Bill Gale

2nd Story's "Rose Tattoo" is a Play of Sicilian Passion & Wildness

Bill Gale — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:04:00 +0000

Back in the late 1940s and early ‘50s the talk along the New York Rialto was about whether Tennessee Williams could broaden his approach. Sure, the critics and others said, he’s written great plays such as the ever-so-human “Glass Menagerie” and the stinging “A Streetcar Named Desire.” But can he go in other directions, take us to new places?

Festival Ballet Reaches Beautifully into the Past and Future

Bill Gale — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:07:00 +0000

"Groundbreaking” is the word used in the press release announcing Festival Ballet Providence’s program this weekend at the Vets in Providence. And you know what? That’s probably not just publicity hype.

Strong performance at The Wilbury Group

Bill Gale — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:10:05 +0000

Providence’s newest theater, the Wilbury Group operates out of a defunct mill in Olneyville. These nights they are taking on a feisty play, “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” which was a runner-up for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize. While it begins with a look at professional wrestling, Bill Gale says it aims considerably higher.

Trinity Rep's Crime and Punishment is a rapid-fire production

Bill Gale — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

When you enter Trinity Rep’s Dowling Theater these evenings you just can’t miss the mess. Designer Eugene Lee has outdone himself, creating a scene that looks like a teenager’s bedroom on a very bad day. The walls are covered with large carpets, all conflicting in tone and color. There’s a distinctly un-comfortable looking iron bed. Lamps from all eras abound. A Danish modern table, a keyboard from when, the 1960s, maybe? And above all is a huge crucifix, on which the murdered Jesus is nailed.

Ocean State Theatre's "Fools" is not one of Neil Simon's best

Bill Gale — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

With their very fine new performing space (excellent sight lines, comfortable seats, good facilities) it seems a shame that Ocean State has picked a weak-at-the-knees Neil Simon play to officially open Rhode Island’s newest theater.

2nd Story Theatre's Amadeus is a show not to miss

Bill Gale — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Dark.

If you had just one word to describe the powerful, incisive version of “Amadeus” at 2^nd Story that might be it. After all, even when you enter the performing space you notice the dim. A couple of lights, a candle or two, and that’s it. Watch your step, and maybe get out those reading glasses if you care to check the program.

Gamm's Ann Boleyn is off-the-wall but also serious

Bill Gale — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Oh my goodness, folks, those wacky Brits are back. They arrived Monday night in a slippery snowstorm using as their invasion vehicle the much anticipated, and much hyped, “Anne Boleyn” by veteran troublemaking playwright Howard Brenton. You will remember his work if you caught the deliciously provocative play “Paul” which celebrated the life of St. Paul at the Gamm a while ago.