More reviews of shows I have designed:

BOB ANTHONY Free-Lance Arts CriticSeptember 9, 2002

The MetroStage has a lovely musical that mostly takes on an operatic veneer with its production of "Three Sistahs", a world premiere musical by Janet Pryce and Thomas W. Jones,II. It should be named "In My Father's House" since the empty house is truly a fourth character in this musical and the reference to Chekov's "The Three Sisters" is vague regarding the story line. Yes, the wonderful thing about this musical is the naturalistic playing and singing that never touches on contrivance throughout the evening. And, the relationships of the three women, their dead brother and their two parents show fully drawn characterizations and motivations throughout. And the blending of the three voices (Bernardine Mitchell, Crystal Fox and Desire Dubose)is perfect every time and always emotionally moving. This is a highly recommended family musical about families that ends the stereotypes of the Black family seen in most recent stage work. Color lines just disappear as one looks at the inner soul of loving, although sometimes secretive, lives of these family members.

*****

Signature Theatre opens its season with the rollicking satire, "What the Butler Saw" , that "fries" the psychiatric profession and shows that these guys are crazier than the toubled and/or innocent people that they serve. All ends well with a delighful Shakespearean recoupling scenario as a family becomes whole again. Huge credit goes to the skills of Jonathan Bernstein who creates a world of madness for the audience. Yes, Signature Theatre is not just for their wonderful musical comedies anymore. They add another notch for highly effective comedy with this one.