VIEWPOINTS – Reflecting on 25 years of RENT: Remembering a white hot performance and its lasting impact

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Rent changed my life 25 years ago, as it did for its legions of fans. I was a junior at a parochial high … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – BAD DATES & TYPICAL: Effervescent performances by Andréa Burns and Richard Blackwood elevate otherwise programmatic solo shows

This week, I streamed a pair of programmatic solo shows that benefited from effervescent turns. Here are my thoughts. BAD DATESGeorge Street PlayhouseOn-demand through March 14 First up was Bad … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: The artistry of Balanchine, Beckett, and Guettel bring much-needed texture to the austere latter days of this pandemic winter

This weekend, I streamed a diverse, truly exceptional trio of works by indisputable masters from the worlds of dance theater, dramatic theater, and music theater – George Balanchine, Samuel Beckett, … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Barn Theatre’s THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LEADING LADIES: A rousing curate-your-own-concert powered by divas in the making

One of the benefits of in-person performance is how it demands complete engagement from attendees. Cabaret performances in particular can be intoxicatingly enticing experiences — both literally and figuratively — … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Engaging in Black History: Celebrating the 35th anniversaries of George C. Wolfe’s seminal THE COLORED MUSEUM & Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE

February marks Black History Month, which this year takes on extra resonance. This weekend, I streamed two shows that robustly explore the rich, complicated history and legacy of Black America. … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The Almeida live-streams HYMN, Lolita Chakrabarti’s loving ode to masculinity and male bonding

Last night, I tuned into the live-stream of Lolita Chakrabarti’s new play Hymn, courtesy of London’s Islington-based Almeida Theatre. As the work’s title cleverly and elegantly suggests, Ms. Chakrabarti’s two-hander … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Patrick Page suavely explores Shakespeare’s villains in ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE

Last night, I viewed All the Devils Are Here, Patrick Page’s one-man show exploring, as the work’s subtitle succinctly puts it, “How Shakespeare Invented the Villain”. Written and performed by … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Illusionist Jonathan Tai, a soothing presence, seamlessly weaves wonderment into MISSED CONNECTIONS

Last night, I attended – via live-stream, of course – Jonathan Tai’s Missed Connections, courtesy of Chicago’s A Red Orchid Theatre. If you’re a fan of the works of such … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In Philip Ridley’s relentless THE POLTERGEIST, Joseph Potter dazzlingly animates an inner life under duress

Over the last decade or so, Philip Ridley has honed his playwriting skills to become an expert animator of inner lives under duress, as exemplified by emotionally taxing solo shows … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Andy Einhorn and company give a heartfelt salute to Jerry Herman in YOU I LIKE

Last night, glass of wine in hand, I had the pleasure of sitting back and enjoying You I Like: A Musical Celebration of Jerry Herman, Pasadena Playhouse’s entertaining and balanced … Continue Reading →