Search

Gerard Alessandrini's "Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song" is a beloved revue that satirizes Broadway shows and stars. Alessandrini has been writing and directing these revues for over four decades, and his newest version is currently playing at Theater 555 in New York City. The revue features new lyrics set to melodies from popular musicals, and highlights include parodies of "Cabaret," "The Great Gatsby," and "Hell's Kitchen." The cast consists of four performers and the music is provided by a single piano. Overall, "Forbidden Broadway" is a humorous and entertaining show that pokes fun at the world of Broadway. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the Broadway revival of "Once Upon a Mattress," highlighting Sutton Foster's dynamic performance as the lead princess. Topics include Foster's energetic and humorous portrayal, the musical's memorable score by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer, and the production's successful transfer from the New York City Center's Encores! series to Broadway's Hudson Theatre.

"Someone Spectacular" is a play by Doménica Feraud that explores the experiences of six individuals attending a grief-counseling session. When their counselor fails to arrive, the group must decide whether to proceed on their own or abandon the meeting. As they share their stories of loss and grief, tensions rise and the session becomes increasingly fractious. Despite its dark subject matter, the play incorporates humor and explores themes of isolation and the possibility of an afterlife. The play offers a compassionate portrayal of grief and is likely to resonate with audiences on an emotional level. [Extracted from the article]

"The Lonely Few" is an intimate rock musical set in an unnamed Kentucky town. The story follows Lila, the lead singer of a band, as she navigates a budding love affair with Amy, a more established musician. The musical explores themes of family loyalty, sexuality, and the struggles of young people trying to find their place in the world. Lauren Patten delivers a moving and vocally impressive performance as Lila, anchoring the show with her powerful singing. The score by Zoe Sarnak is varied and emotionally resonant, with songs that reflect the characters' hopes, fears, and disappointments. While the book by Rachel Bonds may feel somewhat sketched-in at times, the characters are well-defined and the dialogue and songs are tightly woven together. Overall, "The Lonely Few" offers a compelling and affecting rock 'n' roll romance. [Extracted from the article]

"Here There Are Blueberries" is a powerful play by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich that explores the disturbing paradox of how seemingly ordinary German citizens became willing participants in the Holocaust. The play draws on interviews with real people and uses photographs taken at Auschwitz to depict the staff's relaxation and enjoyment amidst unimaginable horror. It focuses on the donation of a photograph album to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and examines the reactions of contemporary Germans to the album. The play's staging is simple and unemotional, allowing the impact of the visual imagery to speak for itself. [Extracted from the article]

"Staff Meal" is a play by Abe Koogler that takes unexpected turns, moving from a rom-com parody to a satire of haute cuisine to a moment of meta-theatrical mischief. The play follows the evolving relationship between Ben and Mina, who meet in a coffee bar and gradually open up to each other. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that there are darker elements at play. The narrative also shifts to focus on a waiter's monologue about a haunted wine cellar and a character who hijacks the play to share her life story. "Staff Meal" challenges conventional storytelling and explores themes of obsession, celebrity culture, and the desire for easily digestible meaning. While it may confuse and frustrate some theatergoers, it offers a refreshing departure from traditional narratives. [Extracted from the article]

The Lincoln Center Theater's production of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" at the Vivian Beaumont stage in New York struggles to create a cohesive and intimate experience for the audience. Despite a cast of talented actors, including Steve Carell in the title role, the production fails to establish meaningful connections between the characters. The expansive stage and sparse set design further contribute to the lack of intimacy. While there are some standout performances, the overall production feels hollow and fails to capture the depth and complexity of Chekhov's work. [Extracted from the article]

