Michael Moore's show is a liberal rant, history lesson and all around entertaining performance. It is also a story of his background and involvement in the causes he supports. He makes very good points and is preaching to the choir here in New York. You know by now whether you agree with him or not. … Continue reading Review of MICHAEL MOORE ON BROADWAY: The Terms of My Surrender
Theatre
My review of CATS on Broadway
First you must know, full disclosure, that I am of several minds on Andrew Lloyd Weber. I love Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. I enjoy Sunset Boulevard and School of Rock. I do not like Cats and Phantom of the Opera. Amazingly I am not a fan of two of his most popular shows. So, I … Continue reading My review of CATS on Broadway
In praise of New York Theater Lottery and Discount Services
For those of us who live in New York we have a huge selection of live theater available. But much of it comes at high cost and with limited availability. Which is why I love the discount services and lotteries available. Here are several options to consider: Subscribe to Signature Theater. Their tickets start at … Continue reading In praise of New York Theater Lottery and Discount Services
Review: 1984 – on Broadway
The stage adaptation of George Orwell's landmark book 1984 is ending its Broadway run this weekend. I was able to catch a performance this week and could have been fine missing it. The performing leads are exceptional including Tom Sturridge, Olivia Wilde, and the amazing Reed Birney. I last saw Mr. Birney in The Humans … Continue reading Review: 1984 – on Broadway
Review: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD is my favorite theater musical. I love the music, the story, the Steampunk atmosphere. I have seen a fully staged version, a John Doyle version, and a wonderful concert version with the New York Philharmonic. This was my first intimate version, not what one expects from this property. The Barrow Street … Continue reading Review: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Edward Albee Collection sells 100%
I hope you had the chance to visit the exhibit of the Edward Albee art collection at Sotheby's. Like theatre, such events are fleeting and of the moment. If you miss it, you will never get another chance to experience it. I made sure to visit and commune with the objects he collected over his … Continue reading Edward Albee Collection sells 100%
Review: The Red Letter Plays (IN THE BLOOD and F**KING A)
Recently I saw the two Red Letter Plays written by Susan-Lori Parks at the Signature Theatre in New York. Parks had off-handedly said she would write a new play based on the classic American novel "The Scarlet Letter." When she scrapped her first attempt that she titled F**KING A (I use the same attribute used … Continue reading Review: The Red Letter Plays (IN THE BLOOD and F**KING A)
Broadway Season Preview
Living in New York City provides unlimited opportunities to see live theater. While I see Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows, this post I'll preview Broadway shows coming this season. I tend to value shop and seldom pay full price to see shows. I belong to several discount services. For a full summary of the season, … Continue reading Broadway Season Preview
Recent Reads: RAZZLE DAZZLE, THE BATTLE FOR BROADWAY by Michael Riedel
Books about show biz too often focus on the glitter and glamour of the performers but Razzle Dazzle fixates on the theater owners that really rule The Great White Way. This is a fascinating and fun read on the history of Broadway theaters focusing on the seventies and eighties but providing full context. It dwells … Continue reading Recent Reads: RAZZLE DAZZLE, THE BATTLE FOR BROADWAY by Michael Riedel
September 11 Anniversary
That Tuesday in 2001 was a clear and beautiful day. I had voted in the mayoral primary and was at my desk as Managing Director of the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center. My assistant let me know that a plane had hit one of the towers of … Continue reading September 11 Anniversary
Bonus post: Springtime for our Little Hitlers
Had to add a quick note. Just read a great piece in the flailing New York Times. I subscribe but think they allow visitors to read several articles each month. Give it a read: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/opinion/comedy-protest-taxes-nazis.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region Hope the link works. It helps me explain why I am both anti-White-Power and anti-Antifa. Non violence and humor always … Continue reading Bonus post: Springtime for our Little Hitlers
Kid-Napping and my ordeal as a hostage
Last week I was held hostage by two small terrorists. They were 5 and 7 years old and claimed to be Pamela's grandchildren, Emma and Savannah. They moved too fast and too often for that to be confirmed. But every aspect of my life was controlled by them for those days they were in New … Continue reading Kid-Napping and my ordeal as a hostage
A great Monday Night Magic
