THE NOTEBOOK (6/18/14): Bronfman rehearses Beethoven; Revisiting La McDonald in “Lady Day”; Alvin Ailey (Program A)

Bronfman rehearses Beethoven I started off my day at the Avery Fisher Hall for my weekly visit to the NY Philharmonic‘s open rehearsal session. For only $20, it’s a great … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – A Recap of My London Performing Arts Adventures

Over the past week-and-a-half, I had the great privilege of re-immersing myself in the rich, varied performing arts scene in London and beyond. What still strikes me about the scene … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: A Look-Back at the 2013-2014 Metropolitan Opera Season

As the 2013-214 Met season accelerates towards its conclusion next week, now would seem to be a fitting time to look back and recount the good and the bad that … Continue Reading →

REPORT CARD: Catching up with the Great Dames of the Chicago Performing Arts Scene

This past holiday weekend, I had the privilege of spending some time in Chicago, a city in which I had spent more than a decade of my adult life. Of … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: The Frugal New York Theatergoer

After getting a sense of how many performances I attend, most people tend to ask: “How are you able to afford it all?” For the record, I am (currently) NOT … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: Space and Perspective Relative to Performance (Part II – Breaking the Fourth Wall, and Then Some)

In the previous installment, I explored how one’s experience of performance can be affected not only by the dimensions of the playing space, but also by one’s physical location within … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: Space and Perspective Relative to Performance (Part I – Theatricality and Physical Dimensionality)

On Monday, I had the privilege of seeing the minimalist British band the xx perform up close and personal with 44 other lucky guests at the Park Avenue Armory, one … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: Hall of Mirrors – Chronicling Drag Culture on Broadway

For decades before Jared Leto won acclaim for his Oscar-winning performance in the film “Dallas Buyers Club”, drag has been prevalent on Broadway.  Drag’s presence in mainstream Broadway owes much … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: Exploring the Intersection of Visual and Performing Arts (Part III)

In this final installment, I celebrate stage designers whose works have transcended conventional stage designs to establish themselves as standalone works of visual art. Many of these stage designers are … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS: Exploring the Intersection of Visual and Performing Arts (Part II)

In the first installment, I explored some instances in which established visual artists have themselves created scenic landscapes for the stage. This second installment further explores the intersection of the … Continue Reading →