Mandy Patinkin to Star in ‘The Great Comet’
Culture, Today
Mr. Patinkin, a Tony winner, will return to Broadway in a role that was previously played by Josh Groban.
Williamstown Theater Festival: Three Sisters and Lots of Kvetching
Arts & Leisure, Today
In “Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow,” the playwright Halley Feiffer reimagines Chekhov.
Michael Moore Says He Wants to Change Minds. So Why Is He on Broadway?
Arts & Leisure, Today
His one-man show, “The Terms of My Surrender,” is opening at the Belasco Theater. But theater audiences in New York may already be part of his choir.
Sienna Miller Coaxes New Life From an Old ‘Cat’
Culture, Yesterday
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” has rarely ignited in recent years. But this production in London dazzles.
In the Hudson Valley, Shakespeare as Man, Myth and Drinking Buddy
Culture, Yesterday
Lauren Gunderson’s “The Book of Will,” making part of its rolling world premiere, finds drama in family relationships and Renaissance publishing.
How a Grieving Daughter Led a Theater Reporter to an Unexpected Story
Insider, Yesterday
It was an unusual request: a college student who reached out in an effort to memorialize her father.
Richard Twice: A Musical Life Interrupted
Op Ed, Yesterday
Richard Atkins was at the beginning of a promising musical career — until a single disastrous performance changed the course of his life.
Bill Pullman: The First Time a Fellow Actor Had My Back
Arts & Leisure, Yesterday
It was John Candy to the rescue when a famous director of comedies questioned whether this film newcomer could get a laugh.
Shakespeare, Under the Sky and Around the Globe
Video, Yesterday
Experience Shakespeare in 360 degrees and the way the Bard intended — in the great outdoors.
‘Lessons in Temperament,’ a Memoir of Mental Illness
Culture, July 24
James Smith’s solo show, part of Soulpepper’s New York residency, examines his family’s history of disorders with a striking lack of bitterness.
Hamlet and the Surveillance State of Denmark
Culture, July 24
Andrew Scott’s portrayal in a London production of “Hamlet” almost banishes other performances from memory.
Hat. Rabbit. Spy Cam? Claims of Skulduggery at a Hot Magic Show
Culture, July 24
The magician Derek DelGaudio has tried to keep his work invisible on the internet. Did another professional secretly film his show?...
‘You Create That Chemistry’: How Actors Fall in Instant Love
Culture, July 24
The foursome of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” talk trust, lust and the art of stage kissing.
Instead of Dumbing Down Shakespeare, Smarten Up the Kids
Well, July 24
Children can appreciate adults’ plays and movies if you explain the references, the complex ironies, the double entendres.
David Mamet Doesn’t Want to Hear From You. Do Other Playwrights?
Arts & Leisure, July 23
Tedious or contentious, the postshow discussion has become part of the theater landscape. Given a choice, would other writers issue a gag order?...
Tim and Eric Figure Out How to Do the Wrong Thing, Perfectly
Culture, July 23
These two outsider comedians haven’t exactly gone mainstream, but they’ve had an outsize impact on communications from liquor ads to “Portlandia.”...
Women in the Theater
Letters, July 23
A playwright and an arts professional say the antidote is to keep writing and keep talking.
Newspeak on the Stage, but Real Glassware at a Theater’s Bar
Metro, July 23
The Hudson Theater, home to a stage adaptation of “1984,” serves drinks in real glasses, not the plastic ones used by most other Broadway theaters.
Manhattan’s District Attorney vs. Aeschylus
Op Ed, July 22
A performance of an ancient Greek play forces prosecutors to reflect on the nature of justice.
The Drag Queen Overshares, but the Guru Has Something to Hide
Culture, July 21
Questions of identity are explored through song in three shows at the New York Musical Festival.
This Podcast Is a Love Story, for Your Ears Only
Culture, July 21
The new podcast “36 Questions” sets a standard for the future of musical theater.
