Author Archives: L. Beck

2012: The Shakespeare & Company production of Satchmo at the Waldorf is extraordinary, thrilling theater

Posted on August 26, 2012 by L. Beck

Shakespeare & Company presents Satchmo at the Waldorf By Terry Teachout Directed by Gordon Edelstein Starring John Douglas Thompson as Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and Joe Glaser Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck John Douglas Thompson delivers an extraordinary performance in Satchmo … Continue reading →

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2012: The Boston Pops Orchestra and a stellar array of guests celebrate John Williams in grand fashion in an inspiring concert

Posted on August 19, 2012 by L. Beck

John Williams 80th Birthday Celebration Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by Keith Lockhart, Leonard Slatkin, and Shi-Yeon Sung Tanglewood Saturday, August 18, 2012 Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck The folks at Tanglewood really know how to celebrate. Saturday night’s concert marking … Continue reading →

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2012: Shakespeare & Company mounts a powerful production of the brash Parasite Drag

Posted on August 9, 2012 by L. Beck

Parasite Drag by Mark Roberts A new production at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre Directed by Stephen Rothman Cast: Elizabeth Aspenlieder as Joellen; Josh Aaron McCabe as Gene; Jason Asprey as Ronnie; and Kate Abbruzzese as Susie Reviewed by … Continue reading →

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2012: Barrington Stage presents the riveting East Coast premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s The North Pool

Posted on August 1, 2012 by L. Beck

The North Pool by Rajiv Joseph at Barrington Stage Company Directed by Giovanna Sardelli With Remi Sandri as Dr. Danielson and Babak Tafti as Khadim Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck [Pittsfield, MA] — The taut, tense plot of Rajiv Joseph’s … Continue reading →

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Spectacular performances by Bernadette Peters and the Boston Pops make for a perfect Tanglewood afternoon

Posted on July 10, 2012 by L. Beck

Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by Keith Lockhart, July 8, 2012 Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck A sunny afternoon, the Boston Pops, and the extraordinary Bernadette Peters combined for a perfect Tanglewood afternoon. Sunday’s concert, the first Boston Pops performance of … Continue reading →

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David Hyde Pierce directs an innovative “Earnest” at Williamstown Theatre Festival

Posted on July 5, 2012 by L. Beck

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde Directed by David Hyde Pierce On the Mainstage at Williamstown Theatre Festival through July 14 Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck Lady Bracknell as a tough, pistol-packing mob matriarch? Played by the indomitable … Continue reading →

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Dr. Ruth Westheimer is the subject of a brilliant new one-woman show by Mark St. Germain

Posted on July 3, 2012 by L. Beck

Dr. Ruth, All the Way by Mark St. Germain A world premiere at Barrington Stage Company Directed by Julianne Boyd Starring Debra Jo Rupp Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck Dr. Ruth Westheimer is well-known for her frank talk about sex, … Continue reading →

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Tod Randolph gives a superb performance in Cassandra Speaks at Shakespeare & Company

Posted on June 10, 2012 by L. Beck

Cassandra Speaks A Shakespeare & Company production of a new play by Norman Plotkin Directed by Nicole Ricciardi Starring Tod Randolph as Dorothy Thompson Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre; performances now through September 2, 2012 Reviewed by Lesley Ann Beck [LENOX, … Continue reading →

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10 plays, 10 minutes each, equals an entertaining evening of theater at Barrington Stage Company

Posted on February 23, 2012 by L. Beck

10X10 On North New Play Festival A Barrington Stage Company production of ten new plays BSC Stage 2, Feb 16-26, Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm; Sat/Sun at 3pm Plays by Suzanne Bradbeer, Sara Cooper, Laura Shaine Cunningham, Will Eno, Jacqueline Goldfinger, Mikhail … Continue reading →

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The golden age of radio is celebrated in War of the Worlds at Shakespeare & Company

Posted on September 25, 2011 by L. Beck

War of the Worlds Adapted by Howard Koch from the novel by H. G. Wells and additionally inspired by the radio broadcast by Orson Welles Directed by Tony Simotes Now through November 6 Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre Cast: Elizabeth Aspenlieder, … Continue reading →

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