Posts by Welton Jones
Music No Help In the Struggle For Sadie’s Soul at the Old Globe
Nearly a century after W. Somerset Maugham dreamed up Sadie Thompson tempting the anguished missionary in “Rain,” the Old Globe has revived the whole business with music added. But the rules have changed and Sqadie just hasn’t the impact she once had.
Read MoreTennis Vs. Life in Old Globe’s ‘The Last Match’
Can the arena stage at the Old Globe hold the finals of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships? Sure, when the main focus is inside the heads of those involved, as displayed sharply in Anna Ziegler’s play ‘The Last Match,’ staged brilliantly by Gaye Taylor Upchurch.
Read MoreIt’s Hands-Off Policy for the Taj Mahal at La Jolla Playhouse
The Taj Mahal is just finished and the king wants to be sure there will never be its equal in beauty. So he orders that all those who built the building have their hands cut off. And, in a dismal fable titled ‘Guards at the Taj’ now on the La Jolla Playhouse stage at UCSD, two low-ranking sentries are selected and…
Read MoreOld Globe Farceurs Scan That French Marzipan
France was so ripe for a Revolution in 1738 when somebody named Alexis Piron wrote a farce about pop poets which translates, sort of, as The Metromaniacs and offers a splendid opportunity for mindless gamboling at the Old Globe Theatre, where…
Read MoreIF She’s a Star THEN Here’s Her Ride
Idina Menzel’s name is over the title of the touring musical “If/Then.” a certain and long-established badge of a genuine Broadway star. And the show around her is built to take full advantage of her voice and presence.
Read MoreIs ‘The God of Vengeance’ ‘Indecent’? La Jolla Playhouse Wrestles With the Legend
Two girls kiss passionately in the poetic rain and World War I Europe loves it. But Sholem Asch’s play “The God of Vengeance’ doesn’t fare as well in New York, where the English-language version is busted on Broadway. Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman ponder the story in a nimble drama at the La Jolla Playhouse.
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