MARJORIE PRIME: Brilliant new Broadway production of this decade-old “futuristic” play now seems as futuristic as the day after tomorrow as it explores the intersection between humans and artificial intelligence. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/M...

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES: A play that was once thought of as a lightweight work by playwright Rajiv Joseph proves itself to be anything but, in this darkly comic, emotionally powerful revival. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/11_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK): The feel-good rom-com musical of the season opens on Broadway. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/T... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

CHESS: The first Broadway revival of this musical about the Cold War and the U.S./Russian chess rivalry suffers from a messy rewritten script but tears into the songs like a house afire. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/C... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

OEDIPUS: Robert Icke has adapted and modernized this ancient tale and turned it into a thrilling, suspenseful, downward-spiraling plunge into devastation. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/O... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS: Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Skin of Our Teeth, his socio-biblical-satirical-absurdist play the struggle for human survival, has been adapted as a musical. Cuz, why not? My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/11_1... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

RICHARD II: Having previously performed the role of Hamlet, actor Michael Urie tackles Shakespeare’s history play about the fall of a king. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/11_1... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES: Wonderful Broadway team has somehow lost its way in this musical tale of the excesses of conspicuous consumption. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/T... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

KYOTO: This Lincoln Center production is a frenetic roller coaster ride about the complex dealmaking behind the first international agreement to actually do something about global climate changing. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/11_0... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

BAT BOY: No relation to Batman, but fascinating in his own way, especially as he is being portrayed by Taylor Trensch in the revisal of this fan-favorite cult musical. My Talkin’ Broadway review at www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/10_3... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD: Playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s B’way debut is a brilliant character study about lost souls. beautifully acted and directed. Link to my review here - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/L... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

RAGTIME: Extraordinary revival is not to be missed! My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/R... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

PUNCH: A powerhouse performance by a Broadway newcomer makes this docudrama about a case of restorative justice a gripping experience. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/P... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

WAITING FOR GODOT: Big names sell tickets. So, how about Keanu Reeves and his pal Alex Winter starring on Broadway in a new production of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece? My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/W... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

THE OTHER AMERICANS: John Leguizamo has written and stars in this new play that seems to have been inspired by a family drama by Arthur Miller or Eugene O’Neill, though with Latino characters. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/09_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

ART: A 4x5-foot monochromatic painting triggers a very funny and provocative look at male friendships in this Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza’s play. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/A... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

Re: COVID shots. Check your local requirements, but as of now, in many places, a prescription will be needed, including for those over 65, and it may or may not be covered by your insurance. This may change in the coming weeks, so pay attention.

TWELFTH NIGHT: Oh Frabjous Day! The Delacorte Theater in Central Park reopens after a 2-year renovation project with a starry production of Twelfth Night. My review at — www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/08_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE: The “Roastmaster General,” best known for his insult comedy, shows his softer side in his Broadway debut. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/J... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

MAMMA MIA! It’s homecoming time as this ever-popular musical returns for a planned six-month stay at the Broadway house where it began its initial 14-year run back in 2001. Resistance is futile! My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/M... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL. The trio of mean girls from Westerberg High School are back in this first-rate revival. Any self-declared Corn Nuts best line up for what is likely to be a hot-ticket event. My review at www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/07_1... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

LOWCOUNTRY: An offbeat sort of rom-com pairs a registered sex offender (albeit, a charming one) with a failed film actress who has fled Hollywood for her South Carolina home town. Oh, Tinder, do your stuff! My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/06_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

CALL ME IZZY: The 2025-26 Broadway theater season is off to a solid start thanks to Jean Smart’s stellar performance in this solo play about a woman caught in a web of domestic abuse. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/C... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

I am proud to be on the faculty of Mercy University!

PREDICTING THE TONYS - 2025. Part III Here’s a link to Part 3 (of 3), in which I take a poke at predicting winners for best new musicals and plays, and best revivals. upstage-downstage.blogspot.com/2025/05/tony...

PREDICTING THE TONYS - 2025. Part II: Musicals and Plays, Acting and Directing Here’s a link to Part 2 (of 3), in which I take a poke at predicting winners for acting and directing. upstage-downstage.blogspot.com/2025/05/tony...