"Suffs" is a Broadway musical produced by Hillary Clinton and written by Shaina Taub. The show tells the story of the fight for the 19th Amendment and women's right to vote in the United States. It features an all-female cast and highlights the talents of women. While the musical succeeds in showcasing the accomplishments of its creators and performers, it can be overwhelming at times with its broad cast of characters and numerous triumphs and setbacks. Overall, "Suffs" is a rousing and engaging production that explores an important moment in history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Outsiders" is a musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic 1967 novel, directed by Danya Taymor and featuring a talented young cast. The story depicts the rivalry between two gangs in Oklahoma, the "greasers" and the "socs," and explores themes of loyalty and tragedy. The musical is well-crafted, with a folk-rock score and a talented cast that brings emotional depth to their performances. While some may find the story dated or sentimental, those looking for a nostalgic exploration of teenage angst will find "The Outsiders" to be a rewarding experience. [Extracted from the article]

"Stalker" is a magic show performed by Swedish duo Brynolf & Ljung that combines impressive sleight of hand tricks with mind-reading abilities. The show explores the theme of stalking in the digital age, highlighting how social media and algorithms invade our privacy. The performers engage with the audience, involving volunteers in card tricks and mind-reading demonstrations. The show incorporates pop culture references and vintage elements, creating an entertaining and mysterious experience. The finale reveals the methods behind the tricks, breaking the traditional magician's code. [Extracted from the article]

The Who's Tommy is a revival of the rock opera directed by Des McAnuff, who also directed the original production over 30 years ago. The production brings an energetic and immersive experience to the story of a boy who survives trauma and becomes a folk hero. The show features advanced digital technology and a classic-rock score, and focuses on the strength of the music and the emotionally rewarding narrative. While the second act may slacken, the overall production is a powerful and dramatic experience that ends on a note of uplift. [Extracted from the article]

The musical adaptation of the novel "Water for Elephants" loses some of the original book's gritty and pungent qualities. The show softens and sanitizes the source material, removing much of the immersion in the seedy world of the circus. While the musical is energetic and well-performed, it lacks the darkness and depth of the book. The characters have been transformed into more genial and wholesome figures, and the depiction of circus life is largely pasteurized. Overall, the musical is enjoyable but lacks the provocative and adventurous nature of the original novel. [Extracted from the article]

In this review of the Broadway production of Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People," the author praises Jeremy Strong's performance as Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the whistleblower who uncovers dangerous bacteria in the town's spa waters. The adaptation by Amy Herzog and direction by Sam Gold are commended for their intelligence and restraint. The play's themes of self-interest, corruption, and the spread of disinformation are noted as relevant to contemporary issues, such as the skepticism towards doctors' recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The review also mentions the strong performances of other cast members and the small touches that add depth to the characters. [Extracted from the article]

The Notebook is a new musical adaptation of the popular Nicholas Sparks novel and film. The show features a score by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter. While the performance is elevated by the delicate and truthful performance of Maryann Plunkett, who plays a woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the overall production falls short of truly transporting the audience. The musical moves the story forward in time and makes changes to the characters' races, but fails to explore their lives in depth. The abundance of love songs in the show tends to blur together, although some may find success on the pop charts. Despite its flaws, the musical is notable for its depiction of the suffering of the main character and the devotion of her husband. However, even these moments are softened by sentimentality. [Extracted from the article]

"Dead Outlaw" is a macabre off-Broadway musical that tells the true story of Elmer McCurdy, a criminal who gained fame after his death when his embalmed body became a sideshow attraction. The creators of the Tony-winning musical "The Band's Visit" have reunited for this unusual subject, and the show offers a new and entertaining novelty. The first half of the musical follows Elmer's life as a bitter drunk and unsuccessful criminal, while the second half explores the bizarre journey of his corpse. The production features rockabilly music and a small ensemble cast, with impressive performances from Andrew Durand and Jeb Brown. The show emphasizes the theme of mortality and includes a flashy number performed by Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the famous Los Angeles coroner. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's play "Doubt." Set in a Catholic school in the 1960s, the play explores the question of whether a priest has molested a child. The review highlights the cultural changes that have occurred since the play premiered, such as the rise of "alternative facts" and cancel culture, and how these changes give the play a fresh potency. The performances of Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber are praised, as well as the scene between Sister Aloysius and Donald's mother. The review concludes by noting that the production feels as resonant as the original one did two decades ago. [Extracted from the article]

