Ute Lemper: Brecht, Bukowski, and Broken Hearts
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, January 14, 2017.] Ute Lemper was framed in her recent 54 Below engagement by comfort and edginess – black leather pants topped with […]
Marilyn Maye Always Something Big
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, January 6, 2017.] January in Manhattan means Marilyn Maye has brought her post New Year “by request” performances to the cozy and classy […]
2016: excavation review themes
After six annual marathons captured in “what Martha has seen” lists of theater and film adventuring (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), I’ve learned a few things. I’ve learned that […]
Singing Sondheim (Unplugged) All Night
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, December 13, 2016.] The sixtieth edition of the Sondheim Unplugged concert series, that began its monthly adventures at the beloved Don’t Tell Mama […]
Gideon Ponders Life In His Playhouse
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, November 20, 2016.] Performer Gideon Irving claims he surfs couches as a professional house guest in exchange for his intimate performances. In fact, […]
Master Harold Assumes His Place
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, November 16, 2016.] The slightly run down tea shop setting in the current Signature revival of Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold” … and the […]
Corinna Sowers Adler and Friends at the Appel Room
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, November 8, 2016.] Corinna Sowers Adler is a picture of generosity in spirit, gesture, physique, instinct, and breadth of song selection. On a […]
Lainie Kazan Acts Through Her Cold
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, October 20, 2016.] Lainie Kazan has a cold, we soon realize. Raspy vocal quality, tetchy intonation, and without the big sound and wild […]
Chris Gethard Shows the Funny Side of Depression
[Original published in Theater Pizzazz, October 13, 2016.] Chris Gethard’s solo play about depression, his long-term relationship with his odd-ball therapist Barbara, vivid experiences with a range of mind-altering substances, […]
Deconstructing The Black Crook at Abrons Arts Center
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, October 4, 2016.] Repossession, privileged history, origin story, or folderol? An audience member at The Black Crook: An Original, Magical, and Spectacular Musical […]
Julie Halston Reads Her Life
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, September 17, 2016.] “Sit back, relax, Mama’s gonna read.” The lanky instantly recognizable and inviting presence of Julie Halston, described as “a cross […]
Natalie Douglas and Two Stevies
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, September 12, 2016.] [featured image caption: [L-R] Natalie Douglas and music director Brian Nash. Image by Kevin Alvey.] Natalie Douglas, a New York cabaret […]
One for the Show Plus One
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, August 22, 2016.] “Small but mighty,” our host Ken Prescott named us, the stalwart and engaged members of a recent evening audience at […]
54 Sings Hair
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, July 29, 2016.] [feature image caption: Andrew Kober and members of 1968 and 1977 Broadway casts of Hair. Image by Jennifer Ashley Tepper.] We […]
Vivian Reed Sings Standards and More
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, July 27, 2016.] The Metropolitan Room’s air conditioning could barely keep up with the heat generated by the enthusiastic early show crowd at […]
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 […]
urban excavations 