Reviewed by Judd Hollander -
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Kenrex - A True Crime Story Explodes in the Telling
Friday, May 15, 2026
The Balusters - Where good intentions and hypocrisy go hand in hand
Reviewed by Judd Hollander
The Balusters
Scenic Design: Derek McLane
Costume Design: Emilio Sosa
Lighting Design: Allen Lee Hughes
Original Music & Sound Design: Dan Moses Schreier
Hair, Wig & Make-up Design: J. Jared Janas
Fight Direction: Thomas Schall
Vocal Coach: Deborah Hecht
Movement & Associate Director: Ioana Alfonso
Casting: Caparelliotis Casting/Kelly Gillespie
Production Stage Manager: Tripp Phillps
Stage Manager: Janette Braggs
Directed by Kenny Leon
Presented by The Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
261 West 47th Street, New York City
Tickets: www.manhattantheatreclub.com
Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes, no
intermission
Closes: June 21, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Titus Andronicus – Not for the Squeamish
Reviewed by Judd Hollander
One of the bloodiest works in the Shakespeare canon, Titus Andronicus offers a stark judgment about what happens when one follows custom too closely and where, but for a little mercy, things might have turned out quite differently.
For the past ten years, the Roman Empire has been locked in a war with the Goths. Rome finally emerging victorious thanks in no small part to the battlefield efforts of General Titus Andronicus (Patrick Page). Titus helped bring an end to the war with the capture of Tamora (Francesca Faridany), the Goth Queen, along with her family and her Moor lover, Aaron (McKinley Belcher IIII). Despite his great success, the war has cost Titus dearly. Three of his six sons perished in battle, while some of those who survived are left with physical scars they will carry the rest of their days.
(L-R) Anthony Michael Lopez, Anthony Michael Martinez, Patrick Page, Zack Lopez Roa.Returning home in triumph with his prisoners in tow, Titus faces a new challenge. The Emperor of Rome has died and his sons Saturnus (Matthew Amendt) and Bassianus (Howard W. Overshown) each seek the crown. Because of the respect he commands, Titus agrees to decide who should be Rome’s new ruler, a role he himself turned down, citing his advanced years. Titus selects Saturnus, a choice based not so much on ability, but on custom - Saturnus being the eldest son. Saturnus also has designs on Titus’ daughter Lavinia (Oliva Reis), who rebuffs his advantages, as she and Bassianus are deeply in love and have announced their own plans to marry. In response, Saturnus decides to take the captive Tamora as his queen. Tamora quickly accepts, not only because doing so would mean freedom for herself and her family, but also so she can revenge herself against Titus who, in keeping with a standard practice, killed one of her sons before her eyes, despite her pleas to spare his life.
Tamora quickly sets her plan in motion, crafting a scenario where her sons Demetrius (Adam Langdon) and Chiron (Jesse Aaronson) murder Bassianus and then rape and mutilate Lavinia. They also conspire to frame two of Titus’ sons for these crimes, who are quickly sentenced to death despite Titus’ pleas, and a very personal sacrifice in an effort to save their lives. Stunned by his sudden reversal of fortune and emotionally battered by tragedy, Titus seems to descend into madness as Tamora and her family prepare to deliver the final killing blows against him. However, Titus’ manner may be in fact somewhat exaggerated as he hatches his own scheme of grisly vengeance, no matter how terrible the price he may be forced to pay in the end.
As Shakespeare quite graphically points out, the idea of revenge, even if it is under the auspicious of moral justice, can often end in disaster. Titus in particular becomes so set in his course any personal misgivings he might have to the contrary won’t allow him to deviate from his mission. Filled with numerous scenes that are quite painful to watch, especially what happens to Lydia, perhaps the only true innocent in the story, the play sends a clear message when it comes to the ultimate price of such actions. No matter how in some cases the audience may actually cheer when some of those involved receive their just deserts – in at least one case, quite literally.
