VIEWPOINTS – Holiday cheer for adults only: JOE ICONIS and JACKIE BEAT craft Christmastime entertainments that are more naughty than nice

Over the course of the past week or so, I had the chance to take in a pair of Christmastime entertainments for adults, and are by design definitely more naughty … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – HANDEL’S MESSIAH, two-ways: Assessing New York Philharmonic’s spirited rendition beside Trinity Church’s urgent take on the beloved oratorio

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to compare, side-by-side, arguably two of New York’s premiere presentations of Handel’s Messiah. As always, read on below for my thoughts on these … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Cozying up to a pair of Off-Broadway musicals: York’s WELCOME TO THE BIG DIPPER and Irish Rep’s A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES

For musical theater fans looking to stay clear of the New York holiday madness (including seeing a show on the Great White Way), I can recommend cozying up to two … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Following THE NUTCRACKER into abstraction via New York City Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Group, and Nature Theater of Oklahoma

This holiday season, I had the opportunity to attend a trio of extremely different dance presentations inspired by the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker. Read on for my thoughts on … Continue Reading →

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 →