The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Last night, I had the chance to check out The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, based on the bestselling book by author Mark Haddon. The New York Times gave it a rave review, so Matt and I jumped at getting tickets. Two words: Go now. Here, my top three reasons to see the show.

1. The acting. The lead character, Christopher Boone, is played by Alex Sharp, a recent Juilliard grad who is making his Broadway debut. I wouldn't be surprised if he receives a Best Actor Tony Award for his role. He's brilliant. I had a hard time taking my eyes off of him during the almost 2 1/2 hour play, he's so captivating. The role also requires an impressive amount of physicality (for example, any touch by another human being sends him into hysterics). Alex handles this seamlessly.

2. The set design. It's simplistic, but remarkable—and a little bit of sensory overload, which perfectly reflects how the lead character feels a lot of the time. The stage is a sort of black box version of graph paper that also doubles as a touch screen. The actors' moves are so perfectly choreographed that a single step lights up the stage, creates a map, or an explosion of digital numbers. At one point it becomes a subway platform—the next an escalator that Christopher can walk down. I loved it.

3. The story. Truth be told, I never read the book. Matt did, and he said the show reflects it well—he's comfortable with the adaptation. Since I didn't know the back story (and wouldn't let Matt give me any spoilers before sitting down!), it was magical and full of surprises. Like I said, I had a hard time taking my eyes off the stage from start to finish.

OK, so tell me: Will you see this play?

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Theater Page: Cabaret and Violet

The Tony Award nominations come out today, but I already know my picks for best Broadway musicals this season: Violet and Cabaret, both put on by the Roundabout Theatre Company. Both are revivals, but they're brand new to me. I had never heard the music for either production, but was instantly hooked—and moved—by both performances. 

First, Violet: I didn't think Sutton Foster could get any better after seeing her play Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, but she kicks things up a notch playing the title role in this show (Southern twang and all). Her voice gave me chills, as did the musical chops of the rest of the cast. For a glimpse of their talent, watch this YouTube clip.

Next, Cabaret: To see Alan Cumming in the role that won him a Tony almost 15 years ago was gift enough. But to see him reprise his performance at Studio 54, alongside Michelle Williams, was a treat. I had never seen this show, and was captivated by the story, the cast, the music, the sadness—the whole experience. (Here's a sneak peek.)

I highly recommend both shows! Now, you go: Have you seen any good theater this spring?

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Idina Menzel on Broadway

I'm so excited to go and see Idina Menzel on Broadway this week in her new musical, If/Then. It's about a woman re-building her life in New York City—and it co-stars Anthony Rapp, making this show a Rent reunion of sorts. 

Other than the basic premise, I don't know much about the play, which is how I like it. Matt and I go back and forth on this: he loves to read as much as there is to know about a show in advance of seeing it; I prefer to know the basics, steering clear of too many plot details so that I can experience the show expectation-free. All that said, it's hard not to go into a show like this expecting incredible music. Idina Menzel is a powerhouse, and I've loved her since her Rent and Wicked days.

How about you? Do you like to read up on a play before you see it? Or do you prefer to go into it cold?

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my dearest readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm looking forward to seeing Stage Kiss over at Playwrights Horizons—the reviews are so good! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web: 

SJP has a ping pong table! (Plus, 73 questions.)

The truth about seasons.

Best photo bomb ever.

An abandoned desert movie theater.

Dissecting worry. 

Inspired by Diana.

How to say 'I do' in Paris. 

All eyes on you.

Rainy day style. (My favorite + Chuck Bass.)

My own style debut, courtesy of The Chic.

(Image via Pinterest)

Theater Page: Almost, Maine

Have you heard about Almost, Maine? It's a delightful romantic comedy written by John Cariani and now playing in the West Village at the (fake snow-covered) Gym at Judson. Filled with sweet, mostly 2-person vignettes, the play illustrates the funny, awkward, cheesy, charming, and sometimes heartbreaking parts of love. The four actors in this performance (including the writer himself) cover 19 different roles, beautifully and seamlessly. And with Maine as it's backdrop, this show feels like winter comfort food. 

