I just saw two of the best productions in town!! First, get to the Colonial Theater for DREAMGIRLS!!It’s not the explosive 1981 original pre-Broadway extravaganza starring Jennifer Holiday who had us screaming and crying and on our feet before the curtain came down on her volcanic first act closer. I was there. I will never forget. I still have goosebumps.

But it’s SOOOO much better than the tepid miscast (except for Jennifer Hudson)movie version most people remember. The show is loosely based on The Supremes rise to musical Motown power in the early 60’s when black music looked and found a white audience. The voices are amazing, if crudely over the top–they must have to re-attach the roof in between performances– but it’s still a wildly entertaining show! See it through Feb 14–and bring your Valentine.

Then there was GATZ at the A.R.T. in Harvard Square. This was one of wildest,most satisfying days–yes days–I’ve ever spent in a theater. This is what happens when you read a whole book out loud on stage. Now before you run screaming from my blog, let me explain!!

Here’s the set up. A guy walks into his shabby old office, finds a copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s THE GREAT GATSBY lying around, picks it up and starts reading aloud. Gradually, all the people in the office start to become, then act out– all the characters on stage!! They read the WHOLE BOOK–verbatim–and it’s mindblowing! This is what would happen if you read a book and all the characters suddenly popped right out of your head,came alive in front of you and acted out the story –in two acts, with two intermissions, and a break for dinner! I was in the theatre for six of the most exhilarating hours of my life. No kidding.

The show has been performed all over the world and is on its way back to New York City next season, where it was created by a group called Elevator Repair Service. I’ll have whatever floor they’re having.

Good night–
and stay tuned!