“Kimberly Akimbo” may be one of the best new musicals to appear on the New York Theatre scene this season, glorified by the music of Jeanine Tesori, and enhanced with the unequivocal book and lyrics of David Lindsay- Abaire. It is not perfect, and some aspects can certainly be improved upon, but in its current incarnation it happens to be…
The latest Broadway opening is the new musical comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire” based on the immensely popular 1993 film which starred Robin Williams in the leading role. The plot revolves around a divorced dad, who loses custody of his three children, and poses as an elderly English nanny when his ex-wife starts searching for someone to help with the children and…
The new musical “Trevor: The Musical” based on the 1994 short film makes a valid attempt to bring to light the issues and problems that adolescent gay teens face, which result in attempts at suicide. It was a serious problem during the nineties that has continued to present day with online bullying and shaming. It is a noble idea to…
Racism, sexism, economic disparity, and stagnation roil beneath the surface Caroline Thibodeaux’s (an embattled yet resilient Sharon B Clarke) deep unhappiness, disappointment, and resistance to change in Tony Kushner’s “Caroline, or Change.” Currently enjoying a successful revival at Roundabout’s Studio 54, the Kushner/Tesori musical focuses on Caroline’s long days in the Louisiana “under water” basement of the Gellman family. “Sixteen…
The new musical “The Visitor,” now playing at the Public’s Newman Theater, is based on the 2007 film sharing the same title, with a book by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics also by Mr. Yorkey. The story is the same but somehow confining it to the stage provides a better focus on the characters…
“I’m very scared. I’m very confused it’s very bright here please just tell me whether or not I am safe.” These are among the first words spoken by Charley McBride (an ethereal and impassioned Edie Falco) in Simon Stephens’s “Morning Sun” currently running at Manhattan Theatre Club at New York City Center – Stage I. Charley is surrounded by her…
The new musical “A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet” with music, book and lyrics by Ben Fankhauser and Alex Wyse, who also star in the Off-Broadway production now occupying the DR2 Theater is old. That’s a compliment and a good thing. It comes across as a good old fashioned musical comedy from decades ago with a present-day spin. The book…
Around the Sun, an episodic audio drama, created by Brad Forenza, has launched its first episodes via the Broadway Podcast Network. New episodes premiere each week, throughout fall 2021. The series features an all-star cast, including winners/nominees of every major performance award (Drama Desk, Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy, Oscar, Screen Actors Guild, and Tony). It is available for streaming wherever…
If you were to sit in the dark in the Nederlander Theatre at the appointed hour, with the security screen lowered, you would eventually hear Candida Caldicot begin to play the stage-left piano. Soon after, voices are heard, and what easily could be the most engaging radio play begins. And you immediately become entranced, captured by what you hear: the…
Had the playwright, director, and creative team of “Chicken & Biscuits” taken a cue from their “Oklahoma” colleagues who occupied the same Circle in the Square Theatre space in 2019-2020, they might have inserted a break into their play’s overlong 120-minutes and served a small portion of chicken and biscuits to the members of the audience. This would have enhanced…