Author Archives: Philip

Perfection in Two Acts: “Into the Woods” on Broadway

It is fascinating to imagine the processes that went into mounting the Broadway revival of “Into the Woods.” Not only Stephen Sondheim’s exquisite music and lyrics and James Lapine’s unifying book – those are givens. No, I mean the journey … Continue reading

Blog, Broadway, NY Theater

Season #70 at Stratford: “Richard III,” “Chicago” and “Hamlet”

As written for MediaNews Group in Michigan: However you define Power Couple, you will not find a more representative theatrical pair than actor Colm Feore and director-choreographer Donna Feore, who ignite the stages of Ontario’s Stratford Festival. In 2009, for … Continue reading

Blog, Canadian Theatre

Compelling Conversation Goes Live: “Lessons in Survival: 1971”

From 1968 to 1973, “SOUL!,” America’s first Black-hosted nighttime TV talk show, celebrated Black literature, poetry, music and politics, largely in interview formats. In 1971, prolific poet, activist and prominent figure of the 1960s Black Arts Movement Nikki Giovanni interviewed … Continue reading

Blog, NY Theater, Off Broadway

Mr. Seven Times a Week: Billy Crystal

One of my favorite theater memories is of seeing Phil Silvers in “Do Re Mi” in 1960. In a scene where his character is producing a recording session, Silvers tells the six on-stage musicians how he wants the music played. … Continue reading

Blog, Broadway, NY Theater

Romeo and…Bernadette? Why Not; What’s In a Name?

There are many reasons for taking a date to a community theater production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Maybe you are both studying English Lit or are enrolled in acting classes. Maybe a friend is playing Mercutio or has constructed … Continue reading

NY Theater, Off Broadway

Ontario’s Stratford Festival Emerges from The Pandemic of Its Discontent

The following article appears in the May edition of the Canadian national Mensa magazine, MC2, and online and in the print editions of MediaNews Group in suburban Detroit.     One hundred twenty-five actors in ten plays over seven months. The … Continue reading

Blog, Canadian Theatre