The Chaplin Plays (Dream Up)
About the show
Part of Theater for the New City's Dream Up Festival: A pair of plays by Don Nigro featuring the beloved movie icon Charlie Chaplin.
... Read moreIn 'Tramp on Tightrope with Monkeys,' Chaplin reflects on his past and his Tramp alter ego during Hollywood's tumultuous Silent Age. In 'Charlie and the Siberian Monkey Goddess,' the movie star encounters a woman obsessed with proving that he isn't really Charlie Chaplin. Identity is the common theme in this double feature. Does Chaplin own his persona or does it belong to the public?
for a previous production "Not what it seems on the surface and that keeps the excitement brewing. Though the second part went on a bit too long through repetition, what Nigro does bring to the stage encapsulates the enjoyment and potential of simplistic theater. And that's also thanks to the sublime direction of Lori Kee...One of those theatrical events that will leave you beyond satisfied. This was a team effort but Dumeng deserves a little bit of extra love. It’s a performance that’s bound to be discussed." Full Review
See it if You want to see another side of Chaplin
Don't see it if you're bothered by gender-swapped performances
See it if you like 2....2 plays in one. This Chaplin double feature brought the film icon back to life in an unusual way...see it
Don't see it if you don't want to think about one's reality , how celebrity is not all it is made up to be, and identity crisis
See it if you enjoy good actors performing an intelligent play at close quarters and if you wish to learn about Chaplin's life.
Don't see it if if you expect grand performances in elaborate stages.
See it if you like-Chaplin-one person shows-monologues-deconstructions of identity and the psychology of silent movies-an immersive theatre experience
Don't see it if you want-three dimensional characters-live music-elaborate set designs (has but a few furnishings which helps to stay focused on Chaplin)
See it if You want to enjoy a relaxed moment of good unpretentious theater with good acting and a good direction.
Don't see it if you expect great production values, looking for quick shallow entertainment.
See it if If you are interested in learning about Charlie Chaplin or are a fan.
Don't see it if You would like a big production with many characters and a beautifully elaborate set.
See it if You'd enjoy a play that starts out slow ( & ends up too long & repetitive) but offers monologue AND dialogue with lots of food for thought
Don't see it if Quirky, "downtown" theater is not your thing...
See it if you're interested in Chaplin. You enjoy slow-burning plays with 1-2 characters and very solid and affecting acting.
Don't see it if you need high production values, fast-paced plot-driven plays.
See it if You want to see a new spin on Chaplin & those who wish to be him.
Don't see it if You're looking for a tight production , because this one meanders with too much dialogue., especially given Chaplin was a silent film star.
See it if You know about Chaplin's life and want to see a great actress portray him beautifully. At times very funny and smart.
Don't see it if You don't like what amounts to a one woman play followed by a two woman play that meanders and feels, at times, forced and ridiculous.
See it if You like Charlie Chaplain.
Don't see it if You want the plot to follow a linear path. You don't want to be confused or bored.
See it if You enjoy the life of Charlie Chaplin and his work. You like long and deep monologues and audience slight interaction
Don't see it if You are not interested in Charlie Chaplin or what he has to offer. You don't like over the top acting.
Cast & Creatives (7)
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