Review: Falsettos – Is It Really As Good As The Critics Say?

The Broadway revival of William Finn’s and James Lapine’s Falsettos produced by Lincoln Center has been eagerly anticipated. Indeed, the musical that explores the modern definition of “family” is a much-needed tonic in a world where hate and homophobia are rearing their ugly heads at every turn, and where compassion and understanding are derided as “un-American” by so many friends and neighbors who would support a Trump presidency. Yes, the story of Falsettos hails from a different time, an era where fear ruled our thoughts as a mysterious disease began to kill-off predominantly gay men as conservative politicians chose to ignore the death tally in favor of religious retribution exacted by an Old Testament God of spite and smite

Ranking Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim is perhaps the most revered and worshipped composer-lyricist in the American Musical Theatre, and though he has earned that status with an extraordinary canon of work, certain musicals he has written are obviously better than others. Opinion and personal preferences, of course, play into one’s feelings about his shows. As an experiment to sort out my enthusiasm and criticism of his work, I have ranked Sondheim’s musicals from his worst to his best.

Let the judgment begin…

Broadway Lyrics of Hope and Denial

I don't feel like I have much to say this week. The presidential election and the subsequent fear and pain that it has unleashed in the theatre community and beyond is still very raw and palpable. At a time when so much hope seems to be lost, I cannot help but hear the voices of strength that certain showtunes provide. Since the last thing any of you want to hear (or read) are my ravings about the outcome of this surreal and most disheartening election. Instead, just this once, let me simply share some lyrics of hope (and denial) that have been crossing my mind since Tuesday.

Broadway Musical Time Machine: Looking Back at Sweet Charity

With Sweet Charity returning to the New York Stage this fall in a production starring Tony-winner Sutton Foster, this week I will explore the history and makeup of this imperfect musical that somehow manages to delight theatre folk, particularly dancers. What is it about this dated, meandering musical that continues to intrigue directors, choreographers and performers enough to keep returning to it