Jennifer Perry - Page 3

This production is worthy of an audience based on the story alone.

Madeline Joey Rose's solid research and attention to detail set her solo play apart from the myriad of others that have tried to introduce typical theatergoers to cultures (especially religious ones) that might be less familiar to them.

While Mr. Strong definitely did not fix the book issues that have plagued the show since its inception - and dare I say it made it even worse - this production is yet another example of why the show continues to be produced. The music is exceptional and at the Kennedy Center it's performed by some of the best in musical theater today.

Heather Raffo's play is challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

It's a powerful work and one of the strongest offerings to date in the ongoing Women's Voices Theater Festival. Under Adam Immerwahr's impeccable direction, a supremely talented cast brings out the best of the exceptional script.

While the script is not the most engaging, the acting work is exceptionally strong.

It's fun and sometimes that's all you need.

Under Ryan Rilette's excellent direction, a uniformly marvelous cast gives one of the best ensemble performances I've seen this season of a very strong play.

There's a lot to like at the World Stage Theater right now. While this production and any subsequent national tour stops is likely to find its most receptive audience in people with an upbringing and faith similar to my own, it's not only for those that can recite every verse of the title song (and many other hymns) without even thinking for a minute, or can identify with the idea of God showing His presence in their lives. The idea of putting yourself on a better path after losing your way is something most everyone, regardless of faith or lack thereof, can understand. Even if the whole idea sounds schmaltzy, at the very least there's reason enough to check out the many talented members of the young cast.

All told, 'Curve of Departure' is an eighty-minute emotional rollercoaster that packs more of a punch than any play I've seen this season.

I hope this one has great success on Broadway. It has the potential to be an audience favorite.

As with the entire DC theater community, I am saddened by Joel Markowitz's passing yesterday afternoon from the effects of ALS.

While there is nothing particularly easy about this play, it is a unique viewing experience that every area theatergoer should have.

While it's hard to fully embrace this comedic play, it is worth a watch if only for the fine acting and compelling thematic content.

Good cast, good technical work, some funny jokes, but there's something missing.

The concert delivered some great performances and is a wonderful example of how unique the Kennedy Center is within our national arts landscape. Where else, except for maybe Lincoln Center, could you hear some of Broadway's best sing with a top-notch orchestra and get a dose of comedy too?

The current national tour, based on the recent Broadway revival at Roundabout Theatre Company's Studio 54 and taking up residence at the Kennedy Center through August 6, does just that - explore and provide a unique take. While there's never been anything particularly cheery about the musical, this version wonderfully embraces its darkness and cold undertones more so than a few others I have seen.