Hamlet

 Hamlet
National Theatre
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Harvey Theater
May 10, 2026 

Photo courtesy of National Theatre
& Brooklyn Academy of Music

The National Theatre production of Hamlet is crisp and bold.  Director Robert Hastle interprets this Shakespeare classic with simple and accessible splendor.  He includes elements and images throughout the production that transcend location and time period.  The text is clear.  The action is continuous.  The cast is outstanding.  They skillfully fill BAM’s expansive Harvey Theater with emotion, energy, and elegance. 

Hamlet (played by Hiran Abeysekera) grieves the passing of his father the King, while at the wedding of his mother, Gertrude (played by Ayesha Dharker) to his uncle, Claudius (played by understudy Phil Cheadle).  When Horatio (played by Tessa Wong) tells Hamlet she has seen the ghost of his father (played by Ryan Ellsworth) walking in the night, Hamlet follows her to the night watch.  There he is visited by the apparition, who tells Hamlet of how he was murdered by Claudius to obtain the crown.  This sets Hamlet on a quest for revenge, which is hampered by his palpable descent into madness. 

Hiran Abeysekera as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of National Theatre & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Hiran Abeysekera is captivating as Hamlet.  He is driven and strong.  His madness is visceral.  Mr. Abeysekera discovers moments throughout the play where Hamlet loses touch with reality.  His eye shift focus, and he is physically overcome.  These transitions are clearly triggered by action, and take their toll on him.  Each event takes longer to pass, and Hamlet's demise becomes inescapable.

Francesca Mills & Hiran Abeysekera
Photo courtesy of National Theatre & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Francesca Mills is vivacious as Ophelia.  She creates tender relationships with her father, Polonius (played by Matthew Cottle), and her brother, Laertes (played by Tom Glenister).  Her descent into madness is riveting and heartbreaking.  Mr. Cottle portrays Polonius as a caring and generous father.  Mr. Glenister is dashing and brave as Laertes.

National Theatre’s production of Hamlet is playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater through May 17.  It is a stunning production with glorious performances.  Get a ticket! 

Domenick Danza

Ragtime

Ragtime
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
May 9, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Cetner Theater

The Broadway revival of Ragtime is truly brilliant.  Stephen Flaherty’s music vibrantly echoes throughout the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.  Lynn Ahrens’ lyrics and Terrance McNally’s book ring true in the telling of America at the turn of the twentieth century, and are strikingly relevant to the turmoil of our present day experiences.  The cast of forty-three works as one, creating genuine moments of emotion that viscerally engage every member of the audience.  The choreography, by Ellenore Scott, is pulsating and lively.  Lear DeBessonet’s direction is spot on perfection. 

It is the turn of the twentieth century in New York City.  Wealthy white business owners are building the economy, while their families live in secluded luxury in the northern suburbs.  Poor immigrants cross the ocean with dreams of America, only to live in tenement squalor and work for low wages.  Black musicians in Harlem create ragtime music, while their community knows the limits of their freedom.  When Mother (played by Caissie Levy) finds an abandoned Black baby in her garden, these worlds begin to collide.  With Father (played by Colin Donnell) away on an excursion, Mother does not know how to handle the situation.  The police find the baby’s mother, Sarah (played by Nichelle Lewis), hiding nearby.  Mother decides to take them both in and give them the care they need.  Meanwhile, Mother’s Younger Brother (played by Ben Levi Ross) is enamored by Evelyn Nesbit (played by understudy Marina Kondo).  He follows her everywhere, until one night when he wanders into a rally led by Emma Goldman (played by Shaina Taub), where his activist spirit is awakened.

Joshua Henry as Colehouse Walker, Jr.
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (played by Joshua Henry), a musician from Harlem, finds out where Sarah is,
and travels to the suburbs to persuade her to return to him.  Sarah refuses to see him.  Coalhouse is unaware that Sarah had his child.  He persists, and she finally agrees to marry him.  While driving back to Harlem, they are victims of a racist attack, and nothing is the same again. 

Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis are phenomenal as Coalhouse and Sarah.  Their connection is genuine and their voices are outstanding.  Another phenomenal performance is delivered by Caissie Levy as Mother.  She is warm and tender, with a solid resolve.  Her singing is extraordinary. 

Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, & Brandon Uranowitz
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Brandon Uranowitz plays Tateh, a poor Jewish immigrant, who comes to America with his young daughter (played by Ellie May Sennett).  He sacrifices everything for her well being and safety.  In Act II, after he has achieved some success as a filmmaker, he meets Mother and her young son (played by Nick Barrington).  Their relationship turns the plot from tragedy to reclamation.  Ms. Levy and Mr. Uranowitz play their moments with quiet delight.  They are magical.

The revival of Ragtime is nominated for eleven Tony Awards this season, including Best Revival of a Musical.  This is a MUST SEE production.  It is playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre through August 2.  It has been extended a few times.  With new productions scheduled for next season it’s hard to predict if the show will be extended again, so get a ticket if you can. 

Domenick Danza

Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog

Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog
Chain Theatre
May 6, 2026

Photo courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

Before Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, there was Feltman’s Red Hots, and in his solo show, Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog, Michael Quinn tells the whole story.  Mr. Quinn is warm and friendly.  He whimsically tells about the creation of this culinary delight, along with fascinating tales of Coney Island and Brooklyn history.  More touching is his personal connection to specific events, and the role he plays in keeping it alive.

In 1856, Charles Feltman (played by Michael Quinn), a fifteen-year-old German immigrant, arrived in New York with no money and a strong work ethic.  He goes from sleeping on the floor in the bakery where he works to owning the largest, most popular restaurant complex in the world.  The key to his success was when he realized that visitors to Coney Island wanted something to eat that they could carry in their hands while enjoying the sun and sand.  He meticulously worked on the recipe for the perfect German sausage, combined it with sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, and placed it inside his best-selling breakfast bun.  He named them red hots because of their bright color, and sold them by the hundreds.  A business rival called them hot dogs in an effort to shut him down.  Ironically, the name stuck, and sales boomed. 

Michael Quinn as Charles Feltman
Photo courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

After Feltman died and the Great Depression forced his restaurant to close, Nathan’s Hot Dogs ruled the
Coney Island Board Walk.  Decades later, a young Michael Quinn was handed the recipe to Feltman’s hot dogs by his grandfather, which was given to him by Charles Feltman himself.  This started Michael on a mission.  He worked tirelessly to reclaim Feltman’s hot dogs’ place in American culture. 

Michael Quinn tells this story with his heart and soul.  The tale of an immigrant working hard to achieve the American Dream is one we all need to hear right now.  The colorful characters of Coney Island, all played by Mr. Quinn, make the story fun and captivating.  It all blends into his own personal journey of hard work, success, disappointment, and satisfaction. 

Photo by Mikiodo, Courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog had its premiere at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  It is playing at Chain Theatre through May 10, then returns to Chain Theatre June 10-14.  If you grew up in Brooklyn or spent time in Coney Island, you will be delighted by this solo show.  Mr. Quinn’s performance is entertaining, and his writing is concise and informative. 

Domenick Danza

Beaches

Beaches
A New Musical
Majestic Theatre
April 25, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Beaches

The Broadway production of Beaches is a musical celebration of life-long friendship.  Iris Rainer Dart, who wrote the original novel, wrote the lyrics and teamed up with Thom Thomas to write the book.  The music, by Mike Stoller, is fun, heartwarming, and memorable.  Although this musical tells the same story as the well-known Bette Midler / Barbara Hershey movie, it has a life of its own.  The show does, however, conclude with a stunning rendition of  “Wind Beneath My Wings.” 

Cee Cee Bloom (played by Jessica Vosk) receives an emergency phone call and immediately exits the dress rehearsal of her network TV show.  Her thoughts go back to her childhood, when she, Little Cee Cee (played by Samantha Schwartz), first met Little Bertie (played by Zeya Grace) on the beach at Atlantic City.  Little Bertie is mesmerized by Little Cee Cee’s talent and hutzpah.  They become fast friends, even though Little Bertie’s mother, Rose (played by Lael Van Keuren) does not approve.  When Berite (played by Kelli Barrett) leaves her family and soon to be fiancé, Michael (played by Ben Jacoby), she joins Cee Cee in a small, struggling theatre.  Cee Cee supports Bertie’s dream of going to law school, and is proud of her when she tells Rose how she feels about the life she expects her to lead.  Regardless, Bertie returns to her family, graduates college, and marries Michael.  Cee Cee’s star continues to rise and she marries her director, John Perry (played by Brent Thiessen).  Cee Cee and Berite’s lives start to grow apart, but they are there for one other when they face personal tragedy. 

