Favorable verdict from off-broadway By Elysa Gardner

Having served as juror on a murder trial in recent weeks, I've spent more time than usual thinking about criminal justice. So have a few prominent playwrights, judging by a handful of new of…

'Spamalot' evokes the 'Holy Grail' By Elysa Gardner

You'll gladly let 'Scoundrels' take your money By Elysa Gardner

* * ½ out of four

Quirky 'Spelling Bee': In a word, charming By Elysa Gardner

* * * ½ out of four

Harold Arlen: A centennial salute to a sultan of song By Elysa Gardner

HBO's bright 'Lackawanna Blues' holds sway By Robert Bianco

* * * * (out of four)

Art imitates midlife in 'Brooklyn Boy' By Elysa Gardner

* * ½ out of four

'Good Vibrations' short on excitations By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

* * ½ out of four

'Little Women' finds its voice

* * 1/2 out of four

Revised 'Hurlyburly' is still highly charged

* * *1/2

Actress Patsy Rowlands dead at 71

Her musical credits included playing Jack's mother in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, the duchess in Mike Ockrent's production of Me and My Girl, and a role in Sam Mendes' production of O…

'Phantom' spotlights actor Butler By Susan Wloszczyna

Brits bring bright note to the musical By Elysa Gardner

What hits the stage in London often determines what becomes a hit on Broadway later — and sometimes vice-versa. USA TODAY surveys the current theatrical offerings from the British capital.

'Bebe' moves to Wisteria Lane By Ann Oldenburg

Harriet Sansom Harris, who joins the cast of Desperate Housewives as Mrs. Huber's sister, has no idea where the plot of ABC's hit mystery-soap is headed.

Off-Broadway casts spotlight on darkness By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

Pinkins steals show; 'Bombay' bamboozles By Elysa Gardner

Here, a brief look at some of the best and worst performances, works and quirks that Broadway had to offer in 2004.

'Phantom' is lavishly escapist By Claudia Puig

Those who enjoyed Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera on stage surely will like the movie version ( * * * out of four).

'Rivals' has few equals when it comes to laughs By Elysa Gardner

* * * out of four

12 Days of Celebrity Christmas: Kristin Chenoweth

Here's the substance on 'Phantom' bash By Donna Freydkin

After 47 years, 'Cinderella' is back at the ball

'La Cage Aux Folles' struts its stuff anew By Elysa Gardner

* * * ½ out of four

At 285, Ester is a rare 'Gem' By Elysa Gardner

* * * out of four

The arts are the stars at Kennedy Center gala By César G. Soriano

At Kennedy Center, politics asideBy César G. Soriano