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Theatre

  • Hairspray is a Show for Our Times

    Musical Rejuvenates and Inspires

    By: Aaron Krause - Jun 09th, 2020

    It's hard to deny Hairspray's timeliness during these days of discord. Protagonist Tracy Turnblad can serve as a role model for us all. Hairspray Live! recently streamed on Andrew Lloyd Webber's YouTube channel, The Shows Must Go On!"

  • Tuesdays with Woodie King on Theatre

    Founder of New Federal Theatre Raps with Talent

    By: Susan Hall - Jun 09th, 2020

    New Federal Theatre is fifty years young and going strong. Even in this time of lock down, its founder, Woodie King Jr. persists. On Tuesdays at 3 during June he is discussing theatre with various artists. Not only are these captivating afternoons a superb introduction to aspirants in theatre and the performing arts, they show King at his best, drawing out talent and showing the path for others to follow.

  • Translating Movies into Opera

    Why Operatic Movies Fail on Stage

    By: Susan Hall - Jun 07th, 2020

    It is tempting for current composers of new opera to use films as a jumping off place. In two recent efforts, the creative artists miss the strength of the film's story arc and flatten their effort to create opera. Marnie at the Metropolitan Opera (and English National Opera) and Breaking the Waves (Opera Philadelphia) both overlook the strengths which provide drama in the films on which they are based.

  • Urban Arias Live Streams Independence Eve

    Racism Sung Through a Century's Lens

    By: Susan Hall - Jun 04th, 2020

    Prescient or just plain lucky, the streaming of Independence Eve occurred in the midst of a new pandemic of racism in America. The opera premiered in Arlington, Virginia in 2017. A triptych of duets between a white man and black man, who end up as 10 years olds in 2063, is a fresh look at the persistence of racial issues. Urban Arias continues to stream on Facebook.

  • Larry Kramer at 84

    Writer/activist Fought for Response to AIDS Crisis.

    By: Aaron Krause - Jun 02nd, 2020

    Larry Kramer died recently at age 84. The activist and playwright tried to bring attention to the AIDS crisis after perceiving indifference among government officials and others. Kramer penned a largely autobiographical play, The Normal Heart. The late, fiery Kramer also founded the Gay Man's Health Crisis. It was the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.

  • Ella Sings at Theater for the New City

    Zooming Theater Can be a Pleasure

    By: Rachel de Aragon - May 31st, 2020

    The Theater for the New City, executive director Crystal Field presents a unique on-line production of Ella the Ungovernable by David McDonald, directed by Melania Levitsky. Gracefully bridging the space between a full production and a reading, the actors bring the story to life.

  • Drama Desk Awards Postponed in NY

    Breaking News Events Cited as Reason.

    By: Aaron Krause - May 31st, 2020

    The Drama Desk organization and Spectrum News NY1 have postpone the Drama Desk Awards. "Breaking news events," purportedly in connection with protests, caused the postponment. A re-scheduled date will be announced. The Drama Desk Awards honor outstanding theater work in New York.

  • Opera Philadelphia Digital Festival 2

    Lembit Beecher's Sky on Swings Reconsidered

    By: Susan Hall - May 27th, 2020

    Can new opera on inmportant contemporary subjects draw in new audiences? Opera Philadelphia's We Shall Not be Moved and Sky on Swings argue yes emphatically. Sky on Swings tackles Alzheimer's. Each member of the creative team reported long conversations following the announcement that they were involved with an Alzheimer's opera.

  • Traveling the World in Two or so Hours

    Long Distance Affair is an Immersive, Intimate Theatrical Experience.

    By: Aaron Krause - May 27th, 2020

    Long Distance Affair zooms you to London, Madrid, Miami, New York, Paris, and Singapore. Take a safe overseas trip without worrying about passports, baggage, or COVID-19. A collaboration between Miami-based Juggerknot Theatre Company and New York's PopUP Theatrics could lead to a dream summer vacation.

  • LES Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City

    Pot Pouri of Events Provide Rich Tasting

    By: Susan Hall - May 23rd, 2020

    Theater for the New City has currently scheduled over 150 performing arts organizations, independent artists, poets, puppeteers and film makers for its 25th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, which will be mounted virtually for the first time May 22 to 24, 2020. All events and performances will be seen on the theater's website, www.theaterforthenewcity.net. Events will stream for three days, from 6:00 PM Friday, May 22 to 11:59 PM Sunday, May 24. Attendees will be able to select disciplines and artists from the website's online timetable and index.

  • Kirill Petrenko Reimagines Puccini's Suor Angelica

    Young Artists in Berlin and Katarina Dalayman Star

    By: Susan Hall - May 16th, 2020

    The second part of Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica, is given a deep and satisfying production. Kirill Petrenko, seeking a way to share insights and experiences with young artists, gives us an unexpected and beautifully produced opera. The singing is first-rate throughout. The production, which includes danced gesture and videos, suits the story.

