Production Reviews of Classical and Modern Plays

Whether you are avidly interested in plays or if you are about to attend one for the first time, it is always a good idea to read production reviews of both classical and modern plays. By doing so, you can pick and choose which plays you would actually like to attend and which ones you will skip, and you can also get a bit of background information about the play that you are going to be seeing. It is also always interesting to read reviews before you go and see plays; this will allow you to compare More »

Plot Summaries of Classical and Modern Plays

“Oedipus Rex” is a classical tragedy written by master playwright Sophocles around 429 BC. It is widely considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek theater.

Oedipus, a Corinthian, grows up hearing vague rumors about his parentage. Seeking answers from the Oracle at Delphi, Oedipus is informed that he will kill his father and marry his mother. After hearing this unsettling prophecy, he gets into an argument with a stranger and kills him. Then he encounters the terrible Sphinx, whom he defeats by solving her riddle.

As a reward for killing More »

Best Broadway Shows NOW

Whether you spend your weekends watching BRAVO on Sacramento directv or you’re a lifelong Manhattan resident that takes in two plays a month you owe it to yourself to see some of Broadway’s best shows in years. Here’s what’s worth seeing now and yes, they’re worth a trip to NYC
Jersey Boys – It’s been a long time since a show has received such warm critical and public acclaim and for good reason. Jersey Boys is a rousing good time full of music anyone will recognize – it’s a show for non-Broadway aficionados.
Sister Act – What’s better than a great play based on a movie you already love? Sister Act has some real soul and it’s a toe-tapping good time to bootit’s easier to get into than some of the more popular shows but just as good.
Avenue Q – This one’s off-Broadway so it likely won’t come to your town but it’s still every bit as good as it was when it first came out years ago. Irreverent, sarcastic and a bit naughty, puppets have never been more fun or more welcome on Broadway!

Literary Perspectives of Certain Modern and Classical Plays

Shakespeare is still the most wildly represented in the theatre, but “Othello” or “Taming of the Shrew” may not always be represented like the classical text. There have been many modernizations that involve rewriting for a more modern audience. In some cases, this may capitalize upon the productions own literary perspective or the zeitgeist of the times. For instance, Othello can be a man who climbs insurmountable odds to become a hero, only to have his own self-doubt preyed upon instead of a man who represents the everyman, and the dark More »

Commentaries on Classical and Modern Plays

When one attends a play, a certain mindset is required once the lights dim in anticipation of the first character entrance. Plays, as opposed to musicals, need to be completely focused on by the ears, the eyes, and a thinking brain. Plays are rarely, directly, forthcoming in the meaning of the dialogue spoken. Often, the audience needs to pay close attention to what is spoken. In classical plays, for instance, it may take the ears a More »

Classical and Modern Play Reviews and Summaries

Those that have an affinity for plays and the theatre likely enjoy reading online critical analysis of both contemporary and classical works. The fact that such critical analysis is available online is a tremendous benefit since it eliminates the need to seek out and purchase somewhat expensive books on the subject. The fact that online analysis articles can be updated without the need for the reader to pay any additional expenses can be considered another plus.

However, it is best More »

Historical Perspectives of Certain Modern and Classical Plays

History comes from the playwright’s pen, and it can offer glimpses of life through ancient eyes. There are countless period plays, but all plays written show audiences a view of the period they were written in as interpreted by the playwright. Deciphering those historical elements can be simpler than it may seem.

William Shakespeare is a widely recognized playwright, but many of his works actually give historical perspective to the time period in which he lived. Since Shakespeare lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the last sovereign of More »