Big Hunk O' Burnin' Love

[bhatmasterson]

last night my son and I attended a dress rehearsal of The Gate Theater Group's season opener, Big Hunk O' Burnin' Love. Though this was a rehearsal the performance was very good. It was also nice to see that two thirds of the cast are Thai in this production. The Gate have been saying that they would like to involve more Thais and it looks like they are keeping to their word.

 

This is a comedy performed in English with a smattering of profanity done for comedic effect which shouldn't be too hard on the kids ears! The main character is under a curse and will burst into flames if he's not married by the time he turns 30, which is 3 or 4 days away.

 

Highly recommended!

[midzo]

I caught a Big Hunk o’ Burning Love rehearsal, too, and I was delighted to see a mostly Thai cast doing a Thai-American play.  The play is touching and funny and should resonate especially well with those familiar with Thais and Thai culture. 

 

I was quite pleased with the quality of the shows I caught last season. The Exonerated was simply terrific. I note that the Gate is bringing it back in January...I highly recommend this play. The director has turned a readers’ theater piece about the failings of the American judicial system into a fully-staged play. Big challenge to the actors (long monologues in places), but they pulled it off beautifully. Powerful and relevant...don’t miss it.

 

The Gate Theater group in Chiang Mai has been making steady progress in their goal to become a semi-professional company. Good work, folks! I’m looking forward to the coming season.