First Nighter: Brian Murray Returns in Mat Schaffer's "Simon Says," Lady Liberty stars in New Musical "Liberty"

For a while, Mat Schaffer's Simon Says--which boasts Brian Murray in a return to the stage after a lengthy absence--looks as if it's going to be fun. The agitated drama, at the Lynn Redgrave, raises questions about the authenticity of paranormal activity.

Murray is Professor Williston, who's been dismissed from his position for reasons not fully explained and has been working for some time with James (Anthony J. Goes), a younger man with apparent gifts as a "channeler." After recovering from a childhood injury, James is in touch with a figure called Simon, who's been reincarnated over the millennia as numerous Simons.

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