April 9, 2008
Ben Los Angeles, CA
Good writing, good directing, excellent acting all around and a thought provoking play make for a very good night at the theater. I am puzzled by the L.A. Times review. I liked this better than "Twilight of the Golds." More mature writing.
April 7, 2008
paul studio city, ca
a remarkable play fully realized by an excellent cast headed by john glover (magnificent) and edward tournier (equally magnificent). i was totally engaged and congratulate everyone involved. a tiny theatre, that manages (how?) production values that are first class. i reommend this production to anyone who loves theatre,
March 25, 2008
Zen Campbell San Clemente, CA
Contrary to the Times' overwhelmingly negative review, Tolins' 'Secrets of the Trade' was neither "haphazard," "snarled" nor "incoherently whispered." It was--as Stanley mentions below--a coming of age drama, but with a structure that allowed multiple viewpoints, rather than a singular focus on the path of the protagonist. The moments of 'truth' (F.K.F.'s "snarled story") are experienced by each of the characters in Andy's life as he, in turn, confronts his own. What the audience sees, then, is the on-going "coming of age" that is the drama of life beyond adolescence: the continuous acquisition of wisdom that is the trade for youthful idealism.
March 23, 2008
Michael M. Landman-Karny Huntington Beach, CA
A wonderful play by Jonathan Tolins is given a stellar production by a top notch group of actors, headed by Tony Winner John Glover. While I have not been a fan of Jonathan Tolins' other plays, this play is a winner and will have a long life after this word premiere production.
March 21, 2008
Steven Stanley Alhambra, CA
Though the coming out/coming of age story has been told time and again, it is one that bears retelling, especially when told as freshly and smartly as
Jonathan Tollins does it here. Secrets is cinematic in the best sense of the word, and yet very theatrical (also in the best sense), thanks to director Matt Shakman, his superb cast, and a design team that once again makes the tiny Black Dahlia theater look like a million bucks. Tony-winner Glover is so magnificent that were this show running on Broadway, he’d likely be a shoo-in for another. Set designer Craig Siebels has created a set which makes the best, and most creative, use of the Dahlia’s long, narrow stage. Shakman can be justly proud of his work here, of the performances he has elicited from his cast, and of the overall high quality evident in every aspect of this production. Read my full review at www.LAStageScene.com
March 16, 2008
Herb G. Los Angeles, CA
Secrets of the Trade has a fabulous cast and exciting drama. The intimacy of the theater heightens the experience and the acting was superb.
March 14, 2008
sy sussman los angeles, CA
the black dahlia which consistently presents outstanding work,has
another winner in shadows of the trade.a wonderful cast headed by john
glover,amy aquino,and edward tournier turn in super performances of
this drama.go see and you will find out about the secrets.jonathan
tolins' writing and matt shakman's direction left us with a most memorable
experience.
