Oscar E. Moore Reviews
It Must Be Him is an Off B’way dud
There is a feeble attempt at comedy being made at the Peter J. Sharp Theater where It Must Be Him starring Peter Scolari has opened with a cast of twelve under the direction of Daniel Kutner and written by Kenny Solms. [Talkback]
An Error of the Moon: backstage with the Booth Brothers Off-B’way
It’s hardly entertaining or illuminating. I couldn’t wait to get home and listen to “The Ballad of Booth” from Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. [Talkback]
When Last We Flew – Fringe Fest NYC
The quality of acting is exceptional and the direction by Colette Robert is intriguing. With some more work “When Last We Flew” could really take flight. [Talkback]
Have a Nice Life – Fringe Fest NYC
This group therapy musical is now a mere shadow of itself. [Talkback]
And a Wake-Up – Surrealistic War Story at Fringe Fest NYC
A war vet and hero, John Williams' adjustment to coming home is examined superficially. Did I mention that he's dead? [Talkback]
Pope! An epic musical at Fringe Festival NYC
Holy Moly! Justin Moran (Book & Lyrics) and Christopher Pappas (Music) have written a terrific and thoroughly entertaining soft rock score for Pope! A clever and hip musical. [Talkback]
Fringe Fest NYC - The Pig, The Farmer and The Artist
An artful satire of the art world which is like falling down the famous rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland and finding a cast of zany characters who sing majestically. [Talkback]
All Day Suckers – Fringe Festival Highlight
Frightfully funny. Whatever you do, cancel all other appointments and see “All Day Suckers”. And take notes. You’ll need them eventually.
[Talkback]
Power Balladz is rocking the rafters at the Midtown Theater
POWER BALLADZ is rocking the rafters with three amazing performers with incredible voices and enough energy to power the East and West Coast. They are Dieter Bierbrauer, Mary Mossberg and Scott Richard Foster. [Talkback]
Spellbound is a musical fantasy for all ages at the Fringe Festival NYC
Spellbound might make a better movie. [Talkback]
Burning in China – Fringe Festival NYC
Imagine that an old friend, an affable laid back teacher invites you over to talk about his one year trip to China months before the Tiananmen Square incident in 1988. [Talkback]
The Twentieth-Century Way - Fringe Festival NYC
It’s an important but little known piece of gay history which is performed to the hilt by Messrs Bradley and Mammana. Baring both their talent and their bodies for a good theatrical albeit confusing thrill ride.
[Talkback]
Just in Time: The Judy Holliday Story at Fringe Festival
Marina Squerciati has Judy Holliday’s endearing personality, quirks and all, down pat. It’s an entertaining tribute to an original and very special lady. [Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - Getting Even with Shakespeare
A long winded play short on clarity. Brush up your Shakespeare before heading out to see this one. [Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - Love in the Time of Swine Flu
A series of skits about sex, dating, and everything else terrifying where five actor/writers give it the good old collegiate try. [Talkback]
Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party – Off B’way
It’s a message play disguised as a political burlesque which will entertain, make you think and laugh out loud and perhaps even cringe. [Talkback]
Secrets of the Trade at Primary Stages: play about show biz
Despite the robust hilarity in much of the script “Secrets of the Trade” is a mixed bag that doesn’t fully succeed. [Talkback]
In God’s Hat: brotherly love grand Guignol style
A new two act play written by Richard Taylor in the genre of “horror made humorous” barely succeeds. [Talkback]
See Rock City & Other Destinations: new, unique & unconventional musical
It’s a stunning production. See it. [Talkback]
The Irish…and how they got that way at The Irish Rep
It’s a captivating capsule of Irish history performed to the hilt by a great ensemble cast that is called upon to become many people with many accents and to break your heart and to make you laugh. [Talkback]
Freud’s Last Session: a meeting of the minds Off B’way
Fascinating, extremely well written with two superb actors – Martin Rayner (Freud) and Mark H. Dold (Lewis) playing intelligent cat and intelligent mouse with each other. [Talkback]
Falling For Eve – Trouble in Paradise: Adam & Eve Revisited Off-B’way
With the exception of the biting edge, unexpected and off beat humor of Mr. DiPietro “Falling For Eve” falls a bit flat.
[Talkback]
The Grand Manner: Kate Burton as Katherine Cornell off B’way lulls rather than excites
It is an affectionate, harmless, nostalgic and pleasant evening of good old fashioned story telling. [Talkback]
Piccola Cosi - a night with Aja Nisenson at the Triad
Aja is quite an original. She is beautiful. She is funny. She is innocent. She is sexy. She is feisty. She is stoic. And someone to keep your eye on. [Talkback]
Nunsense: 25th Anniversary production is a hoot
You don’t have to be Catholic to love Nunsense. It’s a hoot from start to finish. [Talkback]
Dietrich & Chevalier, the musical: off B’way at St. Luke’s Theatre
Billed as a musical, Dietrich & Chevalier is much more. Which causes some problems. The book and the songs seem to be at odds with one another.
[Talkback]
Freed: a new Denzel Washington discovered Off B’way?
Where “Freed” could have been a boring, scholastic history lesson the fine writing of Charles Smith continually keeps our interest piqued. [Talkback]
Are You There, Zeus? It’s Me, Electra – Off Off B’way
It's a very long and winding road to the final bloody tableau.
[Talkback]
That Face – Manhattan Theatre Club premieres teen angst from London
A surreal, voyeuristic journey into the lives of a British family that is in the process of disintegrating before our eyes. [Talkback]
This One Girl’s Story: GayFest NYC 2010
It is a powerful, promising and moving new original musical with a score that is fresh and vibrant. [Talkback]
The Kid – The adoption made not so easy musical
The very candid, very funny and extremely touching (some might say sentimental) The Kid, based on a book by openly gay syndicated columnist Dan Savage whose sex advice forum is as funny as it is profane almost totally succeeds.
[Talkback]
Adam Rapp’s The Metal Children at the Vineyard Off-B’way
A stab at satirizing the element of Middle America that would remove from the school curriculum books that deal with subjects that they (moral Christians) do not deem correct to be read by young adults. [Talkback]
Mitzi Gaynor at Feinstein’s – Razzle Dazzle: My life behind the sequins
Radiating charm and good old fashioned Hollywood glamour even without the help of all those infamous sequins (although there were plenty), Mitzi Gaynor is a star that you can’t help but love. [Talkback]
Oliver Parker! At The Cherry Lane with John Larroquette & Michael Zegen
It’s barely amusing with its four dysfunctional characters on parade in the dilapidated mess of an apartment strewn with debris. [Talkback]
The Glass House – Off Off B’way Breakthrough
Get your $18.00 ticket (not a misprint) and experience smart writing, intelligent direction and four riveting performances that tell the story of two of the most important and influential architects. [Talkback]
The Housewives of Mannheim - Golden Girls meets The Goldbergs Off B'way
A modest new play with some immodest ideas by Alan Brody -sensitively directed by Suzanne Barabas and finely acted by the cast of four. [Talkback]
The One Man (Two Man (not quite)) Hamlet at Here Arts Center
Welcome to the twilight zone world of Kevin Brewer - live on stage, on screen and off stage in his fascinating technology enhanced Off Off B'way play. [Talkback]
Romeo and Hamlet – GAYFEST NYC 2010
Are we to take this as a tragedy? Or a comedy? It seems to want the best of both worlds and winds up somewhere in the murky in between. [Talkback]
Children of Eden: Stephen Schwartz/John Caird mediocre musical
A remarkable and ambitious production of a less than remarkable (read mediocre) musical which sets endless unmemorable tunes, to the Book of Genesis – loosely adapted to fit the requirements of its writers. [Talkback]
Le Cirque Feerique (The Fairy Circus) Company XIV's inventive and imaginative production in Brooklyn
It’s fractured fairy-tales meets Tim Burton meets Baroque Opera Trio meets Lady Gaga meets Bizet meets flamenco meets Swan Lake meets Vivaldi meets Princes and Princesses played interchangeably by men and women. [Talkback]
Everyday Rapture on B'way with semi star Sherie Rene Scott
As she skips on stage with enough lip gloss to reflect to the balcony, her blonde locks as excited as she is to be there, Sherie Rene Scott is a full blown star obviously enjoying basking in her spotlight center stage. [Talkback]
Collected Stories on B'way starring Linda Lavin & Sarah Paulson has no fireworks
Remember aspiring actress Eve Harrington inching her way into the life of Margo Channing; substitute writer for actress and you have Collected Stories but without the theatrical fireworks. [Talkback]
Enron, the play, as bankrupt as the company itself
The London Telegraph called ENRON “a fantastic firecracker of a play.” Well, this firecracker fizzles at the Broadhurst Theatre. [Talkback]
Fences: Denzel Washington & Viola Davis star in B'way revival of Pulitzer Prize drama
Fences is an enthralling night at the theatre that reminds us all of the challenges that black people have had to face, have met and have overcome. [Talkback]
Promises, Promises is the Best Musical Revival this season says Oscar E. Moore
A return to the best of what Broadway musical-comedy can offer. Great music, lots of laughs and terrific performances. Who could ask for anything more?
