Monday, May 11, 2026

Jim Catapano has [Camp] Growing Pains thanks to Esme Roberts Hilarious Coming-of-Age Comedy Little Bitches Lights Up the Fresh Fruit Festival by Jaymichaelsae

Little Bitches is a lively, authentic play about maturing teens that starts at 60mph, opening with a call-and-response chant of “Little Red Wagon” led by Gabriel Ryan-Kern and Sarah Brow…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 10:31AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, May 6, 2026

THE RETURN OF THE FESTIVAL GIANT: Midtown International Theatre Festival Announces Triumphant NYC Comeback with a powerhouse 2026 Season by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK, NY — The lights are coming back up on one of independent theatre’s most vital institutions. After a nearly decade-long hiatus, the Midtown International Theatre Festival (MIT…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:55PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Jim Catapano has a view of the ‘80s from the Edge of Your Seat at Sean Szak Prasso’s Obscene Desire at the ATA by Jaymichaelsae

Following on from his first original play last year, the acclaimed Angel in the Heat, writer/director Prasso has delivered another intense character study, featuring many actors from that pr…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 11:13AM[SHARE]
Monday, April 27, 2026

“My Kingdom for a Tour De Force” cries Jim Catapano about A Dizney-fied Retelling of Richard III Delights at the American Theatre of Actors by Jaymichaelsae

There’s something weird in the Kingdom of Disneare! King William has been overthrown by some very familiar-looking evildoers, and the scheming Richard (Joshuah Patriarco) sees an opportuni…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 04:35PM[SHARE]

A Tangled Web Gives Way to Connection and Love: Jim Catapano reviews Reginald T. Jackson’s Hilarious and Heartfelt When We Practice to Deceive Shine by Jaymichaelsae

With When We Practice to Deceive, performed at The Wild Project in Spring 2026, renowned playwright Reginald T. Jackson lets the trans community know that he sees, hears, and supports them. …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 04:29PM[SHARE]
Friday, April 24, 2026

ALL THE WORLD IS THIS STAGE: Jay Michaels and New York Shakespeare Launch “The Global Bard Initiative” by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK, NY — In a world increasingly driven by digital synthesis, two titans of the theatrical community are returning to the raw power of the human voice. Jay Michaels Global Communic…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 11:48AM[SHARE]

Diamond Mesh Incorporated Unveils the 2026 “ManiFestival” Lineup by Jaymichaelsae

A Provocative New Summer Theatre Experience Set to Ignite the NYC Circuit NEW YORK, NY — This summer, the New York City theater landscape gains a provocative new heartbeat. Diamond Mesh …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 10:36AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, April 22, 2026

“The NPR of Theatre” Approaches 5th Anniversary:Stage Whisper Launches $15K Fundraising Campaign to Sustain Independent Arts Journalism by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK, NY — Since 2020, what began as a humble conversation at a dining room table has evolved into the heartbeat of the independent arts scene. Today, Stage Whisper, the #1 podcast f…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 07:12PM[SHARE]
Monday, April 6, 2026

Gothic Musical "MY GHOSTS"to Headline 'One Night Only" Seriesat Inaugural ManiFestival in NYC by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK, NY " This summer, the spirits of literary giants will haunt the New York stage as Laros Theatre presents a special, one-night-only showing of the new gothic musical, MY…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 02:37PM[SHARE]

Jim Catapano reviews Richard Vetere's Compelling "Poet on a String" which draws eerie parallels between 1939 and today by Jaymichaelsae

Creativity and Connection, Challenged in a Changing World Richard Vetere's Compelling Poet on a String Draws Eerie Parallels between 1939 and Today As the 1930s faded and the reality of anot…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 02:02PM[SHARE]
Monday, March 30, 2026

The Archaeology of Intimacy: Excavating Love, History, and Modern Disconnect in Dennis Bush's The Sloppy Abandon of Excavated Love. by Jaymichaelsae

Article by guest writer, Dr. Mira Solis As the Fresh Fruit Festival prepares to raise the curtain on its 2026 season, all eyes are on the Mainstage at The Wild Project. Opening the festival …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:41PM[SHARE]
Friday, March 20, 2026

