THE HANGOVER REPORT – A searing André Holland headlines a breathtaking revival of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s THE BROTHERS SIZE

Last night, the anticipated revival of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size opened Off-Broadway In Hudson Yards at The Shed’s Griffin Theater. A co-presentation with Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Serving up fashion: Trajal Harrell’s MONKEY OFF MY BACK OR THE CAT’S MEOW and Luke Newton in HOUSE OF MCQUEEN

This week saw the opening of two shows — one avant-garde dance, the other an elaborately staged Off-Broadway play — with intrinsic connections to the world of fashion. As usual, … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT — ARIEL QUARTET gives a full-bodied account of Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 131 in the Green-Wood catacombs

Last week at the atmospheric catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery, I had the opportunity to catch the acclaimed Ariel Quartet’s account of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nights at 54 Below: Veterans CHESTER GREGORY and LIZ CALLAWAY claim their spots in the Broadway pantheon

No doubt about it, Broadway is a tough business — competitive and often times subject to the inexplicable whims of a finicky public. Last week, I had the great pleasure … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Jenn Kidwell’s deviously confrontational WE COME TO COLLECT questions the intrinsic merits of capitalism

Last week, Jenn Kidwell’s immersive and deviously confrontational fantasia we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism opened Off-Broadway at The Flea in downtown Manhattan. In short, the darkly vaudevillian … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – O Canada!: Assessing the unique wonders of the repertory model via the STRATFORD FESTIVAL and the SHAW FESTIVAL

Last week, I took a trip up north to Ontario, Canada to re-acquaint myself with two of North America’s remaining repertory theater companies, the Stratford Festival in Stratford and the … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Public Works’ production of PERICLES is buoyed by Troy Anthony’s gloriously uplifting score and a starry cast

Last night, I had the great pleasure of attending Public Works’ presentation of Shakespeare’s Pericles, featuring a score by Troy Anthony. Given the ongoing performances of Free Shakespeare in the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: SAMANTHA PAULY at Joe’s Pub, JOE ICONIS & FRIENDS at 54 Below, and an OSCAR PETERSON centennial celebration at Birdland

In recent weeks, I made the rounds and caught up with the latest offerings at some of New York’s premiere cabaret and jazz clubs. Here are my thoughts on these … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Solo shows that go beyond tickling the funny bone: Jeff Ross’s TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE and Morgan Bassichis’ CAN I BE FRANK?

I recently had the opportunity to take in a pair of (ultimately) introspective solo shows that go beyond simply tickling the funny bone. As always, read on below for my … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – An exuberant battle of the sexes: A thoroughly satisfying TWELFTH NIGHT re-opens the rejuvenated Delacorte Theater

Last night — after a hiatus of what seemed like way too long — The Public Theater resumed its Free Shakespeare in the Park programming at the freshly rejuvenated Delacorte … Continue Reading →