THE HANGOVER REPORT – EST’s well-judged production of BEHIND THE SHEET by Charly Evon Simpson examines the unexplored intersection of medicine, slavery, and gender

This weekend, I was able to catch Charly Evon Simpson’s Behind the Sheet at Off-Broadway’s Ensemble Studio Theatre. Set in Alabama during the 1840s, Ms. Simpson’s new play tells the semi-fictitious … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – PROTOTPYE 2019 continues to aggressively push the boundaries of opera and music theater

As a lover of opera, theater, and unexpected modes of performative expression, it’s no surprise that I find Prototype to be an essential annual experience. Touted as a festival for … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Tarell Alvin McCraney’s CHOIR BOY makes a joyful noise, tinged with sorrow

In Choir Boy, Tarell Alvin McCraney has written hands-down his most joyful play. That’s not to say that Mr. McCraney (perhaps best known for co-penning the Oscar-winning film Moonlight) has written a … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – UNDER THE RADAR 2019: Review Roundup 2

Last weekend, the Public Theater’s Under the Radar came to a close. Overall, after a pretty strong first half, my impression of the 2019 edition of this indispensable festival of cutting … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – NDT2 ravishes at City Center with their iconic technique and aesthetic

No matter how hard other dance companies attempt to emulate Nederlands Dans Theater, no one quite moves like the renowned contemporary dance company. I first saw them perform way back in … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – London’s immersive production of THE JUNGLE is transplanted to St. Ann’s, and it’s devastating, triumphant theater

Last night, I caught the Young Vic and the National Theatre’s co-production of Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s The Jungle at St. Ann’s Warehouse. The production completes this fall/winter season’s high profile trifecta … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Amir Nizar Zuabi’s GREY ROCK at La Mama is an inspired and inspiring first draft

Last weekend at La Mama, I caught one of the final performances of Palestinian playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi’s new work entitled Grey Rock. The play tells the story of a grieving … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – UNDER THE RADAR 2019: Review Roundup 1

January in New York wouldn’t be the same without attending a barrage of offerings at a number of experimental theater festivals, the grand daddy of which is the Public Theater’s Under … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Abby Rosebrock’s BLUE RIDGE is overwrought, despite some distinctive qualities and a courageous cast

Last night, Abby Rosebrock’s new play Blue Ridge opened at the Linda Gross Theater, Atlantic Theater Company’s mainstage venue. The play tells the story of a small group of men … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – A satisfying holidays at the Met: LA TRAVIATA, ADRIANA LECOUVREUR, and THE MAGIC FLUTE

This holiday season, opera fans were treated to a trio of top notch, thoroughly satisfying productions at the Met, two of them brand new to the mighty opera company. Given … Continue Reading →