54 Sings the Pajama Game
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, July 19, 2016.] Nature provided the steam outside on a Manhattan evening in July, while Broadway veterans generated the theatrical steam heat […]
Vodka Stinger and Friends Among the Stars
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, June 27, 2016.] Down the steep stairs hard by Roundabout’s Studio 54 into “Feinstein’s slash 54 Below” as our star of the evening […]
Lorna Luft at 54 Below
Lorna Luft has always had a killer vocal instrument. There is television evidence as early as 1963 (The Judy Garland Show episode 15) of her 12-year-old’s self-possession and developing voice, and […]
What Was It Like to See Judy Garland’s Famous Carnegie Hall Show?
[article as originally published at TDF Stages, June 15, 2016.] Welcome to Geek Out/Freak Out, where theatre fans get enthusiastic about things. This week, Stages contributor Martha Steketee geeks out with […]
Sixth Annual Night of a Thousand Judys
[article originally published at Theater Pizzazz, June 8, 2016.] On Monday June 6, 2016, Judy Garland wrapped her arms around an entire city block on the Upper West Side of […]
Joan Sings Judy at 54 Below
[article originally published at Theater Pizzazz, June 4, 2016.] The petite figure appears in a delectable blue cocktail ensemble with sparkly clear heels determined to evoke another petite performer’s work […]
Review: Marilyn Maye By Request 2016
Marilyn Maye: “Marilyn By Request” Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street January 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2016 event web site I settle into a corner nook at the Metropolitan Room this […]
2015: excavation review
The Sound of Music on film is 50 this year. Maria’s confidence is contagious. Writing and research and presentations filled this calendar year on a range of topics including the Yale […]
2014: excavation review
1951 session with Florence Vandamm (far right) and on stage (L-R) John Emery + Katharine Cornell + Brian Aherne in “The Constant Wife” — part of the 2013-2014 NYPL exhibit […]
2013: excavation review
I love reliving the year through this now annual summary of attendance at live performances and the occasional film screening. For this listing, all that’s required is my entry into […]
event musings: night of a thousand judys
Ali Forney Center Benefit Concert: Night of a Thousand Judys Written and Hosted by Justin Sayre Music Direction by Lance Horne Featuring Martha Wash, Madeleine Peyroux, Carolee Carmello, Lea DeLaria, […]
review: liza and alan
Liza & Alan at Town Hall Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street One Night Only March 13, 2013 @ 8pm [2nd night added by popular demand] event web site Reviewed […]
review: lea delaria
Lea DeLaria: Lea Sings, You Eat Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street January 6, 2013 artist web site Reviewed by Martha Wade Steketee January 6, 2013 “I […]
Review: Marilyn Maye By Request 2013
Marilyn Maye: “Marilyn By Request” Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street January 3-6 & 9, 2013 event web site Reviewed by Martha Wade Steketee January 3, 2013 “I’ve recorded this, […]
2012: excavation review
[featured image caption: Grand Central Terminal circa 1935-1941. Crop of image from NY Municipal Archives.] So when I say almost every day that I’m off to the theatre, some may doubt me. […]
film feature: shadows and secrets in the sound of music
The Sound of Music (1965) Film Society of Lincoln Center: See it in 70mm! December 25, 2012 Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street event web site “I always try […]
urban excavations 