Elephant-Hang-Erwin-Tennessee
- April 30th, 2009
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A theater critic is not supposed to choose a title for a review based
upon a Google search which was executed while researching the review.
(Hint: do the search!) A theater critic also does not typically begin
a review with lines of poetry. The only thing worse than these two
offenses would be to start off with a ridiculously cliché statement,
such as, “If you’re going to see any show this decade, make sure it’s
‘Elephant’s Graveyard’ at Trustus Theatre.”

Google searches and lines of poetry and cliché mandates aside: Get off
your keister and go see “Elephant’s Graveyard” at Trustus Theatre. NOW!
Imagine you had been in Los Angeles in 1990 and had passed on a chance
to see a workshop production of a new play, “Millennium Approaches,” by
a relatively unknown playwright named Tony Kushner. Hmm. Ever heard
of “Angels in America”?
This is that kind of show. “Elephant’s Graveyard,” the latest play by
up-and-coming, Rhode Island-based drama bard George Brant, is an
anti-“Our Town” theatrical masterpiece that will doubtless become a
staple of American theater. And the professional debut of this show is
right here in River City—I mean, Columbia.
How often are we the first to do anything around here other than start
civil wars and refuse federal stimulus funding? Go see this show!
A masterpiece throws your bearings off. So pardon me these previous
paragraphs. I’m going to take a shot of bourbon, smoke a few
cigarettes, then return to my desk and settle down for some serious
criticism.
I suppose I should take a bow.
YOUR WAR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Bar none, the best place to watch a show in this town is at the
