
Theatre News
The latest theatre stories, summarized by AI
Featured Theatre Stories


Sean Hayes Dives Into The Unknown Off-Broadway
Reviews are in for Sean Hayes in David Cale’s solo play The Unknown at Off-Broadway’s Studio Seaview; the show opened February 12 and runs through April 12, directed by Leigh Silverman. The piece follows Elliott, a writer who retreats to a cabin to beat writer’s block and may not be alone. Production credits include Studio Bent (scenic), Sarah Laux (costume), Cha See (lighting), Isobel Waller-Bridge (music), with Envoy Theatricals as general manager. Hayes, a Tony winner for Good Night, Oscar, has previous NY Broadway and London West End credits. Playbill lists the reviews and will update the tally as more critics weigh in.

More Top Stories
Billy Crudup Revives Western Classic 'High Noon' with a Modern Twist
The Guardian•4 months ago
London Critics Praise 'Oh, Mary!' as a Hilarious and Bold West End Hit
Playbill•5 months ago
More Theatre Stories

Paranormal Activity Stage Show Spooks West End Audiences
This review praises the Paranormal Activity stage show for its artful and terrifying portrayal of horror, emphasizing its innovative use of illusions and minimal reliance on screens to create a genuinely frightening experience that leaves audiences both scared and awe-inspired.

Rachel Zegler Shines in Jamie Lloyd's Evita Despite Production Flaws
Jamie Lloyd's production of Evita at the London Palladium features a phenomenal Rachel Zegler but is overshadowed by a spectacular rock show style that sacrifices narrative depth, leaving the story of Eva Perón somewhat disconnected despite stunning visuals and performances.
Disney's 'Hercules' Musical: A Bright but Flawed West End Revival
Disney's 'Hercules' stage adaptation at the West End is a visually dazzling but overly bright and relentless production that stays faithful to the 1997 animated film, though it sacrifices depth and tension for fast-paced spectacle and new songs that feel generic. The show features strong performances from the cast, especially Stephen Carlile as Hades, but overall, it lacks emotional engagement and character development, resulting in an energetic yet exhausting experience.
Amber Heard and Brandon Flynn to Star in Jeremy O. Harris's 'Spirit of the People'
Amber Heard, Brandon Flynn, and Lío Mehiel have joined the cast of Jeremy O. Harris' world premiere play 'Spirit of the People' at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which is exploring themes of land and destruction and features a diverse, innovative lineup of performances. The festival is undergoing a creative overhaul, aiming to revitalize its community feel and debut new works, including Harris' latest piece.

Nataki Garrett Resigns as Artistic Director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival Amid Emergency Fund Drive.
Nataki Garrett, the artistic director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), is resigning from her position effective May 31. Her departure comes amid a "Save Our Season" campaign to raise $2.5 million by June 1 to launch the current five-show season and $10 million to complete it, as well as plan for the future. Garrett faced criticism over her leadership and programming as the festival's first artistic director of color, and also faced death threats and hired security. OSF has relied for years on a handful of extremely high-money donors, and both the pandemic shutdown and the annual fire season in Rogue Valley put a severe strain on those relationships.

"Tony Awards 2023: Honors, Nominations, and Challenges"
The recipients of the 2023 Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre have been announced as production stage manager Lisa Dawn Cave, Theatre Development Fund Executive Director Victoria Bailey, and theatrical accountant Robert Fried. The Tony Honors are awarded annually to individuals, institutions, and organizations that have shown extraordinary achievement in theatre but are not otherwise eligible within the 26 competitive Tony Awards categories. The winners will be named in a ceremony at Washington Heights' United Palace Theatre on June 11, 2023.