Robert Alan Barnett

A young idealist comes to town with an aim to take down the rich fat cats who have rigged the government to only work in their favor only to be swayed by the trappings of their wealth and power. Sounds like something from our government today but no, I'm referring to Henrik Ibsen's play, as adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, "The League of Youth", currently being offered from Theatre9/12, examining the goings on in a small town in Norway, 1869. I guess political corruption has been around as long as there has been politics.

There's nothing like a well done David Mamet play with its verbal sparring, clever dialog and constant exchange of power. But in order to be great the performances need to be so laser focused and on point you could cut glass with them. And while the current production from Theatre9/12 of "Speed the Plow" is on its way to that level, they still need a bit more settling into the roles in order to be fully committed.

The actors of Theatre9/12 present David Mamet's theatrical black comedy, SPEED THE PLOW. This scathing dissection of the Hollywood Industry exposes the sexual dynamics and political maneuvers within this male-dominated 'bizness.' The balance is upended when one of two Hollywood producing partners gets promoted to Head of Production. But the presence of an enigmatic temp worker is the surprising catalyst for Mamet's explosive confrontations.

The actors of Theatre9/12 present David Mamet's theatrical black comedy, SPEED THE PLOW. This scathing dissection of the Hollywood Industry exposes the sexual dynamics and political maneuvers within this male-dominated 'bizness.' The balance is upended when one of two Hollywood producing partners gets promoted to Head of Production. But the presence of an enigmatic temp worker is the surprising catalyst for Mamet's explosive confrontations.

Clifford Odets built a career off of writing dramas that dealt with class inequality and social injustice in the depression era. His first ever produced play, "Waiting for Lefty", certainly falls into that category. And while the current production from Theatre9/12 does manage some stirring performances, they can't escape the bleak nature of the play itself as Odets drives home over and over the inescapable nature of the era.

The actors of Theatre9/12 present one of the most important plays of the 20th century: Clifford Odets' Waiting for Lefty first presented by the famous Group Theatre.  Set in the Great Depression and addressing the exploitation of the working classes, the play centers around the 1934 Taxi strike in New York City.

Tacoma Little Theatre is now boarding for their production of the hilarious comedy, BOEING, BOEING, which opens their 97th season. Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, this show is written by Marc Camoletti, and directed by Curt Hetherington. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!