In ‘While I Was Waiting,’ a Man and a Country in Limbo
Weekend, July 20
In Mohammad Al Attar’s new play, a 20-something Syrian is beaten nearly to death. Will his family and friends (and his country) ever recover?...
‘Romeo Is Bleeding,’ and Shakespeare Is Relevant
Weekend, July 20
A documentary finds a group of young people in violence-plagued Richmond, Calif., staging their own version of Romeo and Juliet’s romantic tragedy.
He Spent His Life in Theater. Here’s What He Left Behind.
Culture, July 20
James Houghton died last summer. Now his daughter is sharing his collection of theatrical treasures.
Tony Kushner Plans a Trump Play, and a New ‘West Side Story’
Culture, July 19
Mr. Kushner said in an interview with The Daily Beast that he was working on a play set two years before the 2016 election.
Surviving War With a Sense of Humor in ‘Pity in History’
Culture, July 19
Howard Barker’s BBC teleplay is being professionally staged for the first time, thanks to Potomac Theater Project, which has regularly mounted his work.
Joe Pera and Julio Torres Help Bring Comedy Back to Union Hall
Arts & Leisure, July 19
This Park Slope venue was shut down after a fire in March, but it has a strong slate of stand-up the week it reopens.
Tina Howe Copes With Caregiving and Other Late-in-Life Storms
Arts & Leisure, July 19
Looking after her ailing husband, and the perils of climate change, are inspirations for her new play, “Singing Beach.”...
La MaMa to Host Belarus Free Theater Next Season
Culture, July 19
La MaMa has announced its 56th season, which includes a visit from Maria Alyokhina of Pussy Riot, and a Tennessee Williams production.
‘A Pink Chair’ Explores a Polish Playwright, but Finds Little
Culture, July 18
This Wooster Group production, inspired by Tadeusz Kantor and his play “I Shall Never Return,” is an esoteric project that fails to connect with its audience.
‘Death of a Salesman,’ Diluted by Too Many Experiments
Culture, July 17
It’s almost always a good time to resurrect Willy Loman, Arthur Miller’s desperate Everyman, but Theater Mitu’s staging at BAM Fisher saps the play’s power.
Harvard’s Graduate Theater Program Halts Admissions for 3 Years
Culture, July 17
A new setback for a school that has ties to the acclaimed American Repertory Theater, but from which students leave with enormous debt.
A New Mike Bartlett Play and a ‘Twilight Zone’ Adaptation Are Planned at Almeida
Culture, July 17
Highlights of the Almeida Theater’s 2017-18 season, announced Monday, include “Albion,” a new work by Mr. Bartlett, the author of “King Charles III.”...
When Women Won’t Accept Theatrical Manspreading
Culture, July 17
Gender inequality remains a problem, but it’s heartening to see playwrights and performers argue for more opportunities.
Birth Pangs, Royal and Otherwise
Culture, July 17
Surrogacy brings challenges, a childless queen is upstaged by her dearest friend, and two writers vie for supremacy — all on London stages this summer.
What the Singing Dead Remember in ‘Spoon River’
Culture, July 16
This exuberant musical out of Toronto, adapted from the poems by Edgar Lee Masters, presents an all-souls hootenanny.
For Syrian Actors, a Maddening Road to America
Foreign, July 16
The cast and crew of a Syrian play to be performed at Lincoln Center are scattered across the world, so just getting to the United States was a dramatic ordeal.
‘Martin Denton, Martin Denton,’ Off Off Broadway Hagiography
Culture, July 16
This Chris Harcum play tells how a theater enthusiast funneled his passions.
‘Hi, Hitler’ and Other Tales From a Lively Household
Culture, July 16
In her one-woman show, Lucie Pohl incarnates a wide range of characters as she tells of her lifelong search for identity.
Bang! Pow! A ‘Three Musketeers’ Summertime Romp
Culture, July 14
The Classical Theater of Harlem’s staging of the Alexandre Dumas novel emphasizes the comic action — and turns D’Artagnan into Mademoiselle D’Artagnan.
