VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife Report: 54 SINGS COCO fabulously excavates the 1969 musical at 54 Below and the JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO delights at Birdland

In the midst of the craziness of April theater openings, I’ve had the opportunity to cleanse my theatrical palette by indulging in some delicious nightlife offerings, namely at the upscale … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Accessible and eclectic programming: Lincoln Center presents Boy Blue’s CYCLES and Rubén Blades’s MAESTRA VIDA

Since arising from the pandemic, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has reinvented itself as a presenting entity that champions accessible and eclectic programming. Indeed, its current socially-conscious, community-focused, and … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Nathalie Stutzmann leads the great PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA in playing Mazzoli, Schumann, and Shostakovich

This past weekend, I ventured down to Philadelphia for a few days, during which time I had the great pleasure of attending a concert by the great Philadelphia Orchestra at … Continue Reading →

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 →