Some great shows to see!
Two shows this past week that I have to tell you about. One on Broadway. One off. Both really, really well done.
The Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Importance of Being Earnest is on the boards at the American Airlines Theater through March 6th.
It is the Oscar Wilde classic and is directed by the British wonder Brian Bedford, who also plays Lady Bracknell. More on that in a moment.
First the sets: gorgeous. Just gorgeous
The costumes: divine. Both set and costume design by Desmond Heeley. Get ready for those Tony nominations Desmond later this year!
The performances by all the actors: splendid
A note to theatergoers, the play starts promptly but there are two intermissions. That's a rarity, and is somewhat tedious, but it is a long, text laden play and everyone, including the actors, needs the break. Of course, the exquisite sets need to be changed too.
Now for Brian Bedford. Can he be more amazing? This man plays this older woman better than any actress I could imagine. He is only on stage in the 1st and 3rd act, but I found myself longing for him to appear back on stage throughout his absence.
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
The production is wonderful. The visual elements are lovely, and all the actors are simply terrific. But for me, Brian Bedford is the reason to see this comedy of manners, class and the importance of a name.
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Over to the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater on West 64th Street for Freud's Last Session, written by Mark St. Germain.
Now, this is an astounding piece. Get this: the play is based on the book, "The Question of God" The question was posed, did Dr. Freud and C.S Lewis ever meet?
That speculation was the spark for this beautifully written play, set during the backdrop of the frightening pre-World War 2 days in London.
Any one interested in the question of the existence of God, should see this play.
Any one interested in Freudian concepts should see this play.
Anyone interested in great performances by Mark H. Dold as C.S. Lewis, and Martin Rayner, as Sigmund Freud, should see this play.
These two actors become those historical figures and work in harmony together.
The set design by Brian Prather, complete with the proverbial Freudian couch, is perfect, as is the direction by Tyler Merchant.
The play premiered at the Barrington Stage Company in June of 2009, and it held the record as the longest running play in their history. Kudos to Mr. St. Germain.
Now in New York City, after a run this summer and a brief hiatus, it is back. Go!
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Valerie Smaldone
Media Personality, Actress, Producer, Writer
Valerie Smaldone, Valerie Smaldone, a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner, is perhaps best known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 position in the New York radio market as the midday host of New York’s 106.7 FM. She was also the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few.
Presently, Valerie can be heard on her new daily radio show, Valerie’s New York on WOR.710.com. She is also the voice of numerous commercials and television promos. She has been the “Voice of God” for many prestigious live events including: The Clinton Global Initiative, The New York Emmy Awards, The Tony Preview Concert on CBS, and many more. She writes a weekly nightlife column for TheThreeTomatoes.com and writes a theater column for Examiner.com.
As adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts, Valerie teaches a course on Internet Radio and Voice-over, coaches talent privately, and produces promo reels and demo tapes for various clients.
An actress and writer, she has appeared in numerous off -Broadway productions and co-wrote a play with music entitled, "Spit it Out!"
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