[Talkback]
Sondheim on Sondheim – Singing Interruptus at Studio 54
Go see this poignant Sondheim sampler and be awed and amazed at the immense output of this musical genius. [Talkback]
Archie comics introducing gay character
"We knew at some point we wanted to introduce a gay character, and when I came up with the story idea, we felt it worked in context with this story." [Talkback]
American Idiot – 21st Century Fast and Furious Musical by GREEN DAY
Director Michael Mayer along with Billie Joe Armstrong have tried to make some narrative sense of the songs from the album with the very thinnest of story lines which comes across as an elaborate rock concert about three guys. A rock concert that has some very good music. [Talkback]
La Cage Aux Folles – Glitter and be Gay Revival
La Cage Aux Folles is simply fantastic. Go. Be entertained, be surprised and be young and in love with this sparkling powerhouse of a musical. [Talkback]
Leslie Jordan – My Trip Down the Pink Carpet
He is a master raconteur. He is adorable. He is “the gayest man he knows” and that is saying a mouthful. [Talkback]
Engaging Shaw – Matchmaking, Shavian Style Off -B’way
This new production by the Abingdon Theatre Company is engaging and charming, well acted with a dose of Shavian humor thrown in and good craftsmanship displayed in its intelligent writing. [Talkback]
Langston in Harlem – Poetry in Motion Off-B’way
If the Pulitzer could be awarded to an Off-Broadway musical then certainly “Langston in Harlem” would be a mighty contender. [Talkback]
Bloodsong of Love – Tex-Mex Spaghetti Western Song and Blood Fest at Ars Nova
We get off to a great start and then it takes a nose dive only to grab our interest and then lose it once again with the Turkey Leg scene which is very aptly named. [Talkback]
666 – Disgusting, demented, devil may care and questionable activities Off B’way
It is all done to appall and to amuse. [Talkback]
Million Dollar Quartet – American Idol Idols
The book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux is simply an excuse to showcase all the fabulous songs of the period and give the four actors ample opportunity to strut their stuff. Which they do.
[Talkback]
Moore on The Addams Family - Not what you expect
Starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, the new musical "The Addams Family" refuses to be buried alive despite a slew of scathing reviews. [Talkback]
Seeing RED – Mark Rothko unveiled
In RED, an intelligent literate two character bio-drama by John Logan we get a glimpse into what made Mark Rothko, abstract expressionist, click. [Talkback]
Inner Voices: Solo Musicals – The newest odd couple Off-B’way
Heidi Blickenstaff and Judith Blazer in two very unusual one act solo musicals (and I use the term loosely) at Primary Stages. What's going on? [Talkback]
Lend Me a Tenor – A B’way Revival of Farcical Proportions
A rumbling of the earth, seismic level 8.0, is the result of the fine group of skilled farceurs who bring to exaggerated life the very implausible if very laughable script. [Talkback]
Come Fly Away – Ol’ Blue Eyes & Terpsichore
This not so bright idea was concocted, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp with about as much sex appeal as a wet sock. [Talkback]
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
This Roundabout production should be seen for its brave concept and terrific quartet of fine actors, especially Keira Keeley and Judith Ivey. [Talkback]
The Irish Curse – It’s a small, small world Off B'way
A lack of penile endowment takes center stage. Talk about tiny Irish willies is sure to become the hottest ticket in town. [Talkback]
All About Me – Dame Edna & Michael Feinstein duel it out
Director, Casey Nicholaw has his hands full with these two but keeps his Yin and Yang stars shifting gears, gowns, tuxedoes and attitudes that will keep you laughing all through the night and well after. [Talkback]
Looped – Valerie Harper does Tallulah Bankhead
The indomitable, feisty and brilliant Valerie Harper gives a comic and touching performance of epic proportions doing justice to that dame named Tallulah. [Talkback]
The Scottsboro Boys by Kander & Ebb Off-B'way
An in-your-face-aren’t-you-ashamed-of-being-entertained-in-this-manner-musical. [Talkback]
The Cocktail Party – The Actors Company Theatre
This excellent company of actors does exemplary work with forgotten classics and “The Cocktail Party” is no exception. It has a smart and elegant look which fully complements a smart and elegant piece of writing.
[Talkback]
The Pride – and lots of prejudice Off B'way
The play is clever and thoughtful, well structured and enormously funny and powerful. [Talkback]
Equivocation – Shakespeare in Trouble at Manhattan Theatre Club
Bill Cain’s wordy, unfocused, occasionally amusing, mostly boring backstage look into the private life of Shakespeare. [Talkback]
When the Rain Stops Falling - Directed by David Cromer
Not even the talented Mr. Cromer who has assembled a bevy of able actors can help sort out and clarify the four generations of English and Australian families that populate this pretentious, puzzling and fishy play. [Talkback]
Next Fall – Triumphant Transfer to Broadway
There is truly an extraordinary new voice on Broadway – wonderfully comic, humane and heartfelt. And that voice belongs to playwright Geoffrey Nauffts. [Talkback]
The Miracle Worker - Starring Little Miss Sunshine
A three ring circus with a Raymour and Flanigan like furniture showroom floating above that is raised and lowered on distracting wires. [Talkback]
Christopher Walken stars in A Behanding in Spokane
This is bizarre black comedy at its best. It is horribly funny for all the wrong reasons. [Talkback]
Norma Doesmen: not ready for her close up
Sexual jokes can only go so far to help a limp script.
[Talkback]
Candida at the Irish Rep: revived relic by George Bernard Shaw
What might have spiced things up quite a bit would be to have Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher acting out this imagined love triangle.
[Talkback]
Zero Hour: imitation of Zero Mostel's life
For those skeptics who do not believe in reincarnation, buy a ticket to see Mr. Brochu and you will instantly become a believer. [Talkback]
Ill conceived FINN – Mabou Mines at NYU Skirball Center
Some of the videos are quite vivid and interesting. The story isn’t. It’s complicated to the point of not caring.
[Talkback]
List of 25th Film Independent Spirit Award winners
The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards was held last night in a tent on Los Angeles. British comedian Eddie Izzard was the host of the Spirit Awards ceremony, which was broadcast live on cable’s Independent Film Channel.
[Talkback]
The Temperamentals – Radical Fairies Off-B’way
Every gay person should have an immense sense of gratitude to these groundbreaking men who dared to come out at a time when even looking at another man or secretly meeting with a lover could mean arrest and defilement. [Talkback]
Jonathan Reynolds’ Girls in Trouble – To abort or not to abort
Director Jim Simpson has attempted to make sense out of this long, graphic and uneven production. It’s unsettling but I suppose that’s the point. [Talkback]
The Boys in the Band - Welcome to Harold's gay birthday party penthouse bitch fest
As your head swivels to catch each and every classic zinger you may feel that you are in the midst of a 1960’s happening, watching a time capsule reincarnation of gay life way back when. [Talkback]
Signs of Life: A Holocaust drama with music
In the lobby there is an exhibition of drawings salvaged from Terezin. They are incredibly moving. I wish I could say the same for Signs of Life. [Talkback]
Blind – Craig Wright's Oedipus in New York
Bravo to the actors for learning their pompous lines and for delivering them with gusto. [Talkback]
YANK! – A 1940’s gay military love story musical
Bring along a tissue or two as it is also heartbreaking and totally honest. And funny. And toe tappingly tuneful. [Talkback]
The Orphans’ Home Cycle Part III
You can be sure to be entertained and greatly moved by the writing of Mr. Horton Foote. [Talkback]
ReENTRY – A salute to the Marines, Off B’way
A forthright and eye opening new docu-drama by Emily Ackerman and KJ Sanchez, who has also directed this fine piece with military precision. [Talkback]
British import Happy Now? does not make you happy
I left with a headache. Insufferable is the word that comes to mind. [Talkback]
When We Have Gone Astray – and they have Off Off B’way
Once we get past the far fetched factor of how these three windup together on New Year’s Eve we get to know them and can finally feel for them in Act II... [Talkback]
Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies
There aren’t many fireworks going off here, despite all the talk of war. But there are some very interesting and entertaining thoughts that provoke us into thinking about these wounded and recovering souls. [Talkback]
Phantom Killer is taut, sexy and suspenseful and done Texas style
It is the superb acting (particularly that of Wrenn Schmidt as Jessie who has that intangible star quality) that brings this story based on true events to vivid life. [Talkback]
Tea With Chachaji is a total family musical that is fun, imaginative, inspirational
A five character musical filled with the colors and rhythms of India that amazes and inspires. [Talkback]
Noel Coward’s Present Laughter – Staring Victor Garber
Disappointing. Despite the jaw dropping, ultra dazzling, decadent and unfortunately overpowering deco duplex set [Talkback]
Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray off B’way: little passion and less wit
All the actors are rather stiff and have no human connection whatsoever. There is little passion and less wit. [Talkback]
A View from the Bridge - It’s Arthur Miller done to perfection.