Jim Catapano reviews Anne L. Thompson-Scretching's Home Is Sweet Sorrow: "A Masterful Conclusion to a Momentous Family Saga" by Jaymichaelsae

The War That Never Ends Home Is Sweet Sorrow is a must-see and a devastatingly powerful third chapter in the Blood trilogy, which also includes the highly regarded A Lesson in Blood and A Lo…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 01:24PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, March 18, 2026

THE BARD TAKES BROADWAY: SIXTH ANNUAL NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE AWARDS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2025 SEASON by Jaymichaelsae

THE BARD TAKES BROADWAY: SIXTH ANNUAL NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE AWARDS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2025 SEASON The New York Shakespeare Awards has officially unveiled its list of winners for 2025,…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 02:14PM[SHARE]
Monday, March 16, 2026

American Theatre of Actors Announces 50th Anniversary Gala; Playwright LYLE KESSLER and TONY-winning actor, LEN CARIOU to Receive Lifetime Achi by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK, NY " The American Theatre of Actors (ATA), a cornerstone of the New York theatrical landscape since 1976, is proud to announce ATA 50, a golden anniversary celebration and aw…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 01:05PM[SHARE]
Monday, March 9, 2026

Music Among the Tumbleweeds: Jim Catapano reviews James Jennings' New Dancing in the Meadow. by Jaymichaelsae

James Jennings' New Dancing in the Meadow Brings Feel Good Vibes to the ATA James Jennings, legendary Founder of the American Theatre of Actors, brings another rich character study to the Be…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 02:12PM[SHARE]
Thursday, February 26, 2026

"Are We Friends, and Were We Ever?" asks Jim Catapano at YEARS TO DATE's New York Premiere by Jaymichaelsae

Allen Barton's Masterpiece Years to the Day Takes a Hard Look at Modern Relationships "How the hell do you live your life unless you know who you are?" Jeff (Jeff LeBeau) and Dan (Peter Zizz…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 11:53AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, February 25, 2026

International Industry Titans Announce NYC Power-Seminar by Jaymichaelsae

STOP "ACTING" AND START FIGHTING: International Industry Titans Announce NYC Power-Seminar Tired of the "starving artist" trope? Ready to actually get on a set with a call sheet that has you…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:52PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, February 24, 2026

It's Mean to Be the King: Jim Catapano at RICHARD III (Atlas Shakespeare) by Jaymichaelsae

The Atlas Shakespeare Company Presents a Triumphant Retelling of Richard III Following acclaimed productions of Henry VI Parts 1 and 2 and Henry VI Part III, the Atlas Shakespeare Company no…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:04PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Jim Catapano examines A Legend Restored with the ATA production of Kenthedo Robinson's The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York by Jaymichaelsae

Kenthedo Robinson's The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York Returns a Hero to His Rightful Place in American History "If a man can become a slave, a slave can become a man." In 1…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 11:41AM[SHARE]
Monday, February 9, 2026

New Theatrical Production Company, Diamond Mesh Inc., Announces "The Manifestival:" A New Frontier for NYC Independent Theater by Jaymichaelsae

In a world increasingly defined by digital isolation and existential questioning, a new theatrical force is rising to reclaim the stage. Diamond Mesh Inc.Theatrical Productions, led by pr…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 03:29PM[SHARE]
Friday, February 6, 2026

The Winter of Discontent Finds Its Heat: Zachary C. Clark Takes the Throne in Atlas Shakespeare's Richard III by Jaymichaelsae

NEW YORK CITY " The sun of York is setting, and in its place, a shadow looms over the Wild Project. Following their sweeping success with the Henry VI trilogy, Atlas Shakespeare Company is c…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 04:06PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Broadway Legend Meets Baltimore Nightlife: Flipping the Script Productions Announces "Musicals Without Music" by Jaymichaelsae

