The Be More Chill phenomenon

Even if you follow musicals, you can be forgiven for not having heard of Be More Chill: After all, it only had a month-long run in NJ just under three years ago. Last year, however, the cast album took off, fueled by viral fan interest. I tracked it all in this Times feature.

King Lear

The RSC was back at BAM with Gregory Doran's King Lear, starring Antony Sher. My thoughts for the Times.

Yerma

Billie Piper's performance is really all that, but I was also astounded by the level of skill and ingenuity in the sound and set designs. Frankly Yerma makes most NYC productions look a little clunky. Click here for my review.

Live from the Humana Festival

I flew down to Louisville for the Humana Festival and had a blast. What could be better than gorge on theater while staying in a hotel and not worry about cooking or making the bed? I will say that I'm happy Please and Thank You does not have a branch in NYC because their chocolate-chip cookies are now my favorite ever. It's hard to stop at just three, or 30. OK, and now just read my report for the Times.

Abba Gold in Salon

Psyched that Salon is featuring an excerpt from my book Abba Gold!

Women, sports and theater

Women, sports and theater: three great tastes that taste great together! Another think piece for the Times, and it's thataway.

What constitutes the American Songbook?

I came up with some kind of theory about what constitutes the American Songbook. Hint: it's not so much about the Songbook part as it is about the American part. Click here for my Times piece.

Rocktopia

Yes, I saw Rocktopia on Broadway! It's classical, it's rock, it's classic rock. Here's my review for the Times.

Babette's Feast

Isak Dinesen's short story gets the stage treatment courtesy of Karin Coonrod, and I'm not entirely sold. Click here for my review.

Leonora and Alejandro

I could not make head nor tail of this play, but it's about Leonora Carrington and Alejandro Jodorowsky so that's par for the course. And I loved it. Do you want a head trip? Head to Montclair! And don't forget to read my Times review.

Oye! For My Dear Brooklyn

Modesto "Flako" Jimenez strikes out on his own in this unruly but pretty damn cool show at Abrons. My review for the Times is here.

Three Wise Guys

TACT tried to tackle Damon Runyon for their latest (and last) show. Here's my review for the Times.