Falling Out
Review by Jack Quinn, publisher Amelia Grace Beckham and Gavin Cole in a scene from Josée [more]
Articles by Jack Quinn
The New York Pops: “A Place Called Home” with Megan Hilty
The opening sequence established that tone. “Deck the Hall” and “We Need a Little Christmas” moved briskly and confidently, their energy functional rather than decorative. Reineke kept the wit light and the pacing tight. When guest artist Megan Hilty entered for “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” she did so not with flash, but with command — a voice arriving fully present, already in conversation with the orchestra. This was Hilty’s second Christmas concert with The Pops. The first came eight years ago, shortly after her son was born. Friday night, that same son sat in the audience, now eight years old. The fact wasn’t underlined from the stage, but it registered — not as sentiment, but as grounding. There was a sense of continuity in her presence, a confidence shaped over time. [more]
Rashid Johnson’s “The Hikers”
Performed beneath Rashid Johnson’s "A Poem for Deep Thinkers," "The Hikers" unfolds inside the Guggenheim rotunda, where architecture, elevation, and live music shape a restrained duet by Lloyd Knight and Leslie Andrea Williams. The building becomes an active partner in the choreography, guiding how the encounter is seen and felt. [more]
Predictor
Jennifer Blackmer’s "Predictor" expands a single moment of insight into a sharp examination of authorship and agency. Anchored by Caitlin Kinnunen’s quietly compelling performance as Meg Crane, the production traces the birth of a home pregnancy test with clarity, momentum, and discipline—most persuasive when it trusts process over proclamation. [more]
Conversation with Dominick LaRuffa Jr.
Dominick LaRuffa Jr. speaks without mythology about acting, teaching, and building a sustainable life in the business. In this conversation, he reflects on discipline, long-term patience, and why his work with Blue Collar Artist Studio — including its Veterans Acting Fellowship — treats artists not as students, but as working professionals. [more]
A Seasonal Salon Worth Noting
Cabaret artist and storyteller Fiona-Jane Weston launches a pair of online Christmas History Salons tracing the holiday’s evolution from ancient ritual to modern tradition. Blending historical narrative, period readings, music, and conversation, the salons offer a reflective, intimate alternative to seasonal noise.
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Mary Foster Conklin — Mirrors Revisited (50th Anniversary)
Mary Foster Conklin’s Mirrors Revisited stripped Peggy Lee’s 1975 art-album down to its core. With a tightly aligned ensemble led by John DiMartino, Yoshi Waki’s bass, Vince Cherico’s percussion and luminous violin from Sara Caswell, the performance revealed the cycle’s psychological through-lines and affirmed Sue Matsuki’s thoughtful curatorial vision for Winter Rhythms. [more]
Kathy Kaefer — Kiss Me Once: Stories from the Homefront
Kathy Kaefer’s Kiss Me Once: Stories from the Homefront transforms 1940s wartime songs into moving portraits of real families, lovers, and soldiers. Through tender storytelling and beautifully sung classics, she honors the Greatest Generation not with nostalgia, but with living, breathing remembrance. [more]
A Noel Coward Celebration — Steve Ross & Friends
Steve Ross and a gifted ensemble brought Noël Coward’s world vividly to life at the Episcopal Actors’ Guild, blending wit, longing, and theatrical history. Highlights included Shana Farr’s luminous “Someday I’ll Find You,” young Austin Hardy’s charming poem, and a show-stopping turn from 100-year-old Dorothy. A night of artistry with purpose. [more]
Tom Stoppard: An Appreciation
With Tom Stoppard’s passing, we look back on a career that transformed theatrical language and feeling. Our tribute revisits Arcadia, Leopoldstadt, Travesties, and The Real Thing through TheaterScene’s critics, capturing the wit, humanity, and intellectual daring that shaped his enduring legacy. [more]
Eddie Bruce — The Magic & Music of Tony Bennett
Eddie Bruce brings warmth, wit, and timeless swing to Winter Rhythms, marking his first Urban Stages appearance with charm, heart, and musical finesse. [more]
Interview with Ty Jones, Classical Theater of Harlem
Harlem Holidays features Renée Elise Goldsberry in an intimate CTH celebration of music, storytelling, and community-driven artistry on Dec 15, 2025 [more]
Gingold Theatrical Group’s 20th Anniversary Gala at The Players