Jessica Vosk & Kelli Barrett
Photo courtesy of Beaches

Jessica Vosk is phenomenal as Cee Cee Bloom.  She has genuine chemistry and connection with Kelli Barrett’s Bertie.  Their relationship runs a full gamut of emotion, from admiration to envy, and dependance to dissonance.  They are fully committed, creating tender, funny, and intense moments.  

Samantha Schwartz and Zeya Grace steal the show as Little Cee Cee and Little Bertie.  The stark differentiation in their characters makes for well-timed comedy.  These two young actors do a brilliant job of laying the foundation for the relationship and bond between the women as they grow and mature.  Bailey Ryon plays Teen Cee Cee, and Emma Ogea plays Teen Bertie.  Their enthusiasm is fresh and boundless.  

Zeya Grace & Samantha Schwartz
Photo courtesy of Beaches

The strength and charm of this production is that the audience sees the young and teen versions of the characters throughout the story.  This is a constant reminder of the layers of their friendship and the depth of their bond.  It is highly effective and emotionally captivating.

Beaches is playing at the Majestic Theatre.  This is not a stage version of the movie.  It needs to be experienced as a new journey with familiar characters, and this small cast does an amazing job of engaging the audience in their journey.  

Domenick Danza

Maybe Happy Ending

 Maybe Happy Ending
Belasco Theatre
April 14, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Hapy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending is an endearing story about the discovery of love.  Will Aronson’s score is light and charming.  The book and lyrics, by Will Aronson and Hue Park, are witty and wonderful.  The characters are robots, and their sense of humor, though unrealized by them, is crips and sharp.  Director Michael Arden brings every element of this experience together perfectly.  Dane Laffrey’s scenic and video design combine with Ben Stanton’s lighting to enhance the storytelling and draw the audience into this unique and heartwarming story. 

Oliver (played by understudy Christopher James Tamayo) is perfectly content living alone in his room.  He is a helper-bot, waiting for his owner, James (played by Marcus Choi) to come and get him.  Oliver listens to James’ jazz records and talks with his plant, HwaBoon.  There is an unexpected knock on the door, as Claire (played by Claire Kwon), a retired helper-bot from across the hall, needs assistance.  She is having a problem with her charger, and her battery is running low.  Oliver reluctantly opens the door and lets her in.  He is a Model 3.  She is a Model 5.  They are built differently, but they are both abandoned and alone. 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Happy Ending

These two helper-bots embark on a journey that takes them to a place they never knew they could go.  Christopher James Tamayo and Claire Kwon authentically discover it for the first time as Oliver and Claire.  Their chemistry, timing, and physicality are magnificent.  Mr. Tamayo portrays Oliver as quirky and stand-offish, while Ms. Kwon’s Claire is aware and direct.  They are as different as their model numbers describe, yet when they unite, it is pure magic. 

Photo courtesy of Maybe Happy Ending

Marcus Choi plays James and Junseo (James’ son).  He is genuine and personable in these roles.  Dez Duron plays Gil Brentley, a mysterious crooner, who appears at unforeseen times and mesmerizes with his silky tones.  

Maybe Happy Ending won six 2025 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  It is a one-of-a-kind production with endearing characters and a touching message.  Go see it!  It is playing at the Belasco Theatre. 

Domenick Danza

The Pushover

The Pushover
Chain Theatre
April 10, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

John Patick Shanley’s new play, The Pushover, is intriguing and mysterious.  Burning passion fuels the action, while lust leads to bad decisions.  Or is it the other way around?  The characters struggle to find their way out from under each other’s control, only to run back when they are in need.  Director Kirk Gostkowski guides this small cast of highly skilled actors to dig deep and find the driving impulse that invigorates their character. 

