Brian Simmons News

In 'The Conductor,' satirist playwright Ishmael Reed attacks the race-baiting and divisiveness that were widely seen in the recent, widely-reported San Francisco School Board Recall. 

Playwright Ishmael Reed uses satire to explore aspects of American culture and history overlooked by others. His newest play, The Slave Who Loved Caviar, is a theatrical investigation into the relationship between Jean-Michel Basquiat and the art world. It challenges the notion that Basquiat was merely Andy Warhol's 'mascot.'

Playwright Ishmael Reed uses satire to explore aspects of American culture and history overlooked by others. His newest play, 'The Slave Who Loved Caviar: A Theatrical Investigation Into the Relationship Between Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol,' challenges the notion that Basquiat was merely Warhol's 'mascot.' Theater for the New City will present its world premiere December 23, 2021 to January 9, 2022, directed by Reed's frequent collaborator, Carla Blank.

Taken by the one-sided commentary about the relationship between Andy Warhol, a god of the New York Art World, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, made by Warhol groupies and critics, Reed offers a different view. His new play, 'The Slave Who Loved Caviar, A Theatrical Investigation Into the Relationship Between Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol,' challenges the notion that Jean-Michel Basquiat was merely Warhol’s “mascot.”

No matter how one defines their mid-life crisis or what kind of havoc it wreaks, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is turning it into a laugh-out-loud celebration. With a balanced look at the 'joys' of growing older, through a cast of three men and three women, Mid-Life...The Crisis Musical strikes a chord with anyone regardless of age, but also touch on the sentimental wisdom that the later years afford us.  The Alhambra's second theatrical title of 2019 open February 20 through March 24, 2019.  

HAK premieres in New York City as a part of HB Studio Rehearsal Space Residency. After being staged in several cities in Europe and Turkey, HAK will be performed in English for the first time.

HAK premieres in New York City as a part of HB Studio Rehearsal Space Residency. After being staged in several cities in Europe and Turkey, HAK will be performed in English for the first time.

Dear Readers, I won't bore you with the rehash of how I feel about the stage adaptation of Disney's Newsies from my disappointment of the restructuring of the story and songs from the movie, to the required suspension of disbelief that any of these dancers are young newsBOYS, to the fact that Jack and Katherine's relationship is just a little creepy if you think about what their ages should be. If you want that you can read my previous review of the touring show. Instead what we will and should be talking about is how the current production at Village theater not only matched the fun, talent and power that existed in the big, splashy Broadway tour but in some ways surpassed it.

On the 30th anniversary of the cult classic film THE PRINCESS BRIDE, guests can join an awesome company of actors as they are brought back to the world of Princess Buttercup, Westley, and Inigo Montoya!

Village Theatre is proud to present what's sure to be one of the most spectacular dance shows in its history, Disney's Newsies. This high-energy musical combines Broadway-caliber entertainment with the story and tunes from the beloved cult-classic movie. Based on the Newsboys Strike of 1899, the narrative follows Jack Kelly and his crew of ragtag newsboys who become unlikely heroes when they stand up for what's right.

On the 30th anniversary of the cult classic film THE PRINCESS BRIDE, guests can join an awesome company of actors as they are brought back to the world of Princess Buttercup, Westley, and Inigo Montoya!

It's a 400-year-old play, yet it can feel as contemporary as today's headlines. In Julius Caesar Bloody and brutal decisions are weighed against honor and ambition. Seattle Shakespeare Company's Artistic Director George Mount directs Shakespeare's political thriller which runs now through Oct. 1, 2107 at the Cornish Playhouse. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

There's no doubt that Jeanine Tesori's music in the musical "Violet", currently playing at ArtsWest, is stirring and powerful but it's the lyrics and book by Brian Crawley that truly pack the punch in the show. But of course they would as the show is rife with hot button topics of that era as well as our own. And while the ensemble manages some of the tightest and most technically proficient performances I've seen I didn't always get from them the importance or danger associated with the stakes of those issues and so didn't always feel the emotional connection to the story.

Casting is complete for Theater for the New City's premiere production of One Love: A New Play. Director-playwright Peter Zachari returns to Theater for the New City after his successful productions of Fat Asses: The Musical and Under the Knife: A Farce with this serio-comic valentine.

Theater Schmeater may have moved to new digs but they still know what we all love and that's their long running series of "The Twilight Zone: Live!" And not only are they still bringing the thrills, suspense, and laughs but even some very touching and sigh-able moments with a holiday flair. I don't think I've ever seen a "Zone" that I didn't like and these are no exceptions. In fact, this could be one of the best.

Starting August 3, 2013, Improv Comedy Troupe, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH will be appearing weekly every Saturday at 3pm and 8pm at the Broadway Comedy Club (318 Wet 53rd, New York, NY 10019). Tickets for the interactive shows range $25-50 (Call Ovation Tix 866-811-4111). VIP tickets include beverage(s) and the best seats in the house. General admission requires 1-2 drink minimum and is seated on a first come / first serve basis.

Improv troupe, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH (www.eightimprov.biz), is returning LMAO (Formerly Off Broadway, www.lmao-nyc.com/lmao) to Times Square this summer at the Broadway Comedy Club (318 West 53rd St, New York, NY 10019). Performances for the interactive musical comedy are tonight, July 3 and July 25 at 8pm, September 2 at 3pm. Tickets to the shows are available via Ovationtix for $20-35 (866-811-4111). No drink minimums for VIP ticket holders (1st beverage from bar included).

Improv troupe, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH (www.eightimprov.biz), is returning LMAO (Formerly Off Broadway, www.lmao-nyc.com/lmao) to Times Square this summer at the Broadway Comedy Club (318 West 53rd St, New York, NY 10019). Performances for the interactive musical comedy are July 3 and 25 at 8pm, September 2 at 3pm. Tickets to the shows are available via Ovationtix for $20-35 (866-811-4111). No drink minimums for VIP ticket holders (1st beverage from bar included).

The reputation of the Victory Gardens Greenhouse as in incubator of first-rate new American plays was enhanced Wednesday night, December 19, as the Nightingale Group presented the world professional premiere of the comedy Marrying Terry, enchanting an opening night audience of reviewers and well-wishers.