T/theater

¿William Shakespeare fue un mal esposo? Una carta olvidada sugeriría nuevas pistas

Una nueva investigación socava la opinión tradicional de que Shakespeare fue un marido distante y negligente con su mujer, Anne Hathaway.

‘Hold Me in the Water’ Review: Smitten, and Primed to Flirt

Ryan J. Haddad follows up his Obie-winning “Dark Disabled Stories” with a rom-com.

Overlooked Letter Rewrites History of Shakespeare’s Bad Marriage

New research undermines the traditional view that Shakespeare was a distant, neglectful husband to his wife, Anne.

Little Adds Up in the Elusive ‘Grief Camp’

Les Waters’s production for Atlantic Theater Company is marvelously realized, despite the limitations of the play’s often maddening script.

Jeremy Jordan, Searching for Challenges Onstage

In “Floyd Collins,” playing a hardscrabble Kentuckian trapped while exploring a cave, the actor finds inspiration in the claustrophobic restrictions.

‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ Review: An Origin Story for the Stage

This Broadway production delivers lots of spectacle as it winds back to the teenage years of Henry Creel, an antagonist from the Netflix series.

‘Macbeth in Stride’ Review: A Leap and Stumble Into a Classic

One of the most performed and reimagined works of English literature becomes a fourth-wall-breaking musical revue.

‘Floyd Collins’ Review: Trapped in a Cave and in a Media Circus

One of the wonders of this glorious-sounding new Broadway production is how far from claustrophobic this Kentucky cave saga feels.

There’s No People Like Show People

In a new book, the Broadway photographer Jenny Anderson captures the craft and camaraderie of making theater.

A Monsoon Is About to Hit These Pirates

Jinkx Monsoon talks about feeling like a lifetime of hard work is finally paying off, and her return to Broadway as a zany maid in “Pirates! The Penzance Musical.”

Caryl Churchill Times Four Makes an Infinity of Worlds

“Glass. Kill. What If If Only. Imp,” a new collection of one-acts by the great British playwright, is a cause for celebration, wonderment and grief.

Onstage and Off, Whitney White Is Everywhere This Spring

An actor, musician and writer, White is also now an in-demand stage director. “I am looking, I am hungry, I am searching,” she said.

In ‘John Proctor Is the Villain,’ It’s the Girls vs. the Men

Kimberly Belflower’s play, on Broadway starring Sadie Sink, gives high school students a chance to prosecute a #MeToo case against “The Crucible.”

In This French ‘Gypsy,’ Mama’s Got the Stuff. Daughter Too.

The soprano Natalie Dessay and her daughter, Neïma Naouri, team up to explore one of theater’s most toxic mother-daughter relationships.

How ‘Stranger Things’ Scaled Up for Broadway

A big opening scene that took about two and a half years to perfect plunges theatergoers into the sci-fi world of the hit Netflix series.

Bernadette Peters Loves a Day Out in New York

Back on Broadway for “Old Friends,” the actress reflects on the art she saw with Sondheim and the delights of the High Line and Central Park.

How an American Sign Language Artist Spends Their Sundays

Brandon Kazen-Maddox makes time for mud massages, meditation and aerial hoop adventures.

Suzanne Rand, Half of a Once-Popular Comedy Team, Dies at 75

Like Nichols and May before them, Monteith and Rand had their own Broadway show. Unlike Nichols and May, they faded from view after they broke up.

Theater to Stream: David Tennant as ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Death of England’ and More

Take in Shakespeare, experimental theater and a three-play series on the fallout of Brexit, all available to watch at home.

‘Becoming Eve’ Offers Testaments Old and New

A trans woman comes out to her Hasidic Jewish father in this Off Broadway play that tussles with faith and family bonds.

In a Musical Comedy Makeover, ‘Smash’ Lives Up to Its Name

En route to Broadway, the TV series about backstage shenanigans and Marilyn Monroe has been rejiggered, with the same great songs but a whole new plot.

