Theater news covering Broadway and West End productions, Tony Awards, touring shows, casting, and live performance industry trends.
The commentary argues that disruptive behavior in theatres, such as talking and phone use, is disrespectful to performers and audiences. The author recounts personal experiences and Rosamund Pike's public call-out to illustrate the problem, suggesting such behavior undermines the shared experience of live performance.
This review argues that Terry Guest's play "Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play" effectively explores the cost of fame and artistic success through fictionalized portrayals of Warhol, Monroe, and Sedgwick. The critic contends that despite its length, the production's captivating performances and tragic themes make it worthwhile.
This commentary profiles Rufus Norris after his departure from the National Theatre, detailing his post-tenure activities and his new directing role in Istanbul. It argues that his career shift reflects a deliberate break and a serendipitous return to work, highlighting the challenges of staging an intimate play in a large venue.
This review argues that Samuel D. Hunter's play 'Grangeville' effectively explores themes of estrangement, memory, and reconciliation through the story of two half-brothers. The production at Ruskin Group Theatre is praised for its strong performances and direction, which bring depth to the characters' emotional journeys.
This theatre review argues that Zubayr Charles's play offers an intimate and nuanced exploration of queer Coloured identities in Cape Town, confronting toxic masculinity and celebrating the multifaceted nature of identity. The review suggests the production provides a vital, reflective space for underrepresented voices.
This commentary describes a production of Romeo and Juliet set at the US-Mexico border, where each performance ends with a real wedding. It argues that staging actual marriages after the tragedy offers hope and demonstrates the capacity to overcome division, using the border setting to comment on contemporary issues.
This review argues that the world premiere of 'LOKI: The End of the World Tour' at Lifeline Theatre offers a jolt of retro, rock-out entertainment, especially for Norse mythology enthusiasts. It contends that the show's tongue-in-cheek, glam-rock spectacle, combined with a strong cast and creative design, makes for a giddy and engaging experience.
This commentary discusses the experiences of three SNL alums on Broadway, highlighting the differences between live theater and sketch comedy. It argues that Broadway demands a different skill set and emotional endurance, while celebrating the joy and terror of performing on stage.
This commentary reviews the play 'Butterfly', which dramatizes the life of 17th-century naturalist Eleanor Glanville, persecuted for her butterfly passion. It argues that the play effectively translates historical patriarchal abuse into a modern context, highlighting ongoing sexism in butterfly communities and the weaponization of mental health stigma.
This commentary recommends theatre and dance productions available for streaming, highlighting notable performances and productions such as Noël Coward's 'Fallen Angels' and the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet'. It argues that these streams offer accessible ways to experience high-quality theatre.