Review: "The Invisible Hand" at Theaterworks

The works of Ayad Akhtar walk a fine line between irony and stereotype; they are swan songs to the Islamic spirit, promoting audiences to examine preconceptions while not shying away from dark, uncomfortable political themes. If in the wrong hands, this kind of subversion can go terribly wrong, underscoring rather than subverting Islamic stereotypes. For the most part, TheatreWorks’ production of The Invisible Hand, directed by David Kennedy, navigates this tightrope walk with impressive poise.

ConnecticutChristopher PetersonJune 1, 2018Maegan Clearwood

Review: "The Will Rogers Follies" at Goodspeed Musicals

Goodspeed Musicals’ sparkly The Will Rogers Follies pays heavy homage to the titular cultural icon, plastering its stage with black-and-white photos and bombarding the audience with sequins and glitter. For all its self-awareness, however, this production feels like a recreation of early 20th century entertainment rather than a 21st-century spin, resulting in a revue that feels dated and wildly out of touch.

ConnecticutChristopher PetersonMay 4, 2018Maegan Clearwood, Goodspeed Musicals

Review: "White Guy on the Bus" at Square One Theatre Company

Square One deserves credit for mounting this complex play with such deft, and its effort to spark a conversation about race and privilege is clear and very well-intentioned. It’s a shame that, once again, the company’s season is awkwardly upended by real-world timing, but I do hope that they will continue diving into difficult themes and dialogues – perhaps in the future with stories by and about women and people of color, rather than the white men who inflict violence upon them.

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