Sunday, September 24, 2023
Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, is an ambitious and thought-provoking film that delves into the life of renowned physicist Robert Oppenheimer and his pivotal role in developing the atomic bombs that would eventually bring an end to World War II. With an immersive use of music and a stellar cast, the film takes viewers on a journey that explores the complexities of scientific discovery, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of wielding such immense power. Let's not forget I saw this little diddy in 70 MM Filmstock, making for particularly special sound and visually unstoppable. Christopher Nolan, known for his masterful storytelling
Reviews
Public Works THE TEMPEST at The Delacorte Theater
Though hurricanes, the stormy skies and the trail of destruction they bring raged across America at the tail end of summer, all was calm and serene as professional artists and community participants alike graced the Delacorte Theatre for one last time before 2025. The production was a jubilant musical take on Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, as envisioned by Public Works, currently helmed by Lauire Wooley, featuring well-crafted, richly varied and genre-bending music and lyrics by Benjamin Velez and simple yet playful choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher. Ancestral spirits from Seneca Village and the Isle of Manahatta, the homeland of the
Captivating! Intimate! Hilarious! “The Shark Is Broken” Takes A Bite Out Of Broadway
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars) The Broadway production of "The Shark Is Broken", written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, is a mesmerizing theatrical experience that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the iconic trio from the movie Jaws. Starring Ian Shaw, Alex Brightman, and Colin Donnell, this play captivates audiences with its exploration of the complex relationship between Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, as well as the tumultuous backdrop of the drug-riddled set of "Jaws" in 1973. Photo By: D.B. Frick One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Shark Is Broken" (aside from the fact
Cat Kid Comic Club — Lucille Lortel Theatre
Children's theatre is usually treated as an afterthought (if it is thought of at all), not as important as anything done for adults. Disney has given us some exceptions to this, but few production companies have the resources and the marketing power the House of the Mouse has. TheatreWorks USA has taken a different track with Cat Kid Comic Club, by Dav Pilkey. Pilkey is the author of the Captain Underpants books, and TheatreWorks turned his DogMan spin-off book into a musical a few years ago. Having sold 50 million copies of his works, Pilkey is a known-quantity to youngsters
Title: A Playful and Thought-Provoking Ride: Barbie (2023) Review
Rating: ★★★★☆ Barbie, the latest film directed by Greta Gerwig, takes a playful and satirical approach to the beloved doll franchise and delivers a surprisingly poignant commentary on societal stereotypes. As someone who grew up surrounded by Barbie but felt left out of the playtime, I was intrigued to see how this movie would handle the subject matter. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The film understands the importance of not taking itself too seriously, much like the classic TV show did with the film version of "The Brady Bunch" years ago. It embraces its parody nature and goes
BAAND Together Dance Festival — Lincoln Center
Summer in New York means, among a lot of other things, free performances in outdoor spaces. At Lincoln Center, Damroch Park, we had the third annual BAAND Together Dance Festival. For five nights, five of the city's best dance companies come together to celebrate movement. Ballet Hispanico, the American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey and New York City Ballet perform in a show-case of talent that is simply priceless. The artistic directors of the five companies offered this statement about BAAND: The BAAND Together Dance Festival is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of the New York City
BroadwayCon 2023: A Theatrical Extravaganza That Hits Close to Home
As the annual celebration of all things Broadway, BroadwayCon has become a cherished event for theater enthusiasts from across the globe. This year, BroadwayCon returned to the iconic Marriott Marquis on July 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, bringing together a vibrant community of fans, cosplayers, Broadway stars, and industry professionals. For many attendees, this convention is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of theater, meet their favorite performers, and gain insights from the best in the business. For me this year's event held a special significance. Having covered BroadwayCon on multiple occasions in the past, I have been absent since
Free Shakespeare in the Park’s HAMLET at The Delacorte Theater
If last year was “The Summer of Richard III,” with numerous productions worldwide and varying portrayals of the “poisonous bunch-backed toad,” including The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park version directed by Robert O’Hara (see my StageBiz review here), then 2023 is “The Tale of Two Hamlets.” Two Public Theater productions featuring the titular tragic prince were running simultaneously at the time of Free Shakespeare in the Park’s Hamlet’s opening, the second being James Ijames’ excellent, Pulitzer-Prize winning modern-day riff on the Hamlet tale, dubbed Fat Ham, which transferred to Broadway and closed July 2 after an extension (see
Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny: A Masterpiece that Honors the Series’ Legacy
3x As an ardent aficionado of the Indiana Jones franchise, I am overjoyed to share with you my thoughts on the latest installment, "Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny." Having been captivated by the timeless adventures of the intrepid archaeologist since my adolescent years, with "Raiders of The Lost Ark" being the very first film I experienced in the theatrical realm, I approached this newest addition to the series with an amalgamation of trepidation and excitement. However, I am thrilled to report that my expectations were not only met but surpassed, as this film represents a triumphant return to form
Melinda Hughes Takes Over, Dont Tell Mama, With “Hitched”
Melinda Hughes, a British cabaret act, brought her talents to the New York City stage with an unforgettable performance of her one-woman musical, "Hitched," at Dont Tell Mama. This satirical musical, which explores the ups and downs of married life with wit, humor and powerful musicality, proved to be an evening of pure entertainment for audiences. From the moment Melinda stepped onto the stage, she exuded a natural charm and confidence, immediately engaging the audience with her dynamic stage presence and natural sense of humor. Her operatic voice with its luscious tones and crystal clear notes, is a marvel to behold.