Feel the psychological and sexual tension in exciting 'Miss Julie' By Elysa Gardner (*** out of four)

'Memphis' isn't the right place for these talented actors By Elysa Gardner (** out of four)

Watch the 'Birdie' for its youth and exuberance By Elysa Gardner (* * * out of four)

<cite>Oleanna</cite> revival: Just as relevant, provocative now, by Elysa Gardner

As the controversy now surrounding David Letterman reminds us, the debate over what constitutes an abuse of power between a male authority figure and a female subordinate isn't going away. And the gripping new production of Oleanna that opened Sunday at the Golden Theatre reinforces how tricky and multilayered that issue can be.

Leading ladies Harris, Maxwell serve 'The Royal Family' well By Elysa Gardner (*** out of four)

Versatile actor Michael Sheen cuts a 'Damned' fine figure By Susan Wloszczyna

Excellence, thy name is 'Hamlet' on the Broadway stage By Elysa Gardner (**** out of four)

Carrie Fisher cavorts with family, failings in <cite>Wishful Drinking</cite>

Anyone with a passing knowledge of pop culture over the past three decades knows Fisher, or at least knows of her, as the woman who played Princess Leia in Star Wars and later established a career as a comic actress and author of considerable wit and charm. In Wishful Drinking, those talents are stretched, sometimes to the breaking point. Two hours and change is a long time for any autobiographical performance piece, let alone one whose subject's personal and professional history has been, as she acknowledges, tabloid fodder. But Fisher solicits attention with such brazen vitality and earthy, self-deprecating humor that she never loses us completely.

'Superior Donuts': A sweet, warm comedic confection By Elysa Gardner (***1/2 out of four)

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig shine through 'A Steady Rain' By Elysa Gardner (***1/2 out of four)

It's hard to imagine a better vehicle for two actors who clearly don't need larger-than-life characters to deliver grand performances.

'Fame' lives into a new century; do you remember their names? By Susan Wloszczyna

With polish and flair, the Emmys regroup for viewers By Gary Strauss

Emmys broadast is a hit, and it starts with Harris By Robert Bianco

Neil Patrick Harris? So. Much. Better.

Host Neil Patrick Harris gives Emmys a bit of awesomeness By Bill Keveney

Hold final curtain: 'Avenue Q' moves to off-Broadway By Michael Kuchwara, AP Drama Writer

'Glee': A few sour notes don't spoil the usual harmony By Robert Bianco (*** 1/2)

'Come Fly' with Tharp's dance steps, Sinatra's voice in new musical By Elysa Gardner

Jessica Biel marks major musical debut By Michael Cidoni, Associated Press Writer

Kristin Chenoweth will 'have an apple fritter' in honor of 'Pushing Daisies'

Stars head to the park for a 'Night' of Shakespeare By Elysa Gardner

Funny ladies Leachman and White still have golden careers By Susan Wloszczyna

Bret Michaels: 'I got my bell rung' at the Tony Awards By Ann Oldenburg

Coroner: Vegas star Danny Gans had fatal drug reaction By Ken Ritter, Associated Press Writer

Tony Awards shining spotlight on directors By Elysa Gardner

Critic's choices: Who should, who will win 2009 Tonys By Elysa Gardner