Put a Little Drama in your Life
KPBS AIRDATE: September 14, 2001 SUNG: To the tune of "Modern Major General" It's often problematic to stage plays that are historical They tend to be didactic or abstruse or sophomorical But this one's not cartoonish; it's not 'Lion King' or 'Seussical' In short, a magic Read More →
KPBS AIRDATE: January 11, 2002 In my book, Paul Rudnick is the King of Comedy. Only he could make the AIDS era hilarious -- without pandering or offending. He is what you might call 'seriously funny.' "Jeffrey," his 1993 play that he turned into a so-so movie, is a laugh-yourself-sick evening of theater. It's by far the funniest play I saw all year Read More →
KPBS AIRDATE: March 15, 2002 It's got taffeta, tears and tiaras. Big hair, hot talent. And beautiful babes. Nope, it isn't "Beehive," but you'd be hard-pressed to tell those gals from these without the proverbial scorecard. In fact, some audience members even do get a scorecard -- to vote on the evening's winner: Miss Glamouresse of 2002. It's wild, it's musical, it's outrageous -- it's "Pageant." Read More →
KPBS AIRDATE: May 10, 2002 It's the age-old dichotomy between entertainment and enlightenment. And it's not confined to theater; it can take physical as well as linguistic or dramatic form. There is, of course, a place for sheer, senseless diversion. But though it may amuse or amaze you, it doesn't leave you thinking or touch your soul, make you contemplate your history or humanity. Read More →
KPBS AIRDATE: July 5, 2002 MUSIC: "Born to Be Wild" This is as Wilde as it gets -- Oscar Wilde, that is. "The Importance of Being Earnest" has been hailed as a comic masterpiece, a brilliant slice of satire, mocking the wealthy and the clergy, both of whom richly deserve the derision, in 1895 and today. Unfortunately, its author was Read More →
KPBS AIRDATE: August 30, 2002 Love of others, love of self…. How much do you indulge or subordinate your own needs for the ones you love? In wildly different ways, this question courses though two world premieres at La Jolla Playhouse. "When Grace Comes In" is quiet and introspective, emotional repression described in internal monologues. "Wintertime" is rowdy, randy and emotive. It feels Read More →
“San Diego is a hotbed of theater. Every year, I see 200-250 productions. This is fertile ground for new work. In addition to the prodigious local talent, theatermakers from around the country come here to premiere their latest creations. San Diego sends more shows to Broadway than nearly any other city in the U.S.”
-Pat Launer