References to the city and tower of Babel are relatively scarce in the Bible. In fact, there are only nine verses in the book of Genesis that allude to the origin of the world’s various languages. However, the scant source material didn’t prevent co-creators WT McRae and Jeremy Williams from producing Babel, an acrobatic dance theater piece based on the story. [Read more…] about Convergences Theatre Collective Explores a Bit of Biblical “Babel”
THEATRE
Major Artists Gather at Town Hall to Consecrate Day of Unity
Manhattan’s Town Hall holds approximately 1500 chairs and although the venue was filled to capacity on Friday afternoon, June 20th, those plush theater seats could very well have gone to DC to join thousands of other vacant spots along the inaugural parade route, thanks to Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley.
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Burrows on the Bard: Interview with Shakespeare & Company’s Allyn Burrows
Allyn Burrows will soon have to satisfy over 600,000 people. As the newly appointed artistic director of Shakespeare and Company, he will oversee all of the programming, workshops, and community programs for one of the largest, year round Shakespeare festivals in the country. [Read more…] about Burrows on the Bard: Interview with Shakespeare & Company’s Allyn Burrows
Theater Review: “Mark Felt, Superstar”
Numerous books and articles have been written about Watergate, the 1970s political scandal that toppled former President Richard Nixon and many within his cabinet. The infamous Republican break-in at the Democratic National Committee further compromised American’s already shaky integrity of our U.S. government, led to an unprecedented resignation of a sitting president and sent many high profile individuals to jail. It certainly was not a historical event worth singing about—unless you’re Joshua Rosenblum. [Read more…] about Theater Review: “Mark Felt, Superstar”
Manhattan Digest’s 2016 Best of Theater
To write extensively about the past year is simply redundant. Enough journalists have covered it, so I’ll keep my thoughts brief. Collectively, we shed more tears than we thought possible. We tried to come to terms with the political, spiritual, and human losses but with each tragedy, the news felt more dour and overwhelming than any other time in recent history. [Read more…] about Manhattan Digest’s 2016 Best of Theater
Theater Review: Recent Cutbacks’ “Kevin!!!” at the PIT
Christmas might be over, but there’s no reason not to extend the joy into January. Fortunately, there is still plenty of holiday cheer to be had at the People’s Improv Theater (PIT) where an absolutely charming twist on the classic film, Home Alone is currently being staged through January 7th.
[Read more…] about Theater Review: Recent Cutbacks’ “Kevin!!!” at the PIT
Cennarium Brings the World’s Performing Arts to You
Brazil introduced the world to their national drink, Caipirinha, and to their laid back, easygoing strains of Bossa Nova. In addition, they account for a third of the coffee consumed in the world, making them the world’s largest producer of the heavenly bean. Clearly, they are arbiters of good taste. The country’s latest contribution might as well rank with their aforementioned gifts. Best of all, it can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, by anyone- at least anyone with some extra pocket change and an internet connection. This… is Cennarium. [Read more…] about Cennarium Brings the World’s Performing Arts to You
An Interview with Justin Sayre: Holidays, Politics, & Ashtrays
Shaping the gay agenda can be an exhausting job and few are up to the task. Yet eight years ago, a leader emerged who proved that wit, determination, and fine talent is what it takes to forge a homosexual revolution. Justin Sayre has been spearheading the charge with his monthly gatherings called The Meeting of the International Order of Sodomites. It’s a cup of cabaret, a splash of story-telling, a dollop of diva worship, and a thimble of thought-provoking calls to action, all of which combine to create outrageously fun evenings.
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Performance Review: Mark Morris’ “The Hard Nut”
Many Holiday themed shows have become NY Traditions: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, and numerous productions of A Christmas Carol. The Hard Nut, by the Mark Morris Dance Group can also be added to that list. Sadly, the production at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House-now playing through Dec 18th-will mark the end of its 25 year run. With that in mind, you should score a ticket to this delightfully re-imagined ballet before it dances away, for it is well worth the time you’ll otherwise spend at yet another dull cocktail party. [Read more…] about Performance Review: Mark Morris’ “The Hard Nut”
Theater Review: Thea Sharrock’s “The Bodyguard: The Musical”
There’s an old rule in show business: “If you start big and finish big, the audience will forgive everything in between.” Clearly, the creative team behind The Bodyguard: The Musical have adhered to this principle as the jukebox tuner makes it North American debut at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
[Read more…] about Theater Review: Thea Sharrock’s “The Bodyguard: The Musical”