Free Shows to See in New York This Summer
Culture, July 14
From “The Three Musketeers” to “Macbeth,” here’s our guide to summer theater that won’t cost you a dime.
The Young Vic Theater in London Unveils Its 2017-18 Season
Culture, July 14
A new play in the spirit of “Angels in America” and a revival of a work by Tarell Alvin McCraney of “Moonlight” are among the highlights.
The Greatest of Danes, as Oscar Isaac Takes On ‘Hamlet’
Weekend, July 13
Sam Gold’s funny and heartbreaking production treats Shakespeare’s daunting masterpiece with disarming familiarity.
In ‘True Right,’ George W. and Jeb Bush Meet Sam Shepard
Weekend, July 13
Actresses play the brother-rivals in a lampoon of “True West” that works better on the page than on the stage.
‘Assassins’ Offers a National Anthem for Killers
Weekend, July 13
In the Encores Off-Center revival of the 1991 Sondheim-Weidman musical, men and women who have shot American presidents get to sing. Will anyone listen?...
When You Switch Up on a (Broadway) Star
Culture, July 12
One night a week, Donna Murphy takes over the title role in “Hello, Dolly!” from Bette Midler. Alternates, like her, and replacements can help make or break a hit show.
James Franco’s Lawyers Shut Down Play That Uses His Name
Culture, July 12
A cease-and-desist letter came as a surprise to Kevin Broccoli, who had planned to bring his play “James Franco and Me” to New York in August.
Keegan-Michael Key Is Looking to Tell Some ‘Human Stories’
Arts & Leisure, July 12
Mr. Key, the “Key & Peele” co-star, talks about his Netflix series, “Friends From College”; shooting his first nude scenes; and playing Horatio in “Hamlet.”...
Listening to the Best (and Worst) of Broadway
Arts & Leisure, July 12
All 13 of last season’s new Broadway shows, plus two revivals, produced cast recordings. Here’s our critic’s take on what to play and what to skip.
Danny Boyle Assembles a Starry Cast for ‘The Children’s Monologues’
Culture, July 12
Charlize Theron, James McAvoy and Ewan McGregor are among the participants in the production, which will be performed Nov. 13 at Carnegie Hall.
‘A Parallelogram,’ Bruce Norris’s Time-Shifting Play at Second Stage
Arts & Leisure, July 12
Mr. Norris’s play, which had its premiere in 2010, is just now arriving in New York with its jaundiced view of human relations.
Uma Thurman to Make Broadway Debut in ‘The Parisian Woman’
Culture, July 12
Ms. Thurman says this political drama, by Beau Willimon, the creator of “House of Cards,” is contemporary, sharp and witty.
Thinking Outside (and Inside) B.F. Skinner’s Box
Culture, July 11
A British theater troupe considers the uses and abuses of psychological experimentation in “Opening Skinner’s Box.”...
From ‘This is Us’ to ‘The Cake,’ Bekah Brunstetter Has a Full Plate
Arts & Leisure, July 11
Ms. Brunstetter, riding high as a writer on a hot network TV show, finds herself in the middle of a timely debate with her latest play.
A Mother Fervently Tries to Protect Her Son in ‘Pipeline’
Culture, July 10
Dominique Morisseau’s new play at Lincoln Center plunges us into the fatalistic worldview of the mother of an African-American teenager.
For Disabled Actors, Memorizing the Part Is Only the Beginning
Culture, July 10
A peek backstage at the play “Cost of Living” shows how two performers prepare physically for their roles.
Lynn Ahrens and Her Little House in the Sky
Real Estate, July 7
The lyricist of the Broadway show “Anastasia,” on the penthouse that convinced her to move to Midtown.
What I Love | Lynn Ahrens
Slideshow, July 7
The Broadway lyricist on the penthouse that convinced her to move to Midtown.
Falling Hard for a Master Manipulator in ‘Of Human Bondage’
Weekend, July 6
The Soulpepper production, adapted by Vern Thiessen from W. Somerset Maugham’s novel, tells a beautifully bittersweet tale.
