Steven Dietz

I read this in preparation for a post-performance discussion of the play this weekend. It's extremely well done, allows the reader to 'see' the entire play in their imagination, and reinforces my long-standing belief that Holmes' arrogance/bravado was simply his way of cutting to the chase. two sentences in the author's note will stick with me for a long time, providing many a chuckle: "He (Holmes) is anxious, moody, vain, opinionated, caustic, and empirical. He could wipe the floor with Donald Trump." Note that this was penned in 2006, well before many caught on to said blowhard.… (mere)

This one is difficult for me. I am ambivalent about this work. I have seen it done, and found it pleasant, and I think it's a decent read. It also gave me the clue about how to write in when you get audience participation, because you can't be sure what the audience member will say. I think the thing is, I don't actually like the ending much. It seems to...pat. Too easy. Too...well, too much like a director said, hey, look, we have to have a happy ending (though it can easily be argued this was not a happy ending, but that's a matter of opinion either way). So I dropped it a star, because if I can't decide how well I like it, it usually means I don't like it as well as I was thinking I might. Overall, an okay play, but nothing to write home to mother about, and too much in the "let's have a gimmick so we don't accidentally write a play that might be played realistically". In short, it feels forced.… (mere)

Political satires are a bit of a challenge for me. Either I understand the underlying circumstances - in this case, the US invasion of Grenada - or I don't and when I don't, I am a bit lost as to what is occurring. Luckily with this play, I had enough knowledge of the US invasion of Grenada, the cut throat political world of Washington DC and the misguided political agendas that can impact foreign policy decisions, to settle in and enjoy the play for what it is. Performed by a wonderful cast starring Ed Begley, Jr., Richard Masur and Anne Archer, this recording has all the wonderful characterizations and sound effects of a fully staged radio play, including sound bits of some of President Regan's actual speeches. Dietz has fun poking at the establishment, including the CIA, and incorporates enough factually correct information - like the code name "Operation Urgent Fury" for the invasion - to give the audience a focal point for Dietz's satirical romp to launch from. I liked how the play shifts between Washington DC and Grenada, giving the audience the chance to experience the situation from the point of view of the average Grenadian Ruby, who runs the gift shop in the Holiday Inn, and the people controlling the American political/foreign policy machine. As a big fan of the British comedy series, Yes Prime Minister, I was a little put out when I read a quote by a Cincinnati city reviewer on the Halcyon Days Wikiedia page that [Halcyon Days] plays more like a Saturday Night Live sketch than theatre. I do not believe that all theatre needs to rise above the fun that political satires are meant to be and I do not view [Halcyon Days] as a light-weight, cheap digs satirical attack at the establishment like the Saturday Night Live sketches I have viewed over the years. It is a solid piece of political satire and deserves to be recognized as such. If you enjoy political satires based on actual historical events and if you have access to the audio recording, I can recommend Halcyon Days as a wonderful radio play-like audio experience.… (mere)