Director John Doyle’s revival of the musical The Color Purple is beyond moving and uplifting. It has been streamlined into a svelte and simple production that allows the actors to focus on character without having the audience’s attention pulled away by extraneous props and intricate scenery. The theme of hope and endurance overcoming loss and despair drives the musical forward.

The new musical The Bridges of Madison County, based on the novel by Robert James Waller has plenty going for it. Unfortunately, it is never quite enough to overcome the periods of boredom. It doesn't peek your interest or make you care until the second act. Act one is a long setup for what explodes emotionally in act two. Marsha Norman's book, while at times slow, uninteresting and populated with extraneous characters, will make your heart ache by the end. What should be an intimate story is cluttered with distractions like a hovering cast of characters that is continually onstage, even in the most intimate of moments. These characters don't propel the plot.

JULIA JORDAN, THERESA REBECK, MARSHA NORMAN and
THE COMMITTEE FOR RECOGNIZING WOMEN IN THEATRE PRESENT
The 3rd ANNUAL LILLY AWARDS

Honoring Distinguished Women Including Actress Estelle Parsons and Playwright Tina Howe for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater

New York, NY (May 29, 2012) On June 4, 2012 Julia Jordan, Theresa Rebeck, Marsha Norman, Tim Sanford, Gary Garrison and The Committee for Recognizing Women in Theatre will present the 3rd Annual Lilly Awards at Playwrights Horizons. Named for playwright Lillian Hellman, The Lilly Awards were created to recognize the extraordinary contributions made by women to the American Theater.  Producers, playwrights, actors, designers, and directors will be honored for their continued excellence in the theater community.