The occasion was the 20th Anniversary Gala of Gingold Theatrical Group, the company that celebrates and revitalizes the work of George Bernard Shaw [more]
The American Soldier – An Interview with Douglas Taurel
In The American Soldier, Douglas Taurel gives voice to generations of service through real letters, lived experience, and fourteen sharply drawn characters. In this conversation, he speaks about honor, sacrifice, brotherhood, and the careful craft required to carry other people’s grief onstage—night after night—without ever letting it become abstract. [more]
GLORIA! — Canterbury Choral Society
GLORIA! from the Canterbury Choral Society unites Vivaldi, Puccini, and Arnesen in a luminous performance shaped by expressive voices and rich ensemble color. [more]
Gruesome Playground Injuries
In Neil Pepe’s stark revival of Rajiv Joseph’s "Gruesome Playground Injuries," Nicholas Braun and Kara Young trace three decades of bruised connection. Childhood scars, teenage volatility, and a late-night reckoning unfold in jagged time jumps that reveal how two people can orbit each other without ever landing in the same emotional place. [more]
The New York Pops: Everything I Know: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Lin-Manuel Miranda
These highlights stood out not because they were big, but because they were grounded. Nothing felt inflated or overworked. Reineke kept the orchestra responsive, and Gonzalez moved through Miranda’s catalog with the ease of someone who knows the material from the inside out — from the early basement-club creativity of "Freestyle Love Supreme" to the cross-platform storytelling that carries him from "In the Heights" to "Encanto" without changing his fingerprint. [more]
Bruno Giraldi: Love or Death? at Don’t Tell Mama
Bruno Giraldi’s "Love or Death?" at Don’t Tell Mama blends cabaret performance, philosophy, and intimate storytelling. Each idea leads to a personal revelation; each revelation breaks into song. This cabaret review highlights a show where love, loss, and music intertwine, creating a powerful emotional journey on a small New York stage. [more]
The Unfinished Conversation: Shaw in 2025
George Bernard Shaw — A salon-style evening at the American Irish Historical Society brought artists and educators together as David Staller led a candid, contemporary look at Shaw’s ideas in 2025. [more]
Sue Matsuki and the Heartbeat of Winter Rhythms
At Winter Rhythms, the lights warm, the lobby hums, and Sue Matsuki runs Urban Stages with the grace of a mentor and the stamina of a producer who loves every beat of the work. More than 150 artists gather for 11 nights of music, community, cookies, and the unmistakable generosity that defines this festival. [more]
Interview with Billy Recce and Danny Salles, Lyricists of “Vape! The Grease Parody”
Step inside the wild, razor-sharp world of VAPE! The Grease Parody, where creators Billy Recce and Danny Salles reveal how parody becomes true theatre — from the chaotic genius of “Green Lightning” to the meta-heart of “Look at Me in Agony.” A smart, funny, and surprisingly honest look at Off-Broadway’s boldest new spoof. [more]
The Harvest
In a Montana farmhouse worn thin by grief and memory, "The Harvest" exposes the fractures beneath a family’s final crop. What begins as a quiet drama of duty erupts into a raw reckoning—where a mother’s long-silenced truth rewrites everything her children thought they knew. [more]
Interview with “Reunions” lyricist Jeffrey Scharf and composer Jimmy Calire
"Reunion"'s lyricist Scharf and Composer Calire explore how two forgotten one-acts became a musical about second chances, memory, and the courage to reconnect. [more]
Episcopal Actors’ Guild’s 2025 Annual Memorial Evensong Service
This year’s service, held Sunday, November 9, 2025, was led by Father John David van Dooren, Rector of the Little Church and Warden of the Guild. His opening words recalled the centuries-old connection between art and faith: “Our work as performers is to make the invisible visible—to show that light, even when flickering, is never lost.” Then came the reading of names: a litany of the departed, some famous, some known only to the theater community, all united by their devotion to the performing arts. [more]
Theatre Now’s Astonishing! Gala 2025
Honoring three women reshaping the American musical: Mindi Dickstein, Lisa Lambert and Anna K. Jacobs.Hosted with radiant humor by Taylor Iman Jones, the evening celebrated women and nonbinary musical-theatre writers, with performances by Isabelle McCalla, Kyra Kennedy, Claire Kwon, Afra Sophia Tully, and Jones herself. Songs rose through the oak-paneled hall like light through stained glass. [more]
