Our theater critics pick some of the outstanding productions in a year haunted by COVID.
David Greenham
Theater Review: “English” — Language Lessons
English makes us consider what it looks like from the other side of our native tongue; from the outside looking in.
Theater Review: “Paradise Blue” — Hit the High Notes
This dark and jazzy noir drama would be compelling if it just focused on dramatizing a jazz artist’s quest for artistic perfection.
Theater Review: “Pass Over” — A Disarming and Disturbing Play About Race in America
This is one of those 75-minute plays where you have to remind yourself to breathe.
Theater Commentary: Maine’s Hackmatack Playhouse — After 50 Years, a Fond Adieu
When Hackmatack Playhouse closes, that will leave, by my count, just one non-equity, professional summer resident theater in Maine: Acadia Rep (founded in 1973) located in Somesville, near Bar Harbor.
Theater Review: “Mr. Fullerton, Between the Sheets” — Romantic Misfire
Once it gets its bearings, Mr. Fullerton, Between the Sheets, tosses and turns its way through the throes of hidden romance, miscommunication, reconciliation and, eventually, heartbreak.
Theater Review: “1776” — Still an Egg in the Theatrical Incubator
This revival of 1776 tries to strike a culture wars balance, celebrating the country’s commitment to independence while also here and there skewering the idealized images and blatant hypocrisies of America’s patriarchal founders.
Theater Review: “The Inheritance” — Confronting the Unthinkable
As National Pride Month begins, The Inheritance is a powerful way to honor and remember the impossible journey so many have taken to win the right to simply be themselves in public.
Theater Review: “Ain’t Misbehavin’” — The Joint is Really Jumpin’
This sizzling production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ is one of those one-of-a kind of experiences that we all long for in the theater.
Theater Review: “The Christmas Revels 2021” — As Usual, Rising in Song
Once again,under challenging circumstances, the Revels cast and crew has pulled off a rousing good show.