Formula Fuels A Funny Thing

By Patrick Hurley

A funny thing happens when derivative contrivance fuels a play’s engine; namely, compulsory catharsis drawn from formulaic content, wherein a distrait attempt to entwine pathos with dark humor simply can’t rise above its own prosaicisms because of the Rom-Com insistence of containing the whole thing as a neatly packaged, sugary-sweet trifle.

American Privilege Invades Barcelona

By Patrick Hurley

White American privilege, a topic of much discussion as of late, completely propels the narrative of Barcelona, a new play by Bess Wohl, making its West Coast Premiere at the Geffen Playhouse. The story takes place four years after the Madrid train bombings, which were a terrorist retaliation against American aggression in Iraq, a tragedy that severely heightened anti-American sentiments throughout Spain.  

A Biting Dog is a Must-See

By Patrick Hurley

 

So it turns out relationships can be just like dogs, they can bite you when you least expect it. This parallel, and others, can be seen in IAMA Theater Company’s production of A Dog’s House making its world premiere now through April 26 at the Elephant Theatre.

Choir Boy Hits All the Right Notes

By Patrick Hurley

 

Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney is on the cusp of greatness. A young, tremendously gifted wordsmith, McCraney’s work thus far is vibrant, funny, searing, and above all painfully human. And with only a few plays to his credits, it is exciting to imagine where this talented man is going to take us next. For now, we have Choir Boy, playing at the Geffen Playhouse.