(O) Cat on a Hot Tin Roof @ Geffen Playhouse (Nov. 6) Grade: B+
As part of the reopening of this theatre, the next few plays to be held here will celebrate American playwrights. Fitting then that the celebration starts off with Tennessee Williams. This Cat offered lots of great performances: John Goodman was an imposing figure as Big Daddy, Brenda Fricker concealed her Irish accent well as the deluded Big Mama and Jennifer Mudge was an effectively strong Maggie. I also thought the overall theme of mendacity versus truth and how each character seeks them were well explored. The play’s official opening is Nov. 16, so try to catch it if you get the chance.
Didn’t you notice the powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?

(G) Magic Numbers @ Troubadour (Nov. 1) Grade: A
This band is huge in the UK right now. And no, I’m not referring to their size. The two pairs of brothers and sisters are the antithesis to the thin, well coifed and smart dress acts of today but Magic Numbers proves that all of the above is just about marketing and not about, well, the music. This was the first date of their headlining U.S. tour and it was obvious that they were as happy to be there on stage as the sold out audience was to see them. In fact, I don’t think singer Romeo Stodart stopped smiling. As Pitchfork writes: The Magic Numbers are easy to love. Why, yes, they are. Highlight: I See You, You See Me