[title]
One of the most exciting recent developments in theater is the hi-def broadcast. As the Metropolitan Opera has been doing for years, theater companies are starting to realize that they can grow audiences through the big screen. There’s been NT Live, bringing new British theater to the cinema. And while Broadway has been slow to catch on, recent shows such as Of Men and Men and The Nance have been shot for the multiplex. (Of Mice and Men will broadcast nationwide on November 6.) Outside of that, you have to wait an eternity after a show closes to see it broadcast—maybe—on Great Performances.
Well, local PBS affiliate Thirteen is about to correct the visibility problem—for smaller shows you might have missed. Starting October 2, Sigourney Weaver will host Theater Close-Up, weekly broadcasts of Off Broadway shows that were pre-taped, partly before live audiences, partly for the cameras. Weaver hosts the show and introduces each play. Call it Masterpiece Off Broadway. The inaugural season lineup includes: The Mint Theater Company’s London Wall; Richard Nelson's The Apple Family Plays, presented by The Public Theater (pictured above); Hamish Linklater's The Vandal, presented by The Flea Theater; Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson's An Iliad, presented by New York Theatre Workshop; Brian Richard Mori's Hellman v. McCarthy, presented by Abingdon Theatre Company; and an encore presentation of The Flea's Looking at Christmas by Steven Banks.
“The broadcasts will extend the life of these plays far beyond their limited theatrical runs,” noted Thirteen president and CEO Neal Shapiro in an e-mail. “It’s a fact that far more people will get to see them in one airing on Thirteen than the entire time they were live on stage. So we feel it’s a win-win deal for us and the theater community.” The big question is: How did Thirteen choose these particular shows—out of hundreds each year? Some were seen by Shapiro and some by executive producer David Horn or others at the station. Shapiro says he’s open to suggestions. So, putting on our curator hat, here are a few that ought to be seen next season. Assuming that adult language, adult situations and nudity are not deal-breakers, here goes.
Bootycandy
Robert O’Hara’s raw, hilarious and unnerving portrait of the artist as a gay black man may be hot on some viewers’ palates, but it would make sensational television. If Thirteen cares about diversity, it should check out this raucous dark comedy.
The Wayside Motor Inn
On the more muted side, A.R. Gurney’s cunningly overlapped motel play might be filming challenge, but it’s visually strong and quite intimate. Plus the cast is wonderful, turning in understated, touching performances ready for the camera.
Scenes from a Marriage
Based on the Ingmar Bergman movie (itself distilled from a 1973 TV miniseries), this new production from Ivo van Hove divides the audience into three, to follows three different pairs of actors playing a couple whose marriage is on the decline. It’s a video editor’s dream (or nightmare).
Straight White Men
We haven’t seen writer-director Young Jean Lee’s latest play, which we’re guessing subverts a certain American demographic. But her work is always bracing, funny and beautifully written.
The Fortress of Solitude
As long as Thirteen is at the Public shooting Straight White Men, why not also record this new musical based on the novel by Jonathan Lethem? Songs by the wonderful Michael Friedman, book by Itamar Moses, directed by Daniel Aukin. We can’t wait for this show. And, as you know, this fall is all about the Off Broadway musicals.
Lips Together, Teeth Apart
The 1991 marriage dramedy by Terrence McNally—getting a revival at Second Stage Theatre—would be a safe, solid choice. But if Thirteen want to catch the stars of tomorrow today, it’s a great opportunity. The cast includes several Time Out favorites: Michael Chernus, Tracee Chimo, America Ferrera and Austin Lysy. (Ex-Ugly Betty star Ferrera, naturally, has plenty of TV experience.)