David Wisehart

Friends Like These

david wisehart · June 20, 2014 certified reviewer
“Friends Like These” is an amazing play. Five high school kids are torn between social conformity and the impulses of the heart. But here, as in life, young love is tragic love, new and strange and deeply felt, with competing peer groups, shifting alliances, tested loyalties, and secret passions. Writer Gregory Crafts puts his five characters through the emotional and psychological wringer that is high school. He builds tension throughout his tightly-paced plot, and caps it with a satisfying end ... full review

Independence

david wisehart · June 06, 2014 certified reviewer
A terrific ensemble cast brings this heartfelt family drama vividly to life. Shelley Phillips gives a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of the mentally unbalanced matriarch Evelyn, who spins her madness like a web to stop her three grown daughters from leaving the lair. Phillips makes admirable choices in a role that could easily have slipped into caricature, but in this production is well-grounded in three brutally honest mother-daughter relationships. Kat Muldoon shines as the eldest daughter, Kess... full review

Round Rock

david wisehart · June 18, 2012 uncertified reviewer
A very impressive show. "Round Rock" is well written and acted. The characters are distinct, and their motivations clear. The period costumes are nicely done. The set is spare, modular, and effective. My only caveat is that Aaron Kozak's intelligent and compelling script would probably work much better as a film than a stage play. The scenes are numerous, and brief, with dozens of scene transitions that, while briskly executed, give the play a staccato feel that works against the story's momen... full review

Is He Dead?

david wisehart · June 11, 2012 uncertified reviewer
It's hard to do farce well, and Coeurage Theatre Company pulls it off. The show moves fast and the ensemble work is fun to watch. Hilarious, and highly recommended.... full review

How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse

david wisehart · June 24, 2011 certified reviewer
This show is a fun ride. The concept is clever, the characters fun, but it is the audience participation that makes this such an enjoyable experience. If you value your life, see this show!... full review

! Death 40-Feet Tall !

david wisehart · June 24, 2011 certified reviewer
This is a wonderful, funny, and poignant ode to unapologetic geekery. Pam's writing is sharp, focused, and specific. Her performance is lively and engaging. The laughs come easy, but it is the heartfelt ending that makes this a journey you'll want to take. Do yourself a favor and go!... full review

Girl Band in the Men's Room

david wisehart · June 24, 2011 certified reviewer
This is an excellent show with sharp writing, well-defined characters, spot-on nostalgia, and engaging performances. Go see this show!... full review

Super Sidekick: The Musical

david wisehart · June 20, 2011 uncertified reviewer
A wonderful kid's show. The story is brilliant and the performances are delightful. While the young leads are charming and the Ninja Koalas hilarious, its Shawn Cahill as the villain who steals the show. Unfortunately, the songs are a bit underwhelming and the transitions between book and lyrics could be smoother. It's the excellent story and engaging performances that make this show work so well. Bring your kids. They'll absolutely love it.... full review

Friends Like These

david wisehart · June 24, 2010 uncertified reviewer
"Friends Like These" is an amazing play. Five high school kids are torn between social conformity and the impulses of the heart. But here, as in life, young love is tragic love, new and strange and deeply felt, with competing peer groups, shifting alliances, tested loyalties, and secret passions. Writer Gregory Crafts puts his five characters through the emotional and psychological wringer that is high school. He builds tension throughout his tightly-paced plot, and caps it with a satisfying end ... full review

That's funny. You didn't sound black on the phone.

david wisehart · June 20, 2010 uncertified reviewer
Jacquetta is a wonderful storyteller, and she has some great stories to tell. The show is divided into three parts. The first begins with her response to a greeting card and discusses her take on issues of black experience in America. It's personal and effective. The second part tells how her misreading of a satirical guide to preppiness changed her life. This is the funniest of the three parts. Jacquetta finishes with her take on black churches in general and speaking in tongues in particular. H... full review