There is a great American musical about two rival teen gangs in a mid-century urban setting that features a big “rumble” fight, lots of switchblades, dance choreography, innocent romantic attraction between two members of the opposite groups, and the tragic death of the protagonist’s best friend. I am referring, of course, to “West Side Story.” That being said, there is also a newer musical of lesser quality that otherwise shares these characteristics, namely “The Outsiders,” an adaptation of S.E. Hilton’s 1967 coming-of-age novel about rival gangs (the lower-class “Greasers” and the middle-cl ..read more

While Broadway is currently in the midst of a frenzied, jam-packed month of nonstop openings (just prior to the cutoff for consideration for the Tony Awards at the end of the month), Off-Broadway is also currently full of activity, with an extremely diverse assortment of interesting plays and musicals. Below are 10 current Off-Broadway productions worth seeing. Dead Outlaw: Created by the team behind the Tony Award-winning musical “The Band’s Visit” and produced by Audible, this new musical is inspired by a true story about an early 20th century criminal whose dead body somehow became mis ..read more

I don’t know about you, but I have always preferred circus-themed musicals (say “Barnum,” the 2013 Broadway revival of “Pippin” or the film “The Greatest Showman”) over the circus itself.  As much as I appreciate the many feats of skill and wonder that are on display at the modern big top circus (especially the Big Apple Circus), I tend to get bored due to the lack of storytelling and repetition of one act after another. On the other hand, circus musicals aim to incorporate (or at least suggest) traditional circus acts in the context of an integrated story with songs, dialogue, and charac ..read more

A preview performance of the new Broadway revival of “An Enemy of the People” on March 14 was interrupted by climate change protesters, who were swiftly removed from the theater. Due to the subject matter of the play and the nature of the scene occurring at the time, many audience members believed the episode had been a preplanned, experimental touch. I wish I had been there (alas, I attended the following night), as it would have been an exciting addition to this uneven production of a timely work. Henrik Ibsen’s 19th century drama, seen here in a new adaptation by playwright Amy Herzog, foll ..read more

There is no denying that the new Broadway musical adaptation of “The Notebook” (based on the Nicholas Sparks’ novel, which then became a hit 2004 film with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling) wants to position itself as a tearjerker – so much so that official “The Notebook” tissue boxes are being hawked as affordable souvenirs at the theater. The musical theater canon is full of deeply emotional shows that can be considered tearjerkers such as “West Side Story,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Les Miz,” “Falsettos,” “Blood Brothers” and “Carousel.” There is something d ..read more

“I have doubts… I have such doubts!” the crusading Sister Aloysius Beauvier tearfully confesses at the end of “Doubt,” John Patrick Shanley’s 2004 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama. Two decades on, “Doubt” still raises questions. Was Sister Aloysius justified in prosecuting a campaign against her superior in the church, Father Brendan Flynn, based purely on suspicions of child abuse and without any first-hand evidence? Did Father Flynn’s actions in response to Sister Aloysius’ accusations and a final bluff constitute an admission of guilt? Could Sister Aloysius (who is not unlike the ..read more

“Forbidden Broadway” is back – yet again. Back in 2008, the folks behind “Forbidden Broadway” announced that following numerous on-and-off runs at various Off-Broadway theaters and nightclub spaces dating back to 1982, the intimate (with just a handful of performers, an onstage pianist, and many costume changes), cheeky but affectionate spoof of Broadway (including its classic and contemporary shows and stars) would finally shutter for good.  Nevertheless, “Forbidden Broadway” returned with new editions in 2012 and 2014. Another update (“Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation”) premiered ..read more

When the Encores! series returned to City Center in 2022 following the pandemic shutdown, its initial season back began with rocky, uneasily revised productions of “The Tap Dance Kid” and “The Life,” but finished with an absolutely glorious “Into the Woods” that deservedly transferred to Broadway. Last season was pretty solid, including a fine production of an unworkable musical (“Dear World”) with a starring performance from Donna Murphy, an “Oliver!” that was misdirected but still enjoyable, and a superb “The Light in the Piazza” starring Ruthie Ann Miles. This season, which began with ..read more

The Neil Diamond jukebox-bio musical “A Beautiful Noise” will play its final performance at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on June 30, with a national tour launching in the fall in Rhode Island.   “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani recently took over the role of Neil Diamond from Will Swenson. At this time, “A Beautiful Noise” is the only show on Broadway that offers matinee performances on Thursdays. Ella Beatty joins cast of ‘Appropriate’ Ella Beatty, the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, who can currently be seen on the new FX series “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.”  wil ..read more

So what will bloom on Broadway this spring? Last week, I offered an analysis (or went on a rant, depending on how you look at it) about the 18 Broadway shows that will open between now and the end of April (which marks the deadline for eligibility for this year’s Tony Awards) and questioned whether the inevitable closing of many of those shows at a complete financial loss could harm Broadway’s ongoing attempt to recover financially following the pandemic shutdown. With that out of the way, let’s take a quick look at each of the 18 shows. Doubt: Revival of John Patrick Shanley’s 2005 Pulitzer-w ..read more