Adam's Call: Mark Jason Williams' Straight Faced Lies: Left Me Wanting More

Playwright Mark Jason WilliamsRising playwright, Mark Jason Williams, has a new play in town as part of Planet Connections Theatre Festivity at the Rober Moss Theater in NYC called Straight Faced Lies. A smart, well-written, humorous, and intricate script, Straight Faced Lies left me wanting more. Taking the audience inside the home of a family's Thanksgiving celebration, Straight Faced Lies revealed one secret after another and just when you thought you knew them all, another secret came out.

Cast of "Straight Faced Lies" (from left to right): Thom Christensen, Ann Farthing, Hannah Logan Wolfe, Danny HiltThe twists and turns in this hilarious drama is a testament to the strong writing of playwright Mark Jason Williams. I have only seen one other show written by Mark, The Other Day, and was impressed by his writing then too, but with Straight Faced Lies, Mark's writing as really grown. This cast did a fantastic job of bringing Mark's words to life. The cast consisted of Linda Blackstock, Thom Christensen, Ann Farthing, Danny Hilt, Josh Krebs, and Hannah Logan Wolfe. Each of these actors brought something special to Straight Faced Lies. Ann Farthing really stood out to me because of the way she delivered her lines. Whether it was her inflection or facial expression, Ann got the laugh every time, even though behind the laughter, there was quite a story to her character. Linda Blackstock also shined bright as her character went through a real transformation from beginning to end. 

Stringing the story together was wonderful direction by Melissa Skirboll. I really liked how she linked the scenes together, which helped peel back the pieces of Mark's fantastic script. Combing multiple talents, the cast and creatives made a great team.

With just two performances left in the festival, get your tickets to Straight Faced Lies. It's important to support original new work by young playwrights! Mark has a long road ahead of himself as a successful playwright. Let's all help him get there for his work deserves wider exposure! Straight Faced Lies plays Sunday, June 9 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 22 at 4:30pm at Robert Moss Theater in NYC (440 Lafayette Street). Click here for tickets!

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Adam's Call: At Hand Theatre's I Wanna Destroy You: Hilariously Provocative

Cast of "I Wanna Destroy You", Photo Credit: Murphy Made Photography (Matthew Murphy)At Hand Theatre company is going out with a bang as their final show, Joshua Conkel's I Wanna Destroy You, is hilariously provocative. I Wanna Destroy You takes the audience on a search for love, purpose, strength, and self-worth. When "Beau" is dumped by his lover on his 30th Birthday, the journey begins.

Anthony Johnston, Kieran Mulcare, and Geneva Carr, Photo Credit: Murphy Made Photography (Matthew Murphy)Joshua has written a play that made me laugh, think, and be entertained, which is the kind of show I enjoy most. Dan Horrigan has done a great job directing the play, while the cast of six bring this story to life! Geneva Carr, Jamie Jackson, Anthony Johnston, Preston Martin, Kieran Mulcare, and Kathy Searle all do an excellent job. Their comedic skills are on par while some (Kieran, Kathy, Preston, and Geneva) excelled to bigger heights. Everyone seemed to be in tune with their characters' personality and path, which helped make this story work.

Kathy Searle and Preston Martin, Photo Credit: Murphy Made Photography (Matthew Murphy)I Wanna Destroy You showed me that we are all on a path to desruction, some of us detonate, while others are able to put the fire out or at least keep it contained for longer. I have always enjoyed attending shows at At Hand Theatre company because they took risks on new playwrights, especially many new gay playwrights. I sure am going to miss this gem of a company, so here is hoping their hiatus is not a permanent one! With only 3 performances left, I suggest clicking here to get your tickets!

I Wanna Destroy You plays at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue) through June 1!

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Adam's Call: Charles Busch at 54 Below: Divine Tale

Charles Busch can do it all...acting, playwriting, screenwriting, and now cabaret star! Until tonight, I had never seen Charles Busch do a cabaret show, but I was thrilled to have this opportunity at 54 Below. If there is one thing Charles Busch knows how to do, it's entertain a crowd. And entertain he did!

Charles' show was a mixture of song, homages to Hollywood starlets, personal stories, and lots and lots of laughter. Assisting Charles was Tom Judson, Musical Director and Pianist. They did a wonderful duet together of The Carpenters' "Close To You." Prior to that, Charles opened the show with a great original song about what he should sing. The song consisted of everything that makes Charles Busch who he is...humor, imitations, and creative writing. One of my favorite song performed tonight was a great cover version of Gene Raskin's "Those Were The Days." I adore this song and was so happy to hear Charles sing it.