‘Amm(i)gone’ and ‘A Mother’: Sons Calling for Their Mothers

The maternal embrace of young men and their battles figures in two very different plays, one a solo work and the other a Brechtian riff starring Jessica Hecht.

‘Manhunt’ Is a Case Study in Fragile Masculinity

A new play by Robert Icke about a real-life police chase takes the form of an imagined trial.

The Classical Music Our Critics Can’t Stop Thinking About

Watch and listen to recent highlights, including Nicole Scherzinger on Broadway, a pair of Janacek operas and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’: What to Know About the Broadway Show

The new play, set 24 years before the start of the Netflix series, combines lavish spectacle with a cast of familiar characters.

A Party With 17 ‘Old Friends’ and 41 Sondheim Songs

Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga lead the festivities in a new Broadway revue of the great musical dramatist’s work.

The Loose Screws, Hot Flames and Infinite Joy of William Finn

The composer and lyricist of “A New Brain,” “Falsettos” and other shows answered the pains of life with jaunty songs. He died this week at 73.

William Finn, Tony Winner for ‘Falsettos,’ Is Dead at 73

An acclaimed musical theater writer, he won for both his score and his book and later had a huge hit with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

At 90, Wole Soyinka Revisits His Younger, More Optimistic Self

With the Off Broadway debut of his 1958 play “The Swamp Dwellers,” the Nigerian Nobel laureate looks back on the writer he was when he was starting out.

‘Boop! The Musical’ Review: Betty Gets a Brand Extension

The It girl with the spit curl looks great for 100, but her Broadway musical, which feels like one big merch grab, is boop-boop-a-don’t.

At James Earl Jones Memorial, Friends Share Laughs, Tears and Moving Stories

At a gathering in the Broadway theater renamed to honor the star, speakers including Denzel Washington and Phylicia Rashad described Jones as an inspiration.

The Snubs and Surprises of the 2025 Olivier Awards

Times critics discuss the big winners — a new play about Roald Dahl, a “Fiddler on the Roof” revival and a folk-rock “Benjamin Button”— at London’s theater awards.

6 Songs From ‘Just in Time’ That Capture Bobby Darin’s Versatility

The show’s star, Jonathan Groff, and members of the creative team on how songs like “Splish Splash” and “If I Were a Carpenter” illuminate Darin’s life.

How ‘The Last Five Years’ Became a Blur on Broadway

Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren star in a muddy revival of Jason Robert Brown’s still-scathing musical.

‘I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan’ Review: What Are You Waiting For?

Mona Pirnot’s comic ode to the downtown artist doubles as a meditation on the precariousness of playwriting as a creative life.

Denis Arndt, Who Was a First-Time Tony Nominee at 77, Dies at 86

After more than 40 years as a stage and television actor, he broke through in “Heisenberg” as a butcher who has a romance with a much younger woman.

John Lithgow’s ‘Giant’ Is Among the Big Winners at the Olivier Awards

The play, about Roald Dahl’s antisemitism, took home three awards at Britain’s equivalent of the Tonys. So did a “Fiddler on the Roof” revival and a folk rock “Benjamin Button.”

How the Stars of ‘All Nighter’ Get That College Vibe

The actresses talk about bonding over their nightly cram session, and have also compiled a playlist of some of the songs that get them going.

The Surprising History of Betty Boop

From her 1930 debut as a poodle-human hybrid to a modern-day symbol of empowerment, Betty Boop has had an unusual journey to the Broadway stage. Boop-oop-a-doop!

How the Broadway Producer Tom Kirdahy Spends His Sundays

That morning workout he scheduled? He might get around to it. But Mr. Kirdahy is certain to make time for his friends and a quick trip to the theater.

13 Off Broadway Shows to Tempt You in April

New short plays by Caryl Churchill, a comedy with one erstwhile Derry Girl and a musical starring Anika Noni Rose — here’s what’s on New York stages this month.

