Ben Brantley
Latest News on Ben Brantley:
Scarlett Strallen, Tam Mutu, and More Will Lead Industry Readings of Cole Porter’s THE NEW YORKERS (Apr 13, 2026)
As Female Playwrights Lose Ground, Female Critics Are Making History (Mar 30, 2026)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 12, 2026- THE WILD PARTY Meets the Press and More (Mar 12, 2026)
Scarlett Strallen, Tam Mutu, and More Will Lead Industry Readings of Cole Porter’s THE NEW YORKERS (Apr 13, 2026)
As Female Playwrights Lose Ground, Female Critics Are Making History (Mar 30, 2026)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 12, 2026- THE WILD PARTY Meets the Press and More (Mar 12, 2026)
BIO
Ben Brantley was formerly the co-chief theater critic for The New York Times. He has been a staff critic since 1996, filing reviews regularly from London as well as New York. Subjects of his profiles include the underground Belarus Free Theater in Minsk, and Barbra Streisand in Malibu.
Before joining the Times in 1993, Mr. Brantley was a staff writer for the New Yorker and Vanity Fair. He reviewed fashion for Women’s Wear Daily, where he was the Paris bureau chief and European editor, and movies for Elle magazine.
Mr. Brantley grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C., and graduated from Swarthmore College. He is the editor of two books of New York Times theater reviews and a recipient of the George Jean Nathan Award for theater criticism.
Photos
Videos
Video: Inside Rehearsal for The Old Man and The Old Moon at South Coast Repertory
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-10 12:55:13
Video: The Cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Perform 'Our Time' in New Music Video
by Stephi Wild - 2024-01-12 10:57:14
Video: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Cast Performs the Title Song in New Music Video
by Stephi Wild - 2023-11-15 10:22:45
Video: Watch Alicia Keys Talk HELL'S KITCHEN on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-11-12 11:22:58
Video: Watch Arielle Jacobs & HERE LIES LOVE Perform on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2023-09-28 09:51:59
Video: Go Behind Manhattan Theatre Club in New ALL ARTS Doc With Sarah Jessica Parker, André De Shields & More
by Michael Major - 2023-09-13 16:01:36
Video: Watch Bobby Lopez Answer THE BOOK OF MORMON's 19 Questions
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-09-10 14:20:10
VIDEO: Jerry O'Connell Talks A SOLDIER'S PLAY and the Broadway Shutdown
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2020-03-24 15:00:56
VIDEO: Watch GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY's Kimber Elaine Sprawl Takeover Our Instagram
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - 2020-03-06 10:43:51
TV: Watch Highlights from GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY on Broadway!
by Show Highlights - 2020-03-02 11:06:40
VIDEO: Watch the Cast of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Perform 'Slow Train/License to Kill' on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2020-02-26 09:23:36
VIDEO: Watch A SOLDIER'S PLAY Star David Alan Grier Interviewed on THE LATE SHOW
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-01-24 20:45:49
VIDEO: Blair Underwood Says He Almost Burned Down the Set of A SOLDIER'S PLAY
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-01-22 21:00:06
TV: Go Inside Opening Night of A SOLDIER'S PLAY with David Alan Grier, Blair Underwood & More!
by TV - Opening Night Special - 2020-01-22 12:15:38
VIDEO: David Alan Grier Gives Advice to the Young Cast of A SOLDIER'S PLAY
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2020-01-20 12:41:14
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals For GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
by Linnae Medeiros - 2020-01-14 16:38:33
News
Scarlett Strallen, Tam Mutu, and More Will Lead Industry Readings of Cole Porter’s THE NEW YORKERS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Industry readings will be held for a new production of The New Yorkers, the 1930 Cole Porter musical which was last performed at NY City Center's Encores! in 2017.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Industry readings will be held for a new production of The New Yorkers, the 1930 Cole Porter musical which was last performed at NY City Center's Encores! in 2017.
As Female Playwrights Lose Ground, Female Critics Are Making History
by Cara Joy David - Mar 30, 2026
The biggest change from prior years is at The New York Times, where Helen Shaw became the first female chief theater critic at the paper of record earlier this year. Previously, The Times has had plenty of female second-string critics, but the top seat was always held by a man.
by Cara Joy David - Mar 30, 2026
The biggest change from prior years is at The New York Times, where Helen Shaw became the first female chief theater critic at the paper of record earlier this year. Previously, The Times has had plenty of female second-string critics, but the top seat was always held by a man.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 12, 2026- THE WILD PARTY Meets the Press and More
by - Mar 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Mar 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Christina Applegate Calls Ben Brantley’s NYT Review of Her Tony-Nominated Performance ‘Horribly Brutal’
by Michael Gioia - Mar 11, 2026
Christina Applegate feels that some critics weren’t kind during her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine on Broadway. Though the actress, 54, was Tony-nominated for her performance in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, she said she can’t forget about what then-New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley wrote in his May 5 review.
by Michael Gioia - Mar 11, 2026
Christina Applegate feels that some critics weren’t kind during her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine on Broadway. Though the actress, 54, was Tony-nominated for her performance in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, she said she can’t forget about what then-New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley wrote in his May 5 review.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 4, 2026- WICKED Welcomes New Leads and More
by - Mar 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Mar 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: DEATH OF A SALESMAN Company Discusses Broadway Revival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026
The upcoming Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman has launched a new video series featuring former New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley in conversation with the cast.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026
The upcoming Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman has launched a new video series featuring former New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley in conversation with the cast.
