Top 10 local theatrical productions of 2008

January 1, 6:09 PMClassic TV ExaminerDoug Krentzlin

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                             Round House's "Alice"

Here are my choices for the 10 best local theatrical productions that I saw in 2008 (listed in alphabetical order),

“Alice” (Round House Theatre) This delightful adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” starring the wonderful Meghan Grady in the title role, managed to be equally entertaining for both children and adults.

“Carmen” (Synetic Theater) A visually breathtaking adaptation of Prosper Merimee’s novel with yet another superlative collaboration by the husband/wife team of Paata (director and co-author) and Irina (choreographer and title role) Tsikurishvili.

“Cops” (American Century Theater) This thrilling stage noir about a couple of cops under siege by a crazed gunman in an all-night Chicago diner was one of the best things American Century has ever done. (On a sad note, Shane Wallis, who played the gunman, passed away just a couple of weeks ago.)

“A Dublin Carol” (Quotidian Theatre Company) An effectively low-key production of Conor McPherson’s melancholy drama with first-rate performances by John Decker, Michael Avolio and Laura Russell.

                  Keegan's "Glengarry Glen Ross"

“Glengarry Glen Ross” (Keegan Theatre) Keegan was on a serious roll this year (see “Man of La Mancha” below) wrapping up with this superbly acted rendition of David Mamet’s blistering drama depicting cut-throat competition among real estate salesmen.

“Macbeth” (Folger Theatre) A boldly entertaining Grand Guignol reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic melodrama by directors Teller (of Penn & Teller fame) and Aaron Posner with Ian Merrill Peakes and Kate Norris Eastwood playing Lord and Lady Macbeth like a homicidal couple out of a James M. Cain pulp thriller.

“Man of La Mancha” (Keegan Theatre) The best musical production of the year with terrific leading performances by David Jourdan (in the dual role of Cervantes/Don Quixote), Carolyn Agan (Aldonza) and Michael Innocenti (Sancho Panza).

                              Catalyst's "1984"

“1984” (Catalyst Theater Company) An electrifying adaptation of George Orwell’s classic sci-fi novel with exemplary star turns by Scott Fortier (as everyman hero Winston Smith) and Ian LeValley (as malignant villain O’Brien).

“Temptation” (Constellation Theatre Company) This marvelous production of Vaclav Havel’s satirical sci-fi/fantasy riff on “Faust” was a treat for the eyes (Allison Arkell Stockman’s staging) and the ears (Tom Teasley’s original music score).

“Trad” (Solas Nua) The funniest comedy of the year, a hilariously off-the-wall shaggy dog tale written by Irish playwright Mark Doherty, deftly directed by Linda Murray and featuring the impeccable comic timing of Michael John Casey (as Thomas, a 100-year old one-armed duffer) and Chris Davenport, (as his Da, a feisty one-legged curmudgeon).