At ‘Good Night’ Opening, the Stars Came Out for Clooney

As a play with parallels to today’s political climate had its official Broadway premiere, famous friends celebrated its star, George Clooney. He brushed aside talk of a political future.

Clooney, Fair and Balanced, in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’

George Clooney makes Edward R. Murrow a saint of sane journalism for a world that still needs one in a stage adaptation of the 2005 movie.

What to Do in New York City in April

Looking for something to do in New York? Experience 4/20 with Cheech & Chong, sample some of Harlem’s finest musical offerings, or go on a journey with undersea puppets.

How ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ Went Digital

Sarah Snook, camera operators and other crew members bring to life multitudes on Broadway via an elaborate synthesis of live action, live video and recorded video.

‘The Cherry Orchard’ Review: A Captivating Take on Chekhov

Nina Hoss stars as a melancholic matriarch in Benedict Andrews’s immersive rendition of the classic at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn.

Little Island Welcomes an Ambitious Sophomore Season

The summer lineup will include eight premieres, including new works by Suzan-Lori Parks, Whitney White and Bobbi Jene Smith.

Val Kilmer, la estrella que encarnó a Batman y a Jim Morrison en el cine, muere a los 65 años

Protagonista con amplitud de interpretación que se ganó los elogios de la crítica, fue conocido por ser carismático pero impredecible. Abandonó Hollywood durante una década.

From Hasidic Brooklyn to Off Broadway: The Life of a Trans Rabbi

After disavowing her strict religious upbringing, Abby Stein came out as transgender. She is now the subject of a new play by New York Theater Workshop.

Val Kilmer, Film Star Who Played Batman and Jim Morrison, Dies at 65

A wide-ranging leading man who earned critical praise, he was known to be charismatic but unpredictable. At one point he dropped out of Hollywood for a decade.

Three New Works of Theater to Share One Trait: Hope

The Fisher Center at Bard has announced a wave of works by artists including Suzan-Lori Parks, Courtney Bryan, Barrie Kosky and Lisa Kron.

Andrew Scott on ‘Vanya’: ‘Who Isn’t Sad?’

The actor calls his solo performance in Chekhov’s melancholy comedy an “endless experiment.” Even all alone, he can really fill a stage.

Una canción de Buena Vista Social Club encuentra su lugar en Broadway

Compay Segundo escuchó “Chan Chan” en un sueño y con ella cambiaría el rumbo de la música cubana. Ahora esta canción figura en un musical de Broadway.

‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ Review: Caveat Emptor, Suckers!

Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr and Bob Odenkirk star in a bumpy revival of David Mamet’s play about salesmen with nothing worth selling.

My Friend’s Show Was Kind of Terrible. What Do I Say When I See Them?

You can always consider telling the truth, but it may not be advisable in this case.

A Jewish Comedian Walks Into a Theater in Minnesota

Alex Edelman HBO’s comedy special about white nationalism hits different now.

12 Plays and Musicals Across the U.S. to Brighten the Spring

On stages across the country, there is no shortage of adventurous work, including plays by Lauren Yee, Larissa FastHorse and Zora Howard.

Scott Rudin, Producer Exiled for Bad Behavior, Plans Return to Broadway

Rudin stepped away from show business four years ago amid reports that he had bullied assistants. He says he has “a lot more self-control” now.

Sarah Snook Stars in the Selfie of ‘Dorian Gray’

The “Succession” actress plays all 26 roles in this Oscar Wilde classic reimagined as a video spectacle. If only there were less screen time and more IRL contact.

Long-Lost ‘Love Life’ Still Has a Lot to Say About America

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kate Baldwin and other top-shelf singers star in an overly sentimental production of the long-lost Kurt Weill and Alan Jay Lerner show.

