The end of December means that it is time for the annual top ten lists. I will begin with the best of the best plays I have reviewed during the past year.
It is difficult at best to compare comedies, dramas, mysteries and farces, and all types of plays were represented in the 20 productions that I attended this year. I reluctantly removed two shows that I enjoyed very much simply because they were "events" that included much improvisation. Apologies to Sister's Christmas Catechism and Dixie's Tupperware Party.
So here is my countdown of the best plays that I had the pleasure of seeing during 2013. Click the show titles to read my original review.
10. TIE Red Velvet Cake Wars and Arsenic and Old Lace at the Phoenix Stage Company - Both comedies featured very strong comic performances and a well-written script.
9. Suite Surrender at the Phoenix Stage Company - I loved the fun of this show and especially the ending.
8. On Golden Pond by the Goshen Players - A stellar cast did justice to a beautifully written drama.
7. Much Ado About Nothing by Shakesperience - A period production presented outdoors did not disappoint.
6. Boeing, Boeing at TheatreWorks New Milford - I enjoyed this fast-moving farce that is still running in New Milford.
5. Kill Me, Deadly at Phoenix Stage Company - This was a smart parody of the detective noir film genre.
4. Small World: A Fantasia - Stray Kats in Newtown premiered a show that went on to be presented in New York.
3. Tuesdays with Morrie at the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts - I was engrossed in the performances of the two actors in this touching play.
2. Say Goodnight, Gracie at Seven Angels - I loved this love letter from Burns to Allen.
1. Nuncrackers at the Phoenix Stage Company - These nuns were a laugh riot.
