(Starred reviews by Frank Scheck)
Posted: 1:37 am
October 3, 2008
"ABSINTHE": *** ½ This thrilling blend of European-style circus and burlesque offers decadent pleasures in a wonderful summertime setting. Spiegelworld at Pier 17, South Street Seaport, South Street at Beekman Street. 212-279-4200. Closes Nov. 2.
"BEAST": ** ½ Michael Weller's only partially successful surreal drama depicts a road trip undertaken by two Iraqi war veterans, one of whom is dead. New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. Fourth St.; 212-460-5475. Closes Oct. 12.
"DESIR": *** Stylish assemblage of sensual gymnastic acts purports to depict the backstage goings-on at a Parisian nightclub. Pier 17, South Street Seaport; 212-279-4200. Closes Nov. 2.
"ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL": **** Terrifically staged and acted revival of the hilarious musical based on Carl Reiner's autobiographical novel about an aspiring young actor. York Theatre Company, 619 Lexington Ave., 212-935-5820. Closes Oct. 26.
FAULT LINES: ** ½ Stephen Belber's comedy/drama features terrific dialogue and performances but suffers from overly gimmicky plot twists. The Cherry Lane, 38 Commerce St., 212-239-2969.
"FORBIDDEN BROADWAY GOES TO REHAB": *** ½ This latest edition of the hilarious musical revue features fresh spoofs of shows such as "August: Osage County," "Young Frankenstein" and "The Little Mermaid," among others. 47th Street Theatre, 304 W. 47th St.; 212-239-6200. Closes Jan. 15.
"IRENA'S VOW": *** ½ Tovah Feldshuh stars in this moving and compelling true-life story of a Polish Catholic woman who saved the lives of 12 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Ave.; 646-312-4085. Closes Nov. 2.
"THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES": ** Silly musical revue in which a quartet of female singers delivers pop hits from the '50s and '60s at a high school senior prom and 10-year reunion. Westside Theatre, 407 W. 53rd St.; 212-239-6200.
"THE TEMPEST": *** Mandy Patinkin delivers a musical and compelling turn as the sorcerer Prospero in Shakespeare's classic. Classic Stage Company, 136 E. 13th St., 212-352-3101. Closes Oct. 19.
"WHAT'S THAT SMELL: THE MUSIC OF JACOB STERLING": *** David Pittu plays a mediocre musical songwriter in his self-penned satire. Atlantic Stage 2, 330 W. 16th St.; 212-691-5919. Closes Sunday.
---------- LONG-RUNNING ----------
"BLUE MAN GROUP": *** Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St.; 212-254-4370.
"MURDERED BY THE MOB": Arno Ristorante, 141 W. 38th St.; 800-687-3374.
"NAKED BOYS SINGING!": New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.; 212-239-6200.
"PERFECT CRIME": (zero stars) Duffy Theatre, 1553 Broadway; 212-695-3401.
"STOMP": ** Orpheum Theater, 126 Second Ave.; 212-477-2477.
"TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING": St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W. 46th St.; 212-352-0255.
COMMENTS