David's Theater Thoughts

  The Garbologist Sets Up Shop at Theater Works in Hartford While most people think of garbage as the waste they’d like to forget, The Garbologist works to remind you that there are at least two sides to every story. Written by Lindsay Joelle and directed by Rob Ruggiero, The Garbologist is a 90-minute show that invites the audience to join Marlowe’s first day of her glamorous new job…a garbage worker in New York City. Not the job you’d anticipate from an Ivy League graduate. To show her the ropes, Marlowe is paired up with New York’s most resented garbage man, Danny. Our leads need to learn to see eye to eye, or drive each other mad trying. This mature-themed production has compelling moments with important life lessons. However, I don’t believe that Joelle’s intentions were met. While wanting to address themes such as feeling invisible, loss, and the daily impact we each make, the writing leaves the viewer walking away with excerpts of her ideas. With great concepts, this two-...

  Simona’s Search Finds Success at the Hartford Stage Review By David Pulvermacher Marvelous, mysterious, and methodical are just some of the praise the production of Simona's Search deserves for their performance Saturday night at the Hartford Stage. Written by Martin Zimmerman and Directed by Melia Bensussen, Simona's Search follows the life of Simona as she dedicates her life to understanding her father and the struggles he dares not tell a soul. Simona studies genetic research and its impact on inherited family trauma. Can Simona save her father from himself, or will she lose her identity as she analyzes the past? Bensussen and her company dedicate the ninety-minute performance to demanding that the audience reflect on their lives and choices. Commanding the viewer to think about life-long questions and to consider questioning our upbringing, potential trauma, and how communication impacts the ones we care for. Through the actors' portrayal of their roles, excellent w...