Captivating "Guards At The Taj" @ Geffen Playhouse

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
10/16/15, 11:35 PM Rajiv Joseph's beautifully written play "Guards At The Taj" is given a fine rendering at the Geffen Playhouse.  This production is on par with NY Off Broadway premiere at the Atlantic Theater, except for the last scene which falls victim to an overly literal set piece and staging.  Until then, I was fully enthralled, despite having seen the play previously.

"The Christians" Raises Fascinating Issues About Faith & Certainty

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
9/27/15, 5:22 PM "The Christians" at Playwrights Horizons is a well written & fascinating play exploring religious thought & certainty in a unique and probing way. In addition to fine writing, this production features a talented crew of terrific actors.  The new season at Playwrights Horizons is off to a very promising start.

Sam Rockwell Elevates Sheppard's "Fool for Love"

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
9/27/15, 5:27 PM Sam Rockwell gives an amazing performance that together with great direction and staging makes "Fool of Love" at Manhattan Theatre Club well worth seeing.

"Hamilton" on Broadway

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
8/15/15, 11:40 PM It's true, "Hamilton" is even better on Broadway than at The Public. "Hamilton" is a musical like no other that astonishes again & again over the course of its quick paced and explosive 3 hour running time.  This is a show for the ages.

Download the Twitter app

A Magical "Cymbeline"

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
8/15/15, 12:01 AM Theatrical magic is being conjured up in Central Park with @PublicTheaterNY "Cymbeline."  Daniel Sullivan's smartly directed production tames the unwieldy original, aided by the considerable talents of his expert cast and production designers.  Lilly Rabe, Hamish Linklater, Kate Burton and Patrick Page shine, and the music by Tim Kitt enchants throughout.

"Girlfriend" Redux

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
8/9/15, 8:50 PM Saw "Girlfriend" @CTGLA Kirk Douglas Theatre for 3rd time tonight at the closing performance. Loved it again. Is NY next? Should be w/ this perfect cast. pic.twitter.com/u0NHKfJktQ

A Somewhat Disappointing "Bent" @ The Taper

KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)

7/25/15, 11:06 PM "Bent" @CTGLA Mark Taper Forum features several good performances (notably from Patrick Heusinger and Charlie Hofheimer) & a powerful ending, but the pacing is too slow especially in the rather turgid first act.  In addition, some of the staging choices seemed out of place and the numerous gym toned bodies on stage are distracting and far from period authentic.  While this  1980s era play has lost much of its power, it is still capable of considerable power in several second act scenes.

A Tender, Sweet & Moving "Girlfriend" @ Kirk Douglas Theater

KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)

7/24/15, 10:22 PM Center Theatre Group's "Girlfriend" at the Kirk Douglas Theatre is an exquisitely beautiful, emotionally resonant & perfectly cast new musical set to Matthew Sweet's early 1990s songs from his album of the same title.  It is a moving work that explores love, longing & life in quiet, tender and genuine ways.  I dare everyone to see this and just try to leave the theater without a big smile on your face and a melodic song in your ears and heart- just can't be done.

"Guards At The Taj" is Stunningly Beautiful

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
6/20/15, 4:45 PM Rajiv Joseph's "Guards At The Taj" @AtlanticTheater is a stunningly beautiful play that is expertly staged & directed by Amy Morton.  Among its chief virtues are two outstanding actors who give fully committed performances-  Omar Metwally and Arian Moayed.  I found it to be Mr. Joseph's best work to date.  Highly recommended.

"Come From Away" Offers a Rewarding Journey

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
6/14/15, 7:44 PM "Come From Away" at La Jolla Playhouse is a wonderful new musical focusing on the stranded US bound planes that were required to land in Newfoundland on 9/11/01.  It is a thoughtful & engaging show that features a beautiful score.  The staging and direction are inspired, and the cast is splendid.  It is a quiet and small show that deserves to be a hit.

"Bad Jews" is Quite Good

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
6/12/15, 10:54 PM Joshua Harmon's dark comedy "Bad Jews" @GeffenPlayhouse is much tamer than the Tracee Chimo starring premiere production at NY's Roundabout Theater, but its a solid production of a very good and very funny play.

Download the Twitter app

My Tony Awards Ballot [if I was a Tony Voter]

If I were a Tony Awards voter, and I am still waiting in vain for my invitation to become one, I would cast my 2015 ballot as follows.  To be clear, these are my picks, not my predictions, and I am limiting my choices to the nominations of the Tony Committee.

Best Play: The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time

Best Musical: Fun Home

Musical Book: Lisa Kron, Fun Home

Score: Tesori & Kron, Fun Home

Best Play Revival: Skylight

Best Musical Revival: The King & I

Director/ Play: Marianne Elliott, Curious Incident

Director/ Musical: Sam Gold, Fun Home

Choreography: An American in Paris

Orchestrations: Fun Home

Actor/ Play: (tie) Steven Boyer, Hand to God; Alex Sharp, Curious Incident

Actress/ Play: Helen Mirren, The Audience

Actor/ Musical: Michael Cerveris, Fun Home

Actress/ Musical: Kelly O'Hara, The King & I

Featured Actor/ Play: Richard McCabe, The Audience

Featured Actress/ Play: Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take It With You

Featured Actor/ Musical: Brad Oscar, Something Rotten

Featured Actress/ Musical: Sydney Lucas, Fun Home

Scenic Design/ Play: Curious Incident

Scenic Design/ Musical: The King & I

Costume Design/ Play: The Audience

Costume Design/ Musical: The King & I

Lighting Design/ Play: Curious Incident

Lighting Design/ Musical: The Visit

"Fun Home" finds a welcome home on Broadway

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
5/30/15, 9:52 AM "Fun Home," the musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel's fine graphic memoir, is even better & more emotionally resonant on Broadway than It was in its superb production @PublicTheaterNY .  Without question, this show deserves to  win the Best Musical Tony Award on June 6.

Download the Twitter app

No qualms in recommending "The Qualms"

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
5/26/15, 11:49 PM Bruce Norris' new play "The Qualms" is another winner for Playwrights Horizons.  It is smartly written, very funny, and deceptively complex and features a perfect cast and keen direction. Don't miss it.

Hugely Entertaining "Two Gentlemen of Verona"

	KenderTheater (@KenderTheater)
5/24/15, 11:18 PM Fiasco Theater's take on Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" @TheatreforaNewA is charming, lucid, funny, sublime & beautifully presented by this enormously talented ensemble cast.