(L-R) Patrick Page, Zack Lopez Roa, Anthony Michael Martinez, Howard W. Overshown, Enid Graham. (Photo: Carol Rosegg)
Page is positively brilliant in the title role, commanding the stage and holding the audience’s attention whenever he appears. Be he undertaking a plan of revenge, pleading helplessly for the lives of those he loves or crying out in anguish in moments of literal pain. He also perfectly embodies the air of a war-weary soldier feeing the weight of years pressing down on him.
The rest of the cast acquit themselves admirably, though many of their roles do not come off as fully formed as Titus. Faridany works well as the scheming and vengeance seeking Tamora, who will use anyone, including members of her own family to achieve her ends. Amendt is fine the foppish Saturninus a man who, for all his outward bravado, is more than content to let his new queen make all the decisions. Aaronson and Langdon are effective as the somewhat smarmy Chiron and Demetrius. Belcher is good as the always-seeing and observing Aaron, though the character often seems to exist mainly for the purpose of giving expository speeches and showing how even the basest among us is not above pleading for mercy when it involves someone he cares about. Reis strikes a poignant note as the tragic Lavinia, who is determined that the truth of what happened to her finally be known. Enid Graham is quietly effective Marcia, the Tribune of the Roman people, who is also Titus’ sister.
Jesse Bernger’s direction is good keeping the action moving as the play moves from one blood-soaked scheme to another. A particularly nice touch was to have Aaronson and Langdon play their roles in such a deliberately annoying way that no one has any sympathy for them when they finally meet their own ends. Also nicely striking a macabre note is costume designer Emily Rebholz, who provides a particularly fitting outfit for Titus as he holds court in a final confrontation.
(L-R) Anthony Michael Martinez, Zack Lopez, Howard W. Overshown, Blair Baker, Enid Graham, Anthony Michael Lopez, Matthew Amendt, Patrick Page, Francesca Faridany. (Photo: Carol Rosegg)Not for the faint of heart and certainly not the play to introduce anyone to the world of Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus offers a powerful warning about what happens when one too closely adheres to tradition and who then must ultimately reap everything they have sewn.
Starring Patrick Page (Titus Andronicus).
With Jesse Aaronson (Chiron), Matthew Amendt (Saturninus), Blair Baker (Alarbus), McKinley Belcher III (Aaron), Francesca Faridany (Tamora), Enid Graham (Marcia Andronicus), Amy Jo Jackson (Nurse), Adam Langdon (Demetrius), Anthony Michael Lopez (Lucius), Anthony Michael Martinez (Valentine), Howard W. Overshown (Bassianus), Olivia Reis (Lavinia), Zack Lopez Roa (Caius)
Scenic Design: Beowulf Boritt
Costume Design: Emily Rebholz
Lighting Design: Jiyoun Chang
Composer & Sound Design: Adam Wernick
Sound Design: Shannon Slaton
Prop Supervisor: Anya Kutner
Wig & Makeup Design: Tommy Kurzman
Fight Director & Intimacy Coordinator: Rick Sordelet
Voice & Speech Coach: Dawn-Elin Fraser
Dramaturg: Ayanna Thompson
Production Stage Manager: Jenn McNeil
Production Manager: Gary Levinson
General Manager: Leah Michalos
Casting Director: Alexandre Bleau
Directed by Jess Berger
Titus Andronicus
Presented by Red Bull Theater
Pershing Square Signature Center
Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
480 West 42nd Street, New York City
Tickets: www.redbulltheater.com
Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes, one intermission
Closes: May 3, 2026
Monday, February 16, 2026
High Spirits – Jolly Good Fun
Reviewed by Judd Hollander
In Stockbridge, Massachusetts during the summer of 1984 I had my first and until now, only encounter with a production of the 1964 Broadway musical “High Spirits.” After seeing the show, with book, music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray, and based on Noel Coward’s 1941 comedy “Blithe Spirit,” I remember thinking how much I enjoyed it overall, but that the book was somewhat uneven.
