“Nothing Off-Broadway is ever good,” she declared authoritatively. I was talking to a friend of a friend when she made this pronouncement. Having seen few Off-Broadway shows, and not wanting to be argumentative, I let her opinion stand.
Given the sheer number of Off-Broadway productions, especially those that have transferred to the Great White Way that I’ve seen and loved, her statement is obviously false.
Yet, I’ve strangely felt it haunting me these past few years.
Maybe it would be true of all of my experiences. I was destined to only see bad Off-Broadway shows, unable to cull the cream from the milk.
(EDIT: At first I had cull the milk from the cream, but my mom emailed me and insisted it’s the other way around. As she grew up with the opportunity to have first hand experience with udders, I’ve changed it.)
Still, my Off-Broadway record has included mainly duds, that is until I saw David Cromer’s production of Our Town at Barrow Street Theatre. Whether your high school memories of Our Town are dull or touching or nonexistent, I would argue there isn’t a better production possible.
Barrow Street Theatre is cozy, an adorably polite word for tiny, and this production fits perfectly. The stage is the middle of the room, with seating on three sides, giving the impression of theatre in the round. The actors walk through and around and behind the aisles, weaving seamlessly through the audience without ever interacting or distracting from the show.
I thought every actor played their part with an honesty that made me believe their character. A million different touches combined effortlessly to bring the town, the show, to life. I don’t know why you’d waste time reading me prattle on about it though – go see it yourself!
Guess my Off-Broadway luck is turning,
Megan
EDIT: Skye would like it clarified that the Great White Way is a nickname for Broadway. Thank you for your time, you may now return to general life activities.
Our Town, Off-Broadway{ 5 comments }
