The news is out — “Red Velvet” is extraordinary! Only playing until April 20th — please run to see this important, historic play at St.Ann’s Warehouse. Well worth a trip to DUMBO!
Now extended, but only until April 20th, is the sensitive, female-centric London Wall at Mint by John Van Druten. Seems a mini-revival of Mr. Van Druten’s plays is afoot. “I Remember Mama” is also on stage in NY, sadly only till the 20th again, at The Gym at Judson. Having just attended a reading of “I Am a Camera,” the precursor to “Cabaret,” I’m astonished by Mr. Van Druten’s body of work, which still shines so brightly. Of course, a starry revival of “Cabaret” is back too, with Alan Cumming and Michele Williams, from Roundabout.
The gorgeous “Three Penny Opera” with F. Murray Abraham, directed by the amazingly gifted Martha Clarke at Atlantic, although extended until May, will not be around nearly long enough.
Looking ahead: New York Theatre Workshop is presenting “Red-Eye to Havre de Grace” about the last days of Edgar Allan Poe — sounds like mysterious fun; The Irish Rep is bringing “Sea Marks,” a love story; and if you need another dose of Irish theatre ( I can never get enough!), The Irish Arts Center is bringing “Swing” and “Beowulf” — two hits from the Dublin Fringe; “The Great Immensity” from The Civilians is coming to The Public — promising to be an inventive thriller!
You may want to check out Second Stage’s current production season, because not only will “The Substance of Fire,” a terrific play by Jon Robin Baitz be up next, but Laura Eason’s memorable (I saw it three years ago!) “Sex With Strangers” will be coming, after a resounding success at Steppenwolf — here’s a review. The other two plays rounding out their 35th Anniversary season, “American Hero” and “Mala Hierba” sound ambitious and interesting, too.
Although I’ve mentioned this before — I greatly look forward to the Brits off Broadway festival at 59e59. Do check out plays by newcomers as well as three by the prolific master, Alan Ayckbourn. Lastly, I’ve already booked in advance for Soho Rep’s modern rendition of “An Octoroon,” guaranteed to be far different from the 1859 megahit of the same name!
I’m delighted a few of you have emailed about meeting me Edinburgh this August. I’m always happy to help with the not-quite-insurmountable logistics! Until then, I hope to see the rest of you at the theatre in New York!
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.