VIEWPOINTS – Bringing communities together through theatrical public spectacles: Taking a look at 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 Records 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 →

VIEWPOINTS – A big week for contemporary dance: SONYA TAYEH, BILL T. JONES, and SARAH MICHELSON unveil notable new works

This week was a big one for contemporary dance, headlined by the unveiling of new works — each performed in bespoke spaces — by major choreographers Sonya Tayeh, Bill T. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – The expansiveness of downtown nightlife on full display at JOE’S PUB: Rizo, Larry Owens, and Justin Vivian Bond bring their A-game

This September, Joe’s Pub has been abuzz with the excitement of a nightlife scene kicking itself into full gear (culminating this weekend at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park with … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Dabbling in participatory theater: Audience agency drives Off-Broadway’s BECOMING HAMLET and GARRY STARR CLASSIC PENGUINS

This September, you’ll find a pair of participatory Off-Broadway shows that respectively endear audiences to play a meaningful role in determining how the theatrical experience unfolds. Here are my thoughts … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Fabulous nights at 54 Below: The legendary CHARLES BUSCH sings Johnny Mercer, the strapping CLAYBOURNE ELDER gets playfully candid

This past week, I had the great chance to catch a pair of worthwhile shows at 54 Below, that essential theater district supper club specifically catering to admirers of the … Continue Reading →