In His Play, a Guard at the Met Finds Solace in the Museum

Patrick Bringley stars in a version of his book, which tells how the Metropolitan Museum’s works of art helped him work through grief.

At 50, the Wooster Group Is Experimenting on Itself

Elizabeth LeCompte and Kate Valk reflect on their decades of making daring theater together. Just don’t call it a nostalgic exercise.

An Essential ‘Buena Vista’ Song Finds Its Emotional Place on Broadway

Of all the “Buena Vista Social Club” songs, the beloved “Chan Chan” is the most recognizable. But figuring out where in the musical to put it became a challenge.

In ‘Streetcar,’ Patsy Ferran Gives Blanche a Nervy New Read

The London-based actress has been heralded as one of the most talented of her generation. Still, she worried audiences would balk at her “very unconventional Blanche.”

How a Broadway Musical Revealed a Family’s World War II Spy Secrets

Descendants of characters in “Operation Mincemeat,” a hit British musical now in New York, have gotten more out of seeing it than a few catchy melodies.

5 Years After Covid Closed the Theaters, Audiences Are Returning

Broadway is almost back, and pop music tours and sports events are booming. But Hollywood, museums and other cultural sectors have yet to bounce back.

Off Broadway, Labor Tension Heats Up

Stagehands and other backstage workers have gone on strike against a prominent theater, and two productions have been canceled.

Stratford-Upon-Lake-Michigan: Royal Shakespeare Company Plays Chicago

With less touring, it’s been a while since all the world has been its stage, but the troupe is working with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater — where it has family ties.

On Broadway, a Covid Switcheroo: Marsha Mason in for Mia Farrow

Mason, an associate director of “The Roommate,” which opened on Broadway last week, stepped in as Patti LuPone’s counterpart.

Does a Smash Hit Like ‘Lion King’ Deserve a $3 Million Tax Break?

Broadway is still recovering from the pandemic. A state tax-credit program has helped, but watchdogs say it aids some shows that don’t need a boost.

Audience Snapshot: Four Years After Shutdown, a Mixed Recovery

Covid brought live performance to a halt. Now the audience for pop concerts and sporting events has roared back, while attendance on Broadway and at some major museums is still down.

Is Earlier Better for Theater Start Times?

In an effort to entice audiences back after the pandemic, Britain’s National Theater is testing a 6:30 p.m. curtain.

Off Broadway, a Vital Part of New York Theater, Feels the Squeeze

The small theaters that help make the city a theater capital are cutting back as they struggle to recover from the pandemic.

Luring Theater Audiences Back After Covid

Readers discuss the decline in theater subscribers after the pandemic. Also: Northern Ireland; food allergies; a Covid playmate; anti-China bias.

72 Regional Theaters, One Shared Crisis

Michael Paulson spoke with producers and artistic directors at nonprofit theaters across the country about the crisis their industry is facing.

A Crisis in America’s Theaters Leaves Prestigious Stages Dark

As they struggle to recover after the pandemic, regional theaters are staging fewer shows, giving fewer performances, laying off staff and, in some cases, closing.

In ‘Plays for the Plague Year,’ the Soundtrack of Our Lives

Suzan-Lori Parks wrote one play a day for 13 months during the pandemic. Those stories come to life onstage in the form of monologues, dialogues and songs at Joe’s Pub.

As Presenters Cut Back on Streams, Some Disabled Arts Lovers Feel Left Out

When shuttered venues embraced streaming during the pandemic, the arts became more accessible. With live performance back, and streams dwindling, many feel forgotten.

‘Covid Vortex Anxiety Opera’ Review: Gloom, Zoom and a New Bloom

The veteran performance artist Karen Finley leads the audience through the troubles that plagued New York City at the peak of the pandemic.

Obie Awards Honor ‘English’ as Best New Play

A ceremony for the awards, celebrating work Off and Off Off Broadway, will be held Monday, but organizers decided to announce the winners in advance.

