People of the Book 2024
“People of the Book is an accurate portrait of humanity that is beautiful in demanding that we see every human being and every combination of human beings as a contradiction, a duality, a balanced scale. Stories like this are important cultural building blocks to uncovering and enjoying the coexistence of lies and truth. Celebrating humanity involves celebrating our flaws, not just our victories…People of the Book is, without a Doubt, a true masterpiece.” - Mason Pilevsky, Pages On Stages.
Pictured: Ramsey Zeitouneh. Photo by Ben Hider.
“A great many politically themed plays have been produced these last few years. The best of them enmesh protagonists’ struggles, offer insight to specific viewpoints and ask questions. People of the Book adds to these qualities with distinct originality…Haneen Arafat Murphy gives a masterful performance as Madeeha” - Alix Cohen, Theater Life.
“A hidden gem…edgy, with great writing…El Guindi has written a play that has almost perfect symmetry to it.” -Robert M. Massimi (Broadway Bob), More Here.
“People of the Book weaves its dynamic plot threads into a thought-provoking tapestry. ” - Karen D’Onofrio, eljnyc.com.
“El Guindi’s play is sharp and engaging…the sheer heft and timeliness of the material makes for an intriguing evening of theater.” - Christopher "Caz" Caswell, TheaterScenes.
The Making of a Great Moment 2023
“A Mel Brooks/Samuel Beckett-Like Serious Comedy…Bowers’ shtick is part Robin Williams, part Jonathan Winters, then suddenly grounded…. Both actors move like dancers and turn on a dime.” - Alix Cohen, Woman Around Town.
“URBAN STAGES HAS DONE IT AGAIN! In a time when world events are dire and dismal, they’ve produced a comedy that offers a heartfelt message and a lot of laughs! My cheeks are hurting from laughing.” - Jody Prusan, Splash Magazine.
“A love letter to the endurance of being an actor. I absolutely loved this.” -Eve Heinemann, Hi Drama
Pictured: Bill Bowers & Esther Williamson. Photo by Ed Lopez.
Eleanor and Alice Conversations Between Two Remarkable Roosevelts 2022 & 2023
“Two Exceptional Stage Actors Portray Two Exceptional Roosevelts…director Frances Hill has two wonderfully accomplished stage actors giving the play vibrancy…being an extraordinarily captivating evening of live theatre.” -OnStage Blog
“Mary Bacon as Alice is wickedly funny as the antithesis of society’s good girl. In contrast with Eleanor’s slow, incremental transformation from girlish giddiness over her cousin Franklin to a more measured and circumspect demeanor—which Trezana Beverley as Eleanor masters—Alice acts like an outspoken hothead frozen in time. “ - Rachel S. Kovacs, OffOffOnline
Pictured: Trezana Beverley & Mary Bacon. Photo by Russ Rowland.
“If you liked Eleanor Roosevelt before, you’ll love her after this. That alone is a reason to go. I learned so much more about the First Lady of the World…What an inspiration.” -David Walters, Front Row Center
“I found myself being truly moved by the emotional intimacy shared with the audience between Bacon and Beverley…The show closes with warm lighting on the two women, and at the end of this piece one is left with a better understanding of American history and a new affinity for these women who played major roles in our nation’s past and present.“ - Kimi Brown , TheKnockturnal
Winter Rhythms 2023
“Adapted from his book The Algonquin Kid, the program, Created at the Algonquin brought to life, in Colby's narration (augmented by slides) and in performance, many of the tales the lyricist experienced firsthand. As they used to say back in the day, Created at the Algonquin featured a cavalcade of stars who brought to life many of the musicals written (in part) at the hotel.” - Marilyn Lester, read more at theaterpizzazz.com
Pictured: Michael Colby and Anarene Barr Photo by JK Clarke
Nights at the Algonquin: Closing with a full company/audience sing-along of the Gershwins' "Love ls Here to Stay" and refreshments, the night brought us almost everything we remember about the legendary old days in the legendary Oak Room and the Algonquin except the legendary Matilda, the cat who regally prowled and purred around the place. But, with all the talent on hand, this program was, for classic cabaret connoisseurs, the cat's meow. - Rob Lester, read more at broadwayworld.com
“Barbara Cook was an American musical legend. So when someone has a show that promises to pay tribute to her songbook you attend out of curiosity; but, when someone as talented as Shana Farr choses that playlist you run to see her out of pure joy. - Craig J. Horsley, read more at t2conline.com
Top Photo: My Occasion of Sin by by Monica Bauer. Pictured Scott Robertson and Royce Johnson. Photo by Ben Hider.