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Articles by London. Highlights
Theater Interview: Ali Kennedy Scott, Creative Producer, ‘Repulsing the Monkey’ - Blogcritics
As theaters and other entertainment venues reopen for live performances, I’ve been curious about the behind-the-scenes preparation being undertaken right now. To take a deeper dive, I spoke recently with Ali Kennedy Scott, the creative producer of Repulsing the Monkey. Originally from Australia, she is Vice-Chair of the Board of Anne Bogart’s SITI Company and a member of the Board of the Broadway Women’s Fund.
Theatre Interview: John R. Wilkinson, Director of ‘Mugabe, My Dad & Me’ - Blogcritics
This week, I’m putting the spotlight on UK theatre again. Mugabe, My Dad & Me is a solo show written and performed by Tonderai Munyevu, focusing on Munyevu’s personal story and the career of controversial Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe. The production is co-produced by English Touring Theatre and York Theatre Royal, in association with Allison Holder. York Theatre Royal is holding in-person performances September 9 – 18. The play is directed by John R.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival Interview: Jeanefer Jean-Charles, Choreographer and Artistic Director of ‘Black Victorians’ - Blogcritics
The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) is a free performing arts festival held annually in London. It has a long history of showcasing inclusive and diverse live programming. One of the major events at GDIF 2021 is Black Victorians, a dance performance that will be presented August 31 – September 4 at Guildhall Yard, City of London, and then September 10 – 11 at St. George’s Garrison Church.
Film Interview: Petter Ringbom of ‘The New Bauhaus’ - Blogcritics
On July 20, The New Bauhaus will be released online through the popular video-on-demand platforms AppleTV, GooglePlay, and Vimeo. The documentary, which ran successfully on the film festival circuit since 2019, focuses on the life and legacy of Hungarian artist László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946). Moholy taught at the Bauhaus in Germany before leaving the country because of Nazi persecution in the 1930s.
Theater Interview: Priyanka Shetty from ‘#Charlottesville’ - Blogcritics
From July 15 through July 25, 59E59 Theaters will hold the East to Edinburgh Goes Virtual festival for 2021. Nine Fringe-worthy productions will be available on demand, including playwright and actor Priyanka Shetty’s #Charlottesville. Her play reconstructs the events of August 11 and 12, 2017, when the “Unite the Right” rally occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Theatre Interview: Gareth Snook from ‘Bagdad Cafe’ at The Old Vic - Blogcritics
In little more than a week, previews will kick off for Bagdad Cafe on July 17 at The Old Vic. The theatre is co-producing the show in London with director and adapter Emma Rice (Romantics Anonymous, Wise Children) and the Wise Children Company. An adaptation of Percy and Eleonore Adlon’s film Bagdad Cafe (1987), it follows the chance meeting of stranded tourist Jasmin (Patrycja Kujawska) and the cafe’s owner, Brenda (Sandra Marvin), and the friendships that develop.
Theater Interview: Tyler Fauntleroy of ‘The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington’ at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival - Blogcritics
Our next stop in my coverage of U.S. regional theater is the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF). The outdoor Festival is based in Garrison, New York, about an hour north of Manhattan. Their latest production is The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, written by James Ijames (Fat Ham) and directed by Taylor Reynolds. In the play, set on Christmas Eve in 1800, we find Martha Washington at Mount Vernon ill with a fever.
Theater Interview: Charles Shaughnessy from ‘Spamalot’ at the Ogunquit Playhouse - Blogcritics
Continuing my series about U.S. regional theaters, I’m spotlighting the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. One of their summer shows is Spamalot, directed by BT McNicholl. The Broadway musical is based largely on the popular film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. King Arthur must rally his Knights of the Round Table to find the Grail, a perilous quest filled with hilarious adventures and obstacles.
Film Interview: Maria Corina Ramirez of ‘Bridges’ - Blogcritics
There’s been a lot of attention lately in the news on the Dreamers, undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as minors. Actress Maria Corina Ramirez tackles the subject in her feature film Bridges, for which she also penned the screenplay. Ramirez gives voice to Dreamer feelings through the thoughts of Maria Cecilia during the days leading up to the character’s high school graduation.
TV Interview: Kerry Godliman of ‘Whitstable Pearl’ - Blogcritics
If you enjoy a good mystery, you don’t want to miss Acorn TV‘s new six-part British detective drama, Whitstable Pearl. Based on Julie Wassmer’s books, the show stars Kerry Godliman (After Life) as Pearl Nolan, a restaurant owner and private detective. Other stars in the cast include Frances Barber (Doctor Who, Silk) as Pearl’s mother, Dolly, and Howard Charles (The Musketeers, Shadow and Bone) as DCI Mike McGuire. New episodes debut every Monday through June 21.
