By Daniel Skora There are any number of large themes running through David Lindsay-Abaire’s play about a middle-aged woman from South Boston’s Lower End who’s been down-on her luck for so long it’s become hard for her to imagine there are any paths left that lead upward. Some of those deal with class, race, and … More “Good People” make for Good Friends at Open Book
By Daniel Skora The flash of lightning and the deep rumble of thunder that open “Smart Love”, the current presentation of The Purple Rose Theatre, at first hardly seem necessary. It never bothers to rain, and the sense of foreboding that usually comes with stormy weather doesn’t quite fit a play that begins with a … More Love and Science Collide in “Smart Love” at The Purple Rose
By Daniel Skora And to think I came very close to missing out on what may prove to be the best performance by an actor for the 2016/17 theatre season. What with one thing or another, there was not a single open date on my calendar for several weekends in a row. But when someone … More Lisa and Luna Create Memorable Theatre at Matrix
By Daniel Skora Her given name is Dorothy, but it’s been shortened first to Dotty, now to Dot. Though it may just be a coincidence, the reduction that’s happened to Dorothy’s name is much like the reduction that’s happening to her mind. Dorothy has Alzheimer’s, and all those qualities that once made her a wonderfully … More “DOT” Fluctuates Between Clear and Cloudy at DPT
By Daniel Skora The Linders are not much different than many families who find themselves with a parent who, through either age or illness, has need of care that cannot be provided by the family. And like some of those families, resistance to a caregiver often comes from the very person in need of help. … More A Death Foretold at Detroit Rep
By Daniel Skora It’s the day after 9/11 and the knock on the door of the young woman’s apartment means that her blind date has decided to come calling after all even though the entire country is embroiled in the aftermath of the attacks on New York City and the Pentagon. Though Waverly lets in … More Life Goes on Despite Recent Tragic Events
By Daniel Skora One of the disadvantages of writing for a newspaper is that much of what the reader sees and reads of an author’s work has been determined by someone other than the person who wrote the article. Word count, positioning, availability of space for pictures, deadlines, the title that goes above the review, … More it’s All Theatre’s Best of the 2015/16 Season
By Daniel Skora A special evening was recently held to honor one of Detroit’s theatrical treasures. The Theatre Company of The University of Detroit Mercy recognized David L. Regal for his many years of service to UDM’s theatre program. Regal has been a part of the local theatre community for over 45 years, 40 of … More A Regal Evening at UDM’s Theatre Company
By Daniel Skora Art is never created in a vacuum. In some form or fashion, it’s reflective of the time and the place in which it was created. Yet truths can be found in artistic expressions no matter where or when they were created because all have to some degree a concern for the human … More Mornings Begin Punctually at Seven in Purple Rose’s Latest
By Daniel Skora Now that we’ve got everyone’s attention! Actually, as salacious as the title of Laura Eason’s play might sound, “Sex with Strangers” is more about publishing in the digital age than it is about wanton expressions of love. Any romantic encounters that take place on the Detroit Public Theatre stage between the play’s … More “Sex with Strangers” at Detroit Public Theatre
