Playwright Terrence McNally passed away from complications of COVID-19 yesterday in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was in the target danger group as he was 81 and had COPD. He was a prolific writer I admired very much and still actively writing. A great loss to the theatre community. He wrote the book to … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
I'm sure you've heard by now that legendary actor Kirk Douglas passed away this week at age 103. You can find plenty of obituaries recounting his storied career, including "Paths of Glory" and the amazing "Spartacus." But I will always remember a personal chance encounter. In May 2001 I purchased tickets to a Broadway revival … Continue reading In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
In Memoriam – Terry Jones
I became a fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus back in the 1970's when they were rebroadcast in America on Public Television (my father leaned more toward Benny Hill and The Two Ronnies, but I was solidly Monty Python). A few days ago we lost one of the founders, Terry Jones, and he will be … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terry Jones
In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The great Buck Henry died this week and he will be sorely missed. I saw him perform on Broadway earlier this century in a remounting of "Mornings at Seven" and he was terrific. But I will miss him for all that he created. He was the primary screenwriter for "The Graduate." He teamed with Mel … Continue reading In Memoriam – Buck Henry
In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
A couple of days ago we lost one of our greatest musical theater writers - Jerry Herman. He will be missed but he gave us so many great nights in the theater. All of the remembrances note his greatest works - "Hello Dolly"; "Mame"; and "La Cage aux Folles." They are all amazing and enjoyable … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
As a writer of scripts I admire the crafter of great lyrics. We lost an amazing and prolific lyricist this week when Robert Hunter passed away at 78. If you, like me, enjoyed the music of "The Grateful Dead" you understand his importance to the band. He was one of the most influential and prolific … Continue reading In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
RIP Michel Legrand
Got the news last night that prolific composer Michel Legrand has passed away. I loved his work, especially after seeing his film "The Umbrellas of Cherborg." One lesson you should take from my love for Michel Legrand is that you should always take my show reviews with a big fistful of salt. I gave a … Continue reading RIP Michel Legrand
The loss of Ricky Jay
Magician and actor Ricky Jay passed away this weekend at age 72. He was one of my favorite magician and I will always treasure his performance in one of my favorite movies "House of Games." I had the great luck to see him live onstage at Second Stage Theatre in "On The Stem." It was … Continue reading The loss of Ricky Jay
Farewell Ken Thompson
The second presidential debate was tonight. The Broadway season is heating up. There is lots going on. But I cannot avoid talking about Ken Thompson. I never met Ken Thompson. He was the district attorney from Brooklyn, not even a borough I visit much. He announced five days ago that he was taking a leave … Continue reading Farewell Ken Thompson
The Death of Edward Albee
I just got word of Edward Albee's passing. All Over. It was discovering Edward Albee that propelled me to be part of the theater community, to focus my career in performing arts, a lifetime of passionate theater going and ultimately my interesting in writing new plays. When I was in eighth grade our family moved … Continue reading The Death of Edward Albee