Pearl (played by Di Zhu) is in the first session with her new therapist (played by Christopher Sutton).  She wears white gloves and just came from church.  She is tight with anxiety.  She admits that she is gay, attracted to strong women, and not sure if this new therapist is right for her.  He does get her to take her gloves off and tell him about Evelyn and Soochi. 

The action moves back in time to when Pearl sent Soochi (played by Christina Toth) to a resident resort in New Mexico to deliver a package to Evelyn (played by Rebecca De Mornay).  Evelyn tells Soochi she was excepting her.  Pearl previously contacted Evelyn to tell her that Soochi stole from her.  In the package is a wedding ring that Evelyn gave Pearl with instructions to return it to her if she is ever in need of terminating a relationship.  Evelyn knows what needs to be done, but instead of making Soochi disappear, she puts her to work to earn back the money she stole from Pearl.  When Evelyn visits Pearl to deliver the money, the three women confront one another with their expectations and the hard truth.   

Christopher Sutton, Di Zhu, Rebecca De Morney, & Christina Toth
Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Each of the characters have quirks that spark interest.  Pearl is intense and dark.  Evelyn is controlling and self-serving.  Soochi is neurotic and manipulative.  These three actors portray these qualities from their core.  Christina Toth’s Soochi gets more self-destructive as the action progresses.  She is brought to that point by Evelyn’s domination, which Rebecca De Mornay cunningly underplays.  Pearl goes back and forth from victim to persecutor, and Di Zhu plays these shifts with skillful ease.  She is the pushover, constantly being taken advantage of.  She has reached her breaking point; however, it is Evelyn who has the final compelling moment.  It is unexpected, and Rebecca Du Mornay makes it genuine. 

Scenic design by Jackson Berkley makes the Chain Theatre stage feel expansive.  His unit set transforms to different locations with quick changes of furniture.

Chain Theatre continues to build a strong reputation for high quality work with the world premiere of this new John Patrick Shanley play.  It is excellently produced.  

The Pushover has been extended at Chain Theatre through May 2. 

Domenick Danza

Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

 Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York
Longacre Theatre
April 8, 2026 

Photo courtesy of
Two Stranger Carry a Cake Across New York

The Broadway production of Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York is funny, warm, and wonderful.  The book, music, and lyrics by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan are beautifully crafted.  The script is witty and charming, as two strangers from different parts of the world open up and get to know one another.  The lyrics give keen insight into their thoughts and desires, and the music is simply delightful.  Director Tim Jackson turns the two day journey of these characters into a life changing experience, for them as well as the audience. 

Robin (played by Christiani Pitts) is waiting at Kenndy Airport to pick up Dougal (played by understudy Austin Colburn), who is flying in from England.  They have never met.  Robin’s sister is marrying Dougal’s father.  Dougal unexpectedly received a wedding invitation.  He is very excited to meet his father for the first time and see the sights of New York.  Robin needs to get up early for work at a coffee shop and has no time for Dougal’s enthusiasm.  When he surprises her at work the next afternoon, she takes him with her on the train to Flatbush to pick up her sister’s wedding cake.  They get to know one another carrying the cake across New York, especially when they drop to top tier. 

Photo courtesy of Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

The exuberance that Austin Colburn shows as Dougal is counterbalanced by Christiani Pitts’ portrayal of Robin’s native New York energy.  The script is full of constant banter between the characters.  Mr. Colburn and Ms. Pitts find the rhythm and timing that suits these scenes perfectly.  It’s light and funny, until the second act when they face their truths.  These moments are tense and genuine.  The plot turns as the characters take a realistic look at themselves, and the audience never knows where it will lead. 

Photo courtesy of Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

Soutra Gilmour’s scenic design is made up of oversized stacks of luggage that transform into numerous locations throughout the story.  It is brilliantly conceived, as it carries the theme of journeying into every moment of the show.  The use of dual turntables keeps the action moving at a fascinating pace.

This new musical is a joyous experience.  It reminds us that life can change in a moment if we allow ourselves to take the journey. 

Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York is playing at the Longacre Theatre.  Get a ticket today! 

Domenick Danza