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Ana Kuzmanić

Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo

July 30, 2026

Feminism did not start in the 20th century. Three-times Grammy winner country singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles has written an exciting new musical (book, music and lyrics!) inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana, the 17th century Sicilian woman who is reputed to have poisoned 600 men. Set in 1653, these were the days when the Catholic church forbid divorce and men were kings of their castle with downtrodden wives who were at their beck and call. Brilliantly directed by Mary Zimmerman, "Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo" now at the Perelman Performing Arts Center -PAC NYC (which last season gave us "Cats: The Jellicle Ball") is a dynamic show with suitably Broadway pretensions in its elaborate production. [more]

The Minutes

April 24, 2022

Tracy Letts’ "The Minutes" is both a fine political comedy as well as an indictment of how most Americans live today. It ultimately asks us to look at our values as well as our connection to the society around us. It will not make you so much as talk about it after you have seen it, but ask yourself if the indictment includes you. Continuing her connection to playwright Tracy Letts which began with "August: Osage County" in 2007, director Anna D. Shapiro adds another excellent contemporary play to her resumé. [more]