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The Fall 2024 Broadway Theater Season is Upon Us!

 

Openings on Broadway started Thursday, September 12, as Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow open much-anticipated The Roommate. There are revivals - Gypsy! Our Town! Sunset Boulevard!! - and new works; straight plays, comedies, musicals. Just a sample: an updated adaptation of Romeo and Juliet directed by Sam Gold; Yellow Face, a play about the fallout of casting a non-Asian to be the lead in Miss Saigon; Tammy Faye, Elton John's musical about the one and only Tammy Faye Bakker; A Wonderful World, a catalog musical about Louis Armstrong. Stars shine everywhere, from Robert Downey, Jr. in his Broadway debut, to six-times-Tony winner Audra McDonald. There's something for everyone. Come to the theater, come hear the music play!

 

The Roommate

Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow in a comedy about roommates and reinvention. Opened September 12.

 

The Hills of California

Family trauma drama; in Blackpool, England, a dying stage mom's performer daughters gather at the bedside, and memory cascades. Until a shot at fame appears. Opens September 29.

 

McNeal

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Robert Downey Jr.'s Broadway debut, at the Beaumont at Lincoln Center. A writer, his estranged son, and AI. Opens September 30.

 

Our Town

First Broadway revival in 25 years; directed by Kenny Leon, with a huge and stellar cast. Opens October 10.

 

Maybe Happy Ending

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Two robots get swept off their feet in this new musical. Darren Criss is one of them. Opens October 17.

 

Romeo and Juliet

Sam Gold directs this up-to-date adaptation. Opens October 24.

 

Sunset Boulevard

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Ready for your close-up? A re-imagining of Andew Llloyd Webber's musical. Huge hit in London, lots of awards. Opens October 20.

 

Yellow Face

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David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face deals with the fallout from casting Jonathan Pryce in Miss Saigon in 1990. Opens October 1

 

Left on Tenth

Delia Ephron's romcom memoir, directed by Susan Stroman. Opens October 23

 

A Wonderful World

A musical about the life of the legendary Louis Armstrong. James Monroe Inglehart will play both Armstrong and trumpet. Opens November 11.

 

Tammy Faye

Elton John does Tammy Faye Bakker; Rupert Goold directs. Opens November 14.

 

Death Becomes Her

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Two women determined to stay young, at any cost, including magic potions. Based on the 1992 film. Opens November 21.

 

Cult of Love

Family drama surrounds the holidays. Opens 12/12

 

Eureka Day

Vaccination debate in a private California elementary school. Sometimes, you can't make all of the people happy. Opens December 16

 

Gypsy

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Audra does Mama Rose. What else do you need to know? Oh, yes: George C. Wolfe directs. Let them entertain you! Opens December 19.


Obits


Photo of Sandi Durell

 

Theaterscene is sad to report that Sandi Durell, the founder and longtime publisher and editor of Theaterpizzazz, has passed after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Many in the theater and cabaret community loved Sandi; she was special, vibrant, and delightful. We send our condolences to her friends and particularly, her family: her husband, Dr. Robert Durell; her daughter, Cooper Lawrence; and her son-in-law, critic and Drama Desk member JK Clarke.

 

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, October 27.



Theater Loses Two Beloved Stars: Maggie Smith and Gavin Creel

 

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Maggie Smith (Photo: the Everett Collection)

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Gavin Creel (Photo: Deadline.com)

Within a single week, the theater world lost Maggie Smith, 89, and Gavin Creel, 48. These beloved actors were extraordinary talented members of the theater community. Smith was a legend, with a long run that spanned decades and garnered multiple awards for her work in film and television as well as on the stage. The other, Creel, had a shorter, but stellar, theater career.

 

Tributes from those who knew her speak of Maggie Smith's intellect, of how sharp, funny, and clever she was and yet did not suffer fools lightly. Gavin Creel's friends and colleagues talk about his kindness, his huge and singular talent, how he had made Broadway brighter. Gone too soon, yet still had so much greatness still to come.

 

Obituaries, courtesy of Theatermania, say it all; click photos for links.



James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones (Photo: Jeremy Daniel)

James Earl Jones, a boundary-breaking actor with a voice of gold, has died.

One of the best known, most versatile, and most beloved actors of our time, Jones's many talents earned him EGOT status. He won two Emmy Awards, one for supporting actor (Heat Wave), one for lead actor (Gabriel's Fire); a Grammy for his recording of the Emancipation Proclamation on the album Great American Documents; three Tonys - for The Great White Hope, Fences, and a Lifetime Achievement Tony; and an honorary Oscar.

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931, Jones had a speech problem he overcame magnificently, using his golden voice in role after role. It's hard to think of Jones without thinking of Darth Vader, arguably his best-known voice role, although his Mufasa in The Lion King might be just as well known. The list of his film and television work ranges from Dr. Strangelove to The Simpsons, Field of Dreams to Roots to The Great White Hope. On stage, he lent his formidable presence to Othello, You Can't Take It With You, Of Mice and Men, The Gin Game. the list goes on.

