Although there are newer works to recommend, first I urge you to see these:
Keen Company is reviving the wonderful “Molly Sweeney,” by the iconic Irish playwright, Brian Friel. Even if you saw the Irish Rep production several years ago, you may want to return after reading this New York Times’ review.
Now at Vineyard Theater, “Is This A Room” is riveting. I saw an earlier run and it’s haunted me ever since. The play, based on verbatim F.B.I. transcripts, will leave you dazed and confused. It’s constructed and directed by Tina Satter.
I hadn’t seen Tony Kushner’s 1985 play, “A Bright Room Called Day,” now being revived at The Public, but I won’t be missing it now; directed by Oscar Eustis.
On to the new: the always daring Play Co. is presenting the world premiere of Andy Bragen’s “Notes On My Mother’s Decline,” about the author’s relationship with his formerly willful mother in her later years; directed by Knud Adams.
Another world premiere about another demented mother is “All My Fathers” at La Mama. Playwright Paul David Young asks if one can believe an aging parent’s confessional rewriting of family history.
I’ve already seen Henry Naylor’s “Games” in Edinburgh and you, too, might find the true story of Helene Mayer, a Jewish athlete competing in 1936 Germany, compelling. At Soho Playhouse.
I’ve seen a reading of Barbara Hammond’s “Terra Firma” and found the subject, somewhat based on a true story of the ultimate isolationist, weird and totally fascinating. It’s playing at The Coop, at Baruch’s Performing Arts Center. Try it!
Whether you recall the real Bella Abzug or not, you may find MTC’s presentation of Harvey Fierstein’s “Bella Bella” a treat. His performance is directed by Kimberly Senior and his words are taken from Bella’s own.
I’ll see anything with Kathleen Chalfant, and “Woman Of The World” at 59e59 is no exception. This piece about Emily Dickenson’s posthumous editor is by the Pulitzer Prize finalist, Rebecca Gilman.
Finally, see “Seared” at MCC by the thoughtfully comic Teresa Rebeck, directed by Moritz von Steulpnagel (“Hand to God”). I saw a reading and thought the hidden workings of a frenzied kitchen a surefire hit– pardon the pun.
Enjoy the bountiful season—at the theatre!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.