Travis Michael Holder – TicketHoldersLA
Although I have to admit Julie Shavers’ rather predictable tale of a Fourth of July family reunion in the rural Tennessee backyard of the miserable Moon family womenfolk covers absolutely no new ground, she breaths glorious life into the familiar convoluted goings-on with her unique knack for creating lovable—though suitably exasperating—characters and a deliciously clever off-color sense of humor that takes anything Lanford Wilson ever wrote one raucous step farther. Read more…
Terry Morgan – ArtsBeatLA
Some parts of the world seem to provide more fertile soil in which plays can grow. Ireland and New York have been especially fruitful, providing O’Neill, Miller, McPherson and McDonagh with plentiful inspiration. The American South is no less productive, with Williams casting a long, lurid shadow. Taking its place amidst the Steel Magnolias and Crimes of the Heart is Julie Shavers’ world premiere, The Baptist Witches of Shelbyville. There are significantly fewer witches than one might imagine, but the production at Whitefire Theatre more than makes up for that with engaging writing, abundant humor and terrific performances. Read more…
Tracey Paleo – Gia On The Move
Despite the phenomenal talent, character work, timing, writing (and set design) on display, the narrative drifts and strolls as languidly as the hot Summer days. Read more…