Interview: Lawrence Gowan of Styx - Blogcritics
Legendary rock band Styx is releasing a new album called Crash of the Crown on June 18. Also on that day, band members James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), and Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals) will also be launching a new tour. I spoke on the phone with Lawrence Gowan to learn more about Styx’s upcoming tour and the new album.
Theater Interview: Jeffrey Lo, Director of ‘Hold These Truths’ at the San Francisco Playhouse - Blogcritics
I’m continuing in my series spotlighting regional theaters across the United States. This time we’re checking in with the San Francisco Playhouse, which returns to in-person performances on June 8, 2021. The first play of the season is Hold These Truths, written by Jeanne Sakata and starring Jomar Tagatac. It focuses on the remarkable story of Gordon Hirabayashi and the experience of Japanese Americans in the 1940s.
Interview: Artist Roland Ruocco - Blogcritics
Years ago I majored in art history. I still enjoy taking a look at museums and galleries today to find out what artists are working on. Recently, I interviewed artist Roland Ruocco to learn more about the influences on his work, themes in his art, and his exciting mural projects for Fort Myers, Florida. Ruocco is also very involved with community outreach in art and education through the New Light Foundation with his wife, artist and screenwriter Wendy White.
Theater Interview: Allyn Burrows, Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company - Blogcritics
As theaters are bringing back in-person performances later this year, I want to train a spotlight on regional theaters across the United States. Recently, I was in contact with Allyn Burrows, who serves as Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. His directing and acting credits span an impressive array of productions at Shakespeare & Company, in the Boston theater scene, and Off-Broadway.
TV Interview: Daniel Davis from ‘The Nanny’ - Blogcritics
In case you missed the news a few weeks ago, The Nanny is available for streaming on HBO Max. The 1990s sitcom follows Fran Fine (Fran Drescher) as she takes care of the children of handsome Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy). Some of the best moments of the series are the witty and sharp one-liners from Niles the Butler, played by Daniel Davis for all six seasons. His target was usually Mr. Sheffield’s business partner, CC Babcock (Lauren Lane).
Theatre Interview: Guy Woolf, Creative Director of represent. - Blogcritics
Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been curious about the impact that it’s having on the theatre industry. I recently spoke with Guy Woolf, an actor, director, and composer, to learn more about his latest work. He currently serves as Creative Director of the new theatre company, represent. Kicking off the inaugural season is Money by Isla van Tricht, a digital co-production with Southwark Playhouse that runs from April 26 – May 15. Tell us about UK theatres and where they are with reopening.
Theater Interview: Vanessa Garcia on ‘Ich Bin Ein Berliner’ at the FAU Theatre Lab - Blogcritics
This year marks the premiere of an audio play called Ich Bin Ein Berliner. The title caught my eye because I immediately thought of JFK’s famous 1963 “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” speech by the Berlin Wall. In the audio play, playwright Vanessa Garcia ties her experience of watching the Berlin Wall fall on television to her own experience as a Cuban American. The show is directed by Matt Stabile, with illustrations by John Shamburger.
TV Interview: Fran Drescher from ‘The Nanny’ - Blogcritics
The 1990s hit series The Nanny is now streaming on HBO Max. Taking place in New York City, the sitcom focuses on cosmetics saleswoman Fran Fine (Fran Drescher), who hails from Flushing, Queens. Broadway producer and widower Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) hires Fran to be nanny to his three children (Nicholle Tom, Benjamin Salisbury, and Madeline Zima).
TV Interview: Chris Brandon, Writer and Creator of ‘Bloodlands’ - Blogcritics
Irish crime thriller Bloodlands follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Brannick (James Nesbitt) and Detective Sergeant Niamh McGovern (Charlene McKenna), who are investigating the disappearance of former IRA leader Pat Keenan (Peter Ballance). A strange clue on the scene suggests the new case may be tied to an infamous cold case from 20 years ago. Is the same perpetrator, the so-called Goliath, responsible for the dark events in the present?
Theatre Interview: Rob Drummond from ‘Open Mic’ - Blogcritics
If you’re looking for more interactive theatre online, you might like to check out Open Mic. The live digital show was announced recently by ETT (English Touring Theatre) and Soho Theatre, in association with HOME. It’s going to be streamed live through TicketCo from the Cabaret Space at Soho Theatre April 1 – 3. Open Mic is an opportunity to share one of your stories, songs, or poems with others tuning in for the show.