  • Steinberg/ATCA Award Winner Announced

    E.M. Lewis' How the Light Gets In Wins

    By: Aaron Krause - May 14th, 2020

    The Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association 2020 New Play Award award announced. The honor recognizes playwrights for the best scripts that premiered professionally outside New York City. E.M. Lewis' How The Light Gets In receives top award. The runners-up are Chandler Hubbard's Animal Control and Lee Edward Colston II's The First Deep Breath. The M. Elizabeth Osborn Award went to Dan McCabe, for his play, The Purists.

  • Al Hirschfeld On Line Exhibition

    Socially Distant Theatre

    By: Hirschfeld Foundation - May 11th, 2020

    The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is proud to announce the first in a series of online exhibitions exploring the work of one of the most iconic artists of the last century. On May 11, the Foundation will open a special exhibition for these times: "SOCIALLY DISTANT THEATER: The Solo Show As Seen By Hirschfeld", a collection of 25 drawings, paintings, collages, and prints documenting a half century of one person shows. This special digital exhibit will be online for six weeks through June 20.

  • Opera Philadelphia Digital Festival

    We Shall not Be Moved Reprised

    By: Susan Hall - May 09th, 2020

    We Shall Not be Moved was a hit at the 2017 Opera Philadelphia Festival, a must-attend event held in Philadelphia in the fall. It is available on Facebook, Sunday, May 10 at 7pm.

  • Theatre and the New Normal

    The View from My Sofa

    By: Nancy Bishop - May 06th, 2020

    Since we have to do without live theater for the foreseeable future, however, theater on my sofa can be an excellent replacement.

  • Streaming Theatre

    What's Free This Weekend

    By: BFA - May 02nd, 2020

    With theatres closed for the pandamic many are posting their performances on the internet. Here are some productions for free viewing this weekend.

  • Live-streamed theater

    Is it here to stay?

    By: Aaron Krause - May 02nd, 2020

    Los Angeles-based No Pants Theatre Company is one of several founded as a response to the pandemic. The company, as of now, produces only live-streamed productions. Up next for No Pants Theatre Company is a college and university short play festival.

  • Opera Philadelphia Digital Festival O

    Philip Venables and Ted Huffman Create Digital Opera

    By: Susan Hall - May 01st, 2020

    The world premiere of Denis and Katya took place last fall at Opera Philadelphia Festival 2019. Philip Venables is a riveting composer of opera. This work succeeded less well on stage than it does as the opening presentation of this Digital Festival.

  • Strauss Streaming from Bard

    View One of Summerscape's Most Delicious Productions

    By: Susan Hall - Apr 29th, 2020

    Bard continues to stream treasured past events from its website. If you missed a production, or conversation, now is your chance to catch up. This week, Die Liebe der Danae by Richard Strauss is offered.

  • Barrington Stage Company 2020 Update

    The Show Goes On

    By: Charles Giuliano - Apr 28th, 2020

    Out of precaution for actors, creative teams, staff and audiences, Barrington Stage Company will employ best safety practices, including reducing the 520-seat Mainstage to one third of its capacity; increasing the distance between rows and seats; and deep cleaning the theatre after every performance, among other measures. Patrons will be required to wear masks until further notice.

  • ArtsFloAtHome from Thire France

    Les Arts Florissants Perform Spring Festival Virtually

    By: Susan Hall - Apr 26th, 2020

    William Christie's and Paul Agnew's Les Arts Florissants is skipping their US tour. In any case, tickets to their events are quickly snapped up. Fortunately these two Baroque specialists have arranged to present their spring festival virtually. It is a treat so far. Past performances are available. Future ones can be seen live or at your leisure.

  • Drama Desk Awards

    The Show Goes On with Annual Ceremony

    By: Aaron Krause - Apr 26th, 2020

    The Drama Desk Award's nominees have been announced. This year's ceremony will take place as a special presentation. The annual event honors outstanding achievement by theater artists.

  • Watching Theatre from Home

    Adapting to the Pandemic

    By: Aaron Krause - Apr 21st, 2020

    Stage shows are going on – maybe not live, but via live streaming and through other means. Since the world is in the midst of a pandemic, theater lovers are not able to experience the vitality and immediacy that comes with truly live theater. However, that doesn’t mean theater can’t be a part of your life under quarantine.

  • The Crucible, an Opera by Robert Ward

    Opera Santa Barbara Mounts a Moving Production

    By: Susan Hall - Apr 20th, 2020

    Robert Ward's Pulitzer-Prize winning opera, The Crucible, is streaming live from Opera Santa Barbara. It is a terrific production with a cast of first-rate singing actors conducted by Kostis Protopapas.

  • Broadway Actor Nick Cordero

    Suffers Complications of Coronavirus

    By: Charles Giuliano - Apr 19th, 2020

    Tony nominated Broadway actor, Nick Cordero, is recovering after having his right leg amputated following Coronavirus complications.

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