VIEWPOINTS – Suspending downward spirals through the empathetic act of transformation: Sarah Jones’s AMERICA, WHO HURT YOU? and Jacob Ming-Trent’s HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE

Then there’s a pair of autobiographical solo shows that suspend psychological downward spirals — at least temporarily — through the empathetic act of transformation and storytelling. These would be Sarah … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Chekhov and Molière, relevantly revived: Simon Stone’s wide-angle THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Armory, Molière in the Park’s free DON JUAN in Prospect Park

As the theater season kicks into full gear, here’s a look back at a pair of notable productions of Chekhov and Molière warhorses that bridged the gap between the summer … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife divas in full bloom: Falling for ORFEH at 54 Below and NICOLE HENRY at Birdland Jazz Club

This past week, I fell for a pair of nightlife divas in the full bloom of their womanhood. Here or my thoughts on Orfeh and Nicole Henry at, respectively, 54 … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Absurdity, expertly rendered, in Arlekin Players’ Ionesco adaptation DELIRIUM and Hell in a Handbag’s QUEEN FOR A DAY

Absurdity and a spontaneous sense of play have always been some of live theater’s most alluring calling cards. Even more so than other art forms, conjured chaos in performance spaces … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Bringing communities together through theatrical public spectacle: Participating in PUBLIC RECORD and RETURN OF THE BUFFALO

In recent weeks, I participated in a couple of public theatrical spectacles that brought New York communities together in wonderfully meaningful ways. Here are my thoughts on Public Record at … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Legendary downtown drag queens relive past glories, gloriously: TAYLOR MAC at the Delacorte, JOEY ARIAS at HERE

Over the past week or so, I had the great privilege of basking in the presence of a pair of legendary downtown drag queens, both of whom have returned to … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Chinese dance theater spectacles take over the Koch Theater: Assessing the eye-popping productions of A DREAM OF RED MANSIONS and MULAN

Before New York City Ballet reclaims the David H. Koch Theater — the company’s home base at Lincoln Center — with its fall season opener Jewels, a series of Chinese … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – He said, she said: Examining the nature of abuse in the return engagements of PRE-EXISTING CONDITION and THE FORD/HILL PROJECT

Abuse is a slippery topic, especially when you aren’t in the room when it occurs. When “he said, she said” hearsay testimonials become the primary evidence for determining the truth, … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Hitting the ground running: Dudamel energetically leads the NY PHILHARMONIC in a busy first week of performances as music director

In his first week in the official capacity as the New York Philharmonic’s music director, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel generated considerable excitement as he energetically led the ensemble in a … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Solo shows with something extra to give: Roger Guenveur Smith in IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, Helder Guimarães in THE HOPE THEORY

These days, solo shows seem almost like a dime a dozen. With so many to choose from and the perceived limitations in how to stage them, they frequently can seem … Continue Reading →