"Brooklyn Laundry" is a play written and directed by John Patrick Shanley that tells the story of a blossoming romance between a New York woman named Fran and a laundry proprietor named Owen. The play explores themes of love, reality, and the challenges of life through its well-developed characters and witty dialogue. While the play has been praised for its humor and realistic portrayal of relationships, some critics have noted that it may perpetuate the idea that a woman's life is only fulfilled by finding a male partner. Overall, "Brooklyn Laundry" offers a moving and entertaining experience for theatergoers. [Extracted from the article]

Dominique Morisseau's play "Sunset Baby" explores the fraught reunion between a long-estranged father and daughter, Kenyatta and Nina, in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. The play delves into the complex relationships between the characters, as well as the collateral damage caused by the activism of previous generations. Nina's mother, Ashanti X, has recently passed away, and Nina blames her father for her mother's addiction and death. The play raises questions about repairing deep wounds and the transformation of activism across generations. The characters' desires become entangled with a stash of letters from Ashanti X, which hold potential salvation for each character. The play offers a nuanced portrayal of the characters' struggles and does not provide easy resolutions. [Extracted from the article]

"Between Two Knees" is a sketch-comedy show performed by the 1491s, a Native American troupe, at New York's Perelman Performing Arts Center. The show takes a comedic and irreverent approach to exploring the often dark history of Native Americans, from the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 to the occupation of the same area in 1973. Through a series of vignettes, the show follows the stories of Isaiah and Irma, their descendants, and their fight against the mistreatment of Native Americans. The production combines humor with moments of sincerity and aims to both entertain and shed light on Native American history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Connector" is a new musical that tells the story of Ethan Dobson, an ambitious magazine reporter in the 1990s who is willing to compromise his morals to get a juicy story. With a jazz-inflected score by Jason Robert Brown and a book by Jonathan Marc Sherman, the musical follows Ethan's rise to success and his friendship with Robin Martinez, a fellow journalist. However, the show lacks a compelling emotional core and may be too focused on media references for non-journalists to fully appreciate. [Extracted from the article]

"Jonah" is a new play by Rachel Bonds that tells the story of Ana, a woman depicted through her relationships with three men over the course of many years. The play explores themes of coming-of-age, intimacy, and emotional wariness. While the episodic nature and disjointed narrative of the play can be frustrating, it ultimately portrays Ana as someone who attracts admiring or needy men and remains cautious due to her past experiences. The play leaves room for interpretation and raises questions about the events that have unfolded. [Extracted from the article]

Brian Friel's play "Aristocrats" is receiving a revival at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York. The play is set at a country estate called Ballybeg Hall, where a once-grand family is now experiencing financial and emotional decay. The production is part of the Irish Repertory Theatre's "Friel Project" and is praised for its moving and exquisite acting. The play explores themes of faltering fortunes and the loss of an insular world, leaving the characters unmoored and unhappy. [Extracted from the article]

"Our Class" is a play set in Poland before, during, and after World War II, focusing on a group of classmates who are half Jewish and half Catholic. The play depicts the violent and disturbing acts perpetrated against the Jewish population of Europe in stark detail. It follows the characters as they grow from childhood to adulthood, experiencing the turbulent political and social currents of Poland. The play combines dialogue and narration, and while some scenes can be difficult to watch, the dispassionate description of the gruesome acts offers a necessary distance. The play also contrasts the events in Poland with the happier experiences of a character who emigrated to America. Overall, "Our Class" is a disturbing drama that sheds light on the dark history of Poland during this period. [Extracted from the article]

"Prayer for the French Republic" is a play by Joshua Harmon that explores the experiences of a contemporary French Jewish family and their ancestors during World War II. The play raises the question of whether the family should leave France to escape persecution. While the play includes scenes from the 1940s, it primarily focuses on the family's struggle with exile in the 21st century. The production, directed by David Cromer, addresses the issue of antisemitism and resonates with current events. The play delves into the complexities of identity, assimilation, and the impact of historical events on individuals and families. [Extracted from the article]

