VIEWPOINTS – Eclectic symphonic forms: The blockbuster return of Glenn Branca’s HALLUCINATION CITY, Nézet-Séguin’s completist quest continues with MAHLER 4

Even in the midst of summer, New York music lovers have been able to take in a slew of memorable and eclectic performances in the city’s major concert halls. Read … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: CYRILLE AIMÉE croons at Birdland, MEGHAN MURPHY delivers larger-than-life camp at 54 Below

In the past weeks, I’ve been able to take my feet off the pedal a little bit, which has afforded me the opportunity to lean back and enjoy a number … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Exuberant cabaret nights: SETH SIKES celebrates Judy’s 104th, SALTY BRINE ecstatically leans in on storytelling, and NORM LEWIS is all giddy showmanship

With the 2025/2026 theater season firmly behind us, I’ve had wonderful recent opportunities to leave my cares behind and close out my lengthening days with exuberant nights at the cabaret. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Assessing a pair of dynamic installations: The artistry of happenstance in Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s CLINAMEN and Troy Schumacher’s TRANSLATION

This past week, I had the opportunity to take in a pair of unique installation-like experiences — each in drastically opposing scale — that paid careful attention to the artistry … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical music roundup: EL ÚLTIMO SUEÑO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO is a vibe at The Met, LISE DAVIDSEN dazzles at Carnegie Hall with an all-Schubert recital

With the recent conclusion of The Metropolitan Opera’s 2025/2026 season, it seems a good time to look back at the final new opera of the company’s season, composer Gabriela Lena … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: ANGEL BLUE experiments with cabaret at 54 Below, ROBIN MCKELLE channels Ella Fitzgerald, et al. at Birdland

As per usual, I’ve been augmenting my primetime theatergoing with a fair number of nightlife outings, largely to get better acquainted with performers as their authentic selves. As always, read … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical music roundup: Maestro Janowski returns to lead the NY PHILHARMONIC, the great Marin Alsop conducts Beethoven and Marsalis via the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

Over the past week or so, I had the great pleasure of catching notable performances by the New York Philharmonic at its home base at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Intimate opera with high stakes impact: THE POST OFFICE gets philosophical (and political) at BAM, Heartbeat Opera’s stylish VANESSA packs a punch

Those of you looking to expand your opera-going experience beyond the Metropolitan Opera should turn your attention to the occasional intimate opera productions occurring across the city. In the past … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Tony-winner HEATHER HEADLEY astounds at Carnegie Hall with an electrifying concert

Last week, Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley returned to Carnegie Hall in what can only be described as an electrifying event for both fans of her theatrical and recording body … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nights at 54 Below: DAVID YAZBEK puts on a rollicking show, MATT DOYLE basks in formative songs

Over the past week or so, I had the great opportunity to catch a pair of Broadway talents light up 54 Below’s intimate and well-appointed room. As always, read on … Continue Reading →