This review aired on KBAQ June 2, 2016

BROADWAY REVIEW I – THE PLAYS – “Eclipsed,” “Blackbird,” and”The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

THREE BROADWAY PLAYS MAKE IMPORTANT STATEMENT ABOUT TODAY’S ISSUES

New York City, NY

Broadway has always been the place to see the latest musicals but it was also where American plays premiered.  As Broadway producing costs escalated and as Broadway audiences focus on musicals, plays usually choose off-Broadway theaters to open except this season where three strong plays emerged on Broadway –  “Eclipsed,” “Blackbird,” and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”  All three have remarkable performances by leading actors many making their New York debuts after extensive movie careers.

“ECLIPSED”

Golden Theatre

“Eclipsed” is the strongest piece and is a harrowing tale about a group of women who are the captive of their rebel officer husband during the Liberian Civil War.  They have banded together to face their terrible living circumstances and the lack of respect for females.  Things progress until the balance is upset by the arrival of a new girl.  Written by playwright Danai Gurira, the play graphically paints the hideous sexist conditions that exist in Africa.  The women serve their husband but must be careful because of his unreal power over them.  It’s an intimate piece playing in Broadway’s tiniest theater, the John Golden.  As you leave, the actors remind us of the young girls that were taken in Africa and who have never been located.  “Eclipsed” continues indefinitely.  For tickets, call the Telecharge box office at 212-239-6200.

Grade: B

“BLACKBIRD”

Belasco Theatre

“Blackbird” paints another frightful picture.  Una and Ray had a forced relationship fifteen years earlier when he had his way with her against her wishes.  Now, she’s found him again and Una’s years of hate float to the surface as she struggles to live her life after the pain inflicted on her by the forced relationship but Ray doesn’t understand why she hates him.  “Blackbird” is another significant play about the pain caused women by men who think they can do anything without repercussions.  The two-person cast features fabulous performances by Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams.  Williams especially gives a stunning portrait of a tortured woman who will never be whole because of the awful things Daniels’ character does to her.  “Blackbird” closes June 11.  For tickets, call the Telecharge box office at 212-239-6200.

Grade: C

“THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME”

Ethel Barrymore Theatre, New York City, NY

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” focuses on brilliant 15-year-old Christopher, but his intelligence doesn’t include the ability to interpret everyday life.  Wrongly accused of killing a neighbor’s dog, Christopher tries to identify the real killer but comes to an unexpected discovery that changes his life forever.  “Curious Incident” continues through September 4 when it closes to begin its national tour that plays ASU Gammage next season.  Let’s hope “Curious Incident” has as fine a cast when it plays here.  “Curious Incident” continues through September 4.   For tickets, call the Telecharge box office at 212-239-6200.

Grade: B

The three Broadway plays I saw were important statements about today’s issues.  They bring thoughtful and interesting plays back to the Great White Way.