A splendid, straightforward, solid and emotionally satisfying revival starring Liev Schreiber, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Hecht [Talkback]
The Accidental Pervert – The Power of Porn Off Off B’way
It is a bold, honest, unique, taboo-breaking, laugh filled evening of Mr. Goffman exposing his private inner porno life after discovering, at the age of eleven, his dad’s secret stash of sex tapes [Talkback]
David Mamet’s Race on Broadway
With what lawyers charge per hour, “Race” is a bargain deal. And well worth a visit. [Talkback]
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury star in A Little Night Music
As directed by Trevor Nunn we immediately begin to wonder if this somber, slow moving, snooze inducing with some sex and schnapps thrown in and about as subtle as a sledgehammer concept is going to work. [Talkback]
War on Christmas Day - Video debut
The video was made in gratitude and appreciation for the valiant men and women serving in our armed forces.
[Talkback]
Kristen Johnston stars in long lost comedy, So Help Me God: Off B'way
Sometimes you find a treasure and sometimes the treasure chest comes up empty and in the case of this never produced until now comedy - half full. [Talkback]
Tiger Woods and the list of alleged mistresses
Here is a list of women so far that are alleged to have had or is having an affair with golf great Tiger Woods. Reportedly there are many more to come. You wonder how he had time to play golf or how he concentrated on his golf game.
[Talkback]
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter opens at NY Theatre Workshop
Beautifully acted by the ensemble cast of ten the play itself is episodic and problematic. [Talkback]
Baby Jane Dexter in All About Love at the Metropolitan Room
Baby Jane Dexter not only wears her heart on her sleeve but exposes her deepest feelings in the presentation of all her song selections. [Talkback]
The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever – Off B’dway Holiday Humbug
“The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever is a mustn’t see!”
[Talkback]
Lynn Redgrave stars in Nightingale
Lynn Redgrave shares her insights into life and love with an exiting mix of theatrical tales which highlight the pain and guilt we sometimes feel while getting through life. [Talkback]
Manson: the musical arrives off off Broadway from Chicago
Manson: the musical is sometimes very funny with its mocking manner, sometimes uncomfortable and always sexual. [Talkback]
In the Next Room or the vibrator play: pleasurable but fleeting
Soon after the initial feeling of well being you discover that something is still wanting.
[Talkback]
NY Pops celebrates Johnny Mercer: Too Marvelous For Words
Ann Hampton Callaway with her silken voice, wonderful control and artistic majesty simply tore the house down with her set. [Talkback]
If there is only one show that you can see on Broadway this season Ragtime is it
It is a resplendent, timely revival that mesmerizes. Go see Ragtime immediately and revel in all its glory. [Talkback]
Post No Bills: Off B'way post mortem
It is like plodding through a muddy gulf of self pity. [Talkback]
Talk Like Singing is the first ever original Japanese musical to premiere in the U.S
It is inventive. It is funny. It is delightful to listen to. [Talkback]
Talk Like Singing is the first-ever original Japanese musical to premiere in the USA
The immensely likable Talk Like Singing written and directed by Koki Mitani with music by Yasuharu Konishi is a first rate entertainment that is original in story, concept and presentation. [Talkback]
Roundabout production of The Understudy has been extended to January 17, 2010
Theresa Rebeck's The Understudy is a classic 21st Century comedy of the first order. Funny doesn’t get much funnier than this. [Talkback]
The Late Christopher Bean is a triumph for The Actors Company Theatre
TACT has produced another winner with an excellent ensemble cast that brings truth and comedy to the forefront. It is a glowing and loving revival. [Talkback]
Penang: War is hell play with full frontal nudity Off Broadway
There is nothing new or original in this sprawling, unfocused anti Vietnam War play.
[Talkback]
Broke-ology is a powerful and poignant play at Lincoln Center Theater
Broke-ology is an unsettling, humorous, theatrical and heart wrenching story of the King family which will have you thinking about them long after you have left the theatre. [Talkback]
“Love, Linda – the life of Mrs. Cole Porter” at the Triad starring Stevie Holland
In this one woman, one hour, one sided biographical musical we get a rapid, superficial, speed dial version of their 35 years together – despite his being homosexual.
[Talkback]
Daryl Glenn & Jo Lynn Burks & "Nashville" at the Metropolitan Room
"Nashville" is a complete hoot! Charming. Infectious. And oh so entertaining. Great singing and a real down home, Grand Ole Opry, country party atmosphere. [Talkback]
Made in Heaven – Off B’dway ménage a quatre
Conjoined twins sharing a rather large penis try to find happiness. It is little more than amusing erectile dysfunctional theater. [Talkback]
Still Life arrives and departs still born Off B'way
The writing, at times, is excellent with great bantering back and forth dialogue between the sexes. Other times, yawn inducing.
[Talkback]
Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs to close on Broadway on Sunday
Neil Simon & David Cromer hit a grand slam home run. But not at the box office. This revival will close on Sunday. [Talkback]
Finian’s Rainbow: a golden revival on Broadway
They say that at the end of the rainbow is a pot of gold. That is not true. It is at the St. James Theatre. This is musical theatre at its best.
[Talkback]
Sienna Miller stars in After Miss Julie – Updated, indulgent and somewhat ludicrous Strindberg Variations on Broadway
While August Strindberg might not be exactly turning over in his grave because of Mr. Marber’s work, he certainly must be feeling some discomfit – as were many of the audience members in attendance.
[Talkback]
Memphis – the musical is like a shot of adrenalin on Broadway
Memphis was not integrated in the 50’s but Memphis the musical is a totally integrated production where all of the elements add up to a lively and thought provoking production while entertaining you throughout. Highly recommended. [Talkback]
Avenue Q – Puppet friendly musical returns to Off-Broadway
For those diehard fans that want to revisit the show you will not be disappointed. For those of you who do not know what you are missing, you now have the opportunity to find out. [Talkback]
Bye Bye Birdie – Roundabout Theatre's Revival Needs Reviving
I’m afraid the minuses out weigh the pluses. And hearing “loop the loop” ad infinitum becomes annoying. This revival of Bye Bye Birdie doesn’t quiet lay an egg but neither does it soar.
[Talkback]
The Toy Maker – a giant jig saw puzzle of a musical at New York Musical Festival
The past and present stories parallel one another and it is only towards the end of the second act when all the pieces fall into place that you understand how everything so beautifully connects.
[Talkback]
Plagued – a love story is a hip update on Cinderella
It's a modern day fairy tale for adults with sexual and some very serious undertones that add just the right magical touch.
[Talkback]
The Oldsmobiles at the Flea – an Off Off B’way car wreck
Sixty minutes of nonstop unnecessary nonsence. [Talkback]
The Emperor Jones at the Irish Rep done Disney style
From arrogance to alarm to atonement John Douglas Thompson imbues his character with all the requite traits to elicit a strong and fearsome performance. [Talkback]
The Pig, The Farmer and The Artist – An operatic satire about sex, music and art
In reality it’s more a “singspiel” as the very well endowed Pig (Tom Blunt) speaks rather than sings his part. Director A. Scott Parry has done a masterful job of keeping the ball rolling with clever staging and delightfully clever costumes. [Talkback]
Balloon boy vomits on live television on The Today Show (video)
The father, Richard Heene, called Thursday’s riveting drama played out in the skies over northern Colorado a “horrible moment.” “I really don’t want to relive that again. It was a really horrible, horrible moment for me and my wife as well”. Asked if it was a hoax he replied "Absolutely not
[Talkback]
Hollywood stars have a Five Star hotel for dogs only
To stay at the Canyon View Ranch resort in California, you must meet a strict criteria: a furry coat, wagging tail and four legs. The five star Disneyland style resort is where the stars leave their precious pet dogs while they are filming or on holiday. [Talkback]
Limp satire, Inventing Avi (and other theatrical maneuvers) Off-B'way
The plot is zany but implausible, veering on the ridiculous in not a very amusing way. It’s in two acts, offers some chuckles and steadily goes downhill after the intermission.
[Talkback]
A glorious glamorous Marilyn Maye – Revisits Johnny Mercer at the Metropolitan Room
Marilyn Maye hosts a great party every time she sings with her passionate, burning desire to please. I wanna be around every time she performs.
