In "Durang/Durang", Christopher Durang presents a collection of his most popular and entertaining plays. With a total of six plays, each offering its own unique blend of wit, humor, and absurdity, Durang displays his sharp writing and clever characterizations that promise an engaging and laugh-out-loud experience for readers.
Opening the collection is "The Actor's Nightmare", a play that delves into the world of theatrical anxiety and confusion. The protagonist finds themselves on stage, struggling to remember lines and make sense of the play they are meant to perform. This play offers a delightful mix of comedy and chaos that will leave audiences entertained.
"Desire, Desire, Desire" is Durang's amusing take on Tennessee Williams' renowned play, "A Streetcar Named Desire". Condensing the story and adding his own humorous twists, Durang creates a fresh and entertaining adaptation that both pays homage to and pokes fun at the original work.
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"DMV Tyrant" showcases Durang's talent for satirizing bureaucratic systems. This play humorously exposes the frustrations and absurdities one encounters at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Through exaggerated characters and comedic dialogue, Durang sheds light on the everyday struggles many face when dealing with such institutions.
The collection also features "Wanda's Visit", a play that explores the disruption of a seemingly normal suburban couple's life when an old high school friend pays a visit. Chaos ensues and secrets are unveiled as the evening progresses, resulting in a hilarious and unconventional encounter.
What are readers saying?
"Durang/Durang" by Christopher Durang is a compilation of six plays that take a satirical and humorous approach to well-known theatrical and literary classics. Readers have varied responses to this book, as seen in the reviews.
Some reviewers found "Durang/Durang" to be a highly entertaining and hilarious read. They praised Durang's clever writing, wit, and his ability to give a contemporary and comedic spin to familiar stories. Many readers appreciated the satirical nature of the plays and enjoyed the absurdity and irreverence Durang brought to the characters and plotlines.
On the contrary, some reviewers were disappointed with "Durang/Durang." They felt that the humor in the plays was hit-or-miss, with certain jokes falling flat. Some readers found the plays to be excessively chaotic and absurd, making it difficult for them to fully engage with the content. Additionally, a few reviewers mentioned that Durang's writing style may not suit everyone, as it can be unconventional and challenging at times.
Several reviewers commended the thematic depth and thought-provoking nature of Durang's plays. They appreciated the underlying social commentary and psychological exploration infused within the humor. Some readers found the plays to be a refreshing and satirical critique of societal norms and expectations.
However, there were also readers who struggled to connect with the plays on a deeper level. They found that the themes were overshadowed by the constant barrage of humor and absurdity, making it challenging to grasp the underlying messages. Some reviewers felt that the plays lacked consistency in tone and failed to strike a balance between humor and depth.
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