Posts by David Dixon
Family Reunion at the Cygnet
Labeled as a dark comedy, Taylor Mac’s script of Hir is, in reality, a family drama in disguise. That isn’t clear at first, mainly because much of the running time is taken up by hilariously funny dialogue in Cygnet Theatre’s production.
Read MoreCommunicating With the Deceased
Rosina Reynolds is far from a novice when it comes to working on plays by the famously clever writer, Noel Coward. In recent years, she has directed a production of Coward’s Fallen Angels at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, and has starred in interpretations of his comedy Hay Fever, and the dark drama, The Vortex, at the Cygnet Theatre.
Read MoreBreathing New Life Into a Popular Show
Originally staged in London in 1986, The Phantom of the Opera is still full of music, effects and imagery that continues to wow audiences in the West End and on Broadway. For the last few years, however, the touring production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has featured new direction from Laurence Connor and a different set from Paul Brown.
Read MorePromoting Tolerance With Musical Comedy
Director John Waters is no stranger to tasteless comedies for adults. Fans of movies such as “Female Trouble” and “Pink Flamingos” would probably never have guessed that one of his more popular films would be a feel-good PG 1988 movie, “Hairspray.”
Read MoreBeginning a New Chapter of Life
For its summer season, New Village Arts Theatre has produced two musical comedies with somewhat deeper stories than one might expect. Avenue Q used puppets to explore themes about adulthood, and Legally Blonde starting off as a modern romantic comedy, turns into a plot about self-improvement.
Read MoreSinging Ghosts Return to California
After an extended hiatus, the Welk Resort Theatre is once again open to the public. Welcoming audiences back to Escondido are the ghosts from the musical-comedy revue, Forever Plaid.
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