THE HANGOVER REPORT – The sublime film adaptation of IN THE HEIGHTS improves upon the Tony-winning stage musical

On its opening weekend on the biggest possible screen (the IMAX theater at AMC Lincoln Square), I caught the sublime film adaptation of In the Heights, a hip-hop and and … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – What a difference a full production makes: LCT’s VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE & Goodman’s HOW TO CATCH CREATION

After being primarily relegated to decidedly unflattering and minimally theatrical Zoom-type productions over the past year, it was refreshing to be able to stream a pair of fully-staged productions from … Continue Reading →

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 →

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 →

VIEWPOINTS – The spirit of the Broadway musical persists in RATATOUILLE: THE TIKTOK MUSICAL and JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY

Although live/in-person theater is becoming an increasingly distant memory, the irrepressible spirit of the Broadway musical persists in other mediums. Here are my thoughts on two of these hybrid endeavors. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Highly anticipated stage-to-screen adaptations: A searingly acted MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM and a faithfully transcribed THE PROM

December was a big month for major stage-to-screen adaptations. Indeed, much to the delight of locked-down theater fans, the recent weeks saw the Netflix premieres of the highly anticipated film … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Wholesome holiday entertainment via NORM LEWIS’s Christmas show, the Old Vic’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Irish Rep’s MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

For those of you seeking more traditional, wholesome holiday entertainment, I recommend that you check out the recently-viewed virtual Christmas treats below. NORM LEWIS: CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE!Feinstein’s/54 BelowOn-demand through December … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Catching up with some of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies: AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, LEA SALONGA IN CONCERT, and BROADWAY PRINCESS HOLIDAY CONCERT

Last week, I caught up with some of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies. Here are my thoughts on their recent virtual concerts. AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALDNew York City CenterOn-demand through … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: The late, great Brian Dennehy in a landmark DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Irish Rep’s A TOUCH OF THE POET, and Woolly Mammoth’s telephonic HUMAN RESOURCES

Here are my thoughts on two recent viewings and one interesting telephone call. DEATH OF A SALESMANGoodman Theatre One of the most impactful and influential experiences in all my theatergoing … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Vivid film captures of the theatrical experience: David Byrne’s AMERICAN UTOPIA & Heidi Schreck’s WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Two of last year’s unlikeliest and most deserving Broadway successes were David Byrne’s American Utopia and Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me. Just as unlikely are their high … Continue Reading →