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 →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 54 Below, HUGH PANARO, in spectacular voice, reflects on his fascinating career on the Broadway stage

Hugh Panaro and I go way back. When I saw the original production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre for the first time way back in … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 98-years-young, the miraculous MARILYN MAYE continues to dazzle with her singular vitality at 54 Below

Every opportunity to catch the marvelous and timeless Marilyn Maye is an experience to be cherished. Such was the case during the sold out closing night of the cabaret icon’s … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In a number of notable debuts, a wonderfully game young cast takes on Tchaikovsky’s EUGENE ONEGIN at the Met

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Opera brought back its production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, a revival distinguished by a handful of notable Met debuts. Overall, the performance seethed of Russian … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: The great KURT ELLING at Birdland and a madcap evening of MICHAEL SHAW FISHER songs make for rousing nightcaps

Over the past week or so, I’ve had the opportunity of capping off a few of my nights with rousing late night shows at some of the city’s beloved cabaret … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Marin Alsop leads yet another satisfying outing by the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA at Carnegie Hall

Last week, the terrific Philadelphia Orchestra, led by conductor Marin Alsop, returned to Carnegie Hall for one night only. The focal point of Alsop’s 2025–2026 Perspectives series and the United … Continue Reading →