Spotlight on Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** We think we know everything there is to know about celebrities –  even celebrities from history.  On the other hand, how would their choices in life look if we had a different perspective?  Why did my child do that ________ (fill in the blank)?  That’s the point of “Mother of the Maid”, Northlight Theatre’s poignant historic drama about the mother of Joan d’Arc, played to perfection by Kate Fry.  Kudos to Director BJ Jones on an amazing production.   4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** I think everyone must have had the feeling sometime – you wish you could be a fly on the wall and see/hear what’s going on in that room.  With his brilliant drama, “Five Presidents”, Playwright Rick Cleveland has allowed all of us to get a glimpse of the things presidents and former presidents say to each other when they’re alone.  It’s a fascinating look into history in a kinder, gentler time in American history.  “Five Presidents” should be a must-see on everyone’s calendar.  4 BIG Spotlights

*** Recommended *** “King Hedley II”, the ninth play (1985) in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle.  You know that quote about “…the worst of times” – I think it applies to “King Hedley II”.  Supply side economics and the trickle down theory didn't work very well in Pittsburgh's black community. This bleak story, a true tragedy, is the probably the darkest in the series.   Although it’s beautifully acted, I was in no mood for cheerful chatter when I walked out of the Court Theatre.  3 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** I have mixed feelings about “The Color Purple”.  On the one hand, the Drury Lane production was excellent; on the other, I’m not in love with the musical itself.  Alice Walker wrote a really powerful book, which Steven Spielburg made into a really powerful movie.  Why not a really powerful play? Maybe even a play with music – like at church, or in the juke joint or when Shug is feeling like singing.  The musical’s script is actually quite different from that of the 1985 movie which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and Margaret Avery. There were some rough spots, but overall, a good show.  3 ½ Spotlights