Mar 07

“Wheel of Austen” Puts Improv in the 18th Century

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Travis Manni

Photo credit: Mike Descoteaux

Presented by ImprovBoston
Directed by John Herman
Created by Michelle Boncek & John Herman

March 3-31, 2017
40 Prospect Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
ImprovBoston on Facebook

Review by Travis Manni

(Cambridge, MA) Improv is a weird thing to have to review. You often can’t comment on the set, because the world and props within it are imaginary. The entire show is based on a singular experience that will never be repeated, and that relies heavily on the chemistry of the actors on stage. But I’m happy to report that chemistry in one of ImprovBoston’s productions of Wheel of Austen was well within the performers’ wheelhouse. Continue reading →

Feb 01

Comedy Without a Net: THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS

Posted on February 1, 2013 by craigidlebrook

Photo Credit: ArtsEmerson

Written by Carlo Goldoni
Adapted by Constance Congdon
Further adapted by Steven Epp and Christopher Bayes
From a Translation by Christina Sibul
Directed by Christopher Bayes

presented by Yale Repertory Theatre with ArtsEmerson

The Paramount Theater
Boston, MA
January 29^th – February 10^th, 2013
ArtsEmerson Facebook Page

Review by Craig Idlebrook

In the 18^th century, playwrights had to walk a fine line if they were going to earn their bread, as their plays had to appeal simultaneously to both the washed and unwashed. A play had to allow both illiterate farmers and literate aristocracy to connect with the story and side with the protagonists. A playwright needed to find a common denominator in a story and then layer it with tidbits that resonated with segments of the audience. Continue reading →