Culture Curmudgeon

Review: A disappointing “Winter’s Tale”

Play review: “Hold These Truths” shows the risk of being an American

History ignored, history repeated again and again. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeoin’s review of “Hold These Truths” and why it’s ultimately a hopeful take on the promise of America.

Review: On violence and “Black Panther”

Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther” is not just a great action flick, it’s also probably the angriest superhero movie I’ve ever seen. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review

Play review: Finding the “Familiar” in a strange world

“Familiar” is about family and finding one’s place in the world regardless of how strange and alien it is. Here’s my latest review.

Play review: “Sovereignty” and the politics of erasure

Despite its flaws, “Sovereignty” is an important work especially in this age of Trump. Here’s my review of the production playing at Arena Stage.

“The Wolves” are a teenage riot

Teenagers have always had it rough. “The Wolves” shows they’re more resilient than you think. Here’s my review of Sarah DeLappe’s excellent play.

Review: ‘The Way of the World’ is slapstick-fueled darkness

“The Way of the World” looks at the lives of the wealthy: a slapstick comedy on the surface with a very dark underbelly.

‘Nina Simone: Four Women’ is transcendent reminder of icon’s message

The struggles these women face are nuanced and painful. Like Miss Simone herself, Ham’s play is not always an ease to watch — and that’s why it’s so brilliant.

Review: ‘The Pajama Game’ disappointingly unchanged from ’50s original

Aside from an inter-racial cast, nothing about the Arena Stage’s production reflects anything that’s transpired in the 63 years since the musical first premiered on roadway in 1954.