VIEWPOINTS – The lieder dreamily engages contemporary existential matters in THE WANDERING & WE NEED TO TALK

This week, I encountered two fascinating productions that use the lieder (i.e., nineteenth century art songs, typically set to poetry) – or the form of the lieder – to dreamily … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – THE BROKEN EAR SETLIST & WEIGHTLESS: The Bengsons and the Kilbanes explore the intriguing possibilities of the “theatrical concert”

I recently streamed a pair of productions that, in my estimation, compellingly explore new avenues in music theater, particularly the intriguing possibilities of the “theatrical concert” sub-genre. Here are my … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – I keep dancing on my own: SOCIAL! THE SOCIAL DISTANCE DANCE CLUB at the Park Avenue Armory is a cathartic experience for the uninhibited

This past weekend at the Park Avenue Armory, I attended one of the marquee theatrical events of this transition period for the performing arts. That would be SOCIAL! the social … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The Old Vic’s spirited musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX receives an inspired In Camera treatment

During the pandemic, The Old Vic in London was one of the few theater companies that I could depend on to deliver satisfying live-streamed theater, handily quenching my thirst for … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s new audio play SHADOW/LAND is a heady if unsteady tower of juxtapositions

This week, The Public Theater dropped shadow/land, a new audio-play by the much-lauded up-and-coming playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza. Ms. Dickerson-Despenza was recently awarded the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Award for playwriting … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – A pair of interactive art installations in Brooklyn speak potently to our times: NEGATIVE LIBERTY / POSITIVE LIBERTY & ARRIVALS + DEPARTURES

This weekend, I trekked to Brooklyn to experience a pair of interactive, socially-distanced art installations – courtesy of the american vicarious and the Brooklyn Academy of Music – that speak … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Lost at sea: THE MS PHOENIX RISING & ROW sonically examine life in our rudderless times

Although this past week saw a notable increase in in-person performances, theater-makers have by and large continued to work in other mediums. In particular, I recently had the chance to … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Immediate storytelling and cutting-edge design work ensure that BLINDNESS is a strikingly immersive theatrical experience

If last year has taught us anything, it’s that we should be regularly exercising our ability to challenge the status quo. This also applies to theater and its administration, presentation, … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Daniel J. Watts lets it all hang out in his lively coming-of-age memoir THE JAM: ONLY CHILD

Last night, I streamed Daniel J. Watts’s theatrical memoir The Jam: Only Child, courtesy of the Virginia-based Signature Theatre. Mr. Watts, a Tony nominee “this” season for his fiery performance … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – City Center’s virtual New Adventures Festival showcases Matthew Bourne’s unmatched ability to conjure fully realized worlds for his dance creations

Over the last three decades or so, Matthew Bourne and his London-based company New Adventures have dominated the market for the fresh reinvention of classics (e.g., ballets, operas, literary works) … Continue Reading →