Michael Phillips

Mission Critical for Arts Criticism
by Howard Sherman - Sep 2, 2025

In the job posting heard ‘round the theatre world a few weeks ago, the powers that be at The New York Times declared that their new theatre critic will be “eager to embrace new story forms with strong visual, audio and video components,” someone who will be “ready to employ different platform,” and “routinely use alternate story formats and multimedia.” Don’t worry, the posting does also seek someone who can write, describing a “dynamic, digital first writer.” 

Aaron Tveit and More Will Round Out Cast of Upcoming MGM+ Sci-Fi Limited Series EARTH ABIDES
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 25, 2024

MGM+ has revealed that Aaron Tveit will be joining stars Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes in Earth Abides, the highly anticipated new take on George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel of the same name. In the series, Tveit will play Charlie, the handsome leader of a new group of travelers.

Tribeca to Feature 'DeNiro Con' With Guests Martin Scorsese, Whoopi Goldberg, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 8, 2024

De Niro Con​, a celebration of 80 years of Robert De Niro, has unveiled its programming lineup. Coinciding with the 2024 Tribeca Festival, this three-day tribute takes place at Spring Studios in New York City from June 14-16. De Niro Con is powered by Webex Events, allowing fans to download an exclusive app to make the most of their Con experience. See the full lineup here!

MGM+ Orders EARTH ABIDES Series Adaptation Starring Alexander Ludwig
by Michael Major - Mar 26, 2024

MGM+ has ordered a new sci-fi series EARTH ABIDES, a television adaptation of the legendary cult classic novel, featuring Alexander Ludwig in a leading role. Created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), the series will star Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) as “Ish” and begin production in Vancouver on April 8.

Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Opens Applications For National Critics Institute Program
by Stephi Wild - Dec 5, 2023

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has opened applications for writers and critics for its annual National Critics Institute program. Learn more about how to apply here!

Review: NEIL SIMON'S THE DINNER PARTY Explores Relationships at Cockpit In Court
by Cybele Pomeroy - Aug 7, 2023

Cockpit In Court at CCBC presents THE DINNER PARTY, by Neil Simon. With 30+ Neil Simon plays to consider, THE DINNER PARTY is an unconventional choice. It’s not funny-funny, as one who is only passingly familiar with Neil Simon’s work, might expect, so it’s less often produced; consider it an opportunity to see something one hasn’t seen before.

Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Wildwood Park For The Arts
by Theresa Bertram - Mar 6, 2023

What did our critic think of MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Wildwood Park For The Arts?

Review Roundup: Brendan Fraser Stars In THE WHALE Film Adaptation
by Michael Major - Dec 22, 2022

THE WHALE has been stunning audiences since its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. It stars Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton. Check out what critics thought of The Whale now!

Review Roundup: What Do the Critics Think of DIANA: THE MUSICAL on Netflix?
by Michael Major - Oct 1, 2021

What did critics think of Diana the Musical on Netflix? We've rounded up all of the reviews from the filmed capture of the Broadway show which is now streaming on Netflix.

SEMINARY HILL Debuts New Hard Ciders Produced in the Western Catskills
by Marina Kennedy - Jul 2, 2021

Seminary Hill, an orchard-driven, eco-focused, locally made cider brand based in Callicoon, New York, will debut a new line of hard ciders on June 25, 2021.

Music Box Theatre Will Screen IN THE HEIGHTS Film This Summer
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2021

The Music Box Theatre in Chicago will screen the upcoming In The Heights film, thanks to increasing capacity limits coming soon to the city.

The Neverlutionaries Release New Single 'Stumble'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Jan 6, 2021

 The follow-up to 'Ariana' which was released last month, 'Stumble' is the second single from The Neverlutionaries  debut self-titled LP set for release February 12, 2021 via Polychromatic Records. 

Review Roundup: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM on Netflix, Starring Viola Davis & Chadwick Boseman
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Dec 17, 2020

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is coming! Netflix will release the film adaptation of August Wilson's play on December 18th. Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman star.

REVIEW ROUNDUP: John Patrick Shanley's WILD MOUNTAIN THYME, Starring Jamie Dornan & Emily Blunt
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Dec 10, 2020

John Patrick Shanley's 'Wild Mountain Thyme' will be available to stream starting Friday, December 11th. 

Review Roundup: THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, Written and Directed by Aaron Sorkin
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2020

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is now open in select theaters, before coming to Netflix on October 16.

Review Roundup: COASTAL ELITES on HBO, Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Paulson, and More!
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Sep 10, 2020

'Coastal Elites' is coming to HBO! The special presentation debuts September 12 at 8:00pm ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. 

ScreenCraft/BondIt Media Capital Double-Down on Independent Filmmakers
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Sep 8, 2020

Leading screenplay discovery and development organization, ScreenCraft, and Santa Monica-based media financier BondIt Media Capital, have opened submissions for the 2020 ScreenCraft Film Fund program.

Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think of the Howard Ashman Documentary on Disney+?
by Kaitlin Milligan - Aug 5, 2020

Disney+ is set to release the documentary Howard, the story of lyricist Howard Ashman, on August 7.

Review Roundup: CATS Hits The Big Screen - See What The Critics Are Saying!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 19, 2019

Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless classic, CATS, hit the big screen this week! Reviews are rolling in for the highly-anticipated adaptation - let's see what the critics are saying!

Photo Flash: First Look at GUYS AND DOLLS at Axelrod
by Stephi Wild - Nov 9, 2019

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center's production of Guys and Dolls, directed and choreographed by Lisa Stevens, stars Jared Gertner (Broadway: Putnam County's 25th Annual Spelling Bee, The Book of Mormon) as Nathan Detroit, Jenny Hill (Broadway: Spamalot, Something's Rotten, Seussical The Musical) as Miss Adelaide, Stephen Mark Lukas (Broadway: The Book of Mormon) as Sky Masterson and Evan Bertram as Sarah Brown.