VIEWPOINTS – Assessing a pair of Off-Broadway revivals: An overwrought MERCHANT OF VENICE and a crystalline mounting of ORSON’S SHADOW

In this midst of this busy fall/winter theater season, I had the chance to take a pair of Off-Broadway revivals that stealthily opened in the East Village. Here are my … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Envisioning bold, new futures: Kyle Abraham’s DEAR LORD, MAKE ME BEAUTIFUL and Jamar Roberts’ AI-ANDALUS BLUES

In dance news, this week unveiled a pair of new pieces by two important Black contemporary choreographers — Kyle Abraham and Jamar Roberts — as well as the 25th anniversary … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Commemorating Latina icons on their own terms: GIVE ME CARMELITA TROPICANA! at Soho Rep and MERCEDES, PART 1 at BAM

Over the past week or so, I came across two decidedly avant-garde production that commemorated Latina icons on their own defiant terms. As per usual, read on for my further … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Star-driven plays, Off-Broadway: Robert O’Hara’s SHIT. MEET. FAN. and Kenneth Lonergan’s HOLD ON TO ME DARLING

This fall/winter season, theatergoers clamored for tickets to two star-driven plays Off-Broadway, both of which commanded top dollar for admission. As per usual, read on for my thoughts on these … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Bespoke, immersive music-making: JOURNEY LIVE at BAM and Death of Classical’s THE LITTE MATCH GIRL PASSION

This past week, I pursued two live music experience that immersed audiences in compelling and unique ways beyond your typical concert outing. Here are my thoughts on these adventurously bespoke … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Singer-songwriters completely of their own creation: BEN ABRAHAM at Joe’s Pub and WILL WOOD at The Bitter End

This week, I encountered two singer-songwriters completely of their own creation. As per usual, read on for my thoughts. BEN ABRAHAM CHRISTMAS SPECIALJoe’s Pub On Wednesday night, I had the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Making their mark, again: TEETH is more biting than ever and ELF THE MUSICAL returns with an extra spring in its step

This fall/winter theater season, a pair of musicals based on movies have returned to New York in productions that improve upon their previous incarnation(s). As usual, read on below for … Continue Reading →

"Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy" at The Shed (photo by Brian Ferry).

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Seemingly from the ashes, LUNA LUNA once again brings art’s fun and whimsy side to the masses

This past weekend at The Shed in Hudson Yards, I basked in the wonders of Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. Having proven to be a big hit in Los Angeles earlier this … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At The Joyce, COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET celebrates 30 years with an all-Rhoden program

Over the past few weeks, Complexions Contemporary Ballet returned to The Joyce Theater in Chelsea with a trio of programs to celebrate its landmark 30th anniversary. Led by founding Co-Artistic … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Family matters, exposed: Assessing Katori Hall’s THE BLOOD QUILT and Dominique Morisseau’s BAD KREYÒL

This New York fall theater season has brought onto the boards a pair of anticipated new plays by two of our more accomplished playwrights — Katori Hall’s The Blood Quilt … Continue Reading →