This week I attended another version of Monday Night Magic at the Players Theater in Greenwich Village. The performers are different for each edition and I have learned to watch for certain favorite magicians. It was heartening to see a nearly full house and enthusiastic audience. You can check for more information at: http://mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html First … Continue reading A great Monday Night Magic
Leni & Joseph at the New Ohio Theatre
I recently saw a production of a new play by Jacob Marx Rice at the New Ohio Theater on Christopher Street. It runs only three more performances and is worth seeing. You can find more information at: https://www.theshelternyc.org/production/threshold-2017/ I have been fortunate to be part of a playwrights group with Jacob and I can attest … Continue reading Leni & Joseph at the New Ohio Theatre
Prince of Broadway
There is no question that Hal Prince is a giant of Broadway as we know it today. No question he has contributed to the artistry we see on every stage of The Great White Way. No question he has influenced uncounted artists who perform, choreograph and direct there. Manhattan Theatre Club has brought in a … Continue reading Prince of Broadway
Time to spend writing
One advantage of having a little time off is the chance to do more writing. As some of you know I have written about two dozen plays that have received more than 100 productions, readings or awards in twenty four states. I am not earning a living from writing, far from it, it actually costs … Continue reading Time to spend writing
Busy Times catch up – Show coming
Sorry, busy time getting ready for a show this weekend. I host with magic tricks, do the marketing, take the reservations, coordinate the tech, do the sound cues, and have two shows in the event (though my quite able director Pamela Wilson takes care of most of those). Lots else is happening but this is … Continue reading Busy Times catch up – Show coming
Audience Choice Award for ALWAYS WITH ME
Yesterday I received the following: Congratulations to Walter Thinnes whose play “Always With Me” is the week one winner of the 7thannual Players Theatre Short Play and Musical Festival – NYC 2017! This wonderful production was directed by Pamela Wilson with assistant director Chelsea Robinson. The talented cast included: Max Hanau as John, Kasey Moorhouse … Continue reading Audience Choice Award for ALWAYS WITH ME
Thrilled with ALWAYS WITH ME
My short play ALWAYS WITH ME opened last night for a weekend run at the Short Play and Musical Festival at the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village. Tickets are on sale at http://www.shortplaynyc.com/ for $30. If you use the discount code CAST you save $10 each. Reservations are recommended. We are the first weekend of a three … Continue reading Thrilled with ALWAYS WITH ME
MEETING WITHOUT END gets a spin at Mary Baldwin University
This weekend I visited Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA. There I had the chance to see a performance of the theater department's spring plays titled "The Play's the Thing." They presented a number of short works directed, performed and generally written by students. My niece Julianna (Toni) Thinnes chose one of my short plays … Continue reading MEETING WITHOUT END gets a spin at Mary Baldwin University
My play ALWAYS WITH ME at the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village
In an earlier post I had mentioned that my play ALWAYS WITH ME was to be featured in the Players Theatre Short Play and Musical Festival in Greenwich Village. The theme of the festival is: NYC - Only in New York. Here are the additional details as promised. Performance dates: Thursday, June 8 @ 7:00 … Continue reading My play ALWAYS WITH ME at the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village
Laugh Hard at The Play That Goes Wrong
Had the delightful chance last night to catch The Play That Goes Wrong on Broadway. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. One of my favorite plays is Michael Frayn's Noises Off (which I have seen several times). Believe it or not, this is an even broader version of the same … Continue reading Laugh Hard at The Play That Goes Wrong
The Imbible – A Spirited History of Drinking
Had some friends in town and we wanted to go out but for something fun, no ballet, no opera, not even theater. So we found this off-Broadway gem at New World Stages - a show held in their bar - The Imbible - A Spirited History of Drinking. Anthony Corporale, the writer and host for … Continue reading The Imbible – A Spirited History of Drinking
Hello Amelie, Goodbye Amelie
The movie that the Broadway new musical "Amelie" is based on must be one heck of a charming film based on the effort demonstrated last night at the Walter Kerr theatre. Lost on me, however, as I never saw that film and could not make heads nor tails of the muddled mess I saw on … Continue reading Hello Amelie, Goodbye Amelie
“Always With Me” Invited to Short Play Festival
I am thrilled to announce that my play "Always With Me" has been invited to the Player's Theater Short Play Festival scheduled for dates to be announced in June 2017. The theme of the festival is "Only In New York" and we will be producing the play ourselves. More information as it becomes available! As … Continue reading “Always With Me” Invited to Short Play Festival
Walter Thinnes 
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