REVIEW: "Ragtime" (2025 Broadway Revival) at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on May 22, 2026…read more It turns out the third time is indeed the charm as this is the third Broadway production of the show since the debut of the well-regarded 1998 musical. The previous versions apparently collapsed under the weight of production bloat and runaway costs, but this ambitious show wisely started as a stripped-down Encores concert and from there, was built into a more fluid production befitting the rotating stage at this large scale venue in Lincoln Center. Based on E.L. Doctorow's sprawling 1975 historical novel, it's still an ambitious work with multiple storylines as the show follows three families of diverse social backgrounds and economic means in the early 20th century. Their lives intersect in ways that echo the racism, anti-immigration, and class warfare prevalent of the time. That the themes reverberate now enhances the emotional power and political relevance of what was deemed a period piece. Terrence McNally's book focuses effectively on the key elements of the rich source material. The music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens lend dimension to songs that advance the narrative without contriving the challenging circumstances facing the characters. What was truly impressive was how a huge ensemble cast was showcased in ways that complemented each other seamlessly under Lear deBessonet's assured direction. The spotlight is on the three principal players. As kind-hearted Tateh, Brandon Uranowitz brings poignancy and humor to his character's immigrant journey. In the late Marin Mazzie's classic role, Caissie Levy gives Mother a textured strength that moves to the foreground with her solo number, "Back to Before". However, it's Joshua Henry's stirring turn as pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. that stays vividly in memory. His soaring vocals were a revelation to me. This is my fourth time seeing him perform on Broadway, but his versions of "New Music" and especially "Wheels of a Dream" were transcendent. His duet partner on the latter, Nichelle Lewis as Sarah, is solid though overshadowed in the role that gave Audra McDonald her third Tony. Allison Blackwell as Sarah's nameless friend almost steals the show with the Act One closer, "Till We Reach That Day". The limited run is scheduled to end on August 2. RELATED - Interested in my other Broadway reviews? Here's a collection of shows I've seen and reviewed: https://yelp.to/58PIWQRZSX

Ragtime is one of my favorite musicals (especially its score), by Terrence McNally, Lynn Ahrens and…read moreStephen Flaherty... and this revival which was originally staged at Encores City Center, beautifully honors the original production from 30 years ago. Casey Levy, Joshua Henry and Brandon Uranowitz lead this Tony Award winning cast! I highly recommend it and wish I could see it again before it closes at Lincoln Center in August 2026.

Performing most often at Carnegie Hall, about four times a year, but also performing special events…read morearound New York, with some other events, NYCS is my favorite choral society. Some memorable events: - Performing with Andrea Bocelli My mom's short, so she's always in the front row, so you can see her on the Andrea Bocelli DVD... Cool huh? My mom's 10 seconds of fame, hehehe. - Background chorus for Twisted Sister - Xmas concerts - 16 bass drum event But I'm biased. My mother has been singing with this Choral Society for as long as I remember, and that means it gets an automatic 5 stars (^-^). Hi mom! I miss the free concert tickets.

In addition to great performances in major concert halls, NY Choral maintains quality by…read moreinteresting repertoire, adventurous gigs, and biannual reviews of singers ( this, perhaps, a bit controversial). Membership is totally diverse. Some have been in chorus for 50+ years but pass re-auditions, and some are recent college grads( many music majors!). This chorus is more than just a fun activity.....it requires a major commitment. A pleasant side perk is belonging to a interesting community of New Yorkers : life-long friendships are established and partnerships and marriages initiated!!!!!

We hired a duo of violin and cello. Straight from the beginning, they were super communicative,…read moreincredibly professional and flexible enough to accommodate all of our requests. During the ceremony, their playing was beautiful and they coordinated with the venue staff smoothly and seamlessly to give us a perfect ceremony! We would definitely recommend these magnificent musicians to anyone who is getting ready to tie the knot. Thank you so much!!

Capriccio Ensemble made our wedding day so unique and special! Natalie was amazing to work with -…read moreshe's so kind, thoughtful, and really passionate about her work. She also is very professional, yet personable, and answered all e-mails promptly (even on weekends!). She is also incredibly talented! We wanted a solo violinist for our outdoor ceremony of about 120 people and the result surpassed all expectations. My husband and I had a blast sampling all of the songs on Capriccio's user-friendly repertoire template that we used to choose our favorites. Each song we selected was truly special to us, and when I heard Natalie play them during the ceremony, it gave our ceremony that extra dream-like element. Natalie was there every step of the way helping us to customize our ceremony to our liking. She remembered every detail, arrived early, and even coordinated with our officiant. I highly recommend Capriccio Ensemble!

