59E59 Theaters

'Bears' Is Silly to the Point of Absurdity

Mark Rigney’s “Bears,” a nonsensical jumble of a play getting its New York premiere at 59E59 Theaters, follows the adventures of three grizzly bears in a post-apocalyptic world.

Loquacious 'Years of Sky' Smothers in Semantics

Barbara Blatner’s “Years of Sky,” at 59E59 Theaters, a study of the 30-year relationship of a mixed-race couple, is blighted by unconvincing characters saying implausible things.

Engaging 'On the Head of a Pin' Needs a Blue Pencil

Although Frank Winters’ new play of dark deeds in Iraq, “On the Head of a Pin,” at 59E59 Theaters, is protracted and unwieldy, it does indicate a promising if undisciplined talent.

L.A.’s Women’s Theatre Festival Going for ‘Perfect 20’

The annual exhibition of performance artists, which was founded by Adilah Barnes, an African-American solo artist, and Miriam Reed, a white solo artist, has long been a heaven for female actors, poets, and storytellers—particularly those of color.

'The Man Under' Goes Right Under

“The Man Under,” in its world premiere from Athena Theatre, turns the dangerous world of the subway tunnels into a production as conventional and unadventurous as they come.

'Working on A Special Day' Not so Special

The Play Company and Por Piedad Teatro’s stage version of the 1977 Oscar-nominated film “A Special Day,” starring Sophia Loren and Marco Mastroianni, is just an acting exercise.

'Flipside: The Patti Page Story' Bifurcates Its Subject

“Flipside: The Patti Page Story,” Greg White’s well-produced portrait of the 1950s singer, with input from Page herself, succeeds musically but falls a bit short as biography.

‘Working’ Still Does Not Work

“Working,” a 1978 musical of Studs Terkel’s nonfiction book, conceived by Stephen Schwartz, has been extensively revised by director Gordon Greenberg for Prospect Theater Company.

'13 Things About Ed Carpolotti' Resists Musicalization

“13 Things About Ed Carpolotti,” Barry Kleinbort’s musicalization of a monologue by Jeffrey Hatcher, starring Penny Fuller, is more illustrative of the text than necessary to it.

Alzheimer’s Drama ‘The Outgoing Tide’ Is Affectionately Affecting

Bruce Graham’s “The Outgoing Tide” is a poignant family drama, given an estimable if imperfect production with Michael Learned and Peter Strauss as a long-married couple facing Alzheimer’s.