Thursday, May 8, 2025In the realm of modern musical theater, Krista Weaver’s "Monster Love" emerges as a captivating revelation that, even in its unfinished state, showcases the potential for innovation, emotion, and the delicate dance between comedy and tragedy. This isn’t merely a musical; it’s a tapestry of intricate emotions, with lyrics and melodies that linger long after the curtain falls. Set against the backdrop of idealistic aspirations for Broadway’s future, "Monster Love" demonstrates the profound impact of blending the humorous and the heart-wrenching. Act One, Scene One: A Magical Beginning The journey begins in an enchanting forest, enveloped in moonlight, where the unique character
Reviews
Ghosts: Ibsen for a New Generation
After a season of “reimaginings” of classic works that completely overhaul original concepts, it is somewhat refreshing to have a more traditional revival of Ghosts, Henrik Ibsen’s classic that is ending its run next weekend at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater. The 1882 play tackles infidelity, sexually transmitted diseases, incest and euthanasia across different levels of Norwegian society, following a mother, her son and other people in their orbit as devastating family secrets come to light. The salacious subject matter was shocking for its time, and sparked a vitriolic pushback from the public — including royalty — before it was eventually
A Night in November – New York Irish Center
The play's title is a reference to one of the most important nights in Irish soccer (football), the night in 1993 when Ireland and Northern Ireland played to a 1-1 draw. That was good enough to send Ireland through to the World Cup in the USA in 1994. This play is not about football, though. It is about tribes and tribalism, making it a contemporary subject not a historical one. Kenneth Normal McAllister (Allan Smyth) is a dole clerk at the Department of Health and Social Security in Belfast. He is a Protestant and rather proud of it. His position gives
Tom Moran is a Big, Fat, Filthy, Disgusting Liar – Irish Repertory Theatre
Tom Moran has brought his one-man show to New York as part of the Origin First Irish Festival, and it is the kind of production that makes this sort of festival so wonderful. Moran is a charming, thoughtful and quite funny fellow, who believes if the audience got to really know him, they would hate him. Even so, quite the opposite is true. Moran is a self-described people-pleaser, and he has spent most of his 31 years on this planet trying to make sure everyone is always OK. Aiding him (for want of a better verb) are his parents who seem
“Old Friends” Are Making New Friends On Broadway
“Old Friends,” the joyous Sondheim revue now gracing the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, is less a show and more a heartfelt celebration—a Broadway party where every guest is an absolute legend! With Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga leading the charge, the audience is in for a storm of emotions strong enough to make even the thickest mascara run. Heaven help those who don’t come prepared with tissues! Bernadette Peters as Dot From "Sunday In The Park With George" Bernadette Peters returns to her iconic role as Dot from "Sunday In The Park With George" with a flair that is nothing short of
Buena Vista Social Club: Celebrating Cuban Music and Culture
While any number of musicals are based on popular movies, precious few are based on documentaries. Fortunately, Saheem Ali had the wonderful idea to bring Wim Wender’s 1999 documentary Buena Vista Social Club to the stage. After a run at Atlantic Theater Company in late 2023, the celebration of Cuban music and history has come to Broadway. The musical’s (rather thin) story evokes the melodrama of classic telenovelas, with a romance that is star-crossed by class divisions and a passionate artist who must choose between creating music for the world or for her own community. In 1959, as revolution sweeps across
SUMO at the Public Theater Explores Strength, Spirituality & the Spectrum of Masculinity
SUMO is a bold new play about sports, spirituality, Japanese culture, ancient traditions, the hero's journey, and the full spectrum of masculinity. Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and directed by Ralph B. Peña, SUMO's New York debut is held at the Public Theater for an extended run through March 30 in a co-production with Ma-Yi Theater Company and La Jolla Playhouse. The Public's Anspacher space has been transformed into a theater-turned-dohyō with the audiences granted prime ringside seats to experience the world of sumo up close and personal. Though small in stature, playwright Lisa Sanaye Dring is a wrestler. She wrestles
Matt Nagin’s 5th Literary Effort “The Book Of Outcasts”, Brings The Laughs
This is my second opportunity to review one of the five books by the aforementioned. He always delivers whether it be as a story writer, stand up, actor or rapper, yes, even rapper. Ask Matt about Lil Cronnie. Matt Nagin's "The Book of Outcasts" is a collection of short stories that plunges readers into the lives of individuals teetering on the fringes of society, sanity, and conventional morality. With a darkly comedic and often surreal touch, Nagin crafts narratives that are as unsettling as they are thought-provoking, exploring themes of alienation, obsession, and the search for meaning in a world that
Company XIV Brings The Valentines Goodies, Again!!!
There are moments in history when escape feels essential, and 2025 is certainly one of them. Step through the incense-laden, smoky entrance of Theatre XIV in Bushwick, and you’ll find yourself in just such an escape—a mesmerizing slip down a rabbit hole into a world of glittering beauty and captivating mayhem. Queen of Hearts by Company XIV is a dazzling spectacle where opulence and enchantment collide. From the very first moment, the performers pour their hearts into every movement, every note, creating an unforgettable experience that I can't recommend enough. They not only astonish with their acts but also double
BroadwayCon And Their 10th Anniversary: A Celebration Of Theatrical Enthusiasm
This past weekend, from February 7th to 9th, BroadwayCon filled New York City with an electric energy as fans from all over the world gathered to celebrate the magic of musical theatre. Now in its tenth season, this iconic festival continues to impress with an array of engaging events and stellar talent, all orchestrated by the beloved Broadway icon Anthony Rapp. As a passionate theatre enthusiast, attending BroadwayCon each year has been a plan, and this year did not disappoint. The schedule was packed with inspiring classes and seminars led by renowned Broadway creators and performers, covering a wide range of