The Rating System NNNNN Standing ovation NNNN Sustained applause NNN Recommended, memorable scenes NN Seriously flawed N Get out the hook = Critics'' pick (highly recommended)

Thursday Mini Reviews - July 01, 2004

INANNA - NNNN
Writer/director Claire Calnan creates theatrical magic with this Sumerian myth about the goddess Inanna. Combining music, comedy and sexuality in a potent blend, Calnan and her cast - led by the fine Jenny Young as the mercurial goddess - capture the audience right from the start. - (JK)

LENNY AND RENO - NNN
There are patches of good writing and winning touches of clown in this piece about a wife who battles her husband's seduction by big bucks - think of it as art versus commercialism - but the production only flies with Rebecca Auerbach's grounded Reno, a character with a rich emotional life. - (JK)

6 MONTHS FLAT - N
Three London flatmates try to sort out their lives over a six-month period as they deal with personal problems and various offstage short-term roomies. Beasley's provided sketchy characterizations, little sense of dialogue and no directorial spark to a half-baked piece. - (JK)