Since 2016 David has been reviewing theater for the Boston-based ArtsFuse.
Read his 2026 reviews here:
Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” Finds Its Knife-Edge at Gloucester Stage
“This crisp revival turns emotional recoil, backward chronology, and elegant restraint into a sharp study of infidelity.”
Betrayal by Harold Pinter. Directed by Shana Gozansky. Scenic design by Jeffrey Petersen. Costume design by Nia Safarr Banks. Lighting design by Amanda E. Fallon. Sound design and composition by Julian Crocamo. Produced by Gloucester Stage at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center, Gloucester, through August 1.
“Bad Books,” Worse Behavior
“Sharon Rothstein’s sharp drama shifts the focus from censorship to the corrosive culture of public shaming.“
Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein. Directed by M. Bevin O’Gara. Scenic design by Dahlia Al-Habieli. Costume design by Chelsea Kerl. Lighting design by Karen Perlow. Sound design by Zoe Stanton-Savitz. Produced by Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main Street, 267 East Main Street, through June 27.
Quick Changes, Big Laughs in “The Mystery of Irma Vep”
“Gabriel Graetz and Paul Melendy power Charles Ludlam’s camp classic, even as a stripped-down design leaves some comic potential untapped.”
The Mystery of Irma Vep by Charles Ludlam. Direction and scenic design by David R. Gammons. Costume design, Seth Bodie. Lighting design, Jeff Adelber. Sound design by Nate Tucker. Props, Lauren Corcuera. Produced by Central Square Theater, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through June 21.
In his speculative play The Antiquities, dramatist Jordan Harrison has no trouble envisioning earthlings in the posthuman age.
“In his speculative play The Antiquities, dramatist Jordan Harrison has no trouble envisioning earthlings in the posthuman age.“
The Antiquities by Jordan Harrison. Directed by Alex Lonati. Scenic design by Christopher & Justin Swader. Lighting design by Amanda E. Fallon. Costume design by Lila B. West. Sound design by Anna Drummond. Staged by SpeakEasy Stage Company in the Roberts Studio, Calderwood Pavilion, Tremont Street, Boston through March 28.
“Like Flies” — A Cauldron of Female Fury at Portland Stage
“Is anyone surprised that playwrights like Maggie Kearnan are creating works that show us resourceful women who are ready to fight back against their oppressors?“
Like Flies, a rage play by Maggie Kearnan. Directed by Sally Wood. Scenic design by Anita Stewart. Costume design by Michelle Handley. Lighting design by Mary Lana Rice. Sound design by Kate Wecker. Movement coaching by Gwyneth Jones. Produced by Portland Stage Company, Forest Ave., Portland, ME, through March 22.
Theater Feature: Actors — Still Pursuing Their Passion
A new year is beginning, so it is as good a time as any to check in with a few actors with Boston roots or performance experience, to explore what it means to pursue the dream of being an actor in 2026.
Read the 2025 reviews here.
Read the 2024 reviews here.
Creative Problem Solving and Organizational Development 