Broadway recognizes those it loves: the Cort Theatre was renamed The James Earl Jones in 2022.

 

Columns

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Editor’s Notes: Grappling with the virus, “social distancing” has become a buzzword of these strange times

ImageThe fashionable history of social distancing
By Einav Rabinovitch-Fox
Visiting Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University


Editor’s Notes: Pandemic!!!
Greek Tales
Plagues follow bad leadership in ancient Greek tales

by Joel Christensen, Associate Professor of Classical Studies, Brandeis University

Editor’s Notes: April 16: Social Injustice
North Carolina "bathroom" law inspires the entertainment community to protest.

Once again the arts have proved to be first responders to social injustice.

By Jeanne Lieberman on Apr. 29

Editor’s Notes: Immigration:
Broadway Sings while the world Debates

By Jeanne Lieberman on Nov. 23

Broadway - Musicals

Death Becomes Her

Swept Away
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 22, 2024

Exuberant but dark, Swept Away fills the eye and ear but not the heart.

Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her
Reviewed by Marc Miller on November 21, 2024

A dark, exuberant carnival of a musical comedy, with rip-roaring staging surprises lurking around every plot twist.

Tammy Faye

Tammy Faye
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November 21, 2024

Televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker is making her Broadway debut - and it's the stuff of melodrama.

Maybe Happy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 20, 2024

A charming, delightful, touching musical in which robots show us what it means to be human. Do not miss.

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 15, 2024

A jukebox musical about the one and only Louis Armstrong. Oh, those songs!

Sunset Blvd.

Sunset Blvd.
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November 1, 2024

Norma Desmond is ready for her close-ups in Jamie LLoyd's reimagined Sunset Blvd.

Once Upon a Mattress

Once Upon a Mattress
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on August 20, 2024

Theater legend Sutton Foster brings her star quality to a revival of an iconic 1959 Broadway musical.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on June 3, 2024

F. Scott Fitzgerald's landmark novel arrives on Broadway in a musical adaptation that is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on May 27, 2024

This Alicia Keys-scored musical is a scrumptious confection with authentic New York flavor.

The Heart of Rock and Roll

The Heart of Rock and Roll
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on May 15, 2024

This unabashedly joyful jukebox musical delivers hummable, silly fun.

Cabaret

Lempicka
Reviewed By Fern Siegel on May 14, 2024

The famed art deco artist Tamara de Lemipicka is celebrated in an electric new musical.

Cabaret

Cabaret
Reviewed By Fern Siegel on May 03, 2024

Cabaret's latest revival has a grotesque circus feel, led by Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee.

Suffs

Suffs
Reviewed By Fern Siegel on April 28, 2024

An original musical about women's struggle to achieve the vote, Suffs is bursting with energy, sass and smarts.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders
Reviewed By Marc Miller on April 23, 2024

S.E. Hinton's classic youth-gang novel, cobbled into a big Broadway musical, works better than anybody had a right to expect.

The Who's Tommy

Water for Elephants
Reviewed By David Schultz on April 10, 2024

The circus unfurls its tent on Broadway.

The Who's Tommy

The Who's Tommy
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on April 8, 2024

A visually stunning staging of the seminal rock opera.

The Notebook

The Notebook
Reviewed by Lydia Keidel on March 29, 2024

The Notebook is now retold as a Broadway musical. Bring your tissues!

Merrily

Merrily We Roll Along
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on January 8, 2024

Stephen Sondheim's 1981 musical about the importance of friendship returns triumphantly to Broadway after a 42-year absence.

Harmony

How to Dance in Ohio
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on December 21, 2023

A poignant new musical that features seven young autistic adults who also identify as autistic in real-life.

Harmony

Harmony
Reviewed By Marc Miller on November 20, 2023

The Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman historical musical is flawed, but with some outstanding elements: The Manilow melodies, a disturbing timeliness, and Chip Zien.

Gutenberg! The Musical!

Review of Gutenberg! The Musical!
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on October 30, 2023

A thin show, but a crazy, engaging salute to musical theater and the inventor of the printing press.

Back-to-the-Future The Musical

Back To The Future: The Musical
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on August 18, 2023

Fun, fast-moving, high powered, delightful, with a killer cast and superb stagecraft.

Sweeney-Todd-DS

Sweeney Todd
A review by David Schultz on April 18, 2023

The bloody Demon Barber of Fleet Street returns in full glory.

A-Beautiful-Noise

A Beautiful Noise
A Review by Julia Polinsky on February 08, 2023

An eye-filling, tuneful, no-surprises jukebox musical about Neil Diamond that the audience will love.

& Juliet

& Juliet
A Review by Deirdre Donovan on January 03, 2023

The new jukebox musical at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre raises the bar on this theatrical form, with a little help from William Shakespeare and Max Martin.