I saw the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players twice in Allentown Pennsylvania and Wickenburg…read moreArizona. I saw the Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore. Though not an expert I have listened to the music a lot and have watched a bunch of productions on DVD. I found the acting and singing breathtaking and the orchestra quite good. I will watch for them because I would like to see all their productions. I loved it.

Biltmore Theatre for volunteering... didn't know it's going to be a musical, called 'LoveMusik'…read more.. the theatre wasn't that big, but sleek and clean.. staffs were friendly and helpful... my job was pretty simple... greeting and ushering the guests to their seats w/ my trademark smiling... "welome, enjoy the show" ^______^ since it was a preview show, had not enough information... that's how I could enjoy it, even if my weakness of English... no expectation... that's the Key... in the dark, spotlight on two main characters... starting with narrative singing... it's about German composer Kurt Weill and his starred wife Lotte Lenya... their on and off marriage relationship... singers, Tony Award Winners Michael Cerveris (Weill) and Donna Murphy (Lenya), were talented and blessed... their performance was amusing and riveting... humming their fascinating theme song.. da-da-dda-da.. da-da-dda-da.. da-da-dda-da.. da-da-dda-da.. Musik by Kurt Weill Story by Alfred Uhry Directed by Harold Prince

The show was amazing... my very first experience at an orchestrated concert! The Star Wars movie…read morecatalog is one of my favorites. The drinks here were strong and the ambience was delightful... I can't wait til next time.

We finally got back into the hall for a NY Philharmonic concert last week (reviewed separately),…read moreand we came away very pleased. The sound was good, both warm and reverberant, at least in our seats (middle of the orchestra, about 11 rows back from the stage). We marveled at the clarity of the acoustic, and in general the setting with some seating now behind and above the orchestra. The seats are comfortable with a decent amount of leg space unless you're rich over six feet. During intermission we were able to get into one of the patron lounges, which was small but pleasantly arranged with drinks and sweets and some seating spaces. And we stepped out on the balcony overlooking Lincoln Center which, in spite of construction, was a treat (see the photos). All in all, ours was a delightful visit, and we anticipate quite a few more in the 2026-27 philharmonic season.

The show Camelot is so bad! No scenery!!! No props No staging..it's bare high school stage with way…read moretoo few actors...Arthur was terrible...Lancelot character was the only great Broadway singer..Gwenevere good but not Broadway quality...do not wast your money the story was made silly and characters shallow...terrible

This theater was designed with a spirograph! Do you remember those things?? They were these…read morecomplicated little plastic machines that allowed you to make neato wheel-shaped designs that served no purpose but to adorn doilies and coasters.... and apparently the ceiling of the New York State Theater. This is one of those theaters that's big enough to hold a good number of people but small enough that every seat is a good seat. My seat last night was fantastic, and I was up in Ring 3. Yeah, they call their tiers "rings." I guess it's classier that way... and makes it sound more like hell. So yeah, the ushers were nice, the decor was pleasing, and the seats were comfortable. My only gripe was that the orchestra sounded a bit muffled sometimes. Not the singers, just the orchestra. (I was here for an opera.) It may have been my imagination, but I'm pretty sure the acoustics could use a little work. Not a lot of work... just a little. Also, the Orangina is overpriced, which is something I've come to expect from Theater Intermission Stands, but I still have to complain about it.

Alegrias on Broadway was performed by The New York Center For Flamenco Performing Arts/Arts Center…read more It's a non-profit organization aimed at fostering Flamenco dance, which is culturally from Spain. The show took place at the Roy Arias Theatre Center in Times Square. The space itself is rather small, and its located on the 6th floor of the building. The room was darkly lit and cramped. There were church groups and other performance right next door. t felt like I was in a school production ambiance wise. That's fine since its a non-profit. The performers themselves were very passionate and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their performance, which was great. There were two guitarists, two female dancers, a male dancer, and a singer. The coordination between all of them were on point. The dancing itself was loud, as the performers always stomped their feet with each movement, much like Greek style dancing I would say. I hope that's not offensive to them. I was a virgin to Flamenco dance so it was a good time. For the performance, I would give them 4.5 stars. They served Spainish tapas, which we were looking forward to. I was pretty disappointed with it though. The portions were on the miniscule side. A $20 plate of assorted tapas including cheese, sausage, olives and bread was the size of a kids meal. I thought it was pretty bad even though I am used to price gouging that occurs in Manhattan. The sangria was very tasty, very weak and the pitcher was filled to the rim with ice. I was disappointed with that too. Go for the performance, but advise you to eat something before you go.