VIEWPOINTS – Solo shows that use song to work through grief and trauma: Rachel Bloom’s DEATH, LET ME DO MY SHOW and Thomas Sweitzer’s 20 SECONDS

This week, I encountered a pair of Off-Broadway solo shows that incorporated songs into the fabric their storytelling to work through grief and trauma. As always, here are my thoughts … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Over at 59E59 Theaters, Theresa Rebeck returns to form in her terrific new play DIG for Primary Stages

This week saw the Off-Broadway opening of Primary Stages’ production of the terrific new play Dig by Theresa Rebeck at 59E59 Theaters. Over the past few decades, Ms. Rebeck (best … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Invigorating leading actresses light up the stage: Mary Beth Fisher in SWING STATE and Kellie Overbey in NO GOOD THINGS DWELL IN THE FLESH

This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a pair of plays that were invigorated by performances from their leading actresses. Read on for my further thoughts. SWING STATEAudible … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The Joyce opens its season with the curious dance theater piece HEART OF BRICK, a sensitive if undercooked look at Black Queer love

This past weekend saw the opening of The Joyce Theater’s 2023/2024 season with Heart of Brick. Using singer/songwriter serpentwithfeet’s latest album as the springboard for this curious dance theater concoction … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Immersive alternatives for nightlife merriment: HYPNOTIQUE at The McKittrick Hotel and LIGHTHOUSE at SoHo Playhouse

If you’re looking for alternative entertainment experiences, I’ve got a pair of suggestions for you, both of which blur the lines between nightlife merriment and immersive theatrical presentation. Here are … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Fall season teasers at Lincoln Center: Extraordinary soprano LISE DAVIDSEN at the Met and the NY PHILHARMONIC accompanies “West Side Story”

This past week, two of Lincoln Center’s major music constituents – the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic (City Ballet’s season commences next week) – teased audiences of what’s … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Annie Baker’s INFINITE LIFE is a strangely profound, stealthily harrowing meditation on pain and pleasure

Last night, Annie Baker’s highly anticipated new play Infinite Life opened Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company (in a co-production with London’s National Theatre). The play follows … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Cabaret Roundup: JOSIE DE GUZMAN makes a welcome return to the New York stage and SETH SIKES thrillingly channels Barbra Streisand

This past weekend, I had the chance to take in a pair of cabaret performances. Here are my thoughts on these nightlife outings, both of which were vibrantly performed and … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Both whimsical and existential, THE SHARK IS BROKEN examines the actor’s dilemma via the filming of “Jaws”

This week at the John Golden Theatre, I had the chance to catch up with Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon’s episodic new play The Shark Is Broken. A hit across the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – SMALL & A EULOGY FOR ROMAN: A pair of solo shows at 59E59 Theaters that deal with the growing pains associated with male adolescence

Currently at Off-Broadway’s 59E59 Theaters, you’ll find a pair solo shows that deal with the growing pains associated with male adolescence (both productions conclude their limited New York runs this … Continue Reading →