There is always something to see...

....even during summer time.

Summer for me is not only a time to relax. It is an opportunity to travel to other parts of the world and experience different cultures. Since every country has its own theatrical traditions, I find it fascinating to see other nations' theater productions. I love to see what resonates with the locals, and how the familiar themes are interpreted through different cultural lenses and artistic styles.

During my recent trip to Europe I had an opportunity to see a couple of very different, yet equally memorable shows: The Curse and Doctor On The Phone.

A classic play "The Curse" by Polish playwright Stanisław Wyspiański, written more than a century ago felt surprisingly relevant in this modern version presented by Horzyca Theater in Torun, Poland. The play explores how fear, fanaticism, and hypocrisy can take over a community, leading people to search for someone to blame for their misfortunes. This multimedia production used minimalist staging, striking projections, unsettling music, and contemporary costumes to create a dark and overwhelmingly powerful atmosphere. It wasn't an easy watch, but it was a compelling reminder that the issues Wyspiański explored are still very much with us today.

A play Telefondoktor (Doctor on the Phone), a clever one-man farce by Hungarian playwright Borbála Szabó was an unexpected gem of theater. The entire play takes place in a doctor's examination room, where an overworked OB-GYN accidentally locks himself in. Armed with nothing but his smartphone, he desperately tries to manage medical emergencies, worried patients, family obligations, and an increasingly tangled web of lies - all through a nonstop stream of phone calls. Keeping an audience engaged for an hour and a half with only one actor on stage is no small feat, but this production succeeded brilliantly. Funny, fast-paced, and wonderfully performed, it proved that great theater doesn't need a large cast or elaborate scenery.

Back in the USA, I finally caught Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. I can certainly understand why it has won over so many audiences. This charming and heartwarming story about two obsolete robots who unexpectedly form a connection while exploring what it means to live, love, and be "human" is great for the whole family. The production is staged creatively, armed with cleaver, automated solutions The performance is really delightful. While the story is simple, it has plenty of warmth and emotional appeal. It's one of those shows that quietly sneaks up on you and leaves you smiling.

I also decided to go against the bad reviews and see " Dog's Day Afternoon"

I wasn't sure what to expect from this stage adaptation of the movie, but it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable surprises of our summer trip. The production approached the story with a big dose of humor and several unexpected staging solutions..... when buying tickets on Today's Tix I got an "upgrade" to sit in the mezzanine. I thought it was a software error, but it turned out it was not a mistake - at one point these seats unexpectedly put us right in the middle of the action.

There were lots of laughs, and yet despite of it, the show carried an emotional core of this true story of bank robbery, making the characters feel authentic. An excellent cast, including Jon Bernthal, Jessica Hecht, John Ortiz, and Spencer Garrett, brought tremendous energy to the stage and kept the audience fully engaged throughout. The production was creative, entertaining, and a perfect example of how a familiar story can still feel fresh in the theater when it's told with imagination, humor, and heart.

J.M.