987 stories by "Darryl Reilly"
This 1980's obscure and brief-running dark work is my favorite play. I later met the author's wife, which inspired Rupert Pupkin-style delusions.
The post Jules Feiffer's Grown Ups appeared…
Darryl Reilly, Critic Like many, I have sought solace through entertainment during these first weeks of shelter-in-place. This is a roundup of the most enriching such works. MarÃa Irene F…
Here are accounts of productions I attended just before live performances traumatically ceased in NYC due to COVID-19; one review was not published before.
The post The Last Theater Show app…
There are happy and distracting memories to ponder while the arts and life are in limbo due to COVID-19. Lauren Bacall also appears in this recollection.
The post Vincent Price Was Oscar Wi…
With its eloquent nods to conceptual art, good-natured comedic tone and superior performance, "The Artist Will Be With You in a Moment" is an intelligent entertainment.
The post The Artist W…
The declarative lyrics are written by Mr. Goldstein and the show's composer Michael Friedman. Mr. Friedman was a notable musical theater figure who died of HIV-related causes in 2017, at the…
"Spicy. Cajun. Alfredo. With Bourbon Infused. Crumbled. Bacon" is the hoped-for path to victory for the pivotal Memphis cooking competition in award-winning playwright Katori Hall's upliftin…
Wearing costume designer Janice Pytel's arresting black and red ensemble, Ms. O'Connell mostly sits in a chair on scenic designer Andrew Boyce's authentically detailed drab and ominous motel…
"Extremities" on a ship best sums up its playwright William Mastrosimone's adept, if off-kilter, new psychological thriller "Rules of Desire," that's been given a tidy production. In it, a d…
"Anatomy of a Suicide"'s title is more than accurate as two suicides are depicted. Dramatizing such subject matter would usually be intrinsically harrowing. However, acclaimed British playwr…
Mr. Droege's sharp and well-observed writing renders each of these familiar figures with biting depth, achieving grand mini-portraiture. Though preoccupied with comedy, an undercurrent of pr…
Amidst the hubbub that includes coerced audience clapping and singalongs, we attempt to discern what the point is. It appears to be the story of an outsider who takes up residence in a rural…
ICE raids, harrowing border crossing journeys and transferring money home are depicted in the rousing and moving play "Fandango For Butterflies (and Coyotes)." It's derived from undocumented…
"Producing theatrical works that feature compelling stories created by emerging theater artists" is from the New Light Theater Project's self-description. Their vastly and thoughtfully enter…
Writer and director Renee Philippi's appealing scenario is simple, heartfelt and dramatic. It's realized by Ms. Philippi's supreme command of stagecraft that revels in theatricality. Designe…
Smiling Faces, Skull, Princess, Pile of Poo and other notable emojis cavorting around might have made for a peppy contained sophisticated children's show. The creators of "Emojiland: The Mus…
The show was conceived, directed and designed by Theodora Skipitares. Her treatment of these biographical details is that of a fanciful saga with the awestruck tone of a children's book. The…
Fog wafting, an empty rocking chair moving by itself, blackouts, ghostly apparitions and crashing music are all part of the spooky fun in "The Woman In Black." Scary moments, intriguing hoku…
With her richly expressive character voice, alternating between appealing deepness and wonderfully hitting high notes, she beautifully does justice to each song. We see every hallowed surrea…
More in the spirit of Carrie Fisher than Christina Crawford, performer Barra Grant chronicles her life and that of her famous mother in her engaging and smartly presented self-written solo s…
As a seasoned New York theatergoer, I experienced her immense talents many times and today is cause to recall a few of her unheralded performances.
The post In Praise of Frances Sternhagen …
A lively cast comprised of Harrison Unger, Caturah Brown, Tay Bass and Jonathan Cruz not only deliver exceptional performances during the inconsequential "Or, An Astronaut Play," they …
Elaine Stritch and I were among the many stars and strivers whom this preeminent and gracious NYC photographer vividly rendered by her profound portraits.
The post Remembering Denise Winte…
These superior revivals, bold new plays and a terrific solo show were the most fascinating and memorable productions I experienced this year.
The post A 2019 Ten Best List appeared first on…
Frothiness abounds in "Pockets," an amusing spoof of British musicals that's presented by the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe Robot Teammate. Â The rollicking score is a collaboration betw…
