Carissa Chesanek
Carissa Chesanek has worked as a journalist for many years, writing for publications that include BroadwayWorld, Show-Score, All About Solo, The Rumpus, Miami Herald, and Forbes Travel Guide. She is a current MFA Creative Writing (fiction) student at The New School and a volunteer writing mentor for PEN America's prison writing program. She's dabbled in improv and acting, and currently on the hunt to place the first play she wrote.
MOST POPULAR ARTICLESMagic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge for a Sparkly Rooftop Brunch
LAST 365 DAYS
July 29, 2022 Review: Pitbull Hits The Stage at Mohegan Sun August 9, 2022 BWW REVIEW: A GIRL FAR FROM NORMAL Opens at The Flea
November 12, 2021 BWW Review: MIKE & MINDY'S WILD WEEKEND JAM Hits The Players Theatre November 23, 2021 BWW Review: BRILLIANT Debuts on Theatre Row October 1, 2021 BWW Review: ANDRE & DORINE at Theatre at St. Clement's May 3, 2022 BWW Review: NOTHING'S PLENTY FOR ME Hits NYC's Theatre Row February 9, 2022 |
Review: Pitbull Hits The Stage at Mohegan Sun
August 9, 2022
Over the weekend the pop star sensation Pitbull rocked the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut bringing a packed house, great tunes, and a fun dance party.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge for a Sparkly Rooftop Brunch
July 29, 2022
For brunch or late-night drinks, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge “makes for a fun experience.” Located in Moxy Times Square, the all-season hotel rooftop has an amusement park theme fully equipped with a mini-golf course. It’s a great place to go with a group to sip on fancy cocktails while checking out “epic Empire State Building skyline views.”
TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun for Exquisite Asian-Inspired Cuisine
July 5, 2022
For dinner or drinks, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun makes for a memorable experience.
Review: Lionel Richie Rocks the Stage at Mohegan Sun
June 27, 2022
Over the weekend, pop music legend Lionel Richie took the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Interview: John Riley Talks Law, Lyrics, and His New Musical A GIRL I KNOW
June 21, 2022
We spoke with the lawyer-turned-musical theatre writer about his career, writing musicals, and what the audience can expect about his latest venture, 'A Girl I Know.'
BWW Interview: Bill Castellino Talks Nightclub Cantata
May 31, 2022
Nightclub Cantata recently came to the cell theatre in New York City, fusing literature and song into one unique theatrical experience like no other. We spoke with the director and choreographer Bill Castellino about the show, the choreography involved, and more.
BWW Interview: Seven Sins by Company XIV
May 17, 2022
Company XIV's Baroque Burlesque Seven Sins recently reopened at Théâtre XIV in Bushwick after being shut down due to the pandemic. We sat down with Austin McCormick (Director/Choreographer), Pretty Lamé (The Devil), and LEXXE (Original Music) to chat about the reopening of Seven Sins, the training that goes into it, and what's next for each of them.
iNegro, a rhapsody: The One Man Show Opens at New Ohio Theatre
May 10, 2022
The solo show iNegro, a rhapsody recently opened in New York City’s New Ohio Theatre. Written and performed by Kareem M. Lucas, the debut probes at life’s hardest questions and sheds light on our culture in the most intimate way.
BWW Review: ANDRE & DORINE at Theatre at St. Clement's
May 3, 2022
The Off-Broadway play Andre & Dorine recently debuted at Theatre at St. Clement’s, bringing Spain’s internationally-acclaimed mask and physical theatre company, Kulunka Teatro to New York City.
Smash Hit: R&B Experience at Foxwood's Premier Theater
April 13, 2022
On April 9th, The Rosendale Group presented the R&B Experience at Foxwood’s Premier Theater featuring some of the most celebrated artists with multi-million-selling albums and music careers that span well over two decades.
BWW Review: Keith Huff's GARBAGEMAN Hits Chain Theatre
April 12, 2022
Recently making its debut in New York City’s Chain Theatre, Garbageman is a dark comedy from Emmy-nominated Keith Huff (A Steady Rain) about two down on their luck guys who are about to embark on a wild life-changing journey.
BWW Review: HART ISLAND at The Gym at Judson
March 28, 2022
The new play Hart Island recently opened at The Gym at Judson in New York City's West Village neighborhood, bringing with it an impressive set design and a memorable story. It was written by Tracy Weller, the founder of the theater company Mason Holdings, and directed by Kristjan Thor. The press release described the plays as a 'multimedia theatrical meditation on New York City's potter's field' and delivers just that and then some.