[Talkback]
Cross That River: a new musical about the Black West with an amazing score
Almost every song in this song cycle of a show is memorable. The score is tuneful and gets your toes tapping while touching your heart at the same time. [Talkback]
The comedy The Royal Family was the first reality show (1927)
The George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber comedy still resonates with great humor and heart. [Talkback]
The Diary of Anne Frankenstein is an absurd piece of theatre Off Off B’way
It is sometimes very amusing but overstays its welcome with too many yawns in between. [Talkback]
Jude Law stars in Hamlet on B'way: it's boring
Despite the tormented, majestic and oft times amusing performance of Jude Law (his crab and gorilla for instance) the evening is rather boring. [Talkback]
Carrie Fisher stars in Wishful Drinking at Studio 54: Hollywood on the rocks
She showers audience members with glitter and gossip as she embarks on her tell-all journey of her Hollywood life on the rocks. [Talkback]
The Happy Embalmer is one big looney, irreverent cartoon of a musical
Nothing is sacred here and if you are willing to go along with the absolutely zany plot you’ll have a fine time. [Talkback]
Hurricane is not your usual singing in the rain story
The entire creative team behind Hurricane can be congratulated for their artistic vision and their considerable artistic achievements.
[Talkback]
The Night Watcher at Primary Stages is brimmming with brilliance
Charlayne Woodard is humble and tough and grounded and wise as she weaves her tale of truth and understanding of what it takes to be a mother or an aunt or a god mother with humor and bittersweet remembrances.
[Talkback]
All Through The Night is a dreary, surrealistic Third Reich war drama
The intentions of playwright Shirley Lauro are admirable. The play isn’t. [Talkback]
Off Broadway's Penny Penniworth is an entertaining, light hearted evening
It’s an entertaining, light hearted evening with a cast of truly ridiculous people from Merrie Olde England.
[Talkback]
Letters to Daddy, Jr. at New York Musical Festival is "chock full of life's lessons"
Letters to Daddy, Jr. is chock full of life’s lessons without ever being preachy – in fact it’s all done with humor and bright and catchy soft rock tunes that the kids obviously relish singing especially the wonderful “Together We Can Change The World”. [Talkback]
Daniel Craig & Hugh Jackman, Hollywood He-Men, star in A Steady Rain on B'way
Hoards of “Stage Door Joanies” wait outside the stage door for their idols to emerge after watching them onstage for ninety intermission-less minutes. [Talkback]
A Boy and His Soul – at the Vineyard Theatre
A perfect performer in the perfect theatre with a perfect show. Colman Domingo has a commanding presence and is irresistible. It is impossible not to like him. [Talkback]
Killers and Other Family – Off B’way Rattlestick Offering
A thought provoking and disturbing play that should be seen. [Talkback]
Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 12/7/09
1,000 balloons were released to celebrate the fortchomng release. Each balloon had a card attached that had a code that will entitle the holder to register online. The first prize winner will embark on a tour of the film set and then will go to make up and wardrobe for a unique experience. They [Talkback]
Days and Nights – Two Chekhovian Interludes at La Mama
Experiments are good. Both for the writers and performers and for those of us anxious to see new material written for the musical stage. [Talkback]
Off B'way play In The Daylight is exciting, suspenseful & grotesquely funny
In The Daylight is a rare find. Exciting, suspenseful and grotesquely funny. Highly recommended. [Talkback]
Groovaloo is a Hip Hop Sensation at the Joyce Theatre
What an unexpected, fantastic, exciting, spectacular, inspirational evening of invigorating hip hop dancing and unique story telling presented by the fourteen member Groovaloos. Go!
[Talkback]
Fathers & Sons is playing Off B’way
These men are not happy. And thusly neither are we. [Talkback]
Emma Watson did NOT arrive by helicopter to college in U.S.
The PR firm Romley Davies wants it known that the Harry Potter star, Emma Watson, "arrived at Brown University by car as did everyone else. She has not nor will at any time travel to university by helicopter."
[Talkback]
Devil Boys From Beyond: hilarious Fringe Grand Finale
It’s a clever take off of all those 1950 space ship alien creatures come to Earth movies cross pollinated with the 1940’s screwball comedy His Girl Friday.
[Talkback]
Be the Dog at the Fringe Festival
A very strange, mixed breed of a fifty five minute show - somewhat intellectual, somewhat pretentious, somewhat interesting. [Talkback]
His Greatness plays at Fringe Festival
Who exactly is His Greatness in this intriguing and well scripted three character play? Tennessee Williams? Perhaps. [Talkback]
Graveyard Shift – A Fringe Festival Mess
Ren Casey is the creator of this monster – book, lyrics and music of this new zombie-musical-action-comedy. There is some action and lots of zombies. [Talkback]
How Now, Dow Jones revisited plays at Fringe Festival
Zippy, zestful, really lots of fun and performed with zeal. [Talkback]
Victoria & Frederick for President at the Fringe Festival
First woman to run for President, Victoria Woodhull nominates son of slaves, Frederick Douglass for VP in 1872. President Grant and Susan B. Anthony pull no punches. [Talkback]
Afterlight - Fringe Festival
Twilight would have been a better title but that brings forth visions of vampires now and so we have to settle with Afterlight and albino Monarch butterflies.
[Talkback]
The Boys Upstairs – Fringe Festival
Jason Mitchell has written a fast paced, fiercely funny comedy about gay friendship with enough witty one liners and caustic zingers to be remembered and quoted for quite some time. [Talkback]
A Time to Dance - Fringe Festival
Libby Skala has the same exuberance and élan and love for life that her great aunt Lisl obviously had. This delicious apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
[Talkback]
A Lifetime Burning: rush to see this play
A Lifetime Burning is like a very finely layered Vidalia onion. Layers that are slowly peeled away exposing the truth and lives of all those involved. [Talkback]
The play Al’s Business Cards is like a bad tv sitcom
The best thing to be said about Al’s Business Cards is that it’s over before you know it. Clocking in at approximately 70 minutes.
[Talkback]
Puppetry of the Penis: the long and short of it
If after seeing this show you haven’t had your fill of testicles, shaved scrotums and pliable penises you can now book this act for Private Parties. [Talkback]
Burn The Floor: smoldering, sexy and sweaty
It pulsates. It seduces. It has some of the most beautiful, talented, sexy dancers ever seen on Broadway. It is rock solid, pure entertainment. [Talkback]
Gentleman’s Wish at Midtown Int’l Theatre Festival
What exactly is Senator Hanford Drake wishing for? Is he wishing that he had never married Sarah who has decided to “out” her husband on the eve of his re-election campaign? [Talkback]
Click, Clack, Moo: FREE TheatreworksUSA's simply delightful moosical
It’s an hour’s worth of good time fun with some valuable lessons of life and some new words to be learned that will last long after you go home.
[Talkback]
Wildflower – Summer Lust in the Rockies
Wildflower, a new play by Lila Rose Kaplan could use a double dose of Miracle-Gro to help it along. It is merely an outline for what could become an interesting drama. And what's with the ending? [Talkback]
Vanities a “new” musical based on an “old” play, by Jack Heifner also called Vanities
These three should be nominated as one as were the three Billy’s in Billy Elliot for an Obie Award – they are that good. [Talkback]
Revisionist, cross gendered retelling of Babes in Toyland
As presented by The Little Lord Fauntleroys, it is a children’s show not for children. Nor is it for adults. [Talkback]
The Sword Politik – Midtown Int’l Theatre Festival
One wonders if this is really meant to be serious or a satire on those types of cult films where everyone is vying for power and poison and intrigue, death and disguises are the plat du jour. [Talkback]
I HATE LOVE – Midtown Int’l Theatre Festival
Loosely based on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick become Tom Lawrence and Commander Gerald Bennett. Will they be outed? Will they admit their love for one another? Will they ever stop fighting? [Talkback]
Mother: Holland Taylor & Buck Henry star at The Wild Project
We’ve all had holiday dinners with relatives that we would rather have just sent a card to.
[Talkback]
Tin Pan Alley Rag: Irving Berlin & Scott Joplin compare notes
If Irving Berlin were marketing this show he’d say that you were getting two shows for the price of one. [Talkback]
Perfect Wedding - Bedroom Farce opens Off Off B'way
The previous night, at a bachelor party, Bill somehow winds up in bed with another woman and a bump on his head after falling off a bar stool. His bride to be is to arrive momentarily. What to do? How to explain it all? [Talkback]
Jersey Boys Special – The Cloning of Frankie Valli Part I
Multi award winning musical Jersey Boys to open July 4th at Melbourne's Princess Theatre, Austrailia. How can it be that there are so many excellent sound alike Frankie Vallis when once upon a time there was only one? [Talkback]
Jersey Boys Special – The Cloning of Frankie Valli
Part II
So how do they find all of the new Franki Vallis with the remarkable tenor/falsetto range required to replicate the original Valli sound? To do so, the producers have created “Frankie Camp”. [Talkback]
Jamie deRoy and the Gatlin Brothers
A full fledged country western concert by the one and only famous Gatlin Brothers. It was terrific. The usual martinis that accompany the cabaret performances that the Metropolitan Room is known for were replaced by tacos and salsa and ice cold Corona with lime.