‘Kim’s Convenience’ Shares Family Ties, for Better and Worse
Weekend, July 6
Ins Choi’s story of a Toronto store and the Korean immigrant family that runs it is at Pershing Square Signature Center.
Whiteboard? Check. Lab Rats? They’re the Actors.
Weekend, July 6
How a theater troupe called Improbable dramatizes psychological experiments described in a controversial 2004 book.
He’s Got a Good Wig on His Shoulders: Meet Cole Escola
Arts & Leisure, July 6
In just under 10 years, Cole Escola, who is 30 but looks much younger, has become a ubiquitous presence on the downtown alt-cabaret circuit.
Blue Man Group Is Bought by Cirque du Soleil, With Plans to Expand
Weekend, July 6
Cirque du Soleil, known for its acrobatic acts, announced that it had purchased Blue Man Productions with an eye toward expanding it to China.
After His Mother’s Death, Oscar Isaac Turns to Shakespeare for Solace
Arts & Leisure, July 6
Heading back to his theatrical roots, he stars this summer as the tortured, grief-stricken prince in ‘Hamlet.’...
Heathcote Williams, Radical British Poet Who Helped Form Anarchist Nation, Dies at 75
Culture, July 5
Outraged at conformity and drawn to theatricality, Mr. Williams aimed to effect change with language.
In a Summer Theater Weekend, Odd Couples and Immigrants on the Make
Culture, July 5
Two outstanding performances in a “Children of a Lesser God” revival are a Berkshires highlight.
Artists Protest Lincoln Center Play Backed by Israel
Culture, July 5
More than 60 artists, including the Pulitzer winner Annie Baker and the actress Greta Gerwig, asked that the play “To the End of the Land” be canceled.
Royal Shakespeare Company to Monitor Heart Rates at ‘Titus Andronicus’
Culture, July 5
The theater company hopes to discover whether audiences are similarly affected at live plays versus cinema screenings.
Laurie Metcalf to Leave ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’
Culture, July 5
Ms. Metcalf, who won a Tony Award for her performance in the play on Broadway, will depart on July 23 and be replaced by the Tony winner Julie White.
New York Musical Festival Returns
Arts & Leisure, July 5
Adventurous works like a Sherlock Holmes musical and an examination of the Berlin Wall scored by a member of Air Supply are on the schedule.
Edward Albee’s Final Wish: Destroy My Unfinished Work
Culture, July 4
Instructions to destroy any incomplete manuscripts were included in a will that the renowned playwright filed on Long Island, where he lived and died.
‘Chickens in the Yard,’ and Family Conflict, Too
Culture, July 3
In Paul Kruse’s one-act play at Jack in Brooklyn, the humans have their problems, and the chickens have their own issues.
Chocolate Aplenty, but Nary a Wonka Bar to Be Found
Culture, July 3
Why can’t you buy a Wonka Bar at the Broadway musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”? Blame corporate indifference — and a flirtation with crème brûlée.
On Canada Day, Sampling Soulpepper’s Cultural Imports
Culture, July 2
Why aren’t there more American productions of Canadian plays? Judging from a Toronto theater company’s offerings, the quality of the work isn’t the obstacle.
5 Must-See Shows if You’re in New York This Month
Culture, July 1
It’s politics as unusual on stages across the city in July.
How a ‘Hamilton’ Super Fan Got Cast in the Broadway Show
Styles, July 1
He grew up watching Michael Jackson videos in Athens, Tex. Now J. Quinton Johnson is rapping in Broadway’s hottest production, asked to audition before he’d seen it.
In ‘Ink,’ a Media Mogul Is Born — Rupert Murdoch
Culture, June 30
James Graham’s play focuses on Mr. Murdoch as a news baron in the making; and “Anatomy of a Suicide” is a shimmeringly powerful puzzle play.
In ‘Marvin’s Room,’ Who Will Care for the Caregiver?
Weekend, June 29
Scott McPherson’s 1991 Off Broadway hit about duty to self and to others makes its Broadway debut in a very different world.
