The Three Graces 1924

Today (May 14) in live streaming: Broadway's Next on Stage premieres, Josh Groban hosts movie night and so much more!

Today (May 13) in live streaming: Ben Cameron counts down song about Spring, Laura Michelle Kelly sings Rodgers and Hammerstein and so much more!

Today (May 12) in live streaming: It's the Day of the Show Y'all with Spencer Glass, Ken Davenport chats with James Snyder and so much more!

Today (May 11) in live streaming: Join the BroadwayWorld Book club, JRB and Georgia Stitt visit Stars in the House and so much more!

It's the time of year to reflect on the past and enjoy familiar stories that warm our hearts. In otherwords, 'tis the season for ANNIE. That spunky waif has been part of our American culture for more than 130 years. She was first penned into existence by poet James Whitcomb Riley in 1885. His poem, 'Little Orphant Annie',was inspired by Mary Alice 'Allie' Smith, an orphaned child who came to live in the Riley home.

The second program of the Royal Ballet of England's return to New York City after an 11-year hiatus – and the first appearance of the company at the Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center – was an ambitious but not entirely successful presentation of works by British choreographers. The greatest failing was not onstage but in the Playbill. No notes at all were included to help the audience appreciate the ballets and the music in a historical context. While I applaud the company as well as the presenting Joyce Theater Foundation for eschewing the standard story ballets in favor of repertory fare, I am at a loss to figure out why the dancegoers were not given any information other than titles, credits, and casting. On the afternoon of June 27th when I was there, I overheard many people during pauses and intermissions commenting that a little assistance in comprehending the inspiration and intent of the choreographers would have been appreciated.