'A Time to Kill' review on MD Theatre Guide

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/26/11 at 12:44am

Jordan Wright reviews 'A time to Kill' at Arena Stage.

A Time to Kill review on MD Theatre Guide Updated On: 5/26/11 at 12:44 AM

[massofmen]

Posted: 5/26/11 at 1:04am

Try Variety or the Washington Post review, you know real papers.. not some review from MD theater guide.

"Many Grisham fans will be pleased with Holmes' succinct adaptation of a beloved chestnut. As courtroom dramas go, it builds the requisite blend of suspense and characterization around a classic American theme. But for auds hoping for a lofty or insightful debate about racial issues, this isn't the play. Each of its principal characters is tethered to a rigid stereotype of southern redneck, liberal do-gooder, two-faced politician or pushy female, among others.
...It gets downright comical during the introduction of annoyingly smug legal intern Rosie Benton, played to the opportunistic hilt by Ellen Roark, who blitzes through her academic credentials as if she were reciting disclaimers on a drug commercial"
-Variety

"But even with the foundational acting blocks in place, “A Time to Kill” doesn’t percolate sufficiently to distinguish itself in a crowded genre. Backed by some New York money, Arena’s production is meant in part to be a test of whether the play can run elsewhere, possibly in a commercial setting. That seems to be a stretch"
-Washington Post.

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/26/11 at 1:11am

I was there on that night and the audience loved it. Have you seen it yet? The critics in the 'biggies' are not always right.

[massofmen]

Posted: 5/26/11 at 8:29am

so only the critics who agree with your thoughts on it are right...got it.

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/26/11 at 8:59am

That's not what I am saying. I know the reviews have been very mixed. But I think attacking a critic who liked it because she is on a small site is unfair. She is entitled to her opinion as our the critics from the larger papers.