Having the opportunity to see the recent Encores! production of “High Spirits,” I realized many of my impressions from back then still hold true. That’s not to say this show isn’t worth seeing, as there is certainly quite a lot of enjoyment to be had. Thanks to a superlative cast, a sparkling score, some delightful production numbers and the fantastic work of the Encores! orchestra.
In Hampstead, England, mystery novelist Charles Condomine (Steven Pasquale) and his wife Ruth (Phillipa Soo) are preparing to take part in a séance so Charles can gain some background information for his latest literary effort. Joining them are their friends Dr. Bradman (Campbell Scott), his wife Violet (Jennifer Sánchez) and the medium Madame Arcati (Andrea Martin). However, what is originally envisioned becomes something else entirely when, while trying to contact someone on the other side, Charles’ first wife Elvira (Katrina Lenk), who died seven years earlier, suddenly appears.
Charles’ astonishment quickly turns into somewhat of a predicament when it becomes obvious that only he can see or hear Elvira, who is upset to find Charles remarried to someone she finds completely unsuitable. It’s not long before the comments between Charles and Elvira grow ever more pointed, with Ruth becoming angrier by the moment as she believes Charles’ remarks are directed at her.
Charles soon realizes Elvira wants him to join her on her side of the veil and is doing her best to make that happen. In a fit of desperation, Charles arranges for Madame Arcadi hold another séance in order to send Elvira away. When her efforts to do so only make things worse, it sets in motion a culmination of events that no one, living or dead, fully sees coming.
At its core “High Spirits” offers a gentle lesson about the realities of change and how the past can be viewed quite differently by different people. Despite the intense passion Elvira and Charles shared during their marriage, she apparently cheated on him multiple times. At the same time, while Charles and the more sedate Ruth live quiet contented lives, the thought of his reclaiming what he once hand with Elvira proves to be an almost irresistible temptation.
The dialogue is excellent, the air literally thick with crackling retorts and witticisms which feel perfectly at home in an English drawing room comedy. The problem is that the music and conversations don’t always blend well together. The different numbers, especially when they come after long stretches of speech, often feel jarring and unnecessary as they struggle to mix with the verbal rhythms that have come before.
The irony is that the songs are all quite excellent, many of them getting their message across wonderfully. Among the highlights is “The Bicycle Song,” which gleefully introduces the alternatively mysterious and whimsical Madame Arcati; the robust “Where is The Man I Married?,” where Charles and Ruth wonder what became of the person they once knew - and which would be perfectly at home in the musical “Kiss Me, Kate.” The latter song also hearkens back to the idea of how people change over the years. Two other numbers hitting home are “What In The World Did You Want?” as Charles, Elvira and Ruth take turns lambasting one another as each tries to claim the moral high ground; and the jazz-infused “Faster Than Sound” where Elvira recounts what it’s like to be a ghost and the advantages that come with it.
With “High Spirits” Encores! is firmly in its element, that of exploring old musicals which may never be revived except in situations like this. The actors may read from scripts and carry them about, but are totally in character throughout the show, except when someone misses a line or two.
Pasquale is wonderful as Charles, a man who at the outset seems quite happy with his life, but who soon finds himself pinning for the “good old days” before realizing that maybe they weren’t always that good. Something quite apparent at the end of the show when he tries to finally get in the last word.
Soo is delightful as Elvira, a woman suddenly returned to her former existence and not at all happy about what she finds there. Her devil-may-care attitude hiding a more spoiled and calculating air where her own goals and pleasures are most important of all. As she makes clear with the jaunty “Home Sweet Heaven,” where she sings about what it’s like on the other side, name dropping everyone from Homer, Aristotle and Freud to Casinova, Lizzie Borden and Atilla.
