VIEWPOINTS – A miracle on 23rd Street: Street-side performances at the cell and ChaShaMa whet the appetite for the long-awaited awakening of the performing arts

Last weekend, as I roamed about Chelsea, I encountered a pair of short performances on West 23rd Street that gave me a jolt of excitement. Because of their pent-up, infectious … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Barn Theatre’s THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LEADING LADIES: A rousing curate-your-own-concert powered by divas in the making

One of the benefits of in-person performance is how it demands complete engagement from attendees. Cabaret performances in particular can be intoxicatingly enticing experiences — both literally and figuratively — … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Andy Einhorn and company give a heartfelt salute to Jerry Herman in YOU I LIKE

Last night, glass of wine in hand, I had the pleasure of sitting back and enjoying You I Like: A Musical Celebration of Jerry Herman, Pasadena Playhouse’s entertaining and balanced … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Signature Theatre’s aptly titled SIMPLY SONDHEIM lets the master’s songs speak for themselves

Last night, I capped off my evening curling up with Simply Sondheim, Signature Theatre’s wonderfully performed revue of Stephen Sondheim songs. The virtual production launches Signature’s 5-show digital season, which … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – THE BEST OF 2020: Theater, Music/Cabaret, and Dance

In all respects, 2020 was a stunted year, and few industries was hit harder than the performing arts. Nonetheless, out of the rubble, defiant gems arose – sometimes in the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Isaac Gómez’s WALLY WORLD, Mary Zimmerman’s THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER, and 54 Below Premieres SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED

First and foremost, I hope everyone is having a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday (all things considered)! Here are my thoughts on the most recent crop of streaming content. WALLY … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – DON’T TELL MAMA keeps the flame alive on Restaurant Row

Last week, I mourned the loss (again) of most of live and in-person entertainment in New York, scant as it was. This sad circumstance was almost completely dictated by the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Riz Ahmed’s ferocious THE LONG GOODBYE, Justin Vivian Bond’s Christmas show at Joe’s Pub, and yet another A CHRISTMAS CAROL

As Christmas draws ever nearer, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the streaming content out there. Here are my latest thoughts. THE LONG GOODBYE: … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Wholesome holiday entertainment via NORM LEWIS’s Christmas show, the Old Vic’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Irish Rep’s MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

For those of you seeking more traditional, wholesome holiday entertainment, I recommend that you check out the recently-viewed virtual Christmas treats below. NORM LEWIS: CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE!Feinstein’s/54 BelowOn-demand through December … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – A round-up of in-person cabaret (while it lasted): BILLY STRITCH, NATALIE DOUGLAS, and PAIGE TURNER

It was fun while it lasted. The last few weeks allowed some semblance of in-person cabaret to return in the guise of “incidental music” for diners. However, the governor put … Continue Reading →