VIEWPOINTS – Style over substance: Emma Horwitz’s MARY GETS HERS and Abhishek Majumdar’s 9 KINDS OF SILENCE

Sometimes stylized storytelling gets in the way of a theatrical work’s underlying intent. This was the case with a pair of new Off-Broadway plays I recently caught. Read on for … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Experimental theater is alive and well: PSYCHIC SELF DEFENSE at HERE and PROMETHEUS FIREBRINGER at TFANA

I’m happy to report that experimental theater is alive and well in New York. Setting aside Dmitry Krymov’s thoughtfully layered, highly anticipated Big Trip productions at La MaMa (which I’m … Continue Reading →

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 →

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 →

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 – 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 →

VIEWPOINTS – Double Feature’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM & MACBETH: Exceedingly intimate, immersive revivals that create worlds within worlds

A night after attending Public Works’ large-scale musical adaptation of The Tempest at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, I ventured deep into Brooklyn ti a secret location (warning: brief spoilers here) … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In a farewell to the Delacorte as we know it, the luminous Renée Elise Goldsberry leads Public Works’ integrated adaptation of THE TEMPEST

Last night, I attended a performance of Public Works’ musical adaptation of The Tempest. Now in its second decade, these large-scale, city-embracing/promoting Public Works offerings have become an integral summer-capping tradition … Continue Reading →