Michael Gordon Shapiro

The Flower Society

michael gordon shapiro · June 17, 2019 certified reviewer
A haunting and poignant piece, brought to life by some exceptional performances.... full review

Paper Trails

michael gordon shapiro · June 17, 2019 certified reviewer
A trio of intelligently-written short plays, each about reflection on a character's personal, work, or familial history and its impact upon the present.... full review

The Journey of The Little Prince

michael gordon shapiro · June 10, 2019 certified reviewer
A dreamy, mesmerizing take on the classic children's novella.... full review

thank you for loving me

michael gordon shapiro · June 09, 2019 certified reviewer
An alternately gripping, desolate, and funny look at the life cycle of a New York relationship, brought to life by three notably talented dramatic actors.... full review

She Kills Monsters

michael gordon shapiro · June 09, 2019 certified reviewer
An impassioned and touching production of a play with an intriguing central premise.... full review

Met Again

michael gordon shapiro · June 10, 2018 certified reviewer
A funny and compassionate chronicle of a couple's romantic life, full of lovable nuance, detail, and personality. A story rich with particulars, which in turn make it more universal. ... full review

Three Can Keep A Secret

michael gordon shapiro · June 20, 2017 certified reviewer
What might have merely been a solid crime thriller is turned into a delightful blend of suspense and comedy as audiences get to vote on story direction at several critical junctures. The audience participation is more than a gimmick; it makes you feel emotionally invested in the outcome of a story of which you're the partial author. ... full review

VINCENT Deconstructed

michael gordon shapiro · June 05, 2016 certified reviewer
An intriguing historical "what if" story, reminiscent of the film The Last Temptation of Christ in how it depicts an attempt to forsake destiny for a more ordinary life. The play is a bit too in love with its subject, at times feeling like a documentary (or hagiography), but once it arrives at its central premise there's a worthwhile payoff. The story is made vivid by devoted and intense performances from a talented cast. ... full review

My Big Fat Blonde Musical

michael gordon shapiro · June 04, 2016 uncertified reviewer
Miss Stroll takes the well-explored genre of the struggles-in-Hollywood autobiography and infuses it with playful energy, deft character impressions, and enough sincerity to keep the piece grounded. Far from a self-indulgent monologue, the show is truly a performance, with sly comedic songs about the vagaries of Hollywood, artful use of visuals, and a whirlwind of well-choreographed stage antics. Of particular note are Ms. Stroll's enactment of supporting characters in her story, such as a fat-sh... full review

Sleeping Around

michael gordon shapiro · June 22, 2015 certified reviewer
An alternately funny and sympathetic look at relationships (or lack thereof) via a train of two-person vignettes, each of which inherits one character from the prior one. An interesting side effect is that a character who seems to be an interloper or heartless antagonist in one scene can show an inner depth in the next. The dialogue is sharp, the humor funny, and thank god you don't actually see anyone's schlong. With each vignette is about ten minutes and an hour running time overall, this show ... full review

michael gordon shapiro