The AndyGram - Broadway Theatre Reviews and Commentary

I have to say, it takes some gall to change the name of a classic American folk opera, effectively negating the contributions of two of the chief architects of the original work. Porgy and Bess lyricists DuBose and Dorothy Heyward not only wrote the original series of vignettes, which the play Porgy was based on, they wrote the original Theatre Guild play. In the new production of what is now being called The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, director Diane Paulus and writer Suzan-Lori Parks have taken some liberties.  Thankfully, since many of Heyward’s lyrics remain, both of the Heyward’s still get title page credit in the Playbill.

Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities is smart, riveting theatre.  Thanks to the deft direction of Joe Mantello and a perfect cast, you can’t help but be drawn into this dysfunctional family.  Other Desert Cities premiered off-Broadway last season at Lincoln Center and in the move to Broadway has replaced two cast members.  This cast stars Stockard Channing, Stacey Keach, Rachel Griffiths, Thomas Sadoski and the inimitable Judith Light.  Griffiths replaces Elizabeth Marvil (who will be returning to the Broadway production on March 6, 2012) and Judith Light replaces Linda Lavin (like anyone can replace Linda Lavin?)