"The Night of the Iguana" by Tennessee Williams is receiving a well-executed production in New York City, directed by Emily Mann. The play explores themes of spiritual solitude, the struggles of sensitive individuals in a harsh world, the fleeting solace found in sex, and the grace that can be found in understanding others. The story follows the Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon, who seeks refuge at a Mexican hotel and forms a connection with Hannah Jelkes, a spinster from Nantucket. While the production is generally strong, some critics feel that the relationship between the two main characters lacks depth and emotional resonance. [Extracted from the article]

"Appropriate" is a Broadway play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins that explores the tensions and secrets within a family as they gather to liquidate their father's estate. Set in a decaying plantation house in Arkansas, the play delves into the family's history, including the presence of two graveyards on the grounds¿one for the family and another for slaves. The drama unfolds over nearly three hours, revealing long-held resentments and the impact of the family's past on the present generation. The play features a talented cast, including Sarah Paulson, and is directed by Lila Neugebauer. While the play offers sharply defined characters and rich dialogue, some critics find the longer monologues repetitive and question the exploration of the connection between the family's troubles and the patriarch's secret bigotry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the best theater productions of 2023, highlighting the importance of intimacy between performers and the audience. Many of the top shows were performed in smaller off-Broadway spaces, allowing for a greater connection between the actors and the audience. Notable productions include Annie Baker's "Infinite Life," which explores the experiences of women at a clinic for chronic pain, and a loft staging of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" that brings a fresh perspective to the characters. The article also mentions other noteworthy productions, such as Samuel Beckett's "Endgame" and the musical "Purlie Victorious." [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the musical "Buena Vista Social Club" at the Atlantic Theater Company. Inspired by the 1999 documentary, the show features 15 Afro-Cuban songs and showcases the talents of the real-life musicians. While the musical struggles as a drama, it succeeds as a lively and exuberant performance of the songs. The article acknowledges that the storyline can be clichéd and melodramatic at times, but praises the exceptional music and the talented cast. Overall, the musical provides a captivating and enjoyable experience for the audience. [Extracted from the article]

"How to Dance in Ohio" is a compassionate Broadway musical that follows a group of autistic teenagers and young adults as they navigate the challenges of growing up. The show emphasizes that autistic individuals are similar to everyone else, with anxieties, insecurities, and fears of intimacy. The musical, based on a documentary film, features a superb cast of young autistic actors and explores themes of work, relationships, and personal growth. While the show has a sentimental tone and a pleasant score, it ultimately delivers an uplifting and emotionally satisfying experience. [Extracted from the article]

"Manahatta" is a play by Mary Kathryn Nagle that intertwines the stories of a young woman working at Lehman Brothers in 2002 and the Lenape people in the 17th century. The play explores themes of greed and the enduring impact of capitalism. While the contemporary scenes are more effective, the play's complex narrative sometimes feels rushed and some characters are not fully realized. "Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice" is a mini-musical written and performed by Gavin Creel, which takes the audience on a personalized tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Creel engages with artworks that deeply resonate with him and explores the idea of art as a form of self-help. The show focuses on selected works rather than the museum's greatest hits and features a propulsive pop-rock score. [Extracted from the article]

"Hell's Kitchen" is a new musical at the Public Theater that incorporates Alicia Keys's songs into a story based on her early life. The production features a powerful performance by Maleah Joi Moon in the central role of Ali, capturing the essence of the character with her own impressive vocal abilities. While the music is captivating, the storyline is somewhat formulaic, following the familiar conflicts between a rebellious daughter and her overprotective mother. The choreography and performances are energetic and well-executed, making the show an emotionally captivating experience. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the revival of the musical "Spamalot" on Broadway. The author initially questions the need for a revival, but quickly becomes enamored with the production. The cast, including James Monroe Iglehart and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, is praised for their performances. The article highlights the humor and escapism provided by the show, as well as the talented direction and choreography by Josh Rhodes. Overall, the article portrays "Spamalot" as a joyously funny and entertaining production. [Extracted from the article]