Don’t Vape! The Grease Parody
Billy Recce and Danny Salles' lyrics are the secret engine of "Don't Vape!"—clever, campy, and unexpectedly pointed. They skewers performative purity, influencer culture, and the desperate nostalgia of Gen Z’s retro revival, all while composing hooks catchy enough to survive outside satire. Under Jack Plotnick’s razor-sharp direction, "Don't Vape!" turns vintage pink into neon green, and proves that a good parody doesn’t mock its source—it reinvents it. [more]
The Lucky Ones
A moving, funny meditation on mortality and friendship, Lia Romeo’s “The Lucky Ones” opens not with sentimentality but with shock — and ends with a grace note of acceptance that feels wholly earned. [more]
The New York Pops —2025 Opening Night
Steven Reineke and The New York Pops opened their Carnegie Hall season with a luminous concert tracing the path of great songs from Broadway to Hollywood. Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Stanley lent the evening its beating heart, blending theatrical soul with cinematic sweep. [more]
The Pitch
There’s no denying that when 'The Pitch" stays in the office, it’s alive—taut, funny, and honest. Alper clearly knows this world; he writes its jargon and swagger with precision. But each time the play strays from the phones and the whiteboard, it forgets its own best pitch. As a showcase for a terrific ensemble and Keller’s crisp direction, it’s worth the listen. Yet, like a salesman who can’t stop talking after he’s closed the deal, The Pitch doesn’t know when to hang up. When it stays on the phone, it’s riveting; when it hangs up, we’re stuck on hold. [more]
Celebration of Song — Freedom and Hope (Open House New York 2025)
As part of this year’s Open House New York festival, the Episcopal Actors’ Guild presented Celebration of Song — Freedom and Hope at the Church of the Transfiguration, affectionately known as The Little Church Around the Corner. It was an inspired afternoon of music and fellowship—part history lesson, part hymn, and part rallying cry. [more]
Unstuck and Unflinching: Olivia Levine on Comedy, Control, and Coming Clean
For Levine, the crowd isn’t a backdrop—it’s a living collaborator. Her show is intimate, often exposing the kind of stories most people bury: intrusive thoughts, shame, and the messy intersections of sex and control. She relies on the audience to meet her there. “Sometimes people’s reactions change what happens in the moment,” she says. “When my mom’s friends came, they’d whisper or gasp or laugh in surprise—and I can feel that energy. It changes how I tell a story.” [more]
Unstuck
Olivia Levine’s "Unstuck" begins like a comedy set and ends like a cleansing. She steps into the light holding a fake candle and an orange, instantly setting the tone: part ritual, part bit. “I hope my parents are always happy and that they live forever — of course they will, but just in case,” she intones, before muttering “Done done done done done GUN — goddammit.” It’s funny, until it isn’t. You laugh, then realize you’re inside the mechanics of OCD — the panic disguised as precision, the desperate repetition hiding inside a joke. [more]
Country Roads, Quiet Rooms, and Inner Weight: Two Plays in Conversation
As TheaterScene.net approaches its 24th anniversary, I’ve been reflecting not only on the shows we cover but also on how they speak to one another across the season. Sometimes two productions, opening within days of each other, unexpectedly illuminate common ground. This past week, seeing "let’s talk about anything else" (reviewed by Victor Gluck) and "The Porch on Windy Hill" (reviewed by Joseph Pisano), I couldn’t help but notice how these seemingly different works echo each other in intriguing ways. [more]
How to Swap Ethereum: A Quick Guide for Beginners
Swapping Ethereum is a practical strategy for investors who want to diversify, secure stable assets, or participate in new opportunities within the Ethereum ecosystem. With a trusted platform, you can swap ETH safely and quickly, maintaining flexibility in your portfolio without needing to cash out in traditional currency. [more]
The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Christmas Dinner Party
Ready to host the ultimate Christmas dinner party? Whether you're a seasoned entertainer or a first-timer, planning the perfect holiday gathering can feel overwhelming.