WAITING FOR GODOT Enters Final Week of Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2025
There are only 7 performances left to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting For Godot.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2025
There are only 7 performances left to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting For Godot.
Stage Time December Programming Includes PJ Adzima, Eleri Ward, And Casts Of THE QUEER WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS And SLAM FRANK
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2025
STAGE TIME will present a month of December programming across multiple New York City venues, featuring events created and curated by founder PJ Adzima. The company continues its combination of variety performance, drag, burlesque, live music, and new work development with returning series, a holiday parody, and the final weeks of the Off-Broadway production Slam Frank.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2025
STAGE TIME will present a month of December programming across multiple New York City venues, featuring events created and curated by founder PJ Adzima. The company continues its combination of variety performance, drag, burlesque, live music, and new work development with returning series, a holiday parody, and the final weeks of the Off-Broadway production Slam Frank.
Jamie Lloyd’s WAITING FOR GODOT Recoups Broadway Investment
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, has recouped its initial investment of $7.5 million in just eight weeks.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, has recouped its initial investment of $7.5 million in just eight weeks.
Michael Urie Stars in Extended Run of Richard II at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Michael Urie leads Richard II at Red Bull Theater, now extended through December 14. Experience Shakespeare's masterpiece in a fresh setting!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Michael Urie leads Richard II at Red Bull Theater, now extended through December 14. Experience Shakespeare's masterpiece in a fresh setting!
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 12, 2025
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2025 reading list.
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 12, 2025
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2025 reading list.
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation Announces National Events Celebrating HIRSCHFELD'S SONDHEIM
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 10, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is celebrating the release of Hirschfeld’s Sondheim with nationwide events in New York, California, Pennsylvania, and more. The new poster book, featuring over 50 drawings of Stephen Sondheim’s works, includes essays by Bernadette Peters, Ben Brantley, and David Leopold.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 10, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is celebrating the release of Hirschfeld’s Sondheim with nationwide events in New York, California, Pennsylvania, and more. The new poster book, featuring over 50 drawings of Stephen Sondheim’s works, includes essays by Bernadette Peters, Ben Brantley, and David Leopold.
Michael R. Jackson to be Honored at Barrington Stage Company Fall Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Michael R. Jackson will receive the William Finn Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre at Barrington Stage Company's annual fall celebration. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Michael R. Jackson will receive the William Finn Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre at Barrington Stage Company's annual fall celebration. Learn more!
Complete Cast and Design Team Set for RICHARD II Starring Michael Urie
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025
RED BULL THEATER has revealed the complete cast to join Emmy nominated actor Michael Urie in a powerful new version of Shakespeare's Richard II. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025
RED BULL THEATER has revealed the complete cast to join Emmy nominated actor Michael Urie in a powerful new version of Shakespeare's Richard II. Learn more!
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch New Book and New Exhibition of Al Hirschfeld Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
Up on the Marquee: WAITING FOR GODOT
by Jennifer Broski - Aug 29, 2025
Starring Keanu Reeves as ‘Estragon’ and Alex Winter as ‘Vladimir,' Waiting For Godot will play Broadway’s Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Saturday, September 13 for a Sunday, September 28 opening night. Check out photos of the new marquee!
by Jennifer Broski - Aug 29, 2025
Starring Keanu Reeves as ‘Estragon’ and Alex Winter as ‘Vladimir,' Waiting For Godot will play Broadway’s Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Saturday, September 13 for a Sunday, September 28 opening night. Check out photos of the new marquee!
STROKES OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Set for September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
Photos: WAITING FOR GODOT's Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter & More Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Aug 19, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is getting ready for Broadway! The cast just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there! Check out photos here.
by Bruce Glikas - Aug 19, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is getting ready for Broadway! The cast just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there! Check out photos here.
Brandon J. Dirden and More Complete the Cast of WAITING FOR GODOT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
The complete cast and design team has been revealed for Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves as ‘Estragon’ and Alex Winter as ‘Vladimir.’ Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
The complete cast and design team has been revealed for Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves as ‘Estragon’ and Alex Winter as ‘Vladimir.’ Learn more!
New York Times Reassigns Chief Theatre Critic Jesse Green In Arts Desk Shakeup
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 15, 2025
Jesse Green will be reassigned from his role as chief theater critic at The New York Times. He is one of four veteran critics being reassigned to new roles in the newsroom, alongside television critic Margaret Lyons, pop music critic Jon Pareles, and classical music critic Zachary Woolfe.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 15, 2025
Jesse Green will be reassigned from his role as chief theater critic at The New York Times. He is one of four veteran critics being reassigned to new roles in the newsroom, alongside television critic Margaret Lyons, pop music critic Jon Pareles, and classical music critic Zachary Woolfe.
Videos