scope. It’s kind of a female, Spanish King Lear. It is presented in Spanish with English super titles. Yes, the play is great, but the actor’s in this performance are remarkable: energetic, honest, and heart-felt. The Puerto Rican diva Lydia Echevarria is remarkable as Bernarda. And Maria Eugenia Mercado is a good match for her as Poncia. Every member of this all female ensemble cast deserves applause, including Isabel Arraiza as the long-suffering Adela.

Watch LaCasa Trailer

Does Love Live Forever when the Lover is Not Alive?

Last 2 Shows!

Friday, Jan 21 and Sat Jan 22 will be the final two shows of Over My Dead Booty! at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre, 303 W. 42nd St., NY, NY. Call 646-329-6588 for Reservations.

Don’t Miss It!!!