I loved every hilarious reference to the state I adore. I highly recommend this show!

PS—More Maine here, here, here and here.

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The weekend is here!

Happy weekend, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days? I'm so excited because I'm going to see Sarah Jessica Parker and Blythe Danner on Broadway in The Commons of Pensacola. I booked the tickets forever ago—I can't wait! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

American Girl dolls, for sale!

An inspiring song for a chilly week in NYC.

How to stylishly store matches.

New Year's Eve missed connections.

Meryl Streep intimidates other actors.

Treating fairy light withdrawal.

A Royal selfie.

Love this pretty, flowy top.

DIY pizza fun.

Shake it like an Instagram picture!

New rules for Tina and Amy's Golden Globes drinking game. (Don't forget to watch Sunday night!)

(Image via Wit & Delight)

Julie Taymor's 'Midsummer Night's Dream'

It's rare that I get to walk to see a play in Brooklyn, especially one as exceptional as Julie Taymor's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The inaugural production at the new Polonsky Shakespeare Center, this Shakespeare classic reaches new heights under Taymor's lead. I'll admit: I enjoy seeing Shakespeare in New York (especially in Central Park), but the interpretation always varies, for better or worse. This time, it's for better, as Taymor brings a vibrant energy to the show that's as enchanting as it is hilarious. The content is matched only by the inventive and airy design of her sets, which help make a small (and pristine!) space feel larger than life. If you can, grab tickets now—they are selling out fast!

To up the pressure to catch a performance, here is the New York Times review. :)

(Images via the New York Times)

Theater Page: The Commons of Pensacola

I'm counting the days—or months, I should say, since I'm going in January—until I get to go and see The Commons of Pensacola off-broadway. Tickets are on sale now for this new show at the Manhattan Theatre Club, written by actress Amanda Peet, and starring Blythe Danner and Sarah Jessica Parker. The play is a send-up to the Bernie Madoff scandal, but from the perspective of a daughter (played by Parker) who is forced to confront her mother (Danner) about her father's financial crimes. 

The show marks Peet's debut as a playwright, and Parker's first return to the stage in 12 years. I can't wait to see Peet's work, not to mention this powerhouse cast!

Here, Peet, Parker, and Danner discuss the show.

It looks so good, right?

(Images via The New York Times)

Shakespeare in the Park

Last year, I mentioned that Shakespeare in the Park is one of my favorite summer things to do in New York. This year, I feel the same way. On Friday, I got to see the musical version of "Love's Labour's Lost", penned by Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers (the guys behind "Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson"). This modern take is hilarious—and features splashy, boy band-inspired dance numbers, too. In 90 minutes, it delivers a ton of fun, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Central Park. If you plan to see it, tickets are available now through August 18. I highly recommend it!

(Images via Theater Mania)  

The weekend is here!

My dearest readers, what do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm excited to check out this production of Shakespeare in the Park—Matt is waking up early to get tickets. What a guy! ;) Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A frog with an umbrella.

The original George.

Create your own cookbook.

The joy of a belly flop.

Write drunk; edit sober.

A Royal cover.

Marvin Gaye's solo track.

Summer cocktail.

Who's your hostess muse?

Reasons to be amazing.

(Image via Pinterest)

Here Lies Love

Lately, I've been writing a lot about theater, but with the 2013 Tony Awards coming up, it's tough to resist the fresh crop of brilliant shows. Case in point: Here Lies Love at the Public Theater. This production is actually off-Broadway—which means it's not eligible for a Tony—but, in my opinion, it's the production that most deserves to win one. 

It's the story of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the former president and first lady of the Philippines. The music (yes, it's a musical!) is written by Fat Boy Slim and David Byrne. Walk through the doors, and be prepared to be captivated by her story—and invited to sing and dance on stage.

Get a sneak peek at the music by listening to one of the songs here. Then, do everything possible to snag a ticket to this show now!

