Academia certainly has its merits, but quite often, the best life lesson’s can’t be learned in a book. The true testament of survival exists on the streets. No one understands this quite like John McDonagh, the writer and star of Irish Repertory Theatre’s Off the Meter, On the Record. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “Off the Meter, On the Record”
THEATRE
Theater Review: “Lonely Planet” Spins Back to the Boards
The AIDS epidemic wasn’t thrust into the theatrical spotlight until the mid-eighties and nineties. Only then did playwrights like Larry Kramer (The Normal Heart, The Destiny of Me), William M. Hoffman (As Is), and Tony Kushner (Angels in America) tackle the incompetence and apathy among local and national leaders with regards to the deadly virus. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “Lonely Planet” Spins Back to the Boards
Vivian Reed Returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below to Honor Lena Horne
It takes a disciplined diva to sacrifice chicken wings for wheat grass. Yet for Vivian Reed, it was the only answer to strong vocal health. As a classically trained singer, Reed found herself singing American Jazz standards after a musical agent discovered her and invited to sing at the world famous Apollo Theater. That led her all the way to Broadway, where the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native made her debut portraying Lena Horne in That’s Entertainment. [Read more…] about Vivian Reed Returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below to Honor Lena Horne
Migguel Anggelo and David Drake’s Unconventional Mass
Migguel Anggelo, the vigorous Venezuelan singer/songwriter/actor/activist is back with a new and completely unique show. The popular cabaret artist returns to the stage this week, turning his attention to last year’s indescribably tragic, Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub. [Read more…] about Migguel Anggelo and David Drake’s Unconventional Mass
Theater Review: “The Siege” Brings Palestinian View to NYU
“The opposite of war isn’t peace—it’s creation.” Playwright and composer Jonathan Larson immortalized the quote in his rock-opera masterpiece, Rent. Although he was referencing Bohemian New Yorkers, the sentiment has reached universal appeal. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “The Siege” Brings Palestinian View to NYU
Cabaret Review: “The Crisp, Coolness of Betty Buckley”
True theater and cabaret aficionados are well aware of the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and—Buckley. [Read more…] about Cabaret Review: “The Crisp, Coolness of Betty Buckley”
Theater Review: “KPOP” Paints a Portrait of East and West
Thanks to Punchdrunk, the British Theatre Company who brought us Sleep No More, immersive theater has sprouted faster than Harvey Weinstein’s sexual allegations (too soon?) The long-running show continues to play to sold-out houses at the McKittrick Hotel and paved the way for Fuerza Bruta, Here Lies Love, Seeing You, Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, and other interactive works. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “KPOP” Paints a Portrait of East and West
Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” is One Big Gift
Self-help is big business. According to a recent study Americans spend 11 billion dollars a year figuring out how to improve themselves. For the most part, the advice that most books, seminars, and videos offer are laden with trite suggestions, syrupy psychobabble and plain old common sense. In many cases, they are written by people without a clinical background–people like Cheryl Strayed. When you have her life experience, however, you have all the credibility you need. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” is One Big Gift
Theater Review: Trans Lives Honored in MCC’s “Charm”
In the middle of playwright Philip Dawkin’s Charm, one of his characters has a breakdown. While her peers are learning to dance for a tea party at Chicago’s esteemed Drake hotel, Lady (Marky Irene Diven) sits neglected and alone. Her hormone treatment schedule has becoming irregular, causing an identity crisis within herself. “Nobody wants me,” she laments. “I wish everyone would stop looking at me and just touch me. I wanna be touched and be f**ed and be regular. I just. I WANT! Okay?” [Read more…] about Theater Review: Trans Lives Honored in MCC’s “Charm”
Kimberly Senior, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy Walk into a Theatre…
Kimberly Senior isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics. The Chicago based director earned critical raves for her guiding hand in the racially charged Broadway play, Disgraced. She also dealt with the delicate topic of self-slaughter in Chris Gethard’s solo show/sleeper hit, Career Suicide. [Read more…] about Kimberly Senior, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy Walk into a Theatre…