I entered the Grandon Theatre at Theatre Cedar Rapids to see A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (written in 1879), and as I passed the veiled Victorian frames and black molded walls, I was transported to another time and place. Knowing I’d see A Doll’s House, Part 2, by Lucas Hnath (written in 2017) the next evening […]
Karle Meyers
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TCR’s ‘Bright Star’ is full of shine
The bright sun shone on the face of Alice Murphy, played by the majestic Jordan Arnold, as she casually entered the playing space of Theatre Cedar Rapids’ Bright Star. This riveting musical (music/book and story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell) is presented live and outdoors on Brucemore’s beautiful Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater. Arnold opens […]
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Get “crumples in [your] dress” when you see the moving ‘Little Women’ with loved ones
As my tablemates and I arrived at Theatre Cedar Rapids’ production of Little Women at Brucemore, I could feel a crispness in the air. The rainy sky had opened to let the sun out just as we rolled up into the drive. The stage, covered with a painted backdrop of the interior of the March […]
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Getting to know the Evitapus: Eight women take on an iconic role at the CCPA
These Evitas portray Eva Duarte Péron so seamlessly, you will find yourself forgetting there are eight women playing her. However, at the same time, you see how all women can change so completely as their lives play out.
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Five questions with: Brandon A. Wright, Harpo in ‘The Color Purple’
Brandon A. Wright on ‘The Color Purple’: There really is a piece of take-away for every single person and it may not be in the big or popular moments. That’s the beauty of it: If you come with an open heart and mind, you will find your moment, and it will feel as fulfilling as it’s supposed to.”
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ICYMI: Run of the Mill’s ‘Antigone’ engaging, approachable, powerful
Run of the Mill’s Antigone was a great way for new audiences to be introduced to Greek tragedies. It was approachable, but still had the power of the spoken words that theatergoers of the past would appreciate.
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Run away with the troupe of ICCT’s ‘Pippin’
The success of ‘Pippin,’ the first show of ICCT’s 64th season, is greatly due to director Josh Sazon and choreographer Taylor Gomez. They, with musical director Wes Habley, guide us through Pippin’s “Everyman” journey through life, searching for happiness and something more: purpose.
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The weight of skirts: Anna’s costumes in ‘The King and I’
On the day of the Women’s March, Jan. 21, 2017, King and I lead actress Heather Botts was onstage in L.A. playing Anna. When she said the line, “I believe women are just as good as men. just as intelligent, just as important,” Botts remembered, the show stopped. The audiences started cheering, roaring in her ears. She knew then she was apart of something, in a time in history that it was important to be telling the story of The King and I.
