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Wendell’s Weekend Picks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are my top five shows for this weekend. Last chance to see “Doubt” and “The Lion King”!!
1. “Doubt” / Grade: A
The pope’s apology for the Catholic sex scandal makes this production of John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize winner seem all the more topical. But the play is less concerned with whether the priest did it than the impulse to cloak venality in a public mask of good. The Alliance Theatre closes its exceptionally strong post-regional Tony Award season with a nearly flawless 90 minutes of theatrical miracle-making. Through Sunday. Alliance Theatre. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org
2. “Cinderella della Circus” / Grade: A Only Jon Ludwig would put Cinderella in clodhoppers and make her fall for a clown prince. Inspired by the epic showmanship of P.T. Barnum and the classic fairy tale, this children’s production uses classic marionettes, but there’s plenty of winking irony for adults. Through June 22. Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391, puppet.org
3. “The Little Dog Laughed” / Grade: A- An irresistibly crisp and campy comedy of manners that mixes the salaciousness of “Queer as Folk” with the satirical edge of “Entourage.” Douglas Carter Bean’s play exposes the hypocrisy of Hollywood’s sexual politics with glee and bite. Be prepared, however, for male nudity, simulated sex and raunchy language. Extended through May 11. Theatre in the Square, Marietta. 770-422-8369, theatreinthesquare.com
4. “Expecting Isabel” / Grade: B With joy we announce that Synchronicity Performance Group has given birth to big bouncy comedy that chronicles the heartbreak of infertility with rhythmic good timing. But with the exception of a couple of touching moments, the tone is more roundly comic than preggers with insight. The hamster jokes are pretty good, though. Through May 11. Synchronicity Performance Group at 7 Stages. 404-484-8636, synchrotheatre.com
5. “The Lion King” / B- The kids, and the kid in you, will be filled with awe and wonder by director Julie Taymor’s one-of-a-kind achievement, which uses puppets and masks to express the beauty of Africa in magical terms — and hits just enough musical high notes to provide an emotionally satisfying Disney experience. Through Sunday. Presented by Broadway Across America-Atlanta, Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. 404-817-8700, ticketmaster.com
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