The No. 1 Reason To See: Venus in Fur
Tables turn fast and frequent in David Ives’ new play Venus in Fur. When a down-on-her-luck actress, played masterfully by Nina Arianda, arrives for an audition for an impatient playwright/director (Hugh Dancy), she seems to be fighting a losing battle. However, as the two read through the play and its themes of dominance and misogyny blur the lines between the piece and reality, Vanda might be more in control than she originally let on.
The No. 1 Reason To See Venus in Fur: Nina Arianda’s commanding side Read more 
Stage Rush TV: Episode 61
Talking points:
- Priscilla: Queen of the Desert‘s Nick Adams on being taken seriously as an actor
- Tony Award nominee predictions! What categories can Born Yesterday, Baby It’s You!, The Normal Heart, and The People In The Picture hope for?
- Watch the Tony Award nominations announcement LIVE on Stage Rush: Tuesday, May 3 at 8:30 a.m.
- Broadway grosses
What do you think, Rushers? Do you think Nick Adams’ good looks can act as a double-edged sword regarding how he is perceived as an actor? What do you think of Aaron Tveit’s statement on the subject? Do you agree with my Tony Award nominee predictions? Who do you think will get nominated? Feel free to go Tony-Award crazy in the comments below!
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2011 Tony Awards: Nominee Predictions
The Tony Award nominations are upon us, Broadway lovers, and the choices are as difficult as ever! The original musical returned with a vengeance this Broadway season, offering daring works like Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and The Scottsboro Boys to crowd pleasers like The Book of Mormon and Catch Me If You Can. There is also a refreshing crop of young actors populating the musical performance categories. Here’s my take on what shows will make the cut when the nominations are announced Tuesday, May 3 at 8:30 a.m. Stage Rush will be syndicating the live video feed of the announcements, so log on and watch here on Tuesday morning.
Best Play
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Jerusalem
The Motherf**ker With The Hat
War Horse Read more
Review: Born Yesterday
A ditzy blonde can always be counted upon for a laugh in a comedy. Yet in the case of Born Yesterday, she is also the fixture that gives the play its soul. In this excellent Doug Hughes-directed revival, Nina Arianda as Billie Dawn displays not only the discovery of a woman’s independence, but also the awakening of a spirit.
Set in Washington, D.C. in 1946, Harry Brock (Jim Belushi) is a blustery tycoon who blows into town with his trophy girlfriend Billie (Arianda) with plans to make millions through a method in which Uncle Sam would not approve. Worried that the thickheaded Billie will clash with his high-influence potential cohorts, Harry hires Paul Verrall (Robert Sean Leonard) as a tutor to sharpen her edges. However, Harry awakens a sleeping monster in Billie that will foil his political plans.
Directed with thorough care by Hughes, Arianda creates a window into Billie that begins foggy and gradually clears to allow full visibility. Taking playwright Garson Kanin’s quip-filled script, Arianda nails the jokes in Act I by conveying Billie’s ignorance. In Act II, her Billie’s humor changes to reveal her newfound confidence and feistiness. Yet it is more than Kanin’s solid writing (which holds up shockingly well from its debut in 1946); every gesture and expression from Arianda builds upon who Billie is. I left the theater feeling as if I knew Billie in real life. Arianda gives true insight into Billie, doing so with a vibrant and ambitious energy that reflects her eagerness to be on stage. Arianda tackles this character with such force that she has left no inch of Billie’s stage time unmarked.
Arianda has fiery chemistry with Belushi, who seems extremely committed and comfortable as the bossy Harry. Their arguing and cheap shots at each other somehow feel fresh compared to other tired examples of volatile couples. By belittling and dismissing her, Belushi creates a cage in which we see Billie is trapped and manages to make it both comedic and frightening. His is also a fully-thought performance. While Arianda is busy filling silences with some golden gestures, Belushi’s presence and delivery equally fill the stage. It is often difficult to decide which performer to look at. Read more