Clarence Brown Theatre

As a big August Wilson fan and knowing Lynn Nottage was awarded a playwright-award in his name, I expected a lot from this production. That's probably why I didn't enjoy the show as much as I hoped.

There's hardly anything to criticize about how the CBT or the cast handled it, and I felt particularly great about Zack Fine's and Samantha Tanner's performances. It's also still a strong story worth being told...but my issue is with how choppy it felt like the story was told at times. It's like the script didn't allow for flowing transitions very often, so it felt like a lot of scene-changes (and even some beat-changes) were either uncomfortably rushed or prolonged...not counting the show's moments that were supposed to be uncomfortable.

Don't cost yourself a chance to see a solid production though, and it's great that the CBT is using more plays from the African American community now.

I saw Intimate Apparel last night and I just have to say that this was one of those productions that really blew me away and moved me deeply. It is a show like this that reminds me of why I'm in theatre. I thought the story was very moving and heartfelt. I thought everyone involved did an amazing job of bringing this story to live and I'll have to agree with Mr. Brandon Gibson on this one...it was very beautifully and sincerely done.

I thought the direction, acting, design and everything that was done in the Clarence brown was wonderful - the acting was human and moving, the set was beautiful, encapsulating and practical, the direction must have been perfect because it was invisible to all these elements but I could not stand the play script. It was predictable, full of stock characters that I am amazed the actors were able to bring some life to, and ultimately neither cathartic nor enjoyable. Well done to all at CBT, you made a rose grow from a patch of unkempt soil.

Entering this play, I was prepared to thoroughly enjoy it, but what I was not prepared for, was to be completely blown away. The story was beautiful, and the characters were moving and real. I think if you see one show this semester (other than Guys and Dolls)... it should be this!

A beautiful story, that was beautifully and sincerely acted.