[Talkback]
Dolly Parton's decorator, Anthony Cochran, sings at Metropolitan Room
He has a pleasantness and calmness about him that is contagious. A confiding, soft spoken husky voice that transforms a lyric into a thing of beauty as his voice strengthens and then lifts into a clear and easy falsetto. [Talkback]
A deadly production of The Funeral Director’s Wife
Writers Beth Gilleland and Kathleen Douglass try to put some "fun" into funerals. But it is not a play. It’s not a revue. It’s a hodge podge of stories with some music and mime. [Talkback]
Marilyn Maye's tribute to Johnny Mercer at the Metropolitan Room
Be quick if you want to see one of the most exciting cabaret shows by one of the foremost entertainers in the business – the incredibly classy, glamorous and glorious Marilyn Maye in "Mercer the Maye Way" [Talkback]
The Amish Project: beautiful, intelligent heartfelt ode to 2006 masacre of 10 girls
There are no video projections. No props. No theatrical tricks. Only good writing. Good acting. [Talkback]
The off B'way play Strangers features Bogie & Bacall and green cards
Strangers isn’t perfect. What is? Who is? But it is intriguing.
[Talkback]
The play Next Fall is a gay drama by Geoffrey Nauffts
The scenes are swift with wonderful, sharp and funny dialogue. Intelligent direction by Sheryl Kaller is careful not to go into gay cliché-land. [Talkback]
Susan Yankowitz play Night Sky deals with Aphasia (June is Nat’l Aphasia Awareness Month)
It’s a very serious matter that is treated in a very serious manner – with a small amount of comic relief thrown in as Anna (who is brilliantly portrayed by Jordan Baker) tries to find her lost words and attempts to put those words together. [Talkback]
Fred Astaire musical tribute by Beegie Adair
Believe me, you will want to listen to DANCING IN THE DARK over and over again.
[Talkback]
Outer Critics Circle Awards ceremony at Sardi's: a behind the scenes look
What was so amazing was that so many of the recipients thanked the Outer Critics Circle members for their reviews and for getting the word out about their shows to New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester and on the World Wide Web. [Talkback]
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 the musical – Shines like the sun
If laughter is the best medicine then you should take a double dose of 9 to 5 immediately. It’s the feel good musical of the moment. [Talkback]
Elton John's Billy Elliot receives 15 Tony Award Nominations
The tale of a young boy whose dreams come true is an inspiration to all those who are dreaming of a better future and for those who perhaps have lost the dream along the way. It’s never too late, you know, and Billy Elliot stirs up the juices. [Talkback]
Sophistry: sophomoric revival
A gay, alcoholic philosophy professor of 18 years – Whitey McCoy (Jonathan Hogan) is accused by a young student (an excellent Michael Carbonaro) of being sexually molested, raped (or is it oral sex?) one cold Thanksgiving evening. [Talkback]
Shrek the musical – All hail the freaks!
A witty and wonderfully green world has been created where adults can rediscover and rekindle their inner child and where kids can discover the magic that live musical theatre can bring. [Talkback]
Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin, John Goodman & John Glover in Waiting for Godot
It’s long and far between the comic interludes that test the patience of the theatergoer with the who, the why, the what’s this all about talking in circles business. [Talkback]
30's relic, Accent on Youth, revived at Manhattan Theatre Club
You can almost smell the moth balls. Not that it isn’t amusing. It is. But it’s dated. Dated in a charming way. [Talkback]
Roger Rees, Victoria Clark headline Sing Happy! - a spring benefit for The Collegiate Chorale
It’s all about educating the next generation of musicians – opening doors for them – changing their lives. After all, they are the future of music.
[Talkback]
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Director Bartlett Sher's vision has made the play an event that cannot be missed. It is theatrical bliss where there is hope for a new generation and love and laughter reign supreme. [Talkback]
Michael Feinstein and The New York Pops Celebrate at Carnegie Hall
What better way to get kids interested in live theatre and both classical and pop music than to involve them in this concert. [Talkback]
Happiness, an original musical at Lincoln Center, isn’t
A cross between Sartre’s No Exit and a not very memorable episode of The Twilight Zone. What went wrong? Just about everything.
[Talkback]
Next to Normal - a theraputic Broadway trip
Diana, brilliantly portrayed by Alice Ripley, is an addicted and troubled suburban housewife in the original, powerful, honest and moving musical, Next to Normal, at the Booth Theatre. You will never forget this performance.
[Talkback]
Alan Ayckbourn's serio/comic triology The Norman Conquests conquers B'way
You do not have to see all three but after seeing one you can be sure that you’ll want to see the others. You will be hooked on these characters and want to know what happens to them over this long, illuminating and catastrophic weekend. [Talkback]
Harriet Walter and Janet McTeer on B'way in Mary Stuart
There is nothing more exciting than seeing the two Queens having a go at each other. It’s a war of words and wills where the dialogue bristles with invective. Nice. [Talkback]
The Good Negro - emotional closing night performance at The Public Theater
The Good Negro is a testament to those people who started the civil rights movement, trying to challenge the laws of segregation. So many profiles in courage, despite their individual weaknesses, where the end justified the means. [Talkback]
Outer Critics Circle Announce 2008-09 season nominees
Billy Elliot the musical and Shrek the Musical head the list with 10 nominations each. [Talkback]
Angela Lansbury on stage at 83 in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit is as good a ghost story as you’ll ever see. A champagne cocktail of comic complications that will leave you pleasantly spooked.
[Talkback]
Rock of Ages starring Constantine Maroulis will be rocking for ages and ages
The Brooks Atkinson Theatre has been taken over by a band of debauched and decadent 80’s rockers that want to shake the rafters mightily until audiences rise and cheer for a show that has little plot but lots of entertainment to offer. [Talkback]
Jane Alexander and Lynn Cohen in Chasing Manet a new play by Tina Howe
Anyone who has had anyone close who has had to be admitted into a nursing home will find this play to be totally implausible. [Talkback]
Neil LaBute's reasons to be pretty makes B'way debut
Four characters in a dysfunctional love situation. Despite my reservations with the script, four excellent reasons to see reasons to be pretty. [Talkback]
Patti Wicks is totally disarming. Mellow. Funny. And just plain wonderful
Her vocal quality is something of a cross between Gwen Verdon, Lauren Bacall and Yogi Berra. But it’s not her voice that enchants alone – it is her whole being. [Talkback]
Hair revival on B'way: a love fest for the young and old
Hair, the American Tribal Love Rock Musical has got to be the best revival of a Broadway musical this season. Or any season. Period. [Talkback]
The Toxic Avenger: rock musical has songs like Evil is Hot and Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore
Everyone works feverishly hard at being outrageous. It’s a non-stop onslaught on our senses. You’ll laugh like a hyena. [Talkback]
New musical Being Audrey (as in Hepburn) opens
All their hearts are in the right place but just about everything else isn’t. It’s froth without any fizz. More heartburn than Hepburn. [Talkback]
Tovah Feldshuh stars in Irena’s Vow on B'way
It is the sly and inspirational performance of Tovah Feldshuh that holds these fragile, episodic pieces together which leaves us with a lump in our throat, an ache in our heart and a tear in our eye.
[Talkback]
Geoffrey Rush & Susan Sarandon reign on Broadway in Ionesco's Exit The King
If you have never thought of what happens after you expire you might want to keep the lights on at home when you retire for the evening after seeing this show. And then again, dying has never seemed more amusing. [Talkback]
Glitter and be Gay at the Big Gay Sing
The New York Gay Men's Chorus is 200 members strong. The sound is spectacular. The choice of songs, a musical comedy queen’s nirvana. [Talkback]
God of Carnage is a comedy about upscale savages on the loose in Brooklyn
Ferociously funny. All sorts of farcical shenanigans acted out by an excellent cast of four farceurs led on by the crisp and antic direction of Matthew Warchus. [Talkback]
West Side Story Revival sizzles
Mambo Mia! It’s a great evening of theatrical history being reinvented for a new and appreciative audience. Highly recommended. [Talkback]
The play Impressionism has the sharks out on Broadway ready for the kill
Do not be intimidated by the title. Impressionism is not totally about art, although the visuals are absolutely beautiful to look at - it is an unabashed love story told in a somewhat abstract manner. [Talkback]
“MetroStar” Winner, Anne Steele is an original
No one comes close to the incredible talent Anne Steele displays. She is an original. With an original act. With a voice that is pure and powerful and poignant. [Talkback]
Gaugleprixtown: murderers reunite
It’s like an Ingmar Bergman nightmare. [Talkback]
Humor Abuse – Clowning around in the Pickle Family Circus
Lorenzo Pisoni does justice to his self-centered father’s memory and performs the routines with finesse and bravado. [Talkback]
Rooms: a rock romance that will have NYC humming and buzzing and cheering
Doug Kreeger as Ian and Leslie Kritzer as Monica are perfection as the oddest of odd couples with charisma by the bucketful and voices to match. [Talkback]
Arthur Miller's Incident at Vichy grabs your attention
It’s a brutal reminder of what happened and a warning for it to never happen again. You can literally feel the danger.