Almost-Famous

Kimberly Akimbo
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November, 20, 2022

Kimberly Akimbo is an off-kilter musical - a young girl growing old before her time. And that's part of its charm.

mj-review

MJ
by Deirdre Donovan on February, 18, 2022

The new dance musical on the King of Pop is raising the roof nightly at the Neil Simon Theater with a show-stopping performance by Myles Frost.

Moulin Rouge!
by Eugene Paul on August, 22, 2019

An outrageously overstuffed feast of spectacle and song.

Hamilton
by Michall Jeffers On Jan.13, 2016

Handily combines history and hip hop

Honeymoon In Vegas
by joel Benjamin on Jan. 27

A totally delightful escapist old-fashioned musical with a witty book, funny songs and an energetic cast of oddball characters.

Side Show
by Eugene Paul on Nov. 28

You’ll be happy you saw the show and better yet, you’ll be happier you’re you.

Aladdin
by Jeannie Lieberman on Mar. 26, 2016
A true Disney magic carpet ride of opulent costumes, dazzling sets, creative choreography, savvy showbiz shtick and a Genie for all time.

Six
by Fern Siegel on October, 13, 2021

The pop reality show Six gives the wives of Henry VIII a royal sendoff.

Broadway - Plays

Left on Tenth

Left on Tenth
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November 17, 2024

Delia Ephron's best-selling memoir about second chances is now a Broadway play.

McNeal

McNeal
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on November 15, 2024

Ayad Akhtar's new play at the Vivian Beaumont takes a deep dive into AI.

Romeo + Juliet

Romeo + Juliet
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on November 11, 2024

Sam Gold's update of Romeo + Juliet is bound to appeal to Generation Z.

Our Town

Our Town
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on November 1, 2024

Tony award-winning director Kenny Leon reimagines Thornton Wilder's classic play through a multicultural lens.

A group of people acting

The Hills of California
Reviewed by Marc Miller on October 11, 2024

Jez Butterworth's mid-20th century drama of family tensions in Blackpool is expansive, eloquent, and emotional-but, in the end, not entirely satisfying.

A group of people acting

Yellow Face
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on October 4, 2024

A funny, touching, ironic examination of identity, in theater and in life, starring the superb Daniel Dae Kim.

A group of people acting

The Roommate
Reviewed by David Schultz on October 2, 2024

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone offer delectable stage chemistry in The Roommate. It's a pity the play isn't as good as they are.

A group of people acting

JOB
Reviewed by David Schultz on August 16, 2024

A disturbing drama with an undercurrent of suspense and excellent performances.

A group of people acting

Oh, Mary!
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on August 1, 2024

Theatergoers can now rendezvous with Mary Todd Lincoln on Broadway, thanks to playwright-actor Cole Escola.

A group of people acting

Uncle Vanya
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan

Chekhov's masterpiece returns to Broadway after a 20 year absence, with a star turn by Steve Carell.

A group of people acting

Appropriate
Reviewed By Fern Siegel

A Southern family is haunted by its past in this racial reckoning.

A group of people sing

Stereophonic
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan

David Adjmi's new play brilliantly brings alive a rock band on the brink of superstardom.

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Patriots
Reviewed By Marc Miller

A thorough going-over of recent Russian history, anchored by a sterling Michael Stuhlbarg performance. It just never quite catches fire.

Doubt: A Parable

An Enemy of the People
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan

Succession star Jeremy Strong is riveting in Sam Gold's adaptation of Ibsen's 1882 classic drama.

Doubt: A Parable

Doubt: A Parable
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on March 21, 2024

A handsome revival of John Patrick Shanley's morally ambiguous play.

The Shark is Broken

Prayer for the French Republic
Reviewed by David Schultz on January 26, 2023

A searing tale of generations of a French Jewish family.

The Shark is Broken

I Need That
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 11, 2023

A funny but tough family story, told in a feel-good 100 intermission-free minutes, with super performances from star Danny DeVito and his daughter, Lucy.

The Shark is Broken

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
Reviewed By by Julia Polinsky on October 23, 2023

Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja's African Hair Braiding is a delightful workplace comedy with a Harlem slant and a heart wrenching twist.

The Shark is Broken

Purlie Victorious A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Reviewed By by Julia Polinsky on October 11, 2023

A farce underpinned with rage and tinged with hope, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch plays racism for laughs. Whether you wince, chuckle, shudder or giggle, it's unlikely you'll leave Purlie Victorious unmoved.

Ohio State Murders

Ohio State Murders
A review by Julia Polinsky on December 20, 2022

Audra McDonald gives a wrenching, sublime performance in Ohio State Murders. Don't miss it.

Constellations
by Joel Benjamin on Jan. 20

The exquisitely detailed performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson cannot hide the dearth of material.

Off-Broadway - Musicals

Forbidden Broadway:  Merrily We Stole a Song

Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on October 15, 2024

Alessandrini salutes Sondheim in his latest satire of Broadway.