‘Infinitum: Subject Unknown’ – Q&A with Sir Ian McKellen and filmmakers Tori Butler-Hart and Matthew Butler-Hart - Blogcritics
Sir Ian McKellen as Dr. Charles Marland-White (Courtesy of Fizz and Ginger Films) Pat Cuadros 4 weeks ago 710 Views Paus, a platform dedicated to independent films, recently hosted an advanced live streaming of Infinitum: Subject Unknown. The sci-fi film stars Tori Butler-Hart as Jane, who is trapped in a parallel universe. Jane needs to find a way to tap into the different possibilities of that world in order to break a pattern of ominous events.
Theater Interview: Emma McDonald from ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ - Blogcritics
A new digital production of The Picture of Dorian Gray is available online now through March 31. Written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Tamara Harvey, the production is a modern take on Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel about a man’s desire for eternal youth. This time around, Gray is willing to pay a heavy price to keep his social media star burning brightly.
TV Review: ‘A Discovery of Witches’ Season 2 - Blogcritics
Teresa Palmer as Diana Bishop and Matthew Goode as Matthew de Clermont (Courtesy of Sundance Now) Pat Cuadros 41 mins ago 10 Views Audiences in the U.S. and Canada finally have a second season of A Discovery of Witches to watch. It premiered on January 9 on streaming platforms Sundance Now and Shudder, with a new episode dropping every Saturday thereafter for 9 weeks.
TV Review: ‘Penelope Keith’s Village of the Year’ - Blogcritics
Patrick Grant, Penelope Keith, Alex Langlands and Juliet Sargeant Pat Cuadros 2 hours ago 15 Views Last month, I watched Dame Penelope Keith (To the Manor Born, Executive Stress) perform in a Zoom production of A Christmas Carol. When the curtain came down, I remembered that I still wanted to watch her travel documentaries. I decided to check out Penelope Keith’s Village of the Year on streaming platform Acorn TV.
Book Review: ‘Cheshire Crossing’ by Andy Weir with Illustrations by Sarah Andersen - Blogcritics
If you ever wondered what would happen when you combine The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland, one convincing outcome would be Cheshire Crossing. Andy Weir (The Martian) developed the story of this graphic novel geared toward young adults, with illustrations by cartoonist Sarah Andersen. Crossing focuses on Dorothy, Wendy, and Alice in 1910, several years after their respective adventures.
TV Review: ‘Martin Clunes’ Islands of America’ - Blogcritics
Martin Clunes on Ellis Island (Credit: Bridget Badore) Pat Cuadros 9 mins ago 8 Views Usually one of my New Year’s resolutions is to travel somewhere new, but I’ve put road trips and continent hopping on hold at the moment. Luckily, it’s still possible to learn about new places through travel documentaries, or travelogues as they are sometimes called. I recently checked out Martin Clunes’ Islands of America on popular streaming platform Acorn TV.
Theatre Review: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by the Guildford Shakespeare Company and Jermyn Street Theatre - Blogcritics
With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to catch a performance of the beloved Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. It’s always a delight to revisit miser Ebenezer Scrooge and see him relearn the joy and generosity to be had at Christmas. I recently tuned in through Zoom for a co-production by the Guildford Shakespeare Company and Jermyn Street Theatre in the United Kingdom. This version was adapted by Naylah Ahmed and directed by Natasha Rickman.
Theater Review: ‘No Way Back’ by the Roustabouts - Blogcritics
Since I haven’t visited the Roustabouts in San Diego yet, I can’t vouch for the quality of their in-person productions. I can say that their plays filmed for on demand streaming these last few weeks have been sharp and very engaging. The theater is definitely on my list for 2021 whenever I start traveling again. Earlier this season, I covered Roosevelt: Charge the Bear, which has been extended through December 20.
Exclusive Interview: Josh Bolt from ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ - Blogcritics
One of my favorite UK comedy-dramas on PBS is Last Tango in Halifax, which hit its fourth season on this side of the pond during the fall. The series, written by Sally Wainwright (Gentleman Jack, Happy Valley), tells the story of childhood sweethearts reuniting and finding love in their golden years. Acting greats Derek Jacobi (Vicious) and Anne Reid (Upstairs, Downstairs) play the roles of Alan Buttershaw and Celia Dawson.
Exclusive Interview: Orla Brady from ‘The South Westerlies’ - Blogcritics
Acorn TV will be premiering its original series The South Westerlies on Monday, November 9. The Irish drama focuses on single mother and environmental consultant Kate Ryan (Orla Brady), who hopes to land a corporate promotion. Company execs in Norway ask her to return to Carrigeen, Ireland, to push their offshore wind-farm project to the locals. Complications arise immediately after Kate arrives in Carrigeen with her son, Conor (Sam Barrett), forcing her to come to terms with her past.