[Talkback]
Schooling Giacomo – Orchard Beach Memories
There are a lot of laughs and some heartfelt truths laid bare in Schooling Giacomo. It’s a pleasant time spent with some interesting characters. And I do mean characters! [Talkback]
Jane Fonda returns to B’way in 33 Variations
This is no mere documentary-like history lesson, this is a remarkably poignant and oft times amusing examination of the lives of two equally obsessed artists. [Talkback]
red-haired thomas is a mediocre drama at Ohio Theatre
Danny Beiruti and Danielle Skraastad are standouts in this mediocre drama that has little humor or enlightenment to offer. [Talkback]
Moliere's classic comedy Tartuffe is a catastrophe
The only two members of the cast that survive this catastrophe are the stylish and totally competent Christina DeCicco as Elmire, the sexy step-mother. She rises above the mire. In the small part of Mr. Loyal, Jasper Soffer makes an excellent impression. [Talkback]
A Little Night Music – Sondheim plays White Plains
There is always talk about “chemistry”. Do they have it or not? A Little Night Music has enough chemistry and sexual tension to cause a major explosion on Main Street. [Talkback]
“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” songs and stories from the Great Depression - a new Musical Revue at the Triad
Let’s hope that we survive the pickle that this country is in now and that we can keep the wolf at the door at bay and that it won’t be long before we can all sing “Happy Days Are Here Again” once more. [Talkback]
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town – Timeless Classic Off B’way
OUR TOWN has been given a remarkable and inventive revival at the Barrow Street Theatre, under the inspired and most original, fluid direction of David Cromer who also appears as the Stage Manager. [Talkback]
Blood Type: Ragu Off B’way Sicilian Style
“Molto bene ma troppo lungo.” (“Very good but too long.”) [Talkback]
Guys and Dolls – Reviled or Revered B'way Revival?
The delightful surprise is Lauren Graham – of "Gilmore Girls". Who would have ever imagined that she would make such a memorable Adelaide – the long suffering fiancée, engaged to Nathan Detroit for fourteen years, who works at singing and stripping while waiting for the ring to be placed on her lonely finger. [Talkback]
The Cripple of Inishmaan - Off B’way hit is darkly humorous
A curious mix of characters which allow the extraordinary ensemble company to portray their individual eccentricities to a tee which director Garry Hynes helps bring to vivid life. [Talkback]
The opera Kaspar Hauser: wild child is tossed out into the cold cruel world
As Kaspar Hauser, Preston Martin (center) turns in a sensitive, touching and totally enthralling performance. [Talkback]
B'way diva Natalie Toro is a smash hit at Metropolitan Room
When a singer can evoke complete silence in the Metropolitan Room you know how special that singer is. [Talkback]
Off Broadway show Zombie is not for the squeamish
A chilling experience. You will never be able to look at an ice pick in quite the same way after seeing this show. If anything, it is better now then when I first saw it. Connington delivers a magnificently nuanced performance.
[Talkback]
Christine Jorgensen Reveals is a riveting theatrical event
The indelible image of Bradford Louryk as Christine Jorgensen is forever marked in my memory as one of the most fascinating pieces of acting I have ever witnessed. [Talkback]
Tony Middleton at the Metropolitan Room
Tony sang with a warmth and a passion and sensitivity that showed off his smooth, lower sultry range, his belting top notes and his easy going, velvety, thick as molasses tones.
[Talkback]
That Pretty Pretty; or The Rape Play
Two ex-strippers are the ultra violent, almost comic book like heroines out for blood. As Agnes, Lisa Joyce brings to mind Kelly Clarkson gone haywire and as Valerie, Danielle Slavick, Vampira on speed. [Talkback]
The Book of Lambert – La Mama Premiere
A thirty year old psychological drama by Leslie Lee, it is finally having its world premiere at La Mama e.t.c. on East 4th Street. It’s thirty years too late. [Talkback]
Simply Streisand “the duets album”
What a glorious recording by Steven Brinberg and friends. Steven still has all his powers of impersonation intact. And he sings songs that Streisand never recorded, songs that she probably wished she recorded and some of her all time super hits. [Talkback]
American Rapture: Loneliness Off B’way style
An odd evening of theatre. Interesting and never
boring. Bittersweet. Some pleasant, unexpected things happen but not enough to make it a totally satisfying evening.
[Talkback]
Sleepwalk With Me graphically explains an exam through a penis
Mike Birbiglia graphically explains an exam through his penis and somehow makes it amusing as he paces and circles the stage in his one man stand up comedy routine Sleepwalk With Me smartly directed by Seth Barrish. [Talkback]
Shipwrecked! The amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as told by himself)
A potpourri of historical facts, a steamer trunk full of theatrical tricks and some fanciful fiction make Shipwrecked! extremely seaworthy.
[Talkback]
Award winning RAGTIME at Astoria Performing Arts Center
I strongly suggest you get to see it any way you can – by car or by subway. Even if you have to walk, it would be worth it. What an incredible achievement. It’s a triumph on every level.
[Talkback]
EUAN MORTON’S Debut Solo Recording - New Clear
It’s an eclectic mix of modern love songs. Each one is chosen with care and sung with the most lyrical, pure and remarkable voice of Mr. Morton who has a natural gift of singing straight from the heart and piercing the heart of whomever is listening. [Talkback]
Kathleen Turner & Charles Busch star in The Third Story off B'way
Costumes by Gregory Gale are knockouts. I wish the same could be said for the comedy. It’s sporadic at best. All three tales meet up somewhere in the middle of Act I and you might be wise to buy a navigational device to help steer you through to the ending. [Talkback]
Famous Writer Seduced by Beautiful Breasts
Their affair commences when Emilie of the beautiful breasts arrives in Voltaire’s private Paris apartments – through a secret door, caped and masked and with a key supplied by Madame de Pompadour, on New Year’s Eve 1733 attempting to seduce him into giving her enough money to pay for the debts she has incurred... [Talkback]
Cornbury, The Queen’s Governor: Political drag race
As Lord Cornbury, who was rumored to dress up in women’s finery and loot the treasury to pay for his frocks, David Greenspan gives an expansive, exuberant, extravagant and totally human portrayal of the man who lived his life openly and without any regrets. [Talkback]
Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire
There are moments of pure hilarity and moments of pure pathos and lots of lulls in between. [Talkback]
Ken Lavigne: Canadian tenor makes Carnegie Hall debut
This is a tenor whose time has come. A tenor who has all that is needed to soar to the top of his field. A tenor to be internationally recognized as one of the best.
[Talkback]
Suzanne Carrico – The Friendliest Thing…
The show might be more aptly titled “Aspects of Sex” as all of the songs whether with subtlety (a most beautiful “I Got Lost in His Arms”) or the more sultry “Do It Again!” deal with what happens between a man and a woman and their hormones.
[Talkback]
Leaves of Glass – Dirty Family Secrets
Euan Morton is heartbreaking as he sits immobile, staring out after what might have been after we discover their sour secret. He is at times charming and amusing, volatile and strong with a childlike inner grace that shines throughout. It is an incredibly honest performance. [Talkback]
KRAPP,39 – Soho Playhouse
Even with a finely nuanced performance by Mr. Laurence, how can we feel any sympathy for someone who so obviously dislikes himself? A man who has such low self-esteem even though he thinks he’s a great actor and enjoys his solitude? [Talkback]
“Southern Gothic Novel: The Aberdeen Mississippi Sex-Slave Incident”
Not since Othello has a handkerchief played such a vital role in the machinations of a theatrical outing. Not since Carol Burnett as Eunice with her Mama have we seen such a high strung, dysfunctional heroine carry on over not too much of anything.
[Talkback]
Historic Photos of Broadway by Leonard Jacobs
In an easy to read style that is knowledgeable, fascinating and chock full of humor Mr. Jacobs has written the text and captions with some wonderfully original insights into the history of New York Theater.
[Talkback]
Natalie Toro: B'way diva makes her debut in Paris
She has been most daring by including four Streisand hits including the famous duet that Barbra sang with Judy Garland – “Get Happy”/”Happy Days” – here recorded with Sutton Foster in another fantastic arrangement by Matt Perri. [Talkback]
Gilbert & Sullivan with a twist at the Triad
Even if you know nothing about Gilbert & Sullivan you will be entertained royally by the six very talented cast members in "I've Got a Little Twist". David Auxier has written some very funny lyrics to some tired old G&S gems which make them sparkle anew. [Talkback]
The Judgment of Paris – Company XIV seduces and sizzles
Mixing elements of Baroque dance with Busby Berkeley and using an assortment of music that includes La Belle Helene (Offenbach) – Pergolesi and Cole Porter’s Can-Can the story of Paris and Helen of Troy unfolds in an unexpected and quite astonishing manner. [Talkback]
Brittany Lietz: Miss Maryland 2006. Cancer Survivor. Humanitarian
Beneath the beautiful exterior of Brittany Lietz, who competed in the 2007 Miss America Pageant as Miss Maryland, beats a heart full of love and compassion and the desire to share with everyone her experience as a survivor of skin cancer. [Talkback]
New musical comedy ReWrite starring Joe Iconis
For those people who are open to new structure, new thoughts, snippets of wonderful melodic motifs, great fun and gutsy feelings - by all means rush to this most unique and innovative show.
