VIEWPOINTS – ROMEO & JULIET three ways: As theater (Shakespeare), dance (MacMillan), and opera (Gounod)

Adaptations of iconic Shakespeare plays from into other genres of performing arts isn’t a new phenomenon. It is unusual, however, for these adaptations to attain the same classic status in their individual … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Royal Opera’s superb FAUST, NT at Home ends sensationally with AMADEUS, and DTH does Nacho Duato proud

As a heat wave hits New York, I found myself more than happy to indulge – indoors in my air conditioned apartment – in online performing arts content. Here are my … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Irish Rep’s revival of THE WEIR transcends the Zoom treatment

Yesterday, I livestreamed Conor McPherson’s The Weir, courtesy of Off-Broadway’s Irish Repertory Theatre. Seeing the 1997 play for the first time was one of the eye-opening experiences of my formative theatergoing years, cementing my … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Mandatory Viewing: Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s COVID-19 first responders docudrama THE LINE exposes systemic socio-economic inequities

I recently had a chance to stream the Public Theater’s production of The Line, which was originally webcast live earlier this month. In the past, the writing duo behind the play – Jessica … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: The Apple Family saga continues in Zoom, a deeper dive into the Alvin Ailey repertoire, and Met productions of LA TRAVIATA over the years

Here’s a roundup of my thoughts from the week past (write-ups on Shakespeare on the Radio’s timely Richard II and the final three episodes of Playwrights Horizons’ excellent Soundstage series can … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Audio immersion that approaches theatrical alchemy: Free Shakespeare on the Radio’s RICHARD II and Playwrights Horizons’ SOUNDSTAGE series

Four months into lockdown, I’m still convinced that nothing can quite replicate the experience of live theater. For me, at least, theater as we knew it invoked a personal, life-enhancing communion … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Sparring LA BOHEMEs, a rare revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s LES BLANCS, and a pair of important full-length ballets

This past week, I continued my streaming of performing arts content. Here are my latest thoughts. OPERA Last week, I streamed a pair of relatively recent performances of one of … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Dueling MAGIC FLUTEs, a pair of exceptional Shakespeare productions, and a moving dance/documentary tribute to Alvin Ailey

Aside last week’s main attraction (that would be “Hamilfilm”), I also had the opportunity to stream other fine performing arts related entertainment. Here are my thoughts. OPERA Last week can … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – “Hamilfilm”: The original cast and production of HAMILTON are masterfully captured on film

Last night, I caught the filmed version of the smash hit musical Hamilton (lovingly referred to as “Hamilfilm” by the film’s producers and the show’s many fans) on Disney Plus. Filmed live on … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Pride Plays 2020: Mart Crowley’s THE MEN FROM THE BOYS and David Drake’s THE NIGHT LARRY KRAMER KISSED ME

This past weekend was Pride Weekend here in New York City. Although it was a relatively somber affair – especially after last year’s splashy Stonewall 50 / WorldPride celebrations – it … Continue Reading →