PREDICTING THE TONYS - 2025. Here are my best guesses as a theater critic for Talkin’ Broadway and a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle voter. Part 1 (of 3): the creative and design elements — ihttps://upstage-downstage.blogspot.com/2025/05/tony-predictions-2025-part-i-musicals.html

WONDERFUL TOWN: Leonard Bernstein’s score and Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s cheeky lyrics hold up beautifully. But how well does this revival by Encores! at New York City Center hold up? My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/05_0... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

DEAD OUTLAW: It’s about an outlaw. And he’s dead. More importantly, both alive and dead, he is the center of attention of this thoroughly beguiling Broadway musical. My review - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/D... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

JUST IN TIME: Jonathan Groff simultaneously stars as himself and as Bobby Darin in this new bio-musical, and boy does he ever sell both! My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/J... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL: Take the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance.” Set it down inexplicably in New Orleans. And let ‘er rip! Want to know how it all works out - then check out my review - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/P... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

FLOYD COLLINS: Adam Guettel’s gorgeous score and a top-notch cast deliver the goods in this first-ever Broadway production of his 1998 musical, even if it does suffer from a clashing mix of tones. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/F... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN: A brilliant and exceptionally well-acted production of one terrific play. Need I say more? Well, in fact I have. Link to my review - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/J... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

SMASH: This new musical about the tsuris of developing a new musical about Marilyn Monroe is an adaptation of the 2012-13 NBC series of the same title. It’s all very meta, but how well does it come together? My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/S... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS: An evening offering up 40 of the master composer and lyricist’s songs barely scratches the surface of an amazing career, but there are a lot of gems in this revue. Link to my review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/S... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

BOOP! THE MUSICAL: In this crowd-pleasing musical about the animated cartoon flapper Betty Boop, Broadway newcomer Jasmine Amy Rogers is giving a star-making performance in the title role. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/B... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK: George Clooney stars as newsman Edward R. Murrow in this film-to-stage adaption focused on the conflict between Murrow and “Red Scare” architect Senator Joseph McCarthy. Here’s a link to my review - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/G... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS: A surprisingly desultory production of David Mamet’s fierce and fiery Pulitzer Prize-winning play lands with a splat in this, its fourth Broadway outing. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/G... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY: I never cared much for the use of video cameras as an adjunct to live theater. But with this amazing production, starring “Succession”’s Sarah Snook, I’m beginning to rethink my position. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/T... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

LOVE LIFE: Brian Stokes Mitchell and Kate Baldwin shine in the Encores! production of the Kurt Weill/Alan Jay Lerner musical that has been long hoped for by fans. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/03_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

OPERATION MINCEMEAT: This wackadoodle musical, based on a most unusual World War II British Intelligence action, is living proof that truth is not only stranger than fiction, it can be very entertaining as well. My review at www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/O... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB: This was my favorite show of last season when it ran Off Broadway, and I am so pleased it has transferred to Broadway. It is a perfect blend of music, dance, and story. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/B... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

AMERIKIN: This gut punch of a play takes us deep into MAGA territory, where even good old boys find they have trouble fitting in. My review at www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/03_1... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

PURPOSE: Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins scores another home run with this original take on the “dysfunctional family” play. The cast and Phylicia Rashad’s direction are top-notch all the way. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/P... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

GHOSTS: Sanctimonious clergy, incest, violations of marital vows, out-of-wedlock births, VD, arson, and maternal filicide await you in new production of Ibsen’s exploration of the follies of bourgeois hypocrisy. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/03_1... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

LIBERATION: in Bess Wohl’s terrific new play, a Gen Xer takes us on a speculative journey to 1970 as she tries to understand her late mother’s quietly radical involvement in the burgeoning feminist movement. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/02_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

REDWOOD: A high-flying Idina Menzel returns to Broadway in this new musical that has her singing and dancing on air while she’s high up in a giant redwood tree. Why she’s there is the whole point of the show. My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/R... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

URINETOWN - Encores! takes a shot at reviving this 2001 spoofy musical. How does it pan out? Check out my review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/02_0... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

KOWALSKI: Tennessee Williams & Marlon Brando try to outhustle each over whether Brando is right for the role of Stanley Kowalski in a little something Williams is about to launch called “A Streetcar Named Desire.” My review at - www.talkinbroadway.com/page/ob/01_2... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

ENGLISH: This Pulitzer Prize-winning play invites us to spend time with four adult students gearing up for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam at a small language school in Karaj, Iran. My review at www.talkinbroadway.com/page/world/E... @theatrecritics.bsky.social