Malcolm and Teresa If anyone put Mother Teresa on the international map, it was British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge, who interviewed the unknown "little nun from Calcutta" on the BBC in 1968. Prickly and iconoclastic, this former newspaper editor had been one of only two international journalists to document Stalin's genocide against the Kulaks of the Ukraine in the early '30s, which led to the deaths of millions by famine and brutal repression. The experience changed Muggeridge, a fervent supporter of communism, into a rabid anti-red and intensified his Anglican faith, although he practiced a very eccentric form of Christian spirituality. While the interview with humble, forthright and spiritual Teresa was a ratings bonanza, Muggeridge's 1969 TV documentary filmed in Calcutta, Something Beautiful for God, was a smash. Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity went prime-time. In her distinctive blue-edged sari, Mother Teresa was recognized everywhere. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she was beatified by the Vatican as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in 2003, the penultimate stage to sainthood. This is heady stuff, especially when larded with two such disparate personalities as sweet Teresa (Vicky McCormick) and somewhat sour Malcolm (Marty Blair) in A.D. Players' sharply acted production of this regional premiere. But playwright Cathal Gallagher trips over history and unwittingly removes all the drama. Mother Teresa takes a backseat so we can watch Muggeridge struggle with Communism's feet of clay. His scenes, set in 1932 Moscow and Manchester, are intercut with Teresa's '60s interviews. As testament to her unshakeable faith and abiding Christian love, these interviews, taken verbatim from the actual transcripts, thud loudly when used as dialogue. We might as well be reading a book. Gallagher doesn't connect themes; he cuts and pastes. Juxtaposing Muggeridge's past Russian history against Teresa's present falls flat, giving us two pale plays. Neither one satisfies. As Teresa, McCormick is appropriately shy and retiring with an underlying backbone of burnished metal when it comes to faith; and Blair, as Muggeridge, with clipped upper-crust demeanor and voice, supplies a lot more thoughtful verve than does the playwright. Christy Watkins exudes a radiant naturalness as wife Kitty; Patty Tuel Bailey gives socialist firebrand Aunt Bo more charm than she deserves; Craig Griffin is solidly understated as Anglican theologian Vidler; and Blake Weir provides warm comic relief as the harried TV producer who can't see any value in interviewing "a nun." After decades of ceaseless devotion in the slums of Calcutta, Mother Teresa is a saint, whether officially recognized by the church or not. Gallagher's play won't get her into that pantheon anytime soon. Through June 23. 2710 Alabama, 713-526-2721. — DLG
Road Show If only this latest musical from Stephen Sondheim were his first, then we could hail a rising new talent instead of having to justify a spinning of his wheels. Coming from the reigning master of the American musical (Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Follies, Company), this show is mighty disappointing. What Stages Repertory Theatre does to it, though, is tremendously impressive. Director Kenn McLaughlin bedazzles with stagecraft and is responsible for whatever singing this show has, not Sondheim or Weidman. The staging throws off heat and pizzazz, while the show keeps circling back on itself in an endless loop. It travels all over the globe, following the exploits and dreams of the ill-fated real-life Mizner brothers, but never goes anywhere. Continuously reworked since its workshop premiere, Road Show (2008) still needs work. Addison Mizner (L. Jay Meyer), renowned '20s architect, designed opulent fairy-tale palaces for the rich on Long Island and in Palm Beach. He was also a con man deluxe, single-handedly responsible for the pre-Depression collapse of banks in Florida due to his corrupt real estate ventures in Boca Raton. Brother Wilson (Tom Frey) was just as shady but perhaps even more colorful. A coked-up swindler, he abetted Addison in swindling the swells of Palm Beach, ran drugs, took drugs and ended up a screenwriter in Hollywood, giving Warner Bros. and MGM an electric jolt of pre-Code jazz, all while he co-owned and managed the famous Brown Derby restaurant. These guys are ripe for Sondheim's patented musical treatment. They get only a shadow of what they richly deserve. The juicy historical facts of the brothers' lives are glossed over, neglected or turned on their heads in this padded, busy musical. Sondheim and Weidman turn the brothers into symbolic Siamese twins, joined at the subconscious. Addison is whiny and schoolmarmish, Wilson slick and smarmy. They love each other, they hate each other, they're inseparable even when apart, using each other as crutch and bludgeon in their far-off quest for happiness just down the road. The musical catches fire when Addison travels to Palm Beach, meets young dreamer Hollis Bessemer (Michael McClure) on the train and falls in love, although Addison's sudden attack of gayness comes out of nowhere. Except for two exceptionally fine ballads, the music is a parody of what Sondheim sounds like. The lyrics, unlike the master's best, are perfunctory when not downright tired: "extends...bends...and ends" is just as trite as the cliché of "June...moon...spoon." As Addison Meyer, seems worn out from the beginning, too old for the young dreamer in California. It's not his fault; his character never gets out of the rut the authors put him in and there's no place for him to go. Frey comes off better because dissolute Wilson is such a natural scene stealer. He, too, may only be cardboard, but he's got color, unlike Addison's wimpy gray. McClure has the freshness of youth and a handsome tenor to see him through. The brothers aren't on the road, they're on a treadmill, still waiting for Sondheim to take them to the promised land. So are we. Through June 30. 3201 Allen Pkwy., 713-527-0123. — DLG
Warrior Class A Republican assemblyman from New York, a Chinese-American, has given an inspirational talk that has gone viral and brought him to the attention of some political kingmakers. He is being vetted for the nomination for a Congressional seat by a veteran political practitioner, who works behind the scenes to bring together donors with money and candidates. The dialogue by award-winning playwright Kenneth Lin is subtle, accessible and compelling, making for an engrossing play. Vito D'Ambrosio as political matchmaker Nathan Berkshire finds the nuances — smooth words cascade even as he scavenges for politically damaging flaws; this is a bravura performance. Nathan has discovered that potential candidate Julius Weishan Lee, played by Nick Maccarone, had a relationship with Holly Hathaway in college, and Julius stalked her. Holly, now Mrs. Eames, refuses to certify that she and Julius had a typical relationship unless they find a job for her unemployed husband. Julius refuses, and tension-filled negotiations begin. Holly is portrayed by the excellent Caroline Hewitt, holding her own against Nathan. Maccarone provides the ambiguity the playwright intends: Has he matured and changed, or is his still violent temper the better indicator he hasn't? The script rips the curtain off the political compromises, payoffs and deals made in private, which become disastrous when exposed. The main setting is a private room in an upscale steakhouse, and it is handsome indeed, thanks to designer Eugene Lee. The direction is by Wilson Milam, who understands the subtlety of the script and delivers its authenticity. A subtle duel of wits between strong personalities creates gripping tension, and three skilled actors create theatrical power, with Vito D'Ambrosio delivering a performance memorable for its variety and intelligence. This is a must-see event. Through June 2. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas, 713-220-5700. — JJT