‘Me the People,’ a Spangled Satire of a President Beyond Parody
Weekend, June 29
This cabaret at the Triad offers broad sendups of President Trump for the two-drink-minimum crowd, but it’s hard to be farcical when real life is so bizarre.
Outdoor Stages: A Madcap ‘Pride & Prejudice’ in the Hudson Valley
Weekend, June 29
Fresh off the success of her adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense & Sensibility,” Kate Hamill takes on “Pride & Prejudice.”...
Remarkable. Extraordinary. Eccentric: The Man Who Drew Eloise Recalls His Muses
Weekend, June 29
Hilary Knight, illustrator of the “Eloise” books and quite a lot more, is the subject of two exhibitions of his work. He tours them both.
A Battle of the Bowls in Hollywood?
National, June 29
After a $75 million face-lift, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, the lesser-known neighbor of the famous Hollywood Bowl, is ready for its close-up.
Summer Is the Time for Stretching
Arts & Leisure, June 28
These writers and performers are using the warmer months to take some risks, test themselves and expand their talents onstage.
‘In a Word’ Grapples With Loss and Language
Culture, June 28
In Lauren Yee’s play, the disappearance of a child short-circuits language and takes over reality itself. But it can be survived.
Exploring the Public School/Private School Divide in ‘Pipeline’
Arts & Leisure, June 28
Dominique Morisseau is one of the theater’s most penetrating voices. In her latest play, she focuses on issues of class and education.
Jonathan Groff to Sing Bobby Darin for Songbook Series
Culture, June 28
A revamped Lyrics & Lyricists series at the 92nd Street Y has drawn Mr. Groff, a two-time Tony nominee, for five performances next January.
New ‘Hamilton Mixtape’ Music Video Takes Aim at Immigration
Culture, June 28
A new music video for a song off the “Hamilton Mixtape” soundtrack takes direct aim at President Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
Schimmel Center to Host a Two-Day Toast to the Bottom Line
Culture, June 28
The bandleader Paul Shaffer will host the festival, which is to include performances from many of the musicians whose careers were shaped there.
‘Will’ on TNT: A Punk-Rock Shakespeare, Striving and Stage-Diving in the Big City
Arts & Leisure, June 28
“Will,” which features the playwright in his formative years, is heavy on the tattoos and piercings.
Sisters Plot Their Escapes From ‘Napoli, Brooklyn’
Culture, June 27
In Meghan Kennedy’s kitchen-table drama at the Roundabout, an immigrant Italian family in 1960 seems ready to explode. Then it does.
Heard of the Jimmys? It’s the Tonys, for Teenagers
Arts & Leisure, June 27
This year, 74 of the nation’s most talented theatrical hopefuls took the stage for the Jimmy Awards, now in its ninth year.
Broadway’s Biggest Night — for Teenagers
Video, June 27
Each June, two students are chosen as winners of the Jimmy Awards, a sort of Tonys for teenagers. Step into their high-kicking world as 74 theatrical hopefuls from around the country compete for stardom.
Theater Jobs Skew White and Male, Study Finds
Culture, June 26
Women and minority actors and stage managers are getting fewer jobs and often wind up in lower-paying shows, according to a new study by Actors’ Equity.
The Detective Was a Performance Artist. The Evidence Is Now a Show.
Culture, June 26
A strangely entrancing new work explores a mysterious audio recording, and recreates a moment in the life of a 1950s Long Island family.
A Father Consumed by Grief in ‘My Eyes Went Dark’
Culture, June 26
A man who lost his family in a plane crash funnels his grief and despair into a quest for revenge.
A Bawdy ‘Bastard Jones,’ Dancing With a Peg Leg
Culture, June 26
This ragged but high-spirited musical adaptation of Henry Fielding’s “Tom Jones” stars Evan Ruggiero, who lost most of his right leg to cancer.
Chasing ‘The Rivals’ on a Summer Evening
Culture, June 26
Mrs. Malaprop misspeaks outdoors when New York Classical Theater brings a lighthearted comedy of manners to Central Park.