Big Gay Jamboree

Big Gay Jamboree
Reviewed By Fern Siegel on October 09, 2024

Starring the creator of Titanique, the Big Gay Jamboree turns the traditional musical on its head, mining its gay subtext.

The Sabbath Girl

The Sabbath Girl
Reviewed By Fern Siegel on August 20, 2024

Only in New York: An Orthodox Jew and an Italian Catholic fall for each other.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on August 09, 2024

This reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber musical lands nimbly on its feline feet with a at the Perelman Performing Arts Center.

Empire

Empire
Reviewed By Fern Seigel on July 12, 2024

The new musical Empire explores the back story of the remarkable Empire State Building.

Titanic

Titanic
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on July 02, 2024

The Encores! series closed out their 30th anniversary season at New York City Center on a high note.

Teeth

Teeth
Reviewed By David Schultz on April 08, 2024

Bouncy and Blasphemous musical bares it all.

Illinoise

Illinoise
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on March 19, 2024

A new musical at the Park Avenue Armory puts dance front and center.

Jelly's Last Jam

Jelly's Last Jam at Encores!
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on March 7, 2024

Big, bold, brash, great to look at and listen to, and what a cast: Encores! At City Center has done this 1992 musical about the life of Jelly Roll Morton proud.

A Sign of the Times

A Sign of the Times
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on February 25, 2024

Charming, funny, sweet, a little angry, and with no surprises, this jukebox musical with a super-duper feel-good finale has the audience wrapped from start to finish.

White Rose

White Rose
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on February 6, 2024

White Rose chronicles the true story of university students who risked their lives to oppose Hitler.

Once Upon a Mattress

Once Upon a Mattress
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on February 6, 2024

The New York City Center Encores! Series revives a beguiling 1959 musical comedy, with Sutton Foster leading an inspired cast.

I Can Get It For You Wholesale

I Can Get It For You Wholesale
Reviewed by Marc Miller on December 10, 2023

A solid revival of an underrated musical, but oy veh, is it a downer.

Amid-Falling-Walls-JP

Amid Falling Walls
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on December 08, 2023

The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene offers Amid Falling Walls, a moving, hopeful assemblage of Jewish songs and poetry written during the Holocaust.

Days-of-Wine-and-Roses-DS

Days of Wine and Roses
Reviewed by David Schultz on July 12, 2023

A heartbreaking and harrowing bold new musical.

Off-Broadway - Plays

The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on December 9, 2024

Igor Golyak's reimagining of Shakespeare's tragicomedy misfires but the charisma of the entire ensemble shines through.

Room 1214

Room 1214
Reviewed By Carol Rocamora on December 9, 2024

You can destroy a site, but never the memory of what happened there.

Gatz

Gatz
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on November 27, 2024

The Elevator Repair Service restage their verbatim version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's great classic with elan.

Shit. Meet. Fan.

Shit. Meet. Fan.
Reviewed By David Schultz on November 27, 2024

Toxic male romcom derails.

Burnout Paradise

Burnout Paradise
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on November 21, 2024

Australia's Pony Cam debuts at St. Ann's Warehouse with a madcap live game show.

King Lear

King Lear
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on November 21, 2024

Actor-director Kenneth Branagh grabs Shakespeare's "Colossus" by the horns at The Shed.

Hold On To Me Darling

Hold On To Me Darling
Reviewed By David Schultz on November 4, 2024

Adam Driver towers over this revival of Kenneth Lonergan's 2016 play.

In The Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot

In The Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on November 1, 2024

In The Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot takes on some big subjects; be ready to suspend your disbelief.

Table 17

The Beacon
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on October 24, 2024

Irish playwright Nancy Harris makes her Off Broadway debut with a psychological thriller.

Table 17

The Counter
Reviewed By Lydia Sue Keidel on October 15, 2024

Meghan Kennedy's The Counter, now at the Laura Pels theater, tells the story of an unlikely friendship.

Table 17

Sump'n Like Wings
Reviewed By Marc Miller on October 14, 2024

Lynn Riggs' little play about Oklahomans and their entrenched social mores meanders, but it also resonates, and the Mint treats it with its customary skill.

Table 17

Our Class
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on October 2, 2024

Based on real-life events surrounding a brutal massacre in Jedwabne, Poland, in 1941, the play follows 10 Polish classmates over many decades of turmoil.

Table 17

Table 17
Reviewed By David Schultz on September 24, 2024

A modern-day romcom with a crackerjack cast and unexpected dimension and heft.

It's Not What It Looks Like

It's Not What It Looks Like
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on August 8, 2024

John Collins' new play at SoHo Playhouse, winner of its 2023 Lighthouse Series, proves that the truth often lies beneath surface appearances.

N/A

N/A
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on July 11, 2024

Part cat-and-mouse game, part bio-drama, part historical mystery, N/A is altogether a fascinating piece of political theater.

Just Another Day

Just Another Day
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on July 4, 2024

Excellent acting elevates this sweet but disconnected play about two people with dementia.

Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on July 2, 2024

Shakespeare�s shortest play travels far and wide through the five boroughs with The Public Theater�s Mobile Unit.

Sally and Tom

Staff Meal
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on May 2, 2024

How the world ends: with a confused whimper. In a restaurant. With the staff.

Sally and Tom

Sally and Tom
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on April 23, 2024

A play, and a play within the play, about Jefferson, Hemings, American history and skin color. Among other things.

Ibsen's Ghost

Ibsen's Ghost - An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy
Reviewed By David Schultz on March 25, 2024

Charles Busch drags Henrik Ibsen into the modern age in this charming comedy.

The Ally

The Ally
Reviewed By Julia Polinsky on March 03, 2023

A thoughtful, beautifully written and acted group of raw and provocative confrontational monologues, Itamar Moses' The Ally grapples with big questions.

Pericles

Pericles
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on February 27, 2023

Fiasco Theater teams up with the Classic Stage Company, mounting a seldom-staged Shakespeare play with imagination and brio.

Aristocrats

On Stage With Theda Bara
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on February 27, 2023

David Greenspan's multicharacter solo show is a hyper-intimate production, a terrific mash-up of a gothic coming-of-age story and campy melodrama.

Aristocrats

Warrior Sisters of Wu
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on February 14, 2023

Pan-Asian Repertory's female-forward re-telling of part of the Three Kingdoms saga from Chinese history, blended with the humor and romance of Pride and Prejudice.

Aristocrats

Aristocrats
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on January 29, 2023

Charlotte Moore stages a revival of Brian Friel�s 1979 play at the Irish Repertory Theatre that focuses on an upper-crust Irish Catholic family in decline.

Infinite Life

Monsieur Chopin
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 27, 2023

Monsieur Chopin, Hershey Felder's one-man presentation now at 59E59, is a delightful combination of music and storytelling, presented by a master. Don't miss.

Infinite Life

Arcadia
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November 27, 2023

Tom Stoppard's Arcadia is a philosophical romp through time and a meditation on the complicated nature of scholarship.

Infinite Life

Waiting for Godot
Reviewed By Deirdre Donovan on November 23, 2023

Michael Shannon and Paul Sparks do a double star turn in Samuel Beckett's great absurdist play about the human condition. At the Polansky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn.

Infinite Life

Translations
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on November 20, 2023

Set in 1833, Translations chronicles the cultural cost of losing the Irish language to British colonialism.

Infinite Life

Sabbath's Theater
Reviewed by David Schultz on November 20, 2023

John Turturro brings Phillip Roth's sex-obssessed novel to the stage.

Infinite Life

Redwood
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on November 7, 2023

Brittany K. Allen writes and stars in her new play about a black family who researches their roots.

Infinite Life

Stereophonic
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on November 1, 2023

A love story to the creative process of 1970s rock and roll.

Infinite Life

All The Devils Are Here
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on October 30, 2023

Patrick Page's new solo show about Shakespeare's villains not only is a tour de force of acting, it is a master class on Shakespeare's baddies.

Infinite Life

Anne Being Frank
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on October 23, 2023

A one-woman show that asks what might have happened if Anne Frank had continued to write in her diary while she was a prisoner at Bergen-Belsen, and found a publisher in New York after she survived the war.

Infinite Life

Partnership
Reviewed by Marc Miller on October 23, 2023

Elizabeth Baker's 1917 comedy sports some refreshingly modern attitudes about women, and is wrapped up in the Mint Theater's customary old-play expertise.

Infinite Life

Swing State
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on October 11, 2023

Rebecca Gilman's characters wrestle with loneliness and despair in an isolated America.

Infinite Life

Infinite Life
Reviewed by David Schultz on October 03, 2023

A confluence of chronic pain and desire feature in Annie Baker's latest play.

Infinite Life

Dracula Comedy of Terrors
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on September 29, 2023

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors takes a bite out of fear.

Dig

Dig
Reviewed by Julia Polinsky on September 21, 2023

A beautifully performed, beautifully written show about truth, honesty, redemption, love, and photosynthesis.

Epiphany

Epiphany
A review by Fern Siegel on July 13, 2022

A dinner party turns into a chance at revelation.

The-Orchard

The Orchard
A review by Deirdre Donovan on June 22, 2022

Ukrainian born theater artist Igor Golyak retools Chekhov's Cherry Orchard with robots on board.

Solo Performance

Fern-Colin-Quinn-Small-Talk

Colin Quinn: Small Talk
Reviewed by Fern Siegel on January 23, 2023

Colin Quinn delivers his latest critique on the fall of man.

The-Patsy

The Patsy
A review by Deirdre Donovan on April 22, 2022

The ever-amazing David Greenspan resurrects a forgotten 1925 comedy, performing it as a one-man show in the Transport Group’s production at the Abrons Arts Center.