BWW Review: Western Wind Vocal Sextet
March 22, 2022
Over the weekend, the Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Sextet performed a one-night-only event at Church of St. John's in the West Village. Singers include sopranos Linda Lee Jones and Elizabeth van Os, countertenor Eric S. Brenner, tenors Todd Frizzell and David Vanderwal, and bass Steven Hrycelak. The group was also joined by guest artist Richard Kolb who played the lute and theorbo.
BWW Interview: Dan Goodman and JoAnna Ross from Schtick a Pole in It
March 21, 2022
Dan Goodman and JoAnna Ross are the comedians behind New York City's Schtick a Pole in It, a hilarious and enticing comedy show-meets-pole-dancing extravaganza at DROM in the East Village. We sat down with the power duo to learn how this show first came about, the challenges they faced getting started (and during the pandemic), and why they love New York.
BWW Review: Basement Feature Screening at New Ohio Theatre
February 16, 2022
Last Sunday, on a snowy afternoon, the feature screening of Basement debuted at the New Ohio Theater in the West Village, as part of the 2022 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival.
BWW Review: NOTHING'S PLENTY FOR ME Hits NYC's Theatre Row
February 9, 2022
The Xoregos Performing Company recently debuted its new play, Nothing’s Plenty for Me recently at Theatre Row in New York City, bringing awareness to climate change with a bit of quirky comedy.
BWW Review: SCHTICK A POLE IN IT at Drom
January 26, 2022
Over the weekend, the only comedy and pole dancing aerial show in New York City, SCHTICK A POLE IN IT, celebrated its 9th anniversary. On cold winter’s night, many locals and out-of-towners flocked to Drom in the East Village to enjoy a one-of-a-kind show only New York can pull off.
LITTLE CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Opens at NYC's Actors Temple Theatre
December 15, 2021
Little Christmas Miracles recently opened at Actors Temple Theatre in New York City for the holiday season.
BWW Interview: Jawan M. Jackson Chats About Christmas, Growing up in Detroit, and Performing Live Again
December 15, 2021
Jawan M. Jackson is a man of many talents. Singer, actor, and songwriter, the Detroit native knows a thing or two about Motown, and his roles in Broadway’s Motown the Musical and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations prove it. I chatted with the singer and Broadway star about his love for Motown, being back on stage after the shutdown, and his new Christmas song available just in time for the holidays.
BWW Interview: Jelani Remy Talks Broadway's Comeback, His Special Christmas Show, and More
December 2, 2021
Jelani Remy (The Lion King) is known for his incredible singing and dancing talents in Broadway's Ain’t Too Proud, but this superstar has even more in store this season.
August 9, 2022
Over the weekend the pop star sensation Pitbull rocked the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut bringing a packed house, great tunes, and a fun dance party.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge for a Sparkly Rooftop Brunch
July 29, 2022
For brunch or late-night drinks, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge “makes for a fun experience.” Located in Moxy Times Square, the all-season hotel rooftop has an amusement park theme fully equipped with a mini-golf course. It’s a great place to go with a group to sip on fancy cocktails while checking out “epic Empire State Building skyline views.”
TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun for Exquisite Asian-Inspired Cuisine
July 5, 2022
For dinner or drinks, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun makes for a memorable experience.
Review: Lionel Richie Rocks the Stage at Mohegan Sun
June 27, 2022
Over the weekend, pop music legend Lionel Richie took the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Interview: John Riley Talks Law, Lyrics, and His New Musical A GIRL I KNOW
June 21, 2022
We spoke with the lawyer-turned-musical theatre writer about his career, writing musicals, and what the audience can expect about his latest venture, 'A Girl I Know.'
BWW Interview: Bill Castellino Talks Nightclub Cantata
May 31, 2022
Nightclub Cantata recently came to the cell theatre in New York City, fusing literature and song into one unique theatrical experience like no other. We spoke with the director and choreographer Bill Castellino about the show, the choreography involved, and more.
