Peter Danish

Recently, Broadway and Off-Broadway have seen a preponderance of one-man-shows; some wildy imaginative some not so much.  This critic has grown just a bit tired of the formant becuase far too frequently they come across as little more than vanity projects for an actor (often playing, with varying degrees of success, multiple characters. 

When the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus announced a stage adaptation of Gone with the Wind, directed by Ioli Andreadi and opening in April of 2025, anticipation was tempered with curiosity.

What does it mean to inherit absolute power before you’ve even figured out who you are? Don X. Nguyen’s Supreme Leader, now playing at Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken under Sarah Shin’s incisive direction, transforms a slice of geopolitical absurdity into something deeply personal, funny, and unexpectedly moving. It asks what happens when a boy destined to become one of the world’s most feared dictators still just wants to paint, ski, and maybe fall in love.

This delightful comedy, penned by Anthony T. Goss and skillfully helmed by Daniel Boisrond, exudes a gentle ambition. See here for more details!

The Tank Theater’s production of 'Helen' offered an unforgettable journey into the heart of Greek myth, reimagined through a contemporary lens by the prolific playwrights Ioli Andreadi and Aris Asproulis. The result was nothing short of electrifying—a vivid testament to the enduring power of classical stories and the virtuosity of the artists who bring them to life.

Tom Dudzick’s 'Miracle on South Division Street' arrives in Stony Point for a heartfelt revival, reaffirming its timeless charm—a blend of humor, family dynamics, and subtle spiritual warmth.

The NANCE is currently enjoying a succesful and critically aclaimed run at Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY.  We caught up with the play's director Alan Demovsky to chat a bit about the play's message and its extraordinary significance in today's increasingly repressive political climate.

The Metropolitan Opera's revival of Tchaikovsky’s *The Queen of Spades*, which opened on Friday, May 23, 2025, offered a visually opulent and musically ambitious evening, though not without its challenges. Elijah Moshinsky’s elegant 1995 production, with its sumptuous sets and period costumes, provided a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama.

On the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (GNSO) presented a breathtaking rendition of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Resurrection, at Aquinas Hall at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY.

Yunchan Lim’s performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations at Carnegie Hall was a masterclass in both technique and emotional depth, showcasing his extraordinary maturity and artistry for such a young performer. From the moment he began, it was clear that Lim was not just playing the piece; he was telling a story. Through his interpretation, he transformed the Goldberg Variations from a set of intricate variations into a profound narrative of a man’s life, from youth to old age.

On April 15, 2025, The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, presented Gustav Mahler’s Sixth Symphony at Carnegie Hall in a performance defined by its precision, structural rigor, and interpretive restraint. Rather than indulging in the sweeping romanticism that often characterizes Mahler performances, Nézet-Séguin opted for a bare-bones, austere reading that favored internal logic and architectural clarity over sentimentality or overt theatricality.

What did our critic think of SIGNIFICANT OTHER at Elmwood Playhouse?

What did our critic think of YUNCHAN LIM AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ENCHANT WITH CHOPIN’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 at Geffen Hall?

What did our critic think of STRAUSS AND SIBELIUS AT THE NY PHILHARMONIC at Geffen Hall?

As part of their Candlelight Concert Series, ArtsRock presents:  Trio Fadolín: Exploring New Soundscapes in Chamber Music with the Fadolín

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 3 aCarnegie Hall on October 15th was an unforgettable evening of rich musical storytelling. Under the dynamic direction of Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra captured the emotional breadth and technical demands of this vast work. The night showcased both the grandeur and intimacy of Mahler’s vision, with some moments achieving sublime transcendence.

Tappan, NY. After years of anticipation, the Antrim Playhouse is set to reopen tomorrow night in a brand-new location in Sparkill, NY. The grand opening marks a major milestone in the storied history of the theater, which has been a beloved cultural fixture in Rockland County for over 85 years.

Anthony Roth Costanzo is the first opera singer in a generation to make consistent headlines - not just for his marvelous singing!   ARC was recently named General Manager and Artistic Director of Opera Philadelphia -- where only yesterday his new 'Pay what you can,' ticket program broke all boxoffice records!   The effort is designed to attract a generation of new operagoers.     

When a legendary diva, one of the great voices of the 20th century, announces her return to the New York stage after an absence of two decades, fans are generally overjoyed – at first – then curious – then trepidatious – finally, hopeful that the return will be a success. 

Simon Rattle is possibly the most interesting conductor before the public today.   And one thing audiences can count on is that no two performances he conducts will ever be identical.  There is no question that he brings forth fire and magical playing.  There is no question he bring forth colors that you never heard in a piece before.  But sometimes, one wonders if its all simply design just to sound different, not necessarily better than the rest.