The Determined Dilettante

So much Tonys stuff

2026-07-01T09:56:52.813-04:00

It's always fun to contribute to the coverage of the Tony Awards. I had things to say about the snubs and surprises and about big moments from nominated shows, Then I was part of the team covering the awards live from NYT HQ.

Off and Off Off shows for May

2026-07-01T09:52:13.126-04:00

In May it was my turn to handle the roundup of Off and Off Off Broadway shows on offer — a selection, mind you, because these roundups are not exhaustive.

Kenrex

2026-06-27T10:49:50.399-04:00

This almost-solo British import came preceded with considerable hype. Meh — didn't work for me. And it wasn't the true-crime angle, but the gratuitously showy aspect of the performance. And if I can't tell your characters apart, maybe it defeats the purpose?

Jet Li's 10 favorite things

2026-06-27T10:47:19.077-04:00

Talking to Jet Li about 10 items he can't live without immediately brought me back to going to watch his movies at the theaters in Chinatown, smuggling in takeout noodles. Good times. Classic actor in classic films.

Schmigadoon!

2026-06-27T10:45:09.149-04:00

Schmigadoon! is the rare musical that earns the exclamation mark in its title. What a blast I had. Critic's pick! Oh dear, now I'm doing it too with the exclamation mark.

Robert Aramayo

2026-06-27T10:43:19.902-04:00

When I heard I was going to interview Robert Aramayo at his apartment, I wondered where I'd have to go. At it turned out, I only had to walk 10 minutes to get there. And we like the same coffee place! (No, I won't say which one.) Anyway, I'm just a big fan of this guy, who's a terrific actor and seems to be a mensch in real life. My profile is here.

Titaníque is back!

2026-06-27T10:41:27.994-04:00

Four years ago I reviewed a small show called Titanique in a Chelsea basement venue. In April I reviewed that same show — well, almost the same, and with a new accent aigu in the title — when it reopened on Broadway. Living the dream!

5 sci-fi movies for April

2026-06-27T10:39:15.157-04:00

Once a month, I find five sci-fi streaming movies and tell you all about them. This was the April batch.

The knife scene from Tristan und Isolde

2026-06-27T10:27:16.428-04:00

Love love love stories analyzing how a scene was conceived and executed. In this case it was a scene from Yuval Sharon's production of Tristan und Isolde at the Met that made me gasp out loud when I saw it at the dress rehearsal. Follow me on a backstage tour.

Harry Hole finally gets the adaptation he deserved

2026-06-27T10:25:16.420-04:00

I've read more Harry Hole novels than I can count (literally: I don't know how many I've read) so I can vouch that the new Netflix series gets him right. I talked to writer Jo Nesbø and star Tobias Santelmann when their show came out.

Monte Cristo

2026-06-27T10:21:48.662-04:00

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite novels but I'm game for loose adaptations as along as they remain faithful to Dumas's spirit, if not his letter. This new musical erred on both counts, though I would love to see Stephanie Jae Park again, in a better production.

Ulster American

2026-06-27T10:18:45.008-04:00

I love that Matthew Broderick remains committed to theater. He's done great work at Irish Rep, but Ulster American didn't rise to his earlier heights there.

Theater to Stream in March

2026-06-27T10:16:57.188-04:00

This might be the longest interval in between updates to this blog. What can I say — I've been busy. Here comes a whole dump of links to my New York Times articles. From mid-March, there was a selection of streaming theater, and some of it is still up!

Science-fiction movies for March

2026-03-14T13:51:07.849-04:00

Is it this time of the month again? Yes, time for five more sci-fi movies new to platforms! Click here for the list.

Bughouse

2026-03-14T13:50:00.005-04:00

The outside artist Henry Darger continues to fascinate — in this case a team comprised of Martha Clarke, Beth Henley and John Kelly. I'm a big fan of their work but in this case the sum of the parts doesn't quite add up. My review is here.

Off and Off Off Broadway shows for March

2026-03-14T13:49:00.001-04:00

Things had been a little quiet on the Off and Off Off front — not anymore! Just have a look at everything on view this month in New York, and try not to be overwhelmed. Click here for my roundup.

Starstruck

2026-03-14T13:47:00.001-04:00

I previewed what may well be the most lesbionic musical to date! And not just because Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls wrote the score. Read my feature and you'll see what I mean.

Mother Russia

2026-03-14T13:45:00.001-04:00

Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band has been quite successful, with several productions around the country, but her new one is much, much better. I'm sure it's going to have a long life in our regional theaters. My enthusiastic review is here.

Marcel on the Train

2026-03-14T13:43:00.004-04:00

Of course I was going to review the show about Marcel Marceau! In this case a play cowritten by and starring Ethan Slater. You know you want to click on that link.

The Dinosaurs

2026-03-14T13:42:00.003-04:00

As I pointed out in my review, this production's cast — Elizabeth Marvel! Kathleen Chalfant! April Matthis! — is ridiculously overqualified for the material. Writing up this little note now, several weeks after seeing the show, the feeling that comes to mind is pure frustration.

February, and sci-fi comes around again

2026-03-14T13:38:00.002-04:00

Here's the link to the February installment of my sci-fic column.

André De Shields and Junior LaBeija go to the Jellicle Ball

2026-03-14T13:36:00.004-04:00

Get these two in a room, turn on the recorder, then sit back and listen. I talked to the two great elders of Cats: The Jellicle Ball as it prepared its move to Broadway. Click here for the conversation.

High Spirits

2026-03-14T13:25:00.002-04:00

Encores! was true to its mission by presenting this relatively obscure musical adaptation of Blithe Spirits. I would see Andrea Martin in anything! Click here for my review.

Complications in Sue

2026-03-14T13:23:00.003-04:00

It took one librettist, two directors and 10 composers to come up with Complications in Sue at Opera Philadelphia. I trekked down for a rehearsal and chats with members of the team, including Michael R. Jackson, Justin Vivian Bond and Anthony Roth Costanzo. Click here for my preview.

Peyton List in Heathers: The Musical

2026-03-14T13:21:00.005-04:00

I've seen plenty of Heather Chandlers but Peyton List may well have been the scariest — and I was at just List's first performance in Heathers: The Musical! I talked to her right after the show ended, as she was catching her breath. Thataway for the goods.