Category Archives: NY Theater

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

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

A Starry Couple Revives a Neil Simon Triptych: “Plaza Suite” on Broadway

Between 1961 and Y2K, Neil Simon was represented on Broadway by thirty plays, winning four Tony Awards (one honorary) and the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama (“Lost in Yonkers”). The plays were basically comedies, many with serious undertones. As a … Continue reading

Blog, Broadway

What’s Old Is New Again: Mint Theater Revives “The Daughter-in-Law”

In years past I have seen several plays performed in foreign (to me) languages. “Death of a Salesman” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” both familiar works, were perfectly clear in Yiddish, while Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano” (so-titled from an actor’s … Continue reading

Blog, NY Theater, Off Broadway