In between songs Charles delighted the crowd with readings from Conversations with Bette Davis and Conversations with Joan Crawford as well as Ask a Man: The Key To Feminity by Arlene Dahl as well as his own monologues performed as some of his favorite Hollywood starlets. Another great thing about Charles Busch's performance style the way he maneuvers from original work to reading others work while making it his own. He had the audience in stitches the whole evening with his comedic genius!

The best part about Charles' cabaret show was when he performed the original skit that inspired his Tony Award nominated play The Tale of the Allergists Wife. I had seen the play on Broadway, so it was a real treat to see the actual piece that led to the full-fledged production.

Photo Credit: David A. LeeCharles has found a wonderful niche with his cabaret work. I think this is the perfect venture for him to take in between his theatre and film work. He knows how to work a crowd and just looks so happy to be performing. From songs to monologues to readings, Charles Busch definitely tells a Divine Tale up on that stage. The next time Charles is performing his cabaret act, treat yourself to this delightful, wonderful, and hilarious evening!

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Adam's Call: Kim Smith's Joe's Pub NOVA CD Release Concert: Shooting Star

There is a new singer making waves on the pop music scene and that is the one and only Kim Smith! With the release of his debut CD "NOVA," Kim is taking the music world by storm as he demonstrated so seductively tonight at Joe's Pub in NYC. 

Dressed to kill in a tequila suit, Kim sang out his heart and soul. In the two years since I've seen Kim Smith perform live, Kim has grown immensely. With strong vocals and a wicked sense of humor, Kim knows how to entertain an audience. His songs of love and heartache are catchy, relatable, and smartly written. Influenced by The Pet Shop Boys, George Michael, and Robyn, Kim has found his own style in the world of pop music. From his hilarious banter to his infectious voice, Kim doesn't need much to make a show a sparkle because Kim is the spectacle itself. Kim's voice has a pleasant tone that makes your ears perk up for more while his songs have a beat to make your body want to move.

I am in love with the whole album, but a few of my favorite selections are "Jealous," "Never Ever," "Shooting Star," "Zombiez," "Disappearing," and "Radio." Kim wrote "Shooting Star" for his husband during the time of their long distance relationship. It's one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard. My favorite part of Kim introducing "Shooting Star" was how he said that he was the souvenier his husband got for coming to Australia. It was so sweet.

Kim's debut album "NOVA" is perfect for any occassion. Whether it's a long trip you have to take, your commute to work, that hot party you're throwing, or getting in shape, "NOVA" the companion you'll want to have with you! Be sure you pick-up your copy here!

The next time Kim Smith is performing live, make sure you get your tickets. You'll be "Jealous" that you "Never Ever" got to see this "Shooting Star" on the rise up!

For more on Kim Smith:

http://kimdavidsmith.com

Twitter: @KimDavidSmith

Facebook.com/officialkimsmith

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Adam's Call: Pinkolandia by Intar Theatre: Gripping

For those of you who enjoy a good dramatic, emotional, and gripping play then definitely check out Pinkolandia at INTAR Theatre in NYC written by Andrea Thome and directed by Jose Zayas.

Maria Helan as "Beny" in "Pinkolandia", Photo Credit: Rahav SegevPinkolandia is an intense drama about family, individuality, and standing-up for what you believe in. The cast is amazing! Mixing between the worlds of reality and fantasy, Pinkolandia, uses the stage and multimedia effects to bring the action to life. Leading the cast are Maria Helan and Heather Velazquez as sisters "Beny" and "Gaby." Both actresses show much promise of success as their performances really enticed me. Annie Henk gave a powerful turn as "Mom," a woman who had to breakdown a lot of walls to reveal her truth to her children. Carlo Alban was enjoyable as "Dad," especially when he was teaching his daugther to stand-up for what she believed in. Jose Antonio Melian was great as the family's relative "Tio Ignacio" and the "Bear," who showed up in the fantasty world "Gaby." Then there was Gabriel Sloyer, the man who introduced me to Pinkolandia, who gave a wonderful performances in his numerous roles of "Pepe," "Kid," (during the school scene), and as a "Nazi" officer. Gabriel interchanged between roles seamlessly.

Maria Helan as "Beny" and Heather Velazquez as "Gaby" in "Pinkolandia", Photo Credit: Rahav SegevOne of my favorite things about Pinkolandia was that this is an original play by a rising playwright. The multi-cultural cast was a delight to see. With lots of material to choose from, Pinkolandia definitely left me feeling as though I'd be pulled through the trenches with this one family's story. I was on their journey from start until finish. 

With only 3 performances left, Pinkolandia, will hopefully draw you in as it did me. Pinkolandia plays at INTAR Theatre in NYC (500 West 52nd Street, between 10th & 11th Avenue).

Click here for tickets!

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!