BWW Interview: Seven Sins by Company XIV
May 17, 2022
Company XIV's Baroque Burlesque Seven Sins recently reopened at Théâtre XIV in Bushwick after being shut down due to the pandemic. We sat down with Austin McCormick (Director/Choreographer), Pretty Lamé (The Devil), and LEXXE (Original Music) to chat about the reopening of Seven Sins, the training that goes into it, and what's next for each of them.
iNegro, a rhapsody: The One Man Show Opens at New Ohio Theatre
May 10, 2022
The solo show iNegro, a rhapsody recently opened in New York City’s New Ohio Theatre. Written and performed by Kareem M. Lucas, the debut probes at life’s hardest questions and sheds light on our culture in the most intimate way.
BWW Review: ANDRE & DORINE at Theatre at St. Clement's
May 3, 2022
The Off-Broadway play Andre & Dorine recently debuted at Theatre at St. Clement’s, bringing Spain’s internationally-acclaimed mask and physical theatre company, Kulunka Teatro to New York City.
Smash Hit: R&B Experience at Foxwood's Premier Theater
April 13, 2022
On April 9th, The Rosendale Group presented the R&B Experience at Foxwood’s Premier Theater featuring some of the most celebrated artists with multi-million-selling albums and music careers that span well over two decades.
BWW Review: Keith Huff's GARBAGEMAN Hits Chain Theatre
April 12, 2022
Recently making its debut in New York City’s Chain Theatre, Garbageman is a dark comedy from Emmy-nominated Keith Huff (A Steady Rain) about two down on their luck guys who are about to embark on a wild life-changing journey.
BWW Review: HART ISLAND at The Gym at Judson
March 28, 2022
The new play Hart Island recently opened at The Gym at Judson in New York City's West Village neighborhood, bringing with it an impressive set design and a memorable story. It was written by Tracy Weller, the founder of the theater company Mason Holdings, and directed by Kristjan Thor. The press release described the plays as a 'multimedia theatrical meditation on New York City's potter's field' and delivers just that and then some.
BWW Review: Western Wind Vocal Sextet
March 22, 2022
Over the weekend, the Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Sextet performed a one-night-only event at Church of St. John's in the West Village. Singers include sopranos Linda Lee Jones and Elizabeth van Os, countertenor Eric S. Brenner, tenors Todd Frizzell and David Vanderwal, and bass Steven Hrycelak. The group was also joined by guest artist Richard Kolb who played the lute and theorbo.
BWW Interview: Dan Goodman and JoAnna Ross from Schtick a Pole in It
March 21, 2022
Dan Goodman and JoAnna Ross are the comedians behind New York City's Schtick a Pole in It, a hilarious and enticing comedy show-meets-pole-dancing extravaganza at DROM in the East Village. We sat down with the power duo to learn how this show first came about, the challenges they faced getting started (and during the pandemic), and why they love New York.
BWW Review: Basement Feature Screening at New Ohio Theatre
February 16, 2022
Last Sunday, on a snowy afternoon, the feature screening of Basement debuted at the New Ohio Theater in the West Village, as part of the 2022 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival.
BWW Review: NOTHING'S PLENTY FOR ME Hits NYC's Theatre Row
February 9, 2022
The Xoregos Performing Company recently debuted its new play, Nothing’s Plenty for Me recently at Theatre Row in New York City, bringing awareness to climate change with a bit of quirky comedy.
BWW Review: SCHTICK A POLE IN IT at Drom
January 26, 2022
Over the weekend, the only comedy and pole dancing aerial show in New York City, SCHTICK A POLE IN IT, celebrated its 9th anniversary. On cold winter’s night, many locals and out-of-towners flocked to Drom in the East Village to enjoy a one-of-a-kind show only New York can pull off.
LITTLE CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Opens at NYC's Actors Temple Theatre
December 15, 2021
Little Christmas Miracles recently opened at Actors Temple Theatre in New York City for the holiday season.
BWW Interview: Jawan M. Jackson Chats About Christmas, Growing up in Detroit, and Performing Live Again
December 15, 2021
Jawan M. Jackson is a man of many talents. Singer, actor, and songwriter, the Detroit native knows a thing or two about Motown, and his roles in Broadway’s Motown the Musical and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations prove it. I chatted with the singer and Broadway star about his love for Motown, being back on stage after the shutdown, and his new Christmas song available just in time for the holidays.
BWW Interview: Jelani Remy Talks Broadway's Comeback, His Special Christmas Show, and More
December 2, 2021
Jelani Remy (The Lion King) is known for his incredible singing and dancing talents in Broadway's Ain’t Too Proud, but this superstar has even more in store this season.
