VIEWPOINTS – The Old Guard shows us how it’s done: Basking in new cabaret acts from CHARLES BUSCH and KAREN MASON

In recent days, I had the great pleasure of catching a pair of performers with long histories in New York’s storied live entertainment scene — “Old Guards” of the industry, … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Positive vibes and seasoned musicality distinguish CYRILLE AIMÉE & THE GUITAR HEROES at Birdland

This past week, I put away my cares away and enjoyed a vibrant concert by distinctive French jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée, who just wrapped up a residency at Birdland Jazz … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Playing Beethoven and Janáček, the workmanlike CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA proves its status as one of the greats

This week, the world-class Cleveland Orchestra has returned to Carnegie Hall for two performances only. Last night’s first concert was substantially modified when up-and-coming Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian withdrew — … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – JENN COLELLA returns to 54 Below with an intimate, heartfelt show focused on her musical theater roots

Last night, I had the great pleasure of catching Jenn Colella in cabaret mode at 54 Below. The Tony nominee is no stranger to 54 Below, having twice held court … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Dynamic incoming music director Gustavo Dudamel conducts the NY PHILHARMONIC, indicating riches to come

This weekend at David Geffen Hall, I had the great pleasure of catching superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel lead the New York Philharmonic. There’s much hype about the incoming music director’s … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Soprano Lise Davidsen and conductor Susanna Mälkki gorgeously lead Bethoven’s FIDELIO

Certainly one of the highlights of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2024/2025 season thus far is the current revival of Beethoven’s Fidelio (for the record, my other highlights of the Met season … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Dead behind the eyes: Assessing Anne Imhof’s massive, immersive, and multidisciplinary DOOM: HOUSE OF HOPE

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take in Anne Imhof’s highly anticipated Doom: House of Hope at the Park Avenue Armory. To be sure, Imhof’s latest project — … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Outrageous international cabaret star MEOW MEOW does a whole lot more than just purr at Joe’s Pub

Last week, international cabaret star Meow Meow took up residency at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, where she did a whole lot more than just purr. The European chanteuse … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Playing with drama and discipline, the Pappano-led LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA triumphantly returns to Carnegie Hall

After a hiatus of two decades, the great London Symphony Orchestra makes a highly anticipated return to Carnegie Hall this week for two performances only. As led by newly-appointed music … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Jake Heggie‘s distilled operatic adaptation of MOBY-DICK powerfully launches the Met’s spring season

Last night marked the opening of the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Moby-Dick — Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s powerful adaptation of Herman Melville’s iconic literary work — launching the … Continue Reading →