But don't worry! Here are easy holiday hosting tips to help you create a festive and memorable evening. From delicious dishes to cheerful decor, we've got you covered. [more]
Betting in Broadway: A guide to NYC’s hottest shows
Broadway is the embodiment of the most in-demand shows in the world. Getting good tickets to a Broadway show can feel like winning the lottery. Famous shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge! are all cultural phenomena, and both tourists and locals will go miles to ensure getting tickets to the spectacle. [more]
How Virtual Theater Is Expanding Access to Global Audiences
In an era where technology is often seen as isolating, virtual theater reminds us that it can also be a tool for connection. Whether it’s through the fusion of abstract photography into storytelling or the simple act of sharing a performance across borders, virtual theater is reshaping the way we experience art, making it more accessible, more collaborative, and more global than ever before. [more]
Krzysztof Knapczyk: A New Face of Classical Music with Global Ambitions
Krzysztof Knapczyk, who has performed in countries such as Greece, Germany, and the U.S., aims to expand the Pop Opera project to American and international audiences. "Performing in New York was a huge step for me," he says. "Now, I want to bring this concept to stages all over the world—bridging the gap between opera, pop, and musicals in a fresh and exciting way." [more]
A Quick Look at Some Theatrical Plays Associated with Casinos
Even those who are not necessarily fans of the theatre will find it difficult to deny the talents of the actors on stage. There are also a handful of themes that provide a truly engrossing experience from the perspective of the viewer. [more]
8 Leading Performing Arts Colleges in London
So, this was all about the best-performing arts colleges in the London list. There are many scholarships available for theatre and drama in the UK. Furthermore, you can get in touch with private organisations and other government bodies that offer aid to students. Needless to say, you’ll have to practice a lot to emerge as a successful individual in the field.
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CHIP DEFFAA’S “GEORGE M. COHAN TONIGHT!” RELEASED FOR HOME-VIEWING!
The film of Chip Deffaa's "George M. Cohan Tonight!"--with Jon Peterson reprising his highly acclaimed stage performance--is being released on the day that Cohan always proudly claimed as his birthday--the Fourth of July. "Some folks say that Cohan was actually born on the third of July," acknowledges Deffaa. "But Jon Peterson and I are offering this birthday present for the Father of the Broadway Musical on the day that he chose to celebrate. Happy birthday, George!" [more]
Most Famous Theater Places in The World
Visiting live theater cannot be compared to any other live experience; it's the captivating anticipation before the performance starts and the pure delight when actors immerse you in their story.
Theaters should not be equated with cinemas, as the latter often lack dynamism and are monotonous. Live actor movements on stage, genuine emotions, and unfolding stories right before your eyes simply cannot leave you indifferent. [more]
The Rise of Immersive Theater: A New Trend in College Theater Productions
Immersive theater is revolutionizing the way stories are told and experienced in college settings. It not only challenges students to think creatively and adaptively but also enriches their educational journey by placing them within the narrative. [more]
Musical Theater in Colleges: Shaping Social Awareness Through Art
Musical theater at the college level often pushes boundaries, challenging traditional narratives and fostering innovation in storytelling. This creative experimentation is essential, enabling students to harness both creative and critical thinking skills necessary for effective communication. The dynamic nature of musical theater, with its blend of music, dialogue, and dance, offers a powerful means of cultural expression and critique. [more]
Reviving Classic Musicals in College: New Takes on Old Favorites
Discover how college students are reimagining classic musicals to resonate with modern audiences. See how innovation meets tradition in college theater. [more]
Unleashing the Drama: A Guide to Theater Plays Every Student Should Experience
For educators and students alike, "Hamlet" offers numerous avenues for exploration—from its rich language and intricate plot to its deep philosophical questions. Teachers can engage students through interactive performances, critical essays, and group discussions to dissect the layers of Shakespeare’s most introspective work. This approach not only enhances students' analytical skills but also their appreciation for classical literature. [more]
BroadwayHD – Your Ticket to Streaming Broadway Online
So, instead of watching shady videos online, why go for something legit that helps the people who make the magic happen? A one-year subscription to BroadwayHD is $199.99, expensive but gives you on-demand viewing of hundreds of full-length shows. [more]
How Theater Can Help You Avoid Academic Stress
Use every opportunity to explore and enjoy the world of theater. As you can see, you can benefit from doing so in many ways by making your life journey less stressful. [more]
The Main Differences between the Film and Theater Industries
Many people probably wonder, though, just what are the main differences between the film and theater industries? Aspiring actors are probably curious to know just what all is involved in each option. And if you’re interested in learning more about the art itself, you might consider taking an entry-level job and trying your hand directly. [more]
TheaterScene.net published 480 reviews in 2018 from twelve reviewers.
