THE HANGOVER REPORT – THE THIRD DAY’s immersive, durational appendix turns out to be its show-stopping calling card

This week, I delved into the world of HBO’s The Third Day, the brainchild of Felix Barrett (artistic director of marquee immersive theater company Punchdrunk) and Dennis Kelly (writer of … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Theatrically immersive art installations that transport visitors to inner- and outer-spaces: GARDEN OF EDEN & INTANGIBLE FORMS

Currently on view in Chelsea are a pair of interactive art installations which rely heavily on theatrical immersion (e.g., via theatrical lighting, props, sets, and sound) to transport their visitors. In … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Thanks to Michelle Williams’ uncanny performance, the stylish FOSSE/VERDON makes for sensational, if uneven, television

Ever since Fosse/Verdon premiered on FX more than a year ago, the stylish “limited” television series has been high on my list of things to watch. Thankfully, over the last two … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – HOWARD is a moving documentary about the man behind LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, and more

Some of the most indelible memories of my childhood involve watching and re-watching, ad nauseam, a trio of Disney animated feature films from the late 1980s and early 1990s – The Little … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Susan Graham returns to New York in a stirring evening-length concert inspired by Schumann’s FRAUENLIEBE UND -LEBEN

Along with millions of other Americans, I have long had a soft spot in my heart for star mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, who this week returned to New York (she now … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – BAM’s Next Wave continues with a barrage of ninja-like, boundary-pushing offerings (and not all of them involve live performance)

Last week saw BAM’s 2019 Next Wave — so far — at its most daringly eclectic via a barrage of short, ninja-like productions. Collectively (if not individually), they pushed the boundaries of … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Women of comedy defining their own rules: Hannah Gadsby’s DOUGLAS & Jacqueline Novak’s GET ON YOUR KNEES

Right now in New York, there are a pair of seriously talented comedians – Hannah Gadsby and Jacqueline Novak – who are redefining, as women, the rules of stand-up comedy with their … Continue Reading →

OUT AND ABOUT – THE LOST SUPPER, an immersive dining experience at the McKittrick Hotel, is extended through September 8th

The McKittrick Hotel is building a dynasty of immersive experiences that rely on sustained illusions. When Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More opened its doors, I never would have guessed that it would be … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – HAMILTON inspires and engages 1,300 public high school students, in various ways

This week, 1,300 students from New York-area public high schools were invited to spend the day partaking in a workshop at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. That’s right, it’s the venue … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Taryn Simon’s arresting AN OCCUPATION OF LOSS explores the act of mourning intimately, expansively

Last weekend marked the final days of An Occupation of Loss, Taryn Simon’s arresting and expansive exploration of the act of mourning – utilizing professional mourners from around the world – … Continue Reading →