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]
Features
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]
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]
Roses and Beyond: The Best Flowers to Give Your Favorite Artist
An artist has a long-lasting effect when they really connect on stage. A thoughtful gift such as flowers can express your gratitude in a manner that words cannot express. While roses are a common choice, there is a vast array of flowers with unique meanings that can convey profound messages. [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]
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.
[more]
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]
War Horse: The Broadway Play That Is A Favorite Of Equestrian Fans
For equestrian fans, "War Horse" holds a special allure beyond its theatrical merits. The portrayal of horses as central characters in the narrative resonates deeply with those who appreciate the beauty and nobility of these animals. The play's exploration of the human-animal bond strikes a chord with riders, trainers, and horse lovers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared admiration among equestrian communities. [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 Reef (opera workshop)
On April 10, 2024, Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center presented a tantalizing teaser of a musical evening with the world premiere workshop of only the first act of 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis’ new opera, "The Reef." With a libretto adapted by Joan Ross Sorkin, from the 1912 novel by Edith Wharton, this was the first time that the work has been adapted for the stage, though it has been filmed as Passion’s Way. The workshop was sponsored by the Berkshire Opera Festival using a cast of emerging artists all of whom were vocally capable of singing the work. [more]
Five Theatrical Plays About Gambling
While gambling may not be the main character in each of these plays, its role in each one adds to the drama, causing the story to unfold further and further. It adds to the drama, entertainment, and reality of the play (with the exception of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, in which you might say it adds to the unreality), contributing something to the story that we can all relate to. [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]
ON THE TOWN WITH CHIP DEFFAA: ON “FUNNY GIRL,” ETHNIC CASTING, AND FANNY BRICE…
Brice—as a pioneering Jewish female Broadway star who took charge of her own fabulous career in an era when few women did—became a source of inspiration for many aspiring young Jewish performers. At her peak, Brice was the highest-paid American singing comedienne. [more]
Eighteen-Year-Old Actor with Autism Honored by Only Make Believe Charity
Collet Reyes has been a part of the Only Make Believe charity since he was eight years old. Living with a developmental disability and being diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, Reyes has worked through these challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor. For the last ten years, Reyes was able to write, perform and learn all aspects of the theatre industry. He continues today by working with Only Make Believe actors to attend monologue workshops wherein he developed a monologue of his own to use at future auditions. He has taken professional headshots and continues to volunteer in his current role as both stage manager and mentor to children at The Rebecca School. [more]
R.I.P. Robert Patrick, Playwright
He was perhaps best-known for his play "Kennedy's Children"--produced successfully on Broadway and on the West End, and in many cities, internationally. He also gave us some 60 other published plays, including "Camera Obscura," which was filmed for PBS starring Marge Champion, and "The Haunted Host," which helped launch the acting career of a terrifically talented young Harvey Fierstein. They met when Fierstein was 16; Patrick gave Fierstein his first leading role in an Equity production, and they became good friends for life, (I have good memories of Harvey performing a striking monologue from that play, years later, during an appearance at the club Eighty-Eights). [more]
Post-Pandemic State of the Arts 2023
Many Broadway shows are also exorbitantly expensive. While smaller productions such as Off Broadway or Off Off Broadway used to be a comfortable option, producers such as Cyndy and Thomas are finding it more difficult to find financial backers. They are also struggling to rebuild audiences that they had before the pandemic and build up new ones. Finally, they still suffer closures when an artist gets sick. According to an unnamed film producer, a similar situation arose for artistic films – many film houses that used to show such films closed right before or during the pandemic. For example, while the Paris Theater is still open, the Lincoln Plazas Cinemas that used to sit on 63rd and Broadway has closed. According to several artists, a further challenge is that the home entertainment industry that boomed during the pandemic is now stiff competition for any live entertainment or art film houses. [more]
