PREVIEWS
HISTORY IN THE SHAKING
Classics get a reworking while new works make a bold statement. Hello February – Carla Duval is on your case CYRANO DE BERGERAC/ BURNING
The Theatre at St Clement’s February 3 through 28 Catherine Curtin. We all know her as the gruff prison corrections officer on Orange is the New Black. This month, she’s taking time to acknowledge all the romance in the air as she mirrors Tony Award nominee Gabriel Barre’s role in the Resonance Ensemble’s 11th season, fittingly titled The Language of Love. We’re talking the classic Cyrano de Bergerac in repertory with the world premiere of its modern adaptation, Burning, and we’re super hyped about it. After directing Amazing Grace on Broadway, Barre makes the leap from 1743 to 1897 and sticks his nose into Cyrano de Bergerac as director as well as appearing in the title role. This play is arguably the most famous French play ever produced. It has inspired countless productions, films, and adaptations throughout the world – such as Burning (hello, segue), in which Curtin appears as Cy, a woman kicked out of the Army for being gay. Like her predecessor Cyrano, Cy suffers from an insecurity that keeps her from pursuing love. We’re looking at not only a fresh take on a classic story, but one that tackles some key contemporary issues. www.resonanceensemble.org
PURE MOTION
The Ailey Citigroup Theatre February 29 If you’ve seen Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway within the last 13 years (and counting), then you’ve seen Ray Mercer in action. If you haven’t, well, you probably should get on that. In
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“Eclipsed makes its way to Broadway and is taking along its all-female cast, female director, and female playwright – something that has never before occurred.”
DIGITAL EDITION
Above: Lupita Nyong’o reprises her role in Eclipsed to make her Broadway debut.
the meantime, Mercer (winner of the Joffrey Ballet’s Choreographers of Color Award) is showcasing his dynamic choreography with an evening of dance (two shows only, eek!). These performances are produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Mercer brings forth some of New York’s most up-and-coming dancers in seven contemporary pieces, including a never-before-seen work created especially for the event. This is the first ever full evening of Mercer’s work, and is the perfect way to leap into Leap Day and support a worthy cause. www.broadwaycares.org