VIEWPOINTS – O Canada!: Assessing the unique wonders of the repertory model via the STRATFORD FESTIVAL and the SHAW FESTIVAL

Last week, I took a trip up north to Ontario, Canada to re-acquaint myself with two of North America’s remaining repertory theater companies, the Stratford Festival in Stratford and the … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Public Works’ production of PERICLES is buoyed by Troy Anthony’s gloriously uplifting score and a starry cast

Last night, I had the great pleasure of attending Public Works’ presentation of Shakespeare’s Pericles, featuring a score by Troy Anthony. Given the ongoing performances of Free Shakespeare in the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Solo shows that go beyond tickling the funny bone: Jeff Ross’s TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE and Morgan Bassichis’ CAN I BE FRANK?

I recently had the opportunity to take in a pair of (ultimately) introspective solo shows that go beyond simply tickling the funny bone. As always, read on below for my … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – An exuberant battle of the sexes: A thoroughly satisfying TWELFTH NIGHT re-opens the rejuvenated Delacorte Theater

Last night — after a hiatus of what seemed like way too long — The Public Theater resumed its Free Shakespeare in the Park programming at the freshly rejuvenated Delacorte … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Strange bedfellows are the thing in Elizabeth McGovern’s AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS and Sophie McIntosh’s ROAD KILLS

Currently on the boards of New York, you’ll find two new Off-Broadway plays that bask in the dramatic fireworks that arise from strange bedfellows. As per usual, read on for … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Here we go again: MAMMA MIA! returns to Broadway, once again spreading its bombast and balm

This August, one of musical theater’s most iconic jukebox musicals has returned to Broadway. That would be the megahit Mamma Mia!, which has re-opened at the Winter Garden Theatre, the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Immersive summer musicals worth traveling to: Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s revival of OCTET and THE ROYAL PYRATE in Red Hook

Over the past week or so, I came across a pair of musicals that caught my attention with their genuine creativity and immersive presentation. Here are my thoughts on these … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Bringing beguiling humanity to icons of popular culture: GENE & GILDA and THE ANIMALS SPEAK

Currently Off-Broadway, you’ll find a pair of new plays that endeavor to bring beguiling humanity to icons of popular culture. I’m happy to report that they’ve largely succeed. As always, … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – This summer, a flamboyant escape artist and a down-to-earth illusionist endeavor to wow in SEVEN DEADLY SINS and AMAZE

This sultry summer, a pair of high profile magic shows are gracing the boards of two of Off-Broadway’s largest venues. If the sweltering heat and stifling humidity are getting to … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – ROLLING THUNDER: Chronicling the Vietnam War through the urgent rock songs of the time

This summer over at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages, you’ll find the new jukebox musical Rolling Thunder: A Rock Journey. Using a catalog of twenty classic rock songs from the 60s … Continue Reading →