Critic at Leisure

Open your mind to downtown theater!

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There will be time to visit the new “best of Broadway,” but vibrant, stunning downtown theater often has limited runs that offer some of the most rewarding, challenging experiences a theater buff could desire.
A current magnet for expanding your horizons is the La Mama Complex (74A East 4th St.) where “Author Directing Author-Second Edition” is serving up a pair of haunting one-act stunners. In this current pairing the agreed upon theme was desire. And exploring that emotion from very different perspectives are two of our most provocative young playwrights: Marco Calvanis’ “The Second Time,” powerfully directed by Neil la Bute, brings us a philosophy professor (Phil Burke) and his favorite pupil (stunning Meredith Forlenza) who turn out to be adversaries as their attraction — in a short span —morphs into violent anger, and hatred. As the professor plays mind games, his visitor becomes confused, anger turning to fear.
In la Bute’s far more uplifting “The Happy Hour,” (gloriously directed by Calvani) a traveling salesman (Chris Henry Coffey) drinking alone, is approached by a determined young woman longing for company (Liv Rooth), the fly in the martini is the affable man is already engaged (literally) to someone else. After a few drinks, and discovering each other to be good company, the pair’s new physical attraction threatens the power of the cell phone conversations the man intermittently shares with his intended. Is there anyone truly immune to the flattery of becoming suddenly, hungrily desired? You’ll have to visit “Author Directing Author” to find out — a visit most highly recommended. (Through Nov. 20)
Also at “La Mama,’ Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is having a most unique interpretation of the power of the winds of change. Directed by Karin Coonrod, with haunting music by inimitable Elizabeth Swados, the large cast features Reg. E. Cathey as Prospero. The key here is this “Tempest” is not in a teapot — but explores the world mankind will inherit with wit, song, dance — and the ever-present scepter of choices made or rejected. With Shakespeare’s decision that mankind will make the right decisions known in advance, the spectacle becomes overlong, diminishing its power in close to three hours; But certainly worth a visit for Bard aficionados.
Where there’s ‘Smoke’ expect fireworks!

Further downtown at the wonderful Flea complex (41 White St. in Tribeca) Kim Davies “Smoke” brings us a pair of young New York denizens who meet in the kitchen of an uptown apartment where a “sex party” is in progress. Stephen Stout and Madeleine Bundy are mesmerizing as the veteran (he) and the novice (she) exploring boundaries hitherto undreamt of (well, maybe dreamt of!) in the girl’s experience. Her curiosity, as a privileged college student and his experiences as a frustrated artist — who happens to work for her father! — lead to irreparable renting of boundaries that might shock even devourers of “50 Shades of Grey.” As a study of power, the play proves sex is a variation among all human challenges that can be explored with humor — but not for the squeamish! (212-352-3101 or theflea.org.)
Make ‘Port Authority’ a destination!
One of the highlights of this year’s 1st Irish Festival is Conor McPherson’s magically told, magnificently moving “Port Authority.” The festival is ended, but most fortunately performances of this exquisitely framed three-man tale, set in present day Dublin, Ireland, will continue through Nov. 16. A production of the wonderful Irish Repertory Theater, magically directed by Ciaran O’Reilly, the play is set at a way station, where three men of three generations sit side by side — and share their stories with us —but not each other. The playwright’s prose is akin to poetry, guiding us along the recent experiences and past memories of choices made- or not- or regretted.
Kevin (James Russell), the youngest, is a ship without a rudder, gradually falling for his female roommate, who doesn’t share his feelings. Dermot (Billy Carter), now in middle age, has been mistakenly promoted into a job he’s not up to handling — leading to chances fumbled — and painful realities. Elder gent Joe (a break-your-heart Peter Maloney) is a widower reminiscing on a lifelong crush on a neighbor — having never acting on it — and now facing the recognition of his own mortality.
“Port Authority” finally brought me to tears with the playwright’s insights into our human foibles and the inescapable aftermath of the disappointment of many of our choices. “Port Authority” is a play worth seeing twice — my intention exactly! Currently performing at the DR2Theatre (Union Square and 17th St., Irish Reps temporary home for the season. (Tickets at 212-727-2737)
Critic’s Alert: The Mckttrick Hotel, home of “Sleep No More,” that now and forever audience participation exploration of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” will celebrate Halloween with a weekend “Inferno!” Two nights of partying — costumes must reflect “the Seven Deadly Sins” — will include the performance and the afterplay, beginning at 11 p.m., which will feature an open bar, entertainment and a choice of “suppers” at different price ranges. Surely a treat for your memory book, with tickets at sleepnomorenyc.com or by calling (866) 811-4111!