An Appreciation of Todd Haimes, Producing Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre Company
Roundabout, under Haimes' leadership, was noted both for new works and for revivals of older shows with strikingly new elements (like this season's gender-bending revival of "1776.") He was the first producer to try livestreaming a Broadway show ("She Loves Me" in 2016). And somehow, besides producing lots of shows (and 11 Tony Awards), Haimes also found time to teach at Yale University and Brooklyn College. The biggest change he saw in theater in his career, he said, was the change in audience composition, with Broadway growing more and more reliant on tourists. He said it bothered him that nowadays, in his opinion, so many theater ticket buyers preferred to see crap so long as a star they knew from TV or film was heading the cast, than see a better play with better (but not necessarily famous) actors. [more]
A Walk in the Woods with Playwright Chip Deffaa, His Deer, and the Ghost of George M. Cohan
Deffaa comments: “I've always loved Cohan's attitude--that 'can-do' spirit of his is inspiring. He had no formal education; he learned by doing; and left a terrific legacy. Just a remarkable man! No one in Broadway history ever did as many different things as well as Cohan. He wrote book, music, and lyrics for Broadway shows that he starred in, directed, choreographed, and co-produced. He wrote or co-wrote some 50 Broadway shows, produced or co-produced some 80 Broadway shows. At his peak, he owned or controlled seven Broadway theaters. “Cohan’s shows--fast, funny, and unusually well-plotted for their day--laid the foundation for modern musical comedy. It was Cohan who made America--not Europe--the pace-setter for musical theater. In an era when musicals were often little more than collected vaudeville acts, Cohan was creating well-plotted musical plays. And critics took note that he was advancing the artform. George Jean Nathan, a top critic, wrote that Cohan’s musicals were “as carefully plotted as the dramas of Euripides.” By writing book, music, and lyrics, and supervising all aspects of production, Cohan was creating musicals far more cohesive than those before. And the best younger people working in the theater, like Oscar Hammerstein and Irving Berlin, took note and built upon Cohan’s foundation. Cohan was a major contributor to our culture. He was the first member of his profession honored with a Congressional medal, presented to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.” [more]
Remembering Robert Clary: From the Concentration Camps to Broadway and Hollywood
Clary scored a great success on Broadway in "Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of 1952." My father, who enjoyed that show, recalled Eartha Kitt and Robert Clary as the standouts in the cast of largely-unknown up-and-coming performers that also included Paul Lynde, Alice Ghostley, Carol Lawrence, and Ronny Graham. None of the performers were yet big names. And the smart, fast-paced revue gave them important exposure. (My father noted that this was an especially good revue, in a time when revues were still a staple of Broadway. He missed the revues when revues fell out of fashion on Broadway.) Producer/writer Leonard Sillman, whose various New Faces revues enlivened Broadway from the 1930’s through the 1960’s, helped advance the careers of plenty of talented newcomers over the years, beginning with Henry Fonda and Imogene Coca, the standouts in Sillman’s first revue in the series, "New Faces of 1934." [more]
An Appreciation of Michael Feingold (1945-2022)
He saw seemingly everything, and championed plays and productions he found meaningful, even if they were at the smallest of theaters. He chose what he wished to cover, and would sometimes expound at great length about a drama Off-Broadway or Off-Off-Broadway that he felt was worthwhile and might otherwise be neglected, and then dispatch in the shortest, most terse review imaginable a big, glossy commercial Broadway musical that he was sure would find an audience but—in his eyes—was devoid of much artistic value. [more]
Anthony Rapp’s Solo Show, “Without You,” To Get Off-Broadway Run
I think this is great news. I’m happy the show will finally be getting a full theatrical production in New York. I saw the original festival-production tryout of "Without You" about a dozen years ago and found it to be the most affecting and meaningful solo show that I'd seen in years. I’d previously felt the same way about Rapp's book, "Without You"—it was the most absorbing showbiz memoir I'd come across in years; I bought copies of that book to give friends as presents. [more]