(L-R) Jennifer Sánchez, Campbell Scott and Rachel Dratch in "High Spirits." Photo Credit: Joan MarcusLenk is excellent Ruth who goes from a posed, confident woman to one hilarious meltdown after another while trying to come to terms with Elvira’s return, which has thrown her ordered world into a continual tizzy. Elvira’s reappearance also triggers Ruth’s hidden anxieties about whether Charles was truly ready to move on and be with her. These fears explored in “Was She Prettier Than I?,” one of the numbers that doesn’t quite jell with the dialogue that has come before.
Martin is absolutely perfect as the scenery chewing Madame Arcati, who never met a spirit she didn’t like. Part mysterious, part beatnik, she attacks her lines and scenes with impervious gusto. Though the character may never be in as control as she might hope, there’s never doubt that no matter the situation, she will give it all.
Andrea Martin and the company of "High Spirits." Photo Credit: Joan MarcusRachel Dratch offers a special treat as the Condomine’s mostly silent maid, Edith. With seemingly little more to do than agree with her employers, her every appearance becomes an enjoyable comic treat, with an unexpected talent no one, least of all herself, imagines possible. She’s also excellent in “Where is The Man I Married?” where she’s run ragged as she continually tries to serve Charles and Ruth coffee according to their ever-changing instructions.
The only real casting issue is the use of Scott as both Dr. Bradman and Noel Coward. The latter basically a device to allow him to read stage directions and set each scene properly as part of Billy Rosenfield’s concert adaptation for this production. This premise works well enough initially but starts to become rather tedious as the show goes on. Especially when he is describing some of the more physical actions, which prove a distraction to what is supposedly happening on stage.
Andrea Martin as Madame Arcati in "High Spirits." Photo Credit: Joan MarcusChoreography by Ellenore Scott is both tight and strong, especially in such numbers as “Where is the Man I Married?” and “Faster Than Sound.” Costumes by Jennifer Moeller come off well and the orchestral work by Harry Zimmerman, with additional orchestrations by Luther Henderson are wonderful to hear. Direction by Jessica Stone is fine, though her efforts are hamstrung at times by some of the aforementioned problems with the book.
Despite the few missteps here and there, this Encores!
production of “High Spirits” made for a fun time overall and something quite delightful
to behold.
Featuring: Campbell Scott (Noel Coward/Dr. Bradman), Phillipa Soo (Ruth Condomine), Rachel Dratch (Edith), Steven Pasquale (Charles Condomine), Jennifer Sánchez (Violet Bradman), Andrea Martin (Madame Arcati), Katrina Lenk (Elvira), Andrew Kober (Boy), Demarius R. Copes (Rupert), Dana Steingold (Girl).
Ensemble: Brandon Block, Delphi Borich, Marcus Byers, Jr., Demarius R. Copes, Deanna Cudjoe, Sara Jean Ford, Katie Griffith, Benjamin Howes, Caroline Kane, Andrew Kober, Ross Lekites, Devon McCleskey, Jeremiah Porter, Sean Stack, Dana Steingold, Halli Toland, Kamille Upshaw-Darrington, Kristin Yancy
"High Spirits"
Music, Lyrics and Book by Hugh Martin & Timothy Gray
Based upon "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward
Orchestrations: Harry Zimmerman
Additional Orchestrations: Luther Henderson
Concert Adaptation: Billy Rosenfield
Scenic Designer: David Zinn
Costume Designer: Jennifer Moeller
Lighting Designer: Bradley King
Sound Designer: Megumi Katayama
High & Wig Designer: Rob Pickens
Makeup Designer: Katie Gell
Magic & Illusions: Skylar Fox
Music Coordinator: Kimberlee Wertz
Production Stage Manager: Cynthia Cahill
Casting by The Telsey Office, Rachel Hoffman, CSA
Choreographer: Ellenore Scott
Featuring: The Encores! Orchestra
Music Director: Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Director: Jessica Stone
Presented by Encores! at New York City Center
131 West 55th Street
Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, one intermission
Closed, February 15, 2026



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