Terry Morgan

There is clearly something in the zeitgeist these days about the imminent end of the world. One of the things this story structure allows for is a focus on character, after most external trappings have been stripped away. Revelation does just that and is very funny in the bargain.

Although the cast is terrific and the production is top-notch and the play is amusing, it's somewhat shallow.

The West Coast premiere of the play at Theatre Banshee is funny and touching in equal measure.

The new production at Pacific Resident Theatre does Miller proud, with Vince Melocchi's explosive lead highlighting a superb ensemble.

In November 2010, a play called Watson: The Last Great Tale of the Legendary Sherlock Holmes was one of my favorite shows. It is thus with regret that I have to report that the new sequel premiering at Sacred Fools, Watson And The Dark Art of Harry Houdini, is disappointing, a pale imitation of the original that only sporadically works.

When I read that Jay and Lynn had created a play called Yes, Prime Minister and had secured an impressive cast, I was excited to see it. Unfortunately, through no fault of the actors, the U.S. premiere of the production at the Geffen Playhouse is strained, prolonged and seems a bit dated.

Joe Holt, Daniel Bess, John Sloan, Julanne Chidi Hill, Rebecca Mozo and Phil LaMarr in "We Are Proud..." at the Matrix Theatre. Photo - Jillian Armenante One of the truisms of theatre is that one doesn't need a lot of money to do it right; you just require creativity and talent. The latest example of this is a new show with a very long title: We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About The...

At first glance, the idea of a musical dealing with the great historical tragedy referred to by the title seems possibly disrespectful, but that proves not to be the case. In many ways, the result is intelligent and daring, and the new production at the Ahmanson is well acted and directed. Unfortunately, it also doesn't quite work as well as it might.

It sometimes happens as a critic that you'll see a show that's been favorably reviewed, given awards or is simply a hit and wonder afterwards what all the praise was about.

The new production by the Antaeus Company galvanizes the play with ferocious energy and a wealth of acting talent that instantly makes it one of the best shows of the year. This production is a righteous blast, my friends. Don't miss it.