"Harmony" is a musical by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman that tells the story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vocal sextet with Jewish members whose success was cut short by the rise of the Nazis. The show, which has been in development for over 25 years, explores themes of antisemitism and the challenges faced by the band members during a period of increasing discrimination. While the musical has a diverse and appealing score, it lacks standout songs and struggles to balance the breadth of the historical narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the cast delivers impeccable performances, and the show offers a timely reflection on the persistence of antisemitism in both the US and abroad. [Extracted from the article]

John Turturro's stage adaptation of Philip Roth's novel "Sabbath's Theater" at the New Group in New York has received mixed reviews. The play, co-adapted by Turturro and Ariel Levy, follows the story of Mickey Sabbath, a sexually adventurous puppeteer. While Turturro's performance is praised, the adaptation is criticized for its lack of emotional impact and its inability to capture the essence of the novel. The production includes some arresting moments but is ultimately described as "flaccid" and "largely lifeless." [Extracted from the article]

"I Need That" is a play by Theresa Rebeck that explores the theme of hoarding and the emotional attachment people have to their possessions. The play follows Sam, an elderly widower played by Danny DeVito, who refuses to let go of his clutter despite the concerns of his loved ones. Sam's daughter, played by Lucy DeVito, tries to convince him to clean up his house before he faces eviction. The play delves into Sam's past and the reasons behind his hoarding behavior, ultimately highlighting the emotional significance he attaches to his possessions. [Extracted from the article]

Stephen Sondheim's last musical, "Here We Are," is a satirical adaptation of two films by Luis Buñuel. The musical, featuring a star-studded cast, explores the decadence of the upper classes and the absurdity of their privilege. While it may not be considered Sondheim's best work, the score showcases his unique talents and the characters are mildly caricatured representations of the wealthy. The first act is inspired by "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie," while the second act draws from "The Exterminating Angel." The musical is a frothy and entertaining comedy, although it loses some momentum in the second act. Overall, "Here We Are" is a delightful and transcendent production. [Extracted from the article]

Patrick Page's production at DR2 Theatre in New York City, titled "All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain," offers an entertaining exploration of Shakespeare's malevolent characters. Page, a seasoned actor known for playing dark roles, showcases his talent and stage presence in this one-man show. Directed by Simon Godwin, the performance moves chronologically through Shakespeare's works, highlighting the development and complexity of his villains. Page's portrayal of each character is nuanced and captivating, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of evil in Shakespeare's plays. [Extracted from the article]

Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along" has returned to Broadway after more than 40 years. The production, directed by Maria Friedman, has received critical acclaim for its emotional clarity, humor, and musical richness. The three leading performers, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez, deliver impeccable performances that bring depth and nuance to their characters. The revival highlights the brilliance of Sondheim's score and ensures that his achievement will be appreciated by a wider audience. [Extracted from the article]

"Jaja's African Hair Braiding" is a new Broadway comedy by Jocelyn Bioh that explores the dynamics among a group of workers, mostly recent immigrants, at a Harlem beauty shop. The play offers a glimpse into the struggles faced by these characters as they try to establish themselves in America while feeling uncertain about their future. The story takes place over the course of a day and highlights the daily rituals and minor trials of the workaday world. Directed by Whitney White, the play features well-drawn characters and touches on themes of immigration, class divide, and the challenges faced by African immigrants in America. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: arts in review; North America; United States; Northeast U.S.; New York State; Political/General News; Arts/Entertainment; Theater; Content Types; Factiva Filters EN arts in review North America United States Northeast U.S. New York State Political/General News Arts/Entertainment Theater Content Types Factiva Filters N.PAG N.PAG 1 09/25/23 20230922 NES 230922 Theresa Rebeck's play at 59E59 Theaters roots an engaging human drama in a plant shop; at SoHo Playhouse, Max Wolf Friedlich's play depicts a session between a therapist and a tech employee who has recently suffered an emotional breakdown. The primary connection develops between Megan and Roger, when Megan asks for a job and soft-hearted Roger agrees almost against his will. The plant is plopped onto the counter of the small store run by Roger (Jeffrey Bean) by his friend Lou (Triney Sandoval), whose neglect of this gift from Roger rankles mightily. [Extracted from the article]