BWW Review: REVENGE SONG Rocks the Real-Life Journey of Queer 17th Century French Swordswoman Julie d'Aubigny in Rocky Horror Style
Since the world premiere of Vietgone in 2015, Qui Nguyen has become one of the most lauded and sought-after contemporary American playwrights, as well as being a writer for Marvel and Disney. The world premiere of REVENGE SONG, his new rousing, romping, music-filled look at the real life of Julie d'Aubigny, a queer 17th century French swordswoman and opera singer, offers an exciting, entertaining, and rollicking theatrical experience, ingeniously directed by Robert Ross Parker that is sure to please rowdy fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show during the heroine's interactive journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. Adding to the fun are satirical references to more musicals than I could count, including Hamilton, Cabaret, Company, Avenue Q, Beauty and the Beast, and Bye Bye Birdie.
BWW Interview: Margaret Odette On Her Quest To Being A Fierce Badass in REVENGE SONG
Qui Nguyen's REVENGE SONG: A VAMPIRE COWBOYS CREATION will receive its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse opening February 13, 2020 (with previews beginning February 4). Nguyen's musical, historical comedy centers on real-life 17th century opera singer/swordswoman/lesbian Julie D'Aubigny and her road towards self-discovery and acceptance. Under Robert Ross Parker's direction, the REVENGE SONG cast includes: Noshir Dalal, Beth Hawkes, Tom Myers, Amy Kim Waschke, Eugene Young, and Margaret Odette in the pivotal role of Julie D'Aubigny. I had the chance to query Margaret on her path towards becoming Julie D'Aubigny.
BWW Review: Hilariously Audacious Sequel POOR YELLA REDNECKS Premieres at South Coast Repertory
If you are wondering whether it's necessary for you to have seen Qui Nguyen's critically-acclaimed 2015 play VIETGONE in order to enjoy its superior new sequel POOR YELLA REDNECKS, then don't worry too much about it. This incredibly funny, incredibly innovative, and incredibly well-acted follow-up is, by itself, a singular, superb stand-alone gem. All those loud laughs you're hearing in Costa Mesa for the past few weeks? They're all likely coming from South Coast Repertory, where this entertaining and thought-provoking must-see sequel is currently being presented in its first full World Premiere production through April 27, 2019 as part of the Tony Award-winning theater's annual Pacific Playwright's Festival. I truly cannot recommend this play-with-music enough.
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Young Playwrights Festival Seeks Original Student Plays
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is now accepting scripts for its 14th annual Young Playwrights Festival to be held May 10-12, 2019. Applications are due by February 11, 2019. A world-renowned developer of new work and new artists for the American theater, the O'Neill is the winner of two Tony Awards and National Medal of Arts. Employing the signature 'O'Neill process,' the festival provides professional support to develop original one-act plays written by local middle and high school students.
BWW Review: Anna Chlumsky Paints The Town Red in Greg Pierce's CARDINAL
In last season's GROUNDHOG DAY, the exceedingly charismatic Andy Karl was given the unenviable task of playing out a romantic comedy as a thoroughly despicable character. Now, in Greg Pierce's Cardinal at Second Stage, Anna Chlumsky's perfectly fine performance is similarly weighed down.
Photo Coverage: Anna Chlumsky, Adam Pally & More Celebrate Opening Night of Second Stage's CARDINAL
Second Stage Theatre just celebrated opening night of the world premiere production of Greg Pierce's play, Cardinal, directed by Kate Whoriskey. Cardinal features Becky Ann Baker ('Girls') as Nancy Prenchel, Anna Chlumsky ('Veep') as Lydia Lensky, Alex Hurt (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as Nat Prenchel, Adam Pally ('Happy Endings') as Jeff Torm, Stephen Park(Aubergine) as Li-Wei Chen, and Eugene Young (Geek!) as Jason Chen.
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Seeks Original Student Plays for Young Playwrights Festival
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is now accepting scripts for its 13th annual Young Playwrights Festival to be held May 11-13, 2018. Applications are due by February 13, 2018. A world-renowned developer of new work and new artists for the American theater, the O'Neill is the winner of two Tony Awards and National Medal of Arts. Employing the signature 'O'Neill process,' the festival provides professional support to develop original one-act plays written by local middle and high school students.