Paul Dervis

Arts Remembrance — Rip Torn: A Short Appreciation

Rip Torn. Great name, better actor.

What did this aging hippy, this elder of our world learn? To live a life without apologies.

Lighting Martha delves into the psychological tensions generated by alternative lifestyles — many, many decades ago.

The Oscar-nominated animation shorts are a dark lot this year.

Albert Finney was the greatest interpreter of England’s gift to the world of contemporary theater, the Kitchen Sink Drama.

What makes Portland Stage’s production of Earnest such a delight is its physicality.

Mother Butterfly’s script shows genuine promise, but the Storm Warnings Repertory Theatre’s premiere production falls short.

I miss the precocious, mischievous, darkly cunning, and troubled characters Gary Oldman once portrayed so beautifully.

If you can accept yet another tour around a love triangle, Wonder Wheel is generally engaging and nearly always entertaining.

Is a romantic relationship with someone who is lovely — but mentally ill — worth the effort?

Matt Hanson July 7, 2020 at 6:49 pm on Literary Appreciation: “The Passion for the Thing” — An Argument for Writer Harry CrewsThis is really beautifully written, thanks for giving us a sense of the man from someone who really knew him....
Thomas Garvey July 7, 2020 at 2:29 pm on Arts Commentary: “Hamilton” — Streaming on Disney Plus, Feeling Like You’re in the Room Where it Happened.Hmmmm. Let's just say that now I've finally seen Hamilton, I had a more complex reaction. The good news is...
John McEnerney July 5, 2020 at 9:24 pm on Book Reconsideration: “A Confederacy of Dunces” — Still an American Comic Masterpiece?I read COD 40 years ago and again about 20 years ago, and the article makes me want to read...
Bill Marx July 5, 2020 at 6:09 pm on Rethinking the Repertoire #22 – Florence Price’s “Mississippi River Suite”A mistake: it should be Will Marion Cook — I have corrected in the piece.
Michael July 5, 2020 at 2:32 pm on Rethinking the Repertoire #22 – Florence Price’s “Mississippi River Suite”In the review, you mention composer Will Marion Clark, as a peer of Stills and Kaye: "Price wasn’t the early...