Although retired since 2014, I still relish opportunities to teach, write, and share opinions.

Vocal ensemble Chanticleer beguiles the men and women of Princeton

World-renowned and Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer gave a stunning recital at Princeton University on October 12, 2023.  Chanticleer’s program was entitled Music of a Silent World. The composers featured were Kurt Weill, Majel Connery, Ayanna Woods, Ann Ronell, Heinrich Isaac, Max Reger, Joni Mitchell, Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Churchill, Irving Berlin, and The Weather by Clyde Lawrence, Gracie Lawrence, Jon…

Thrilling Dancers Bring This Carmen Ballet to Life

Philadelphia Ballet’s new Carmen is now at Philadelphia’s landmark Academy of Music until October 15, 2023.  By all accounts on opening night, the audience went wild for the intensely high level of dancing and dramatic power of this ballet created, rearranged, and adapted from the famous opera by Georges Bizet. This Carmen is condensed into a 75-minute drama with a…

Andy Borowitz discusses his book Profiles in Ignorance at the McCarter

With his signature wit and insight, comedian and New Yorker magazine satirist Andy Borowitz delved into questions such as Why have American politics deteriorated intellectually over the last 50 years? How have the mass media encouraged the election of ignorant leaders? And how can we change course? He discussed his New York Times/Washington Post/Wall Street Journal bestseller, Profiles in Ignorance: How America’s Politicians Got Dumb…

An Evita that throbs and sizzles with Latin life

Director Will Pomerantz, Choreographer Marcos Santana, and Scenic Designer Anna Louizos transport you to a steamy, sweaty tango bar in 1962, ten years after Eva Peron’s death, in a spicy, flashy production of Evita. Evita, the legendary musical which took Broadway and the world by storm, is now enjoying a new production at Bucks County Playhouse only until October 30. 

Luke Macfarlane and Billy Eichner in Bros (2022)

Shocking, provocative, adorable Bros

By now, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve seen commercials on YouTube, read interviews on a variety of media, and maybe even seen the film Bros, a gay romantic comedy starring Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane. Universal Pictures has used its considerable clout to get Bros booked into multiplexes everywhere starting September 30. On an LGBT+ meter, it is a 10 out of 10, and a must-see.

Hairspray

The eternal sunshine of Hairspray

The iconic Broadway hit Hairspray is now at the Miller Theater until May 22. The Miller Theater is the new name of the former Merriam Theater. Hairspray: The Musical is based upon the hit film by John Waters. The cast, sets, costumes, live orchestra and cast are a dream come true. Don’t miss it! Hairspray…

It's only a play

Make your Yultide Gay

Terrence McNally’s last work It’s Only a Play has been given a great new production at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. The only thing you need to be careful about is that this fun romp is only playing until December 19, so hurry and see it.