This page is currently under construction. More reviews to come!
First up is a review from Herb Paine of Broadway World Phoenix. (He must be a lovely person)
Broadway World review by Herb Paine
Or you can read excerpts here:
“In her life-affirming autobiographical play, AN OTHERWISE MAGICAL LIFE, Karen Burns reveals an indomitable will to reign victorious over the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. An emotion-laden theatrical experience, tempered by humor and artistry, the work is a testament to one woman’s courage and resolve to overcome a “chronically debilitated” life. Directed by Judy Rollings…”
“…The traumas that she has survived ~ rape, stalking, a near-miss at the hands of the infamous Golden State Killer ~ she describes with raw candor…”
…”As unsettling as these painful recollections may be, Burns pushes against the gravity of her experience with an emotionally uplifting account of her saving graces. The life-changing introduction to dance. Performing on stage at Radio City Music Hall. A loving husband and two daughters.
Burns recounts all this with the equivalent of a Mona Lisa smile ~ a glint of knowingness and affirmation. If there is a mystery as to how someone prevails over life’s trials and tribulations, Burns allows time to unravel the answer… She has defied her imperfections and modeled a life of affirmation.
She accentuates her victory and affirmation with graceful pas de bourrées across the stage and a stunning performance on piano of segments from Fur Elise to Billy Joel’s Piano Man and Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag…”
“…To see AN OTHERWISE MAGICAL LIFE is thus an uplifting encounter with bravery and courage in action.”