FEATURES

ATCA New York City 2022 Reseated & In Person Conference
By Deirdre Donovan on December 05, 2022

Hats off to the richly rewarding American Theatre Critics Association's (ATCA) 2022 Reseated & In Person conference.

John Lahr and Tony Kushner on Tennessee Williams
by Joel Benjamin on Oct. 8

Lahr's biography Mad Pilgrimage focuses on the interdependence of Williams’ mental and emotional health and the quality of his writing.

Cabaret/Concerts/Opera's

Cockeyed Optimist

Cockeyed Optimist: Where Hammerstein Found His Hope
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on November 6, 2024

The Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 season opener is an homage to one of the giants of musical theater.

Broadway-by-the-Season

Wonder of Wonders: Celebrating Sheldon Harnick
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on June 14, 2024

The Lyrics & Lyricists series at the 92nd Street Y closes out their 2023-2024 season on a high note indeed.

Broadway-by-the-Season

Broadway by the Season
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on August 22, 2023

A dream of an evening for musical theater lovers, listening to songs from shows that soared and those that flopped.

Bob Dylan's Philosophy of Modern Song at the 92nd Street Y

Bob Dylan's Philosophy of Modern Song at The 92nd Street Y, New York
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on July 26, 2023

Andr' De Shields, Odessa Young, and Meshell Ndegeocello celebrate Bob Dylan's genius and his perspective on modern song at the 92nd Street Y.

Whats-Going-On-Songs-Of-Change

What's Going On?: Songs of Change
Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan on March 31, 2023

The 92nd Street Y's Lyrics & Lyricists series pays tribute to the African-American Songbook.

Garden-of-the-Finzi-Continis

Anyone Can Whistle
by David Schultz on March 28, 2022

Rare one night revival sets off sparks of adulation.

Our Time: Sullivan & Harnar Sing Sondheim
54 Below

By Joel Benjamin on Feb. 12

Two cabaret greats at the top of their game.

A Good Thing Going: The Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince Collaboration
Lyrics & Lyricists , 92Y

By Joel Benjamin on Jan. 20

An evening of Sondheim songs, personal memories and great singing, what more do you need?

Dance

Twyla Now

Twyla Now
By Deirdre Donovan on November 23, 2021

Twyla Tharp is still going strong at 80 and her four-part show at New York City Center proves that an expansive attitude trumps advancing age

Nederlands Dans Theater
By R. Pikser on March 10, 2020

Three choreographers offer critiques of the modern world in ultra-theatrical settings.

Women in Motion: Gilbey Dance Theater
By R. Pikser on February 19, 2020

Gibney Dance is doing extremely supportive work for the dance community and this program is an example of that support.

Regionals

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby
Reviewed by David Schultz on November 1, 2023

This over the top musical adaptation of Fitzgerald's classic tale would be better served if it were a straight play with incidental jazz-inflected music circa the 1920's.

Bridges-of-Madison-County-DS

The Bridges of Madison County
By David Schultz on August 25, 2023

Gorgeous revival makes a case for the romantic in all of us.

The_Misanthrope

The Misanthrope
By Deirdre Donovan on May 24, 2022

Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Moli're's birth, Moli're in the Park presents the playwright's supreme masterpiece, starring Tony winner Gabriel Ebert. will forever remember this revamped Misanthrope that breezed into the LeFrak Center in mid-May and left all too soon


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Archived Articles


Happy Birthday Sam Woods!


Transgender Day

APCG February Read Grove Book Club

Ice Palace Resort

Fire Island Sun Articles

Lifeguards

KISMET MEMORIAL REMEMBRANCE 9/11:

Community once again United

God bless America!

God bless Kismet!!!

Lifeguards

The Kismet crew of lifeguards for the handicapped:

By Jeannie

What they have in common is the desire to be helpful no matter how heavy the cart or how hot the sand and you cannot tip them to show your appreciation and so I am writing this article to thank them

thank you guys, thank you Kismet!

Mooney

Dive:
Joy and Sorrow
Under one roof


By Jeannie
On a nasty night Dive was faced with a challenge.

Mooney

Kerry Canava:
New Star in the Kismet Galaxy


Tender, open and honest memoir of the impact on her life of her younger brother's suicide.

Mooney

Arthur Lem Snapper Derby

One of the purist, most joyous, wholesome and equitable, gender neutral annual events in Kismet. Welcome Back!!

By Jeanne Lieberman

photos by Bradlee and Jeannie

Mooney

Over The Piano

an evening of hope and optimism with the return of the Broadway Musical just weeks away

By Jeanne Lieberman

Mooney

Over The Moon With Mooney

they give new meaning to "blow the roof off (or tent in this case)"

By Jeanne

The Dive Owner

Kismet Salutes July 4th

the marching band came alive with their insistent drum beat and hearts beat quicker spirits soared, and all were reminded of why they were here.

