"What Happened in Boston, Willie"

Reviews of Current Productions

My Wrap Up

by Bob Guenthner a k a
THE OLD GRUMP

From: OLDGRUMP79@aol.com
Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 19:35:32 EST
Subject: My Wrap Up

When I flicked through the pages of my appointment calendar, I realized how seldom I went to the Theatre compared to other years. A few years ago I hit a high of 143 shows, this year only 38. Financial and physical problems slowed me down, but I think the big reason was the shows themselves. Quite a few of the shows I did see, disappointed me. Mis - casting, poor directing, or just plain boring material jumped out at me as I relived the year. The Theatres I go to south of Boston, either scheduled the exact same plays or were doing ones that have been done to death. How many times can you see the same show year after year, and keep it fresh in your mind. From what I see, next year won't be much of an improvement.

The ones I did enjoy, and enjoy them I did, were,

Little Shop of Horrors

Bay Colony in Foxborough

The cast was having so much fun, it rubbed off on the audience.

Chess

Company Theatre in Norwell

Great acting to go with great voices.

Beauty and The Beast

Fiddlehead Theatre in Norwood

This was another show that had an excellent cast.

Proof

Footlighters in Walpole

A nice change of pace. The acting in this drama pleased me.

Super jobs all around.

Nine

Turtle Lane Playhouse in Newton

This version was a definite up grade from the Broadway version.

Dame Edna

Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence

I laughed at her -- him, all the way through it.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Zeiterion in New Bedford A racy adult musical that was extremely well done.

I wish I could make it into greater Boston. From what I read, at least these venues are doing some original works, or at least ones that are not being done over and over.
I am going to venture north to see Kiss of The Spider Woman up to Arlington Friends of the Drama in April. I only wish I lived closer to this place. I have never seen a bad production here.

Bob Guenthner AKA The Old Grump

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