BALTIMORE, MD " Flipping the Script Productions (FTS) is thrilled to announce its upcoming presentation of Peter Filichia's "Musicals Without Music," directed by George Andre …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 06:03PM[SHARE]
Friday, January 30, 2026

When the Truth Is Found To (Possibly) Be Lies: Jim Catapano attends David Gutierrez' RETRACTION by Jaymichaelsae

David Guiterrez' Masterful RETRACTION Looks at Real Life Events that Nearly Damaged a Movement for Change "If your mother tells you she loves you… check it out," is the first statement we …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 01:25PM[SHARE]
Monday, January 26, 2026

"YEARS TO THE DAY" Makes Highly Anticipated New York Debut at American Theatre of Actors: Emmy Award Winners, Jeff LeBeau and Peter Zizzo, Star in by Jaymichaelsae

Renaissance man Allen Barton brings his critically acclaimed play, YEARS TO THE DAY, to the landmark American Theatre of Actors (314 W. 54th St.) for its New York City premiere. Ope…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 01:18PM[SHARE]
Thursday, January 22, 2026

The King of Villains in the Concrete Jungle: Adriana Alter and Atlas Shakespeare Company Take on Richard III by Jaymichaelsae

In the bustling landscape of New York theater, where experimental "black box" concepts and modern deconstructions often dominate the stage, Adriana Alter is championing a different kind of r…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 02:19PM[SHARE]
Monday, January 19, 2026

Jim Catapano witnesses Grief, Rage and the Ruins of a Revolution: Dennis Leroy Kangalee's Masterpiece My Dying City: Vol II Looks at Profound Grief by Jaymichaelsae

Life Partners Paul (Che Ayende) and Nya (Melissa Roth) were once also partners in activism; their progressive radio show The Social Justice Suicide Hour is a relic of the early 2000s, which …

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:57PM[SHARE]
Thursday, January 15, 2026

The Bard in the Boroughs: Rodney Hakim and the Digital Renaissance of "New York Shakespeare" by Jaymichaelsae

In a city where the theater is often synonymous with the bright lights of Broadway, Rodney Hakim is carving out a vital, digital niche for the classics. As the owner, writer, and host of New…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 12:55PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The American Theatre of Actors invites you to join us for A REPERTORY OF TWO PLAYS from ground-breaking playwright, Anne L. Thompson-Scretching by Jaymichaelsae

The American Theatre of Actors invites you to join us for A REPERTORY OF TWO PLAYS from ground-breaking playwright, Anne L. Thompson-Scretching: A LONG WAY FROM HOME & RESURRECTION (Amer…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 01:15PM[SHARE]
Monday, December 22, 2025

Jim Catapano and the Early Days of Eugene by Jaymichaelsae

O'Neill's Formative Years Are Explored at the American Theatre of Actors To see the very first writings of a legendary playwright performed is always a fascinating endeavor. The ATA's recent…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 04:02PM[SHARE]

Jim Catapano attends A Powerful Double Bill for Dark Times by Jaymichaelsae

AnomalousCo's Stiffler and Bounds Resonate at the ATA In December of its 50th year, The American Theatre of Actors was host to two astonishing one-act plays that take on the oppression and a…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 03:50PM[SHARE]
Monday, December 8, 2025

The MITF is back and ATA has got them! by Jaymichaelsae

The Midtown International Theatre Festival Returns to New York After Decade-Long Hiatus and the Landmark American Theatre of Actors will host the event. AN HISTORIC EVENT AT AN HISTORIC L…

SOURCE: Arts Independent at 05:08PM[SHARE]

All that Chat

2025-2026 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 12, 2025: Call Me Izzy - Studio 54
Sep 16, 2025: Art - Music Box Theatre
Oct 08, 2025: Beetlejuice - Palace Theatre
Nov 13, 2025: Oedipus - Studio 54
Nov 16, 2025: Chess - Imperial Theatre
Mar 23, 2026: Giant - Music Box Theatre
Apr 06, 2026: Becky Shaw - Hayes Theater
Apr 16, 2026: Proof - Booth Theatre
Apr 26, 2026: Drama Desk Cut-Off