Theatre Review: Tom Stoppard’s ‘The Real Inspector Hound’ Table Reading, a Livestream by Lockdown Theatre - Blogcritics
Lockdown Theatre returned on Sunday, October 25, for another livestream table reading in aid of the Royal Theatrical Fund (RTF). Thus far, Lockdown Theatre has raised over £100,000 in support of the entertainment industry, which has taken a hard hit from COVID-19 restrictions. The organization has really homed in how to best use Zoom for online productions and they keep taking things to the next level. The play for the evening was Tom Stoppard’s comedy, The Real Inspector Hound.
Theater Review: ‘Roosevelt: Charge the Bear’ by The Roustabouts - Blogcritics
In a normal year, I’m usually focusing on the local live theater scene in Washington, D.C. With COVID-19 still happening, I’ve started exploring the modified theater offerings within and beyond D.C., which introduced me to a few interesting productions. Some theaters are broadcasting live streams, while others are offering pre-recorded material for screening whenever it’s convenient to your schedule.
Book Review: ‘Snug: A Collection of Comics about Dating Your Best Friend’ by Catana Chetwynd - Blogcritics
Pat Cuadros 1 week ago 43 Views I’m continuing with my exploration of great graphic novels and picture books. This week, I’d like to spotlight Snug: A Collection of Comics About Dating Your Best Friend by Catata Chetwynd. Chetwynd is the creator of Catana Comics, which are based on her relationship with longtime boyfriend now fiancé, John Freed. She has a sizeable following on Instagram at about 3.1 million followers as I write this review.
Book Review: ‘First Day Critter Jitters’ by Jory John with Illustrations by Liz Climo - Blogcritics
After reading Liz Climo’s Please Don’t Eat Me last month, I was curious to dive into her other work. Climo is popular on social media for her wholesome comics and children’s books about animals. In addition, she illustrates children’s books by other authors. This week, I picked up a copy of First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John, who is a New York Times bestselling author and two-time E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor recipient.
Dublin Book Festival Autumn Series: ‘Home Stretch’ by Graham Norton - Blogcritics
Graham Norton’s newest work of fiction, Home Stretch, was released on October 1 by Coronet Books. The novel begins with the story of a terrible car accident near a small Irish town and its far reaching impacts. Connor, the driver, ultimately leaves town and travels to Liverpool, London, and New York before having to face his past again. A celebrated television and radio personality, Norton recently spoke with RTÉ broadcaster Rick O’Shea to promote the new book and discuss his career.
Film Review: ‘The Man in the Hat’ Starring Ciarán Hinds - Blogcritics
Lately, actor Ciarán Hinds (Game of Thrones, Justice League) has played villains or adversarial characters in film and television. It’s not very often that he portrays a genuinely nice person, as he does in his latest film, The Man in the Hat. Hinds plays the titular character, who is driving through France in a blue Fiat and having a series of adventures along the way. The film marks the directorial and screenwriting debut of composer Stephen Warbeck.
Theater Review: Livestream of ‘Will on the Hill 2020’ at the Shakespeare Theatre Company - Blogcritics
Will on the Hill has been an annual tradition for nearly 20 years at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. Not only is the evening of comedy a celebration of William Shakespeare’s works, it’s also a time for actors and members of Congress to gather and perform. It’s heralded as a day of bipartisanship in support of the STC’s arts education programs. This year was the first time the event was held virtually.
2020 National Book Festival Preview - Blogcritics
Pat Cuadros 1 week ago 59 Views Bibliophiles will be relieved to learn that the annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is still on for 2020. The event typically draws thousands of readers to Washington, D.C. for a full Saturday of author Q&As, book signings, exhibits, and more. In its 20 years, the Festival has grown into one of the best book festivals in the country, offering talks by rising stars and some of the biggest names in book circles.
Theatre Review (London’s West End): ‘Ian McKellen on Stage’ - Blogcritics
Celebrated actor Sir Ian McKellen turned 80 earlier this year. To mark the occasion, he launched a one-man show, Ian McKellen On Stage, and took it on tour in the UK. Fortunately, a limited West End run is currently underway at the Harold Pinter Theatre through January 5. McKellen’s set is very simple and welcoming: a red carpet and a box to start out. The box is covered with theatre stickers to indicate where his tour has been.
Interview: Ndaba Mandela, Author of ‘Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela’ - Blogcritics
Ndaba Mandela is the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s greatest leaders and humanitarians. As co-founder and co-chairman of the Africa Rising Foundation, he seeks to promote a positive image of Africa around the world and the further cultivation of Africa’s growth in education, employment, and business. Additionally, he has served as spokesperson and ambassador for UNAIDS to work towards the end of HIV/AIDS discrimination.
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