David's Theater Thoughts

  Love is an Open Door at Hartford Stage’s Laughs in Spanish By David Pulvermacher Intern of the Connecticut Critic’s Circle  Alexis Scheer’s Laughs in Spanish is a charismatic and heartwarming tale that explores the relationship between one’s culture and self-identity. Come along with Marianna as she navigates the complexity of the relationship with her mother while trying to salvage the premiere at her latest art gallery. The playwright discusses relevant topics of implicit bias, generational trauma, and representation of Hispanic and  LGBTQ+ communities in a fun and engaging fashion.  As the lights shine on the first moments of the stage, you’re welcomed with a loud and enraged “f–k” from art dealer Marianna (Stephanie Machado). The works for the Art Basel Festival have been robbed the morning of the exhibit’s opening. As Marianna tries to figure out what her next steps should be, her intern, Carolina (María Victoria Martínez), begs for an opportunity to showcas...

  Careful Who You Trust at Yale Repertory’s Production of The Inspector By David Pulvermacher Intern of the Connecticut Critic’s Circle  Conspiracy and corruption have taken over Yale Repertory’s production of The Inspector . Lurk along as the Mayor of a small nameless Russian town attempts to coerce the inspector to turn a blind eye to his corruption. Can the Mayor and his pretentious public leaders appease him, or will they discover the truth about the so called inspector? Written by Nikolai Gogol, The Inspector delivers a mischievous and whimsical satire about the costs of greed and self-serving behaviors. Director Yura Kordonsky and the cast portray the story in a way that honors Gogol’s original ideas while creating a compelling story that feels relevant to our modern times.  (Photo by Joan Marcus) The Mayor calls upon his public officials to meet at his home to discuss a matter that could ruin their livelihoods. An undercover inspector from St. Petersburg is ...

The People’s Champion: El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom at Long Wharf Theater By David Pulvermacher Intern of the Connecticut Critic’s Circle  (Photo by @curtisbrownphotography) Family, identity, and community are the values worth fighting for at Long Wharf Theater’s production of El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom . Suit up with Alex as he tries to protect his neighborhood as New York’s newest hero, El Coquí Espectacular! From gang activity to street fights, the adversities of a hero are more than Alex could have anticipated. As an unemployed comic book artist still living in his mother’s apartment, can Alex live up to his family’s expectations while maintaining his nocturnal exploits? Even more, can he stop the true enemy of his people, gentrification? El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom is a heartwarming play about a young man who tries to learn what it means to stand for something greater than himself.  We meet our hero, El Coquí, in the ...

  Get Court Side Tickets to King James at TheaterWorks By David Pulvermacher Intern of the Connecticut Critic’s Circle  King James, written by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rajiv Joseph, is a slice-of-life tale that masks itself as a comedy that follows the lives of two Cleveland men and their love of the Cavaliers basketball team. With the rise of NBA star Lebron James as the backdrop of their friendship, the audience witnesses the development of Matt and Shawn’s relationship over the course of twelve years. While the writing is inconsistent at times, the story is engaging and entertaining. The show thoughtfully tackles prevalent themes, such as racism and friendship. As a two-man show, King James unapologetically takes you on a ride through life.  The ball begins in Shawn’s hands when he meets Matt at his Cleveland bar in 2004. Shawn is negotiating with Matt to purchase his Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets so that he can fulfill his childhood dream of seeing the Cavaliers...

  Taking the Ride on Two Trains Running at Hartford Stage By David Pulvermacher Justice, culture, and resiliency are the themes championed at Hartford Stage’s latest production, Two Trains Running . Written by August Wilson, Two Trains Running is the seventh of Wilson’s ten-part play series of life in Pittsburgh. Join the journey as Memphis, Risa, West, and Sterling struggle to overcome the judgment oppressing them by 1960s society’s perception of being Black in America. Follow in tandem as Wolf and Hambone push to acquire their ideals of independence. Director Gilbert McCauley and company manifest Wilson’s poetic writing and compel the audience to contemplate their path of life, death, and what they contribute during the ride.  The audience enters Wilson’s world at Memphis Lee’s restaurant in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in 1968. The story follows the lives of Memphis and the restaurant’s patrons as they navigate issues of race, gentrification, and personal struggles. Tr...