NY Reviews + My Top NYC Picks Right Now
Hello, play-goers! I’m just back from another theatre weekend in New York—4 shows in 2 days!—and I have lots to report back. Also, read on for a recap of my top picks for plays and musicals on Broadway right now.
New York Reviews
The Days of Wine and Roses: The best of the four shows I saw this weekend was this world premiere musical at the off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company. Based on the play and movie of the same name, it tells the story of a straight couple in the 1950s who fall in love but struggle to escape alcoholism, together and individually, while also raising a daughter. It has an all-star creative team: music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, who wrote the luscious score for “The Light in the Piazza” and is Richard Rodgers’s grandson; directed by the acclaimed Michael Greif (“Rent”, “Dear Evan Hansen”); and featuring National Treasure Kelli O’Hara opposite Brian D’Arcy James.
The story is so compelling; the songs are beautiful and moving; and the performances were extraordinary. I loved the tight focus on two people in the grip of addiction, trying and failing and trying again to escape it. The added layer of them being parents made it all the more dramatic and challenging. When Kelli O’Hara sings, it sounds like an angel descending from heaven to drip sweet notes in our ears. I predict this will transfer to Broadway in a future season—it has major potential. [Playing through July 16]
I am starting to really love seeing shows off-Broadway, especially works in development—I love when the program has an inserted page with the musical numbers, because they are continuing to change! Off-broadway shows have the same world-class talent of Broadway, but in a 200-seat theater, you experience them in a much more intimate way than a larger house. Plus, I saw the composer and director as I walked in, chatting with people! These are people I really admire, and we all watched the show together!! I wish I could’ve grabbed them after to give them some notes ;)
The Thanksgiving Play was my second-favorite of the trip. A hilarious, absurdist satire, it features four white theatre-makers trying to put on a play for schoolchildren about Thanksgiving that is culturally sensitive, but mostly just tripping over themselves to perform how woke they are. Sample line: “I got you this water bottle, which was made from recycled broken glass from housing projects, so that you can stay hydrated while saving the environment.” We were constantly laughing, but also cringing at how terribly wrong they were on how to be an ally and create culturally sensitive art. [Playing through June 11 only]
Peter Pan Goes Wrong also concerns theatre-makers getting something wrong, but this time due to dire incompetence. The premise is that an amateur theatre company in a small town in the UK is trying to put on the classic play “Peter Pan” but can’t make it through a scene without a set piece breaking, Peter crashing into a wall, or an errant sound cue to interrupt the proceedings. This is pure farce, physical humor, etc—very light and fun. But the second act brought in some more complex relationships among the characters that made the proceedings even richer. I enjoyed laughing for 2 hours straight, plus marveling at the technical ability it takes to execute so many physical gags with precision. [Playing through July 23 only.]
Life of Pi was my least favorite. Technically, it was dazzling—the set, projection, sound, and lighting design combined to portray a child in a boat at sea in a vivid and beautiful way. The puppetry was also very well done—as someone said to me, puppetry has come a long way since “The Lion King”! But I felt the story lacked heart and was a bit mechanical. The understudy was in for the lead character, Pi, so it may be better otherwise.
I am still so glad I saw Life of Pi because I MET LIVING LEGEND André deShields!! The significance here cannot be overstated: this man has been acting, choreographing, and directing on Broadway since the 70s! I have seen him in several productions, most notably “Hadestown”, where he played Hermes, the show’s narrator. Here’s how it happened: I was settling into my seat, noticed him sitting one row away, and audibly gasped. His friend heard me and nudged him; he turned to look at me; and I leapt up and over three people to go say hello. He was incredibly gracious, shook my hand, and chatted with me about some upcoming things he’s doing. Returning to my seat, I let out a squeal and then dropped dead.
What to see in New York?
I have previously previewed/reviewed many shows that are still playing in New York. I thought I’d do an update of my top picks right now.
Hadestown - This is my favorite thing playing on Broadway! Reviewed here.
Some Like it Hot - Fabulous music, hilarious, wonderful dancing, and moving story. Reviewed here.
Kimberly Akimbo - Super compelling story with beautiful music and outstanding performances. Reviewed here.
Fat Ham - Funny, poignant, and very smart—a well-written, well-constructed play. Reviewed here.
Sweeney Todd and Parade - I have tickets to these two revivals in June and have heard they are absolutely fantastic.
The Days of Wine and Roses (review above)
Titanique - Campy, queer, musical parody of Titanic in which Celine Dion is the narrator.
Long-running sure bets: Six, Hamilton, MJ: The Musical.
Here are some other plays I haven’t seen but would love to. All have been very well received:
A Doll’s House - Jessica Chastain is supposed to give an incredible performance in this stripped-down version of the classic play.
Summer, 1976 - A new play about two women’s friendship featuring Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht; trusted sources have loved it.
Prima Facie - Intense one-woman show with Jodie Comer playing a British lawyer dealing with sexual assault.
That’s it for now! Next up: the Tony Awards on June 11 at 8p! It’s a great chance to see performances from this season’s Broadway shows.
Email me with any ideas, questions, or feedback!