The musical Chess premiered in London in 1986 and then on Broadway two years later. Despite its gorgeous score with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA) and Tim Rice, audiences weren’t enamored of the story. They didn’t flo …Read more

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) He’s the son of the groom he has never met. She’s the sister of the much-younger bride. Together they are the main characters in Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York,) a charming new musical by Jim …Read more

With only two main characters and a beige couch, Little Bear Ridge Road, a new play by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale and FX’s Emmy Award winning show Baskets) depends entirely on language, script and acting. Fortunately, the writing is so good and the …Read more

Is it Gah-Doh or GOD-dot? That was my first question upon receiving the invitation to see the revival of Samuel Becket’s classic play, “Waiting for Godot.” Director Jamie Llloyd opted for the latter, emphasizing the spiritual interpretation of the en …Read more

What makes you laugh? For me, it’s often recognizing a familiar situation that ends with a surprise twist. I wasn’t familiar with the work of comedian Jeff Ross, except that he’s called “The Roastmaster” and he has roasted celebrities, politicians, p …Read more

“Old Friends” is the perfect musical for lovers of Stephen Sondheim music. The show is a tribute to Sondheim who died in 2021, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy. There are more than 40 numbers in the show and even if you aren’t already of …Read more

Sometimes I attend a show with preconceived ideas, having heard or read about it. However, I knew nothing about “Real Women Have Curves,” never having read Josefina Lopez ‘ novel or seen the 2002 movie. What a pleasant experience! Despite a few serio …Read more

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman I am unabashedly a Jonathan Groff fan and enjoyed his work in “Spring Awakening,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Hamilton.” I even watched him in a straight role as an FBI agent, pro …Read more

John Proctor is the Villain At the end of Arthur Miller’s classic play, “The Crucible,” protagonist John Proctor refuses to lie, even to save his own life. Overwhelmed by what he is being asked to do, he exclaims, “I have given you my soul; leave me …Read more

In 1890, Oscar Wilde wrote a story about a young handsome man who has his portrait painted. He then makes a Faustian bargain, trading his soul for the picture to age, wrinkle and grow ugly instead of his body. This allows the youth to live a dissolut …Read more