Broadway Bounces Back With ‘Best Week Since the Before Times’

Broadway shows grossed $51.9 million during the holiday week, the most since 2019, and “The Lion King” set a record for the most earned by any show in a single week.

‘Broadway Rising’ Review: Surviving the Pandemic

Stakeholders including Patti LuPone and Lynn Nottage share their real-time reactions to New York theater’s shutdown and reopening in Amy Rice’s documentary.

Onstage, It’s Finally Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Again

After one holiday season lost to the pandemic and another curtailed by Omicron, seasonal staples including “The Nutcracker,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Messiah” are back in force.

Lynn Nottage’s ‘Clyde’s’ Is the Most-Staged Play in America

An annual survey, suspended during the pandemic, resumes and finds theaters nationally doing fewer shows and torn between escapism and ambition.

Did Fauci Lead America Astray on Covid?

Responses to an essay that criticized Anthony Fauci’s handling of the pandemic. Also: Migrants as props; abortion rights; David Milch; theater’s lessons.

To Mask, or Not to Mask: Theaters and Concert Halls Face a Dilemma

Some audience members are turned off by mask mandates. Others won’t attend indoor performances without them. Arts presenters are taking different approaches this season.

‘It’s My Tradition Too’: A Town’s Centuries-Old Passion Play Evolves

After a two-year pandemic delay, villagers in the German town of Oberammergau are once again re-enacting the story of Jesus’s life and death, with some changes.

On Broadway, One Show Decides to Keep Masks. No, It’s Not ‘Phantom.’

“American Buffalo,” at Circle in the Square, is sticking with masking till it closes, July 10, citing the “proximity of the audience to the actors” and “the staging in the round.”

You Don’t Want to Wear a Mask? Do It for Hugh Jackman

Beginning in July, Broadway will no longer require audiences to mask up. Actors and theater workers aren’t loving the idea.

You Don’t Want to Wear a Mask? Do It for Hugh Jackman.

Beginning in July, Broadway will no longer require audiences to mask up. Actors and theater workers aren’t loving the idea.

Broadway Will Drop Mask Mandate Beginning July 1

Most theaters stopped requiring proof of vaccination this spring. Now they are going “mask optional.”

‘A Strange Loop’ Wins Best Musical as Tonys Celebrate Broadway’s Return

“The Lehman Trilogy” won best play, “Company” won best musical revival and “Take Me Out” won best revival of a play at the 75th Tony Awards.

‘Come From Away’ to Close, the Latest Broadway Show to End Run

The musical, which opened in 2017, is the third to announce a closing in two days, as many shows struggle in a pandemic-softened marketplace.

Broadway theaters will continue requiring patrons to wear masks at least through June 30.

The decision comes at a time when New York City has declared a “high Covid alert.”

The Twisting Trail to the Tonys: ‘Can You Believe That We’re Here?’

At times it felt like a game of survival. But during a Broadway season unlike any other, productions showed their resourcefulness while learning how to live with Covid.

‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ to Close on Broadway, After Reopening

The musical, which shuttered temporarily in January as the Omicron variant spread, has struggled with the slow return of tourists to the theater.

Your Monday Evening Briefing

Here’s what you need to know at the end of the day.

Most Broadway theaters have ended vaccination checks as coronavirus cases are rising.

Most of Broadway Ends Vaccine Checks as Cases Rise in New York

While for-profit theater owners and operators agreed to stop checking proof of vaccination this week, several nonprofit Broadway theaters continue to require it.

Manhattan Springs Back to Life

Broadway enthusiasts, art aficionados and food lovers will find new offerings in and around Times Square and in neighborhoods below 42nd Street, heralding the promise of a vibrant recovery.

‘For Colored Girls’ to Close on Broadway, Reflecting Tough Season

The revival, directed by Camille A. Brown, received strong reviews but struggled to attract audiences and overcome challenges posed by Covid.