God Bless America

By Jeannie

The Dive Owner

Bartenders Admit Which Drinks They Can't Stand To See People Order

By Alicia Therese

The Dive Owner

Pizza Place to reopen as
SLICE 'N ICE
under new ownership of Brian Mahoney

by Jeanne Lieberman

The Dive Owner

MEET THE NEW OWNER OF THE OUT

Dive

kismet update

KISMET UPDATE: NEW YEAR, NEW PRESIDENT, NEW VACCINES

KISMET UPDATE: ENDLESS (NON) SEASON

Plethora of Pulchritudinous Pumpkins
At Jakes Carving Contest
Kismet's got Talent

80 years later, vivid memories of historic Long Island Express hurricane

By Patricia Kitchen patricia.kitchen@newsday.com @patriciakitchen Updated September 21, 2018 10:34 AM

First Annual Kismet Surf Casting Contest

by Mark Ketcham

KISMET UPDATE: Life Goes On.......

Kismet Coastal Clean up

Notes from organizer Sam Wood

TRIUMVIRATE TRIUMPHS IN PURCHASE OF BOATEL

By Jeanne Lieberman

KISMET UPDATE 2:
ELECTED & ENGAGED

KISMET UPDATE:
NOT OVER YET

KISMET'S KLAW FUNDRAISER at Carolines
photos AZ
text Jeannie

KISMET UPDATE:
THE SUMMER THAT WASN'T

KISMET UPDATE:
LIFE & DEATH & VOTING RIGHTS

KISMET CREATIVITY GOES FROM CUTE TO COSMIC
for JULY 4 CELEBRATION

KISMET'S NEW ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

KISMET'S NEW FASHION STATEMENT

Grace's design melding Grateful Dead with KFD Logos


LETTER OF REMEMBRANCE
Memorial Day
Cherry Grove
May 25, 2020


KISMET UPDATE: MAY 15th
BEACHES,MARINA OPEN


photos by Dennis & Wendy

Fire Island dredging halted for ‘emergency’ beach project near Mar-a-Lago

by Jon Levine

Bill Poindexter tribute

by Jeannie

LATEST ON FIRE ISLAND DEER HUNT

by Marija Beqaj, Pat Hackett

Appeals court upholds plan to cull white-tailed deer population on Fire Island

by Vera Chinese

Kismet Historical Society Fundraiser

by Cheryl Dunbar Kahlke



Nat Halpern, Susan Welt         

Though separated by time, gender, and circumstance, what unites both Susan and Nat is that everyone loved them and they always left good feelings in their wake.

        

International Coastal Clean up: Keep Kismet Clean Day

We were the first community on the west end of FI to participate in this international coastal clean up         



Lydon & Kai's great adventure         



        

INTERVIEW: FINS SUPERINTENDENT ALEXCY ROMERO

        by Laura Schmidt (FIN) - August 17, 2019

East Lighthouse Walk Annual Luau

East Lighthouse and guests had a good showing and many people stayed well into the night socializing and playing corn hole by cell phone light!!

        

Suzanne Westenhoefer

"Fearless, Bold, Unapologetic and Freaking Hilarious"

        by Jeannie

MOONEY MAGIC at the INN

This is but a taste of what Mooney nights are about
 Two more chances to experience them
        at the INN Aug 22 and AUG 29th

Comedy Night
Turns Firehouse into a Naughty Nightclub
by Jeannie


Laughter filled the street during the hilarious show and smiles lasted long afterward

RECOLLECTIONS OF WOODSTOCK + 50

by Tom Licari


Fifty years later we still fondly look back at the Woodstock experience
... the most memorable time of my life.

Maggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim

pictures and text by Wendy Schou

Kismet Festival Results

KISMET FESTIVAL by the BAY
thrives in the heat!!!

Recently Sam Woods was featured in a TV Ad

Now Tim Mooney is on the cover of a trade publication

LICA Road Warriors Magazine

who's next for stardom?

Invasion 19

           by Jeannie

KLAW Digs for the Dough!

The often beleaguered Kismet Animal Welfare organization once again tantalized and delighted customers with incredible bargains, from cookware to chotchke's. One person's discards are another's interior design.
At supremely bargain prices everyone walks away happy - if not you'll see it for sale next year!

          pix by Jeannie

KFD SALTAIRE DRILL June 7 '19

Early on a Friday morning the combined fire departments of Kismet
and Saltaire met at the old firehouse for their annual
Mutual Aid drill, where they practiced search and rescue, ladder drills,
EMS and radio coordination.
Pictures by Ken show it is potentially grueling. We thank them all.

Piro Propels Paws Applause
in stunning return to Cherry Grove Stage


pix & text by Jeannie on June 08, 2019

Kismet Homeowners Meeting June '19
Pedi Cabs, Port o Potties & Puddles

CHERRY GROVE'S ARTS PROJECT 2019
Busy schedule includes lots of cabaret divas,
a show about sex, and ends with a Stonewall Riot!!
(take a look)

KISMET'S DERBY WINNERS (no replay) HERE:
DERBY HATS GRACE THE RACE

Carol Thomas, citizen of Kismet

a "tough cookie"
the end came with surprising and merciful swiftness
A shock to us all
R I P

Study says going to the beach is good for your mental well-being
By POSITIVE OUTLOOKS on April 25, 2019

The Producers
By Karen Wahlberg and Denise Gibson on March 26, 2019

Opening Night in Babylon's new Argyle theater was a non-stop laugh-fest.