[Talkback]
Glimpses of the Moon at the Oak Room, Algonquin Hotel
An evening of hobnobbing with the idle rich in Newport, Southampton and Manhattan. Drinking champagne, looking for rich husbands, buying furs at Altman’s and finding true love. Ahhh! The good life! [Talkback]
The Black Monk - Chamber Musical with Austin Pendleton
Mr. Pendleton striving to sing, striving to find his pitch, striving to find his way around the set is neither menacing nor compelling. Weak of voice he sometimes looks confused or maybe he is simply embarrassed to be a part of such a weak show.
[Talkback]
Jamie deRoy & Friends at the Metropolitan Room
A fine holiday evening. Happy Holidays! [Talkback]
Liza Minnelli opens at The Palace
By evenings end Liza had the audience in the palm of her hand, thrilled with her stamina and showmanship and wanting more. Liza is an absolutely exciting, electrifying, exhilarating phenomenon. [Talkback]
Oliver! Lionel Bart musical a must see
The White Plains Performing Arts Center has a big fat red hot hit for the holidays, perfect for kids of all ages and it’s called Oliver! [Talkback]
My Vaudeville Man! a new musical
As Shonn Wiley stops the show with his dancing and magnetic personality, Karen Murphy does so with her heartfelt singing of “So the Old Dog Has Come Home”. [Talkback]
Dear Edwina - a musical comedy for kids
Dear Edwina will help instill the love of musical comedy for all newcomers and delight those already hooked.
[Talkback]
Mitzi Gaynor - Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years
Whether sitting on a piano, or making an entrance in a cage from above, or being surrounded by 100 guys, or tapping or shimmering in her sequins and spangles Mitzi Gaynor is a dynamic, versatile, lovable performer. [Talkback]
King David - Alan Menken/Tim Rice oratorio at NYU
This piece deserves an excellent symphonic orchestra and we were not disappointed. It was sumptuous. How exciting to hear them all - actors, singers and orchestra in the stirring “This New Jerusalem”.
[Talkback]
Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry - a Mormon tragedy
You will leave the TBG Theatre with a more compassionate outlook towards others and perhaps a bit angry at what the Mormon Church can do to its members who would rather sleep with their own sex than to try to be changed back into leading a false, unhappy and unloving life. [Talkback]
Love Child: Two man comedy at Primary Stages
I am still reeling at the memory of two fine, dexterous, energetic actors, Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton, twisting and twirling and turning and becoming this one and then that one and then this one again or is it that one
[Talkback]
Capture Now: Brotherly Love Off B'way
It’s a well paced, solo performance by Josh Jonas but the play never “clicked” for me – it never rises above the “let me tell you a story” aspect. Never becomes totally compelling. [Talkback]
Political Idol - Satirical Cabaret at the Triad
Thank goodness we have so many politicians that have so many idiosyncrasies that can be lovingly satirized – with the emphasis on the “idio”. [Talkback]
Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn
Mr. Ayckbourn sets up his story and characters with deft delight resulting in a comedy that is based in mundane reality but soars to the extreme when people are put in some very odd situations.
[Talkback]
SPIN - an evening of not short enough plays
Style over substance? SPIN is the ultimate “spin” on what experimental, satirical, reality, up-to-the-minute-like theatre is – or wants to be – or thinks it should be. It isn’t. [Talkback]
13 - Broadway's newest teen musical - Teen-tastic!
The excitement on stage reaches out to those in the audience as if to say “I’m one of you. You know what I’m going through - we understand each other.” And the audience responds with shrieks and screams of approval. [Talkback]
Camelot - Starring Robert Cuccioli as King Arthur
Trying to follow Merlyn’s advice to think, to be patient, to be wise and wary of certain people Mr. Cuccioli has created a strong yet confused human being – never losing his boyhood charm even when being forced to marry to prevent war. [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival - Fancy Boys Follies - XXX Rated
Perhaps if you saw this show on Fire Island, at midnight, in a bar, drunk or stoned you could appreciate the cockamamie shenanigans goings on. No pun intended. [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival - Jason and Ben
Why is this show a musical? Why did I keep thinking about The Zoo Story? Why is amplification necessary in an intimate theatrical setting? [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival - Idaho! with an emphasis on the "Ho"!
What a terrific idea to lampoon Oklahoma! The score is tuneful with just the right edge to it and there are some great musical jokes. If the saying, “Sex Sells” is true, Idaho! should have a robust financial future. [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival - BEDBUGS!!!
It's the year 2012 and giant bloodthirsty bedbugs threaten New York City in this outrageously entertaining and inventive new kind of musical, where magnificent voices abound and that has audiences cheering. [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival - Max and the Truffle Pig
A pig is a pig, even with lipstick. Max and the Truffle Pig does not a silk purse make out of a sow’s ear. [Talkback]
NY Musical Festival: ABOUT FACE - Much Ado About Nothing Makeover
It’s a merry madcap musical where the outcome is inevitable and all the fun is in getting there.
[Talkback]
NY Musical Festival: The Hatpin
A haunting tale of baby farming based on a true story. The terrific, powerful ensemble cast is sensitively directed by Kim Hardwick who brings out all the horror, frustrations and compassion needed to bring about the success of this musical drama.
[Talkback]
Bonnie and Clyde: A Folktale at New York Musical Festival
This is like a Forbidden Broadway take on a legitimate musical based on the lives and legend of Bonnie and Clyde. Which is not a bad thing. But the tone of the show, directed by Mark Waldrop is uneven. Gravitating towards silly. [Talkback]
A Tale of Two Cities: epic, electrifying musical theatre at its grandest
As Sydney Carton, a very much hung over, cynical charmer of a guy, James Barbour instills his character with a strength, vulnerability and honesty which makes him a prime candidate for one of the best leading men on the Broadway musical stage today. [Talkback]
Anna Bergman at Feinstein's: My Heart Stood Still - the love songs of Richard Rodgers
As the lights dim, the musical director, the excellent Paul Greenwood, starts to play and the crystal clear voice of Anna Bergman is heard as she makes her way towards the stage singing Lover & Isn't It Romantic? Yes, it most certainly is [Talkback]
Craig Wright, creator of ABC series Dirty Sexy Money, opens show LADY off B'way
Hunting and Politics - a killer combination. Get your tickets now. [Talkback]
Dane Vannatter: Bistro Award-Winning Jazz Artist at New York's Metropolitan Room
He has a strong voice that can capture the tenderness of the moment and then let loose all the power that lies just beneath his calm and mellow surface. Like the songs he sings, Dane Vannatter is timeless and magnetic. [Talkback]
The Fabulous Kane Sisters in Box Office Poison Returns!
As part of The Fringe Festival NYC this leave-all-logic-behind comedy starring Marc Geller and Bill Roulet as Lana and Nova Kane has brought New York audiences to its knees. [Talkback]
FRINGE NYC: Now That She's Gone - I Remember Mama Angst
In this tired memory piece monologue, Now That She’s Gone – Unraveling the Mystery of my Mother, it is like a lecture of the history of women’s liberation, written and performed by Ellen Snortland. Oy! [Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - The Fabulous Kane Sisters in Box Office Poison
What a ride! An outrageous, riotous, ribald, raunchy, over-the-top, risqué, nonsensical - leave all logic behind comedy written by Marc Geller and Bill Roulet is at the Cherry Lane Theatre. [Talkback]
TE Feature: Q&A with Susan Sullivan
Currently appearing in Buffalo Gal at Primary Stages, Susan Sullivan, chats with our theater critic Oscar E Moore. [Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - a chilling ZOMBIE
It’s an extremely interesting adaptation of a novella by Joyce Carol Oates with an almost zombie-like performance of a tortured man who yearns for, lusts for his very own zombie to cuddle up with “as bidden”. [Talkback]
Fringe FestNYC - KNB the musical is DOA
As in so many cases where the book, music, lyrics and direction are by one person, in this instance Christopher Carter Sanderson, the show itself suffers. As does the audience.
[Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - The Boy in The Basement
Would be thief becomes basement sex slave in live action romance novel. [Talkback]
Fringe Festival NYC - Jacqueline Susann returns
See How Beautiful I Am - the return of Jackie Susann
Wittily written by Paul Minx, ably directed by Paul Dubois and superbly acted by Debora Weston. [Talkback]
Buffalo Gal - Hollywood star meets Gurney meets Chekhov Off-B'way
Susan Sullivan positively sets the stage aglow with her charm, demeanor, looks, insecurities and brilliant comic timing. [Talkback]
2008 Great Male Survey from AskMen.com
The Great Men’s Survey asks some intriguing and probing questions about dating, sexuality, power and money, recession woes, health, family and election worries, porn, fantasies, penis size and “Do real men cry?” [Talkback]
Political Idol: an Off Broadway show about elections
What do you get when you cross Forbidden Broadway with American Idol and the participants of this years political eight ring circus? The answer is the very amusing POLITICAL IDOL which has returned for a four week run [Talkback]
Dog Day Afternoon: classic film becomes a play Off-Broadway
I still believe there is a good play here. Somewhere. If only Frank Solorzano (now Francisco Solorzano) would relinquish one or two of his hats. He is star, writer and director. [Talkback]
[title of show] [wow!. see it!]
[title of show] is real. It’s funny. Timely. Infectious, in the best sense of the word. And refreshing. It gives hope to all who want to quit their day jobs to follow their own dreams. I could see it again, you know. [Talkback]
Tony Snow dies
It's just been announced that Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow has died. The respected journalist lost his battle with cancer. He is a former White House Press Secretary for President Bush, broadcaster and newspaper columnist. [Talkback]
Picture Incomplete: on the road to Broadway
It is the Storyteller’s 50th birthday and it’s time for him to take stock, clean out his closet and try and look back –“can’t move forward till you look back” to see why his life is still incomplete. It’s an interesting concept, not as yet fully realized. [Talkback]
Tony Awards: whatever happened to KISS? As in Keep It Short Sweetie (TE FEATURE)
If I wasn’t writing this article I think I would have turned the tv off, turned down the sheets, turned up the AC and gone to bed and read the results in the morning. But being the theatre buff that I am. And disciplined. I stuck it out. [Talkback]
Jamie deRoy and Friends Celebrate Tony Award Winning Musicals (TE Feature)
It was a very enchanted evening indeed. Wednesday evening, June 11th at The Metropolitan Room, Jamie deRoy and some of her closest, dearest and most talented friends celebrated the songs from past Tony Award Winning Musicals.
[Talkback]
The Future of Broadway: Fidelity FutureStage
Fidelity, the world’s largest mutual fund company presented FutureStage with the Viertel/Frankel/Baruch/Routh Group and LEAP. It was a selection of five 10 minute, original plays by high school students. It was an incredible evening.
[Talkback]
Minnie's Boys: The Marx Brother's Mother's Musical
The musical is based upon the developmental years, and I use the term loosely, of the zany Marx Brothers. When the ubiquitous music stands magically float across the stage on wheels, we know we are in for a fun time. And that’s what the Marx Brothers were all about. A fun time. [Talkback]
Edward the King: out of the royal closet or sexual shenanigans in high places
Fact or fiction? Edward II – best remembered for his alleged homosexuality and supposed murder. All is dealt with in an intelligent, captivating and witty manner by playwright David Brendan Hopes [Talkback]
Sex, Lies and Ambition: All in a day’s work in a revival
This was an excellent, first rate production. This classic show has won the Pulitzer and 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and this production reminds us now what comedy in “musical comedy” is all about. [Talkback]
The New Century: Paul Rudnick politically incorrect play is a laugh filled evening
Be forewarned. I adore Mr. Rudnick for his bravado and bravery in bringing up such topics as sexual bondage, multi nationality trans gendered marriage, scatology, Nellie queens, terrorism, aids, bad taste, “devoted companion” read gigolo and full frontal and rear gratuitous nudity. [Talkback]
Gypsy returns to B'way: great show, great story, great songs. great performances
Patti LuPone finally found the pluperfect part to showcase her considerable talents to a tee. We already knew she could belt. And belt she does. She gives us a gut wrenching, deep from within the bowels performance. She is simply awesome. [Talkback]
Documentary film Hats Off is a tribute to actress Mimi Weddell: a star at last!
It’s only taken 90 some odd years for Mimi Weddell to become a star. Not that she wanted to. “Work is what matters.” I hope that everyone – young, old and anywhere in between will go see Hats Off. You will be entertained, enlightened and energized – and yes encouraged. [Talkback]
The Optimist: Lost Weekend
Sound exciting? It isn’t.
[Talkback]
In the Heights: pulsating, rip roaring rap salsa meringue hip hopping Latino inspired score
On a Washington Heights street relationships will change, tempers will flare, people will fall in love, someone will die, looters will loot, many songs will be sung and dancers will ignite the stage with their gyrating, hip swiveling, sexy and jumping all over the place [Talkback]
Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words at The Triad is non stop laughter
Celebrities beware! Be careful what you put in print. It may come back to haunt you if Celebrity Autobiography chooses to read your own words aloud with a totally new perspective which can be hysterically funny when you wanted to be all so serious.
[Talkback]
27 Rue de Fleurus: Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas - Who’s On Top?
If only the book and lyrics (Ted Sod) and music and lyrics (Lisa Koch) of 27 Rue de Fleurus measured up to lovely costumes by Carrie Robbins and the incredibly wondrous, surreal set by Roman Tatarowicz. [Talkback]
Grammy winner Julie Gold at The Duplex: wonderful
Her songs are anthems of hope. No matter what happens to us personally or to our environment Julie Gold finds the good in it all – and sings with a passionate spirit that makes us all feel right again. [Talkback]
Rendezvous: a special, melodic romantic evening of music
A lovely evening with Piaf, Brel, Aznavour and Friends can be yours at The Reprise Room. It would be money well spent in the Big Apple and you can forsake that “tres” expensive trip to Paris.
[Talkback]
Passing Strange: an exuberant new rock musical which is original and truly exciting
Passing Strange has an honesty and fervor that pulses new blood into the Broadway musical. It’s a thrilling and strangely emotional musical ride. It’s staged more like a rock concert than a traditional musical. [Talkback]
Secrets of a Soccer Mom: a very slight slice of life
It’s a very slight play with some comic moments with three lovely ladies playing three winded, whiny, woe begotten stay at home moms aka housewives. [Talkback]
Take Me Along: It’s delightful. It’s charming.
The 1959 musical written by Bob Merrill (music and lyrics) - Book by Joseph Stein and Robert Russell is based on the play Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill. It’s delightful. [Talkback]
Artf**kers: Art on the block
The show is about an artist who is in a melt down and his four best friends. There is not one person who you care for. In the end it’s all about their “poor me” lives and we really couldn’t care less. [Talkback]
La Vie En Rose: Marion Cotillard is a mesmerizing, brilliant Edith Piaf
All I can say is GO! You will witness the most amazing screen performance ever. Marion Cotillard is a mesmerizing, brilliant Edith Piaf. She is Piaf. [Talkback]
TE FEATURE: Oscar Musical Tribute: a grand night for singing at Metropolitan Room in NYC
Jamie deRoy and a group of her very best and talented friends celebrated the music of the Oscars in a casual, funny and touching tribute to the composers and lyricists who have taken Oscar home with them through the years. [Talkback]
TE FEATURE: Floyd Collins: Musical Theatre at NYU is impressive, gripping and poignant
The production, in its own quiet way, is truly sensational. I was blown away by the story and its presentation. [Talkback]
The Cenci: Greek Tragedy Italian Style translated from the French with a bit of American tabloid
Written by Antonin Artaud and first produced in Paris in 1935, The Cenci, lasted a mere 17 performances. I am not surprised. [Talkback]
TE EXCLUSIVE: Susan Stroman ballet Double Feature is a triumph
She is a multiple Tony Award winner for her direction & choreography of Broadway musicals. She has created her first full length ballet for the New York City Ballet Company. It is an absolute triumph. [Talkback]
Ragtime: in concert at the White Plains Performing Arts Center
It is much, much more than a mere reading in concert.It has been simply staged and directed with precision and love by Sidney J. Burgoyne. It is sensational. A phenomenal achievement.
[Talkback]
Straight Up - With a Twist: off Broadway tell all
Paul Stroili (writer/performer) isn’t afraid to confess that he was an ugly kid with a lot of hang ups. He was a totally straight guy with a totally gay sensibilitywhich confused his family, his friends and himself.
[Talkback]
Is He Dead? is just Twain wonderful
Is He Dead? by Mark Twain should be doing standing room only business. It’s that good. It is a farce in the true sense of the word. [Talkback]
The 39 Steps: an occasionally ingenious homage to Hitchcock
Broadway now has The 39 Steps to help the chronically depressed by chasing the blues away.
[Talkback]
Fugueuses: A Parisian Comedy with Line Renaud and Muriel Robin
Two strangers meet on a highway. Both women. One older than the other. Both looking to hitch a ride to – anywhere. To escape. To run away. Thus begins Fugueuses a terrific, witty, theatrical, warm hearted comedy. [Talkback]
Natasha Lyonne's dad Aaron Braunstein inducted into National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
Natasha Lyonne, who starred in 41 movies, is making her Broadway debut in a play called 2000 Years. Ann Coulter asked her father for invitation to the opening and he said no. [Talkback]
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