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The weekend is here!

Whew, what a week! But Friday has arrived. :) What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm looking forward to relaxing and seeing this play, too. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Thriller, the a cappella version.

Where to buy the cute sweater above.

Spring flower ideas.

Pretty ways to use a wardrobe rack.

Getting hitched in Austin.

Reasons to be happy. :)

A healthy approach to working from home.

One week until Mad Men!

A sweet note (just scroll down).

Reasons to visit Seattle.

A loving tribute.

(Image via Atlantic-Pacific)

Broadway Must-See: The Heiress

Fall theater always gets me — there are so many incredible shows to see, it just gets tough to narrow the choices down! This past weekend, I saw the one that's been at the top of my list all summer: The Heiress. It stars Jessica Chastain, Dan Stevens, David Strathairn, and Judith Ivey, all of which gave terrific—and chilling—performances throughout the heart-wrenching show. I was blown away by their talent, and ability to move so easily between the stage and the screen. I highly recommend (especially for those Downton Abbey fans!).

Are there any new Broadway plays you're hoping to see this season? What about recent shows you've loved?

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David Schwimmer on Broadway

 

Those who read this blog know: I'm a huge fan of a show called Friends. :) That's why, this past weekend, it was a delight to catch David Schwimmer on Broadway in Detroit. I've always known that David got his start on stage, but seeing him in this show, I was quite impressed. It didn't hurt that he was supported by such a rock star cast. Amy Ryan, Darren Pettie, Sarah Sokolovic—all were great! The show's run at Playwrights Horizons was just extended so get your tickets now. 

Any other Friends fans out there? More Friends here, here and here.

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Cute couple alert

Did anyone watch the Tony Awards over the weekend? My vote for the most adorable and stylish couple goes to Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. Seriously, could they be any cuter?! :)
 
Did you catch any of this year's award-winning shows? Share your favorites here!

Plus: More Emma here. More Andrew here. 

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday my darling readers (and happy almost St. Patrick's Day, too)! What are you doing to celebrate the end of a week of (mostly) gorgeous weather in New York? I'm excited for the weekend: lots of birthday celebrations for friends, and I'm going to see The Taming of the Shrew, too. Are you a Shakespeare fan? I haven't seen this show since college so we'll see how it goes! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few posts from around the web:

An app for touring Paris!

36 hours spent pouring over this book.

Character study.

A hoot.

Travel notes.

St. Patrick's Day prep. (And St. Patty's in a box.)

Decorate your desk.

Gift-giving advice.

Weekend cocktail.

Peace of mind.

(Images 1, 2 via Wit & Delight)

Relatively Speaking

While there are many new plays that I can't wait to check out on Broadway this fall, I'm especially looking forward to Relatively Speaking, a show featuring three one-act comedies, all directed by John Turturro. Sure, Ethan Coen and Elaine May are in the mix, but I'm most excited about Woody Allen's "Honeymoon Motel". Previews of the show begin September 20th, which means I need to get my tickets now. What about you — are there any Broadway shows that you are planning to see?

(Image via Relatively Speaking)

The weekend is here!

So happy another weekend has arrived! What do you have planned for your next couple of days off? Matt is taking me to see Anything Goes on Broadway starring Sutton Foster. My high school put on an amazing performance of this show when I was a sophomore, and I've adored it ever since! :) I'm also catching up with a friend for tea at the Gotham Lounge in the Peninsula Hotel. Have you ever been? The whole idea seems so elegant and fun. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few fun posts from around the web:

Good advice from Mary Poppins.

Pretty pink tulips!

Listen to Nina.

How to be a color scientist. 

Multi-tasking at its best!

Oh, the magic. 

This is for my very good friend Ruby.

Make your own custom notepad.

A good excuse to splurge.

One song I have on replay.

Meet the littlest ladies who lunch!

More John Krasinski please.

A gorgeous skirt for spring. 

Silver fox.

Paris can wait.

The one thing you should check out this weekend!

(Image via summer should last forever)