REVIEWPLAYS PICKS TOP TEN OF 2003

In a year filled with astonishing world events, the activity of a little website dedicated to theatre certainly seems insignificant.  However, the activities chronicled in said website are not.  More than ever, theatre is taking a major role in placing a mirror on the events of the world, in stating the complex, and pointing out the foibles of those who believe they are right.  Of the more than one hundred plays reviewed this year, there is not one that didn't have some significant social commentary - whether in comedy or tragedy, musical or mime.  Some were better done than others, and most were performed by people who have a dual role.  First they are theatre people - then they do something else to earn their survival.  But all have the same passion and commitment, and anyone of the people mentioned on these pages would, in a heartbeat, drop what they're doing now to follow a promising role, an exciting project, a possible dream.

That we are invited to ride the coattails of these people is both an honor and a humbling experience, and even more so when people read the opinions and comments.  The fact that about one thousand people a day visit these pages and often copy what we say, to place on their website, is even more unbelievable and astonishing.  How can anyone say what was the best and what was not?  Since that is a task far beyond our ability, we can only list a few of the productions we liked, and, with some trepidation, call them the "Top Ten".   

What makes a TOP TEN list?  We think it’s a production or performance that dares to take a chance on being a little different – where the theme or topic is slightly off the beaten path and the presentation shows unique imagination and creativity.  It combines the talents of the cast, the director, author and stagehands to bring the audience an experience that lingers long after the final curtain and stimulates discussions.  

As before, our list is presented alphabetically, rather than qualitatively.  Of all the productions reviewed, we liked these best in 2003!  

PLAYS

 PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE

PERFORMANCE BY A MALE

Comments? Write to us at: Letters@reviewplays.com 

* Full title: “Wet Night . . . Dry Martini” “Love: Shakin’ . . . Stirred . . . & on the Rocks”