Our TheaterScene.net staff was very prolific in 2018. I'm proud of all their efforts and our site in it's 18th year as a home for long form independent arts journalism. [more]
“MAME” The Hit Broadway Musical Starring Angela Lansbury Celebrated the 50th Anniversary at Sardi’s
Mame starring Angela Lansbury opened on Broadway 50th years ago. Thursday, May 26th members of that company gathered for a 50th Anniversary Celebration at Sardi’s. Producer John Bowab and dancer Diana Baffa Brill coordinated this special reunion. John and Diana have directed and choreographed numerous productions of Mame throughout the world. [more]
Self-titled debut album from Hamilton’s Grammy award-winning & Tony-nominated performer/vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. To be released June 10 on S-Curve records
“Leslie has approached the songs on his debut album in a thoughtful and truly inspired fashion, creating something quite beautiful,” said Steve Greenberg, Founder and President of S-Curve Records. “We all know what a charismatic performer he is; the world is about to find out what a uniquely gifted vocalist he is. He’s made a great album and this is really just the beginning.” [more]
Broadway Stars Joined Forces To Help Raise $200,000 For Creative Alternatives Of New York (CANY) At The 2016 Annual “Theater & Therapy” Gala
Guests were also treated to surprise live performances at the event. Ann Hampton Callaway opened the night’s festivities with a mash up of the songs “People” and “Being Alive” to rousing applause. After Kelli O’ Hara accepted her award she sang “Make Someone Happy” and Cady Huffman and Ann Hampton Callaway performed the duet, “Sunny Side of the Street” to close the event. [more]
Second Annual Broadway Bets Eclipses Inaugural Total, Raises $247,800 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Theatre fans and Broadway’s biggest behind-the-scenes players went “all in” on Monday, May 16, 2016, at the second annual edition of Broadway Bets, Broadway’s official poker tournament, raising a spectacular $247,800 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. [more]
Interview with Lynn Shore
Mark Vogel and Lynn Shore How long have you been collaborating with Mark Vogel, David Burnham, and [more]
Interview with James Godwin, Puppeteer
A 2014 Jim Henson Award recipient, Godwin utilizes remarkable puppets, masks & mystical neo-noir visuals to tell a story set in a parallel, near-future NYC filled with ghosts, elemental spirits & evil demigods. THE FLATIRON HEX will play six performances only – May 15th, 16th, 22th, 23th, 29th, and 30th at 7:30PM, at Dixon Place (161A Chrystie Street). Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door, and $12 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.dixonplace.org or by calling 866-811-4111. [more]
The New York Pops 32nd Birthday Gala: “The New Golden Age”
Maestro Steven Reineke, backed up by the largest pops orchestra in the United States, took us on an astonishing musical journey. The song selections made the perfectly-paced concert one of the most memorable nights of music in the past decade. [more]
Interview with Raja Feather Kelly
Raja Feather Kelly TheaterScene.net had the pleasure of interviewing Raja Feather Kelly, the [more]
“THE GEORGE M. COHAN AWARD” PRESENTED TO RAYNA HIRT, MICHAEL CZYZ
Both Czyz and Hirt have won the respect and admiration of their co-stars. Joseph Spitale, who played opposite Czyz in “Theater Boys,” commented: “Michael is so alive and present when he's on stage. He has this ability to connect in a very real way. Every performance with Michael feels fresh and new, which really keeps me invested as a scene partner. And I have a lot of respect for how grounded he is in scenes where he's so exposed.” [more]
“THE BETTY BUCKLEY AWARD” PRESENTED TO EMILY BORDONARO
Bordonaro, who is currently appearing in Deffaa’s “Irving Berlin Ragtime Revue” at the 13th Street Rep (50 W. 13th Street, NYC), expressed deep gratitude at being chosen as the first recipient of the annual Betty Buckley Award. [more]