Kismet Halloween, '18
A hallowed Halloween tradition hampered by a storm
Pix by Wendy on November 21, 2018

Kismet Community Association Fall Meeting
September 30 '18
By Jeannie Lieberman on October 09, 2018

On a beautiful Fall morning many Kismet citizens demonstrated their loyalty by convening in the Firehouse for the semi annual Fall homeowners' meeting.

53rd Miss Fire Island Pageant
A truly eclectic, extravagant, elegant event!
By Jeannie Lieberman on September 17, 2018

Remembering Joel
December 19, 1944 - September 8, 2012

Taste of Kismet ‘18
Pix by Bradlee & Wendy on September 12, 2018

Merry Musicmakers Keep Kismet Kickin'
By Jeannie on September 07, 2018

Drag Queens Conquer the Out
Titillating Trio returns for most $successful $how ever

By Jeannie on August 24, 2018

East Lighthouse Annual Luau Moves Indoors
By Ginny Butler on August 24, 2018

Judy Gold's Smashing Grove Debut!
By Jeanne Lieberman on August 23, 2018

The packed Community House rocked with laughter

A New Tick Is Here'but just how dangerous is it?
USA TODAY NETWORK Jim Hook, Scott Fallon, Nick Muscavage and Joseph Spector, USA TODAY NETWORK Published on August 07, 2018

Health officials sound alarm as invasive tick, new to US, spreads

Pine Walk Block Party-Saturday, July 28th
Text and pictures by Wendy Schou post, on August 02, 2018

Pine Walk did it up!

KISMET COMMUNITY DAY A HUGE $UCCE$$
by Jeannie on July 26, 2018

It was a grand event truly, and I believe everyone in the community who attended or participated was tired but happy? specially the winners.

All About the Monarchs

by Jeanne Lieberman
By Joshua Jelly-Schapito
by Trish Minogue Collins on October 11,2017

CYNTHIA NIXON at CLUB CUMMING, CHERRY GROVE
Introduced by Alan Cumming at the Community House July 8
by Jeannie on July 12, 2018

'We are now the most unequal state in the entire country, with both incredible wealth and extreme poverty'

THE 43RD ANNUAL CHERRY GROVE/PINES INVASION

by Jeannie on July 12, 2018

MOONEY MADNESS AT THE INN

by Jeannie on July 12, 2018

THE WOMEN OF CLUB CUMMING:
A PUNGENT POTPOURRI OF PERFORMERS

HOSTED BY ALAN CUMMING
by Jeannie on July 12, 2018

KISMET's JULY 4 PARADE '18

by Jeannie on July 10, 2018

Started by Jean Wood 54 years ago son Sam continues the tradition with tributes to our service men: current and past

KISMET KOMEDY KLUB a KNOCKOUT SUCCESS A FIREHOUSE FULL OF SURPRISES.



by Jeannie on June 29, 2018

PAWS PAUSE for a CAUSE



by Jeannie on June 22, 2018

A MOVING TRIBUTE TO PAIGE KEELY

'She was truly a child of Fire Island'

by Jeannie on June 21, 2018

AMY'S AUCTION ROCKS THE OUT

The KCA returned to its time honored fundraising tradition.

by Jeannie on June 21, 2018

Kismet's Annual KLAW Auction & Flea market

proved some 'fleas' are good

by Jeannie on June 21, 2018

Annual Spring KCA (Kismet Community Association) Meeting

by Jeannie on June 06, 2018

Meeting was entirely amicable. Homeowners obviously enjoying each other's company.

MUGS FOR MUGSY

Photos by Wendy Schou, Gary Leone, Bradlee on June 06, 2018

If money and love will speed his recovery we will all benefit.

Jeannie

New Jersey Governor signs bill preventing Offshore Drilling
Cuomo lags behind


by Reuters Staff on April 25, 2018

Remains of old Tappan Zee Bridge will be made into reef


by Shari Logan & Max Jaeger on April 19, 2018

Kismet Halloween17


by Jeanne Lieberman on March 07, 2018

Kismet Kandids - A look back Summer 17

by Jeanne Lieberman on March 07, 2018

Fed plan to drill for oil off LI draws bipartisan protest

Posted on March 03, 2018

MOONEY'S MAGIC AGAIN MANUFACTURES MIDWEEK MUSICAL MERRIMENT AT THE INN

Posted on February 08, 2018

CARTOON ALLEY END OF SEASON
BLACK & WHITE PARTY


Posted on February 08, 2018

Memorial for Kismet's "Mayor" Brian Crawford



Memorial for Fred "Dutch" Rosenberg




 

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