Iris Wiener

‘Friends, The Musical Parody’ Is a Hysterical Send-Up of ’90s Sitcom

Iris Wiener
Could Friends!, The Musical Parody be any more fun? Nope. The hit NBC show is ripe for riffing, and who better to take it on than parody masterminds Tobly and Bob McSmith, the clever writers behind Showgirls! The Musical! and Bayside! The Musical! Whether you’ve simply caught the sitcom in reruns or you have pined for the day when Ross and Rachel would finally get together, this musical is a hysterical send-up of all that you loved to hate about the 1990s.... Read More...
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Steven Dietz’s Lonely Planet Brilliantly Produced by Keen Company (Video)

Iris Wiener
Steven Dietz’s play, Lonely Planet, has been brilliantly produced by the Keen Company. It’s an emotional touchstone harkening back to a time when America was caught in the deadly grip of the AIDS epidemic. Written in 1993, Lonely Planet is a two-character study that follows Jody (Arnie Burton) and Carl (Matt McGrath) through a world consumed by darkness, doubt and death.... Read More...
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Donald Trump Political Satire ‘Me the People’ a Hilarious Call to Arms

Iris Wiener
Me the People: The Trump America Musical manages to be entertaining and cringe worthy at its best moments and only slightly schlocky at its worst. Me the People is not simply a jab at America’s current president; this cabaret is an important call to arms. In an era of watered down jokes and impressions a la “The Tonight Show with Jimmy zoneslon” and “Saturday Night Live,” it’s a gift to find a show that is as funny as it is unapologetic for its painful impressions and humor. ... Read More...
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Intimate Apparel Beautifully Weaves Hopes, Pathos, Desire in Moving Play

Iris Wiener
Intimate Apparel, written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Tony nominee Lynn Nottage, is as beautifully woven as the fine fabrics running through the hands of protagonist Esther Mills (Kelly McCreary), a New York City seamstress circa 1905. Currently playing at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, the production addresses a litany of complex issues that might have overcrowded a 130-minute play in less worthy hands. ... Read More...
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Lucas Hnath’s Doll House, Part 2, Takes Ibsen In Whole New Direction

Iris Wiener
If A Doll’s House, Part 2 is viewed as a sequel to Ibsen’s A Doll’s House theatergoers will be in for disappointment. It does not complement the original play, nor does the new piece give it new meaning. A more appropriate label would be fan homage. Lucas Hnath’s Part 2 takes the 19th century classic and adds modern vernacular and insightful wit, while presenting a story centered on women who are battling against oppression. ... Read More...
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Iris Wiener

Iris Wiener is an entertainment journalist. Follow her on Twitter @Iris_Wiener or visit her Web site.