One Man, Two Guvnors

Summer is the perfect time for a silly romp on Broadway.  Although I always regret not seeing things early in their run when they are more fresh and the audience is more of a "Broadway crowd", I knew this one could wait.


James Corden - indeed a goofy, silly, British wonder-boy extraordinaire!  Although Richard Bean's (book) humor was not necessarily my cup of tea, indeed i still laughed quite a lot.  The show's "secret" got out early and the producers and director had to adapt a bit to be able to react to the audiences' un-intended participation in a few of the ad-lib bits, but a fine job they did in molding the show even further - - and most of that credit goes to the improv skills of Mr. Corden himself.  A true gem on stage.

The History Boys

Here we go - once again - BEST PLAY is in the works for this one! The ensemble cast - all from the original run in London on the West End - is here on Broadway for another go at it. This one is a Don't Miss. The boys are adorable and likeable and believable - and to say that Richard Griffiths is theatrical perfection understating his performance. The one-woman stand out in the play was Francis De La Tour. Her sardonic wit about academia and men was biting and yet, we all know, true.

The play is about the games of academia as played by the adults and the games of youth as played by the boys and how those two games often intersect and produce the unique consequences we call "life". Two parallel storylines yet really one story. Alan Bennett (playwright) has a true gift for humor, wit, and irony. All around an intelligent, well acted, and well written peice.

It's a great evening of theater - you'll truly be entertained - by at least 2 or 3 members of the cast. I really can't pick a favorite I must say. If you're in academia - this one is for you. The message is clear - Pass it On. (you'll get it when you see it, don't worry).

The name may have been The History Boys, but let me tell you, they sure did well in Chemistry too !