On this day in 1933 the very first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. In the early 1950's there were more than 4,000 across America. That has steadily decreased since then until they are an oddity today. But they are enjoying a bit of a resurgence in interest as COVID-19 has closed indoor … Continue reading National Drive-In Movie Theater Day
Theatre
Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
You may have heard that Broadway has just confirmed that The Great White Way will be closed at least until Labor Day and perhaps longer. While disappointing, it is entirely understandable at this point. Until we get this plague under control few people are clamoring to crowd shoulder to shoulder into a building with strangers. … Continue reading Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
An audio version of one of my plays online
During our city wide stay at home order the theatrical studio co-op I am a member of is posting virtual performances on their Facebook page. I contributed a radio version of one of my most popular short plays "Happy Birthday, Leonard." It was chosen to be broadcast by a Spokane, Washington station several years ago. … Continue reading An audio version of one of my plays online
In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
We lost a great actor yesterday. I've seen Brian Dennehy in lots of screen roles but I am blessed also to have seen his Tony winning Broadway performances. In 1999 he led an amazing cast in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and I also saw him lead an astounding production of one of my … Continue reading In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
National Encourage a Young Writer Day
I've only been writing scripts a relatively short time, less than 15 years. While I played around with the idea when I was younger, I never seriously attacked it. I wish I had started earlier. On this national day I've reached out to a number of young writers to encourage their work. I've been part … Continue reading National Encourage a Young Writer Day
Concerns for World Theatre Day
Happy World Theatre Day at a very difficult time for theatre. During the current shutdown Broadway has been closed down, several shows won't reopen, others have been rescheduled for next season, and the Tony Awards have been postponed. But more than that, millions of theatre employees and related workers have been laid off with no … Continue reading Concerns for World Theatre Day
In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
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
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
A whole new world
Exactly a week ago I fretted about what would happen if the spreading COVID19 infection hit the theatre industry. Yesterday it came true. Broadway has been shut down for at least a month. But it is much worse than that. Professional basketball and hockey have been suspended. College basketball playoffs, which at first was going … Continue reading A whole new world
I’m Worried
Not that I might catch the COVID-19 virus. I understand the science and know the odds of me specifically becoming ill are very small (especially as I don't get out as much lately). I'm worried that the worries of the general public will harm the theatre business. Not just Broadway here in New York but … Continue reading I’m Worried
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
Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
The new play by George Eastman is about growing older and the consequences thereof. Harry Townsend (Len Cariou) is widowed, in his eighties and still living in the lake house he treasures. A visit from his son Alan Townsend (Craig Bierko) slowly wends its way to the easily anticipated question - shouldn't dad move somewhere … Continue reading Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
This weekend (Friday, January 24 @ 7 PM; Saturday, January 25 @ 7 PM and Sunday, January 26 @ 2 PM) you should stop by the Polaris North Studio (245 West 29th Street, 4th floor) here in New York. There you will find a very talented cast led by a very talented director and assisted … Continue reading Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
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
Review – The Sound Inside
Playwright Adam Rapp has made an auspicious Broadway debut but in a house that is too large for the work. The delicate yet driving work centers on writer and writing teacher Bella Baird, brilliantly acted by Mary Louise-Parker. The quiet touches Rapp provides for Parker provide a moving and touching portrait of a character that … Continue reading Review – The Sound Inside
Review – Derren Brown: Secret
Derren Brown is many things, but foremost in his current show at the Cort Theatre is a consummate entertainer. His easy, warm and confident manner comfortably holds the audience in his sway for the entire evening. He can be called a mind reader, mentalist or "psychological illusionist" but at heart he is a magician. Each … Continue reading Review – Derren Brown: Secret
Review – In a Dark Dark House
You have only one week left to catch the Knife Edge Productions performance of Neil LaBute's "In a Dark Dark House" at the A.R.T./New York Theatre at 53rd Street and 10th Avenue. Though it is a difficult subject, I recommend you get there to see it. The script is consistent with Mr. LaBute's reputation as … Continue reading Review – In a Dark Dark House
Footnotes #19 – The Next Stage
Another visit to the surgeon and more progress. I can begin weaning myself off the compression boot and moving to a cane instead of crutches. Not all at once but steadily as I can tolerate it and immediately at home, which is a relief. He is thrilled with the progress and I start physical therapy … Continue reading Footnotes #19 – The Next Stage
Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
It is common that Broadway shows that were not winners at the Tony Awards shut down or close early. That certainly happened again this year but this summer feels a tad different. Yes, open end run musicals such as "Be More Chill," "The Prom," "The Cher Show," "King Kong," and "Pretty Woman" all could not … Continue reading Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
Start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 adventure
Today is the start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 Altimeter Tour, plying the twisties and scenic routes of Colorado. This is a group of theatre technicians and motorcycle enthusiasts that gather annually to tour different parts of the country each summer. I joined them for the tail end of their New England ride … Continue reading Start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 adventure
Some Broadway Musings
My recent ankle injury will keep me from getting to the theatre for a while but that doesn't stop me from paying attention. This is not encyclopedic but a few comments... The shakeout from the recent Tony awards did not reward "Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus" and "Hillary and Clinton" and quickly closed. Unfortunate, … Continue reading Some Broadway Musings
Review – Hillary and Clinton
Playwright Lucas Hnath is on a bit of a "what if" kick lately, following his recent "A Doll's House, Part 2" with a look into two of our most famous political figures. While I shied from his multiple universe framing device, he nails the insight inside one of the most famous marriages of all time. … Continue reading Review – Hillary and Clinton
Review – Gary: The Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Start with the "source material" - Shakespeare's bloodiest play "Titus Andronicus." This isn't really a sequel. Sure Taylor Mac's script starts by plucking three minor characters from Will's play to follow as they clean up all the corpses (and they are stacked high in Santo Loquasto's set). In theory they are here to clean up … Continue reading Review – Gary: The Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Review – Proof of Love
Audible, the company that brings you entertainment meant for ear buds, has teamed with the Minetta Lane Theatre by producing stage work that can be translated to their medium. I have seen a number of these works, most impressively "Harry Clarke" performed by actor Billy Crudup. To this point they have chosen existing one character … Continue reading Review – Proof of Love
Walter Thinnes 
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