Still More Theater Saturday - Bride to Be, The Sexiest Man Alive, & Portia and Ellen

We received complimentary tickets to Bride to Be for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Bride to Be

Where: Wild Project

              195 E. 3rd St.

              New York, NY

When: This show concluded its run, as part of the New York City Fringe Festival, on April 17, 2026.

Meg Millane is engaged and ecstatic, and she wants everyone to share in her happiness. This solo show is the result. In between gushing about her engagement, her fiancé, and her upcoming nuptials, she effortlessly glides in and out of various wedding-related characters with a slight change of costume or the addition of a wig. 

The change is not just cosmetic either. Her whole attitude, demeanor, and even way of speaking change as well as she completely inhabits each new character. An anal retentive wedding planner, an overbearing maid of honor, and a somewhat dark and creepy wedding singer are only a few of the characters she takes on. 

Although the show starts out slowly, it quickly picks up speed and moves extremely briskly for the duration. Despite a bit of whiplash from the frenetic pace, Millane's joy is so overwhelming that the audience can't help getting swept up in it. Whether you are currently engaged, you're already married, or you have ever been part of a wedding, even as just a guest, you can enjoy and relate to this fun show. 

And that's our view. For more about this show, visit tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1347/

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We received complimentary tickets to The Sexiest Man Alive for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The Sexiest Man Alive

Where: Wild Project

              195 E. 3rd St.

              New York, NY

When: This show concluded its run, as part of the New York City Fringe Festival, on April 15, 2026.

The Sexiest Man Alive posits a world in which it is scientifically determined that an average Joe doctor is the actual Sexiest Man Alive. Thus, People Magazine sets out to recruit him to grace their annual Sexiest Man of the Year cover. 

Although the premise is somewhat interesting, the actual show is not. The plot doesn't make much sense, nor is the show as funny as it wants to be, although there are amusing moments. Neither are the songs memorable. On the whole, despite decent performances from the fully committed cast, the show was extremely underwhelming. 

And that's our view. For more about this show, visit https://tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1369.

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What: Portia and Ellen

Where:  Under St. Marks

               94 St. Marks Pl.

              New York, NY

When: This show concluded its run, as part of the New York City Fringe Festival, on April 15, 2026.

The play Portia and Ellen tells the story of the celebrity pair, Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres, as they deal with the impending ending of the latter's eponymous talk show. The performances are spot on.  Cousins Heather Seltzer and Sarah Hartley really capture De Rossi's sophisticated, somewhat aloof air and DeGenere's frenetic energy, respectively. Hartley does a particularly good job of inhabiting DeGenere's right down to her familiar mannerisms. 

The show is a bit disappointing, however. It mostly deals with Ellen feeling sad about losing her show and Portia half heartedly trying to help her through it. It is hard to feel sorry for someone whose downfall resulted from their own hubris. After all, you can't build a brand on something you are not willing to embrace in your own life. 

Thus, the moments when the show emulates Ellen's talk show are much more enjoyable than when she is home with Portia, feeling sorry for herself.   The segments also allow Seltzer her moments to shine playing a variety of celebrities, as Portia's much more laid-back style is much less showy than Ellen's over-the-top energy. They also add some levity to the proceedings through the guests' slyly amusing connections to Ellen and her situation. 

The ending of the show is seemingly meant to make a profound statement as DeGeneres comes to a kind of reckoning, quite literally, in the face of the vast multitude of time and space. However, based on what we know about her, this reckoning doesn't ring true. Therefore, although the show is brilliantly delightful and engaging at times, it ultimately feels a bit unsatisfactory.

And that's our view. For more about this show, visit https://tickets.frigid.nyc/event/6897:1349.

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop. 

Photo credits:

All Bride to Be production photos by Benjamin Rivera photography

All The Sexiest Man Alive production photos supplied by the production

All Portia and Ellen production photos by Kathryn Cooper

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Theater Thursday: Titus Andronicus and Titanique

We received complimentary tickets to Titus Andronicus for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Titus Andronicus

Where: The Pershing Square Signature Center

             480 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 17 and Up

When: Through May 3, 2026

Although Shakespearean tragedies are known for their violence and high death counts, Titus Andronicus is widely agreed to be his most violent. This story of a Roman general whose life becomes consumed by violence and revenge also involves rape and cannibalism, among other things, aside from just straight-out murder. Thus, it is extremely inappropriate for young children and anyone sensitive to any of these topics. 

However, this does not mean the show is not worth seeing. The role of Titus Andronicus is definitely one that a great actor can really sink their teeth into. Patrick Page, who plays the role in the current production, is such an actor. Although he is mainly known for playing tough characters that show no vulnerability, like Hades in Hadestown, in this role, at times, that tough outer shell gets peeled back, and the character's vulnerability is heartbreakingly on full display. Page's extremely moving performance really makes you feel the character's pain and want to root for him despite his own reprehensible acts. 

The rest of the cast is outstanding as well. They really rise up to the level of excellence set by Page. Standouts include Matthew Amendt as Saturnius, who brilliantly straddles the line between sanity and insanity, and Enid Graham as Titus' sister Marcia, a calming presence in the center of all the rage. However,  all of the performances are quite good, making this a show definitely worth seeing.

And that's our view. For more about Titus Andronicus or to purchase tickets, visit  www.redbulltheater.com/titus-andronicus-off-broadway

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We received complimentary tickets to Titanique for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Titanique

Where: St. James Theatre

             246 W. 44th St.

             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through July 12, 2026

Titanique is a musical mash-up of the movie Titanic with Celine Dion hits and other songs. Dion herself, as cheekily played by Marla Mindell, leads the proceedings, telling her version of what went down because, of course she was there. Her version is a lot more song- and-dance and a lot less tragic. 

Even the iceberg gets in on the action, channeling Tina Turner as an ice queen.  The show is loaded with delightful theatrical and other references. It's just an all-around good time, but not for young children, though, due to strong language and sexual innuendo. If you are interested in a vibey, fun show, this may be just what you're looking for. 

And that's our view. For more about Titanique or to purchase tickets, visit https://titaniquebroadway.com.

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Titus Andronicus production photos by Carol Rosegg

All Titanique production photos by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made 

All images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  All concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

Giveaway: Win a copy of King The Wonder Dog and Other Stories in the Raindrops on Roses Giveaway Hop!

 Welcome to the Raindrops on Roses Giveaway Hop

hosted by Mama the Fox and Mom Does Reviews

If you live long enough, you'll get to what is commonly referred to as "a certain age," although the specific age may vary depending on who is doing the referring. In any case, it definitely refers to those who are older and considered to be in the latter stages of their life. 

Eleanor Lerman's book, King The Wonder Dog and Other Stories, is a series of stories about people who have reached "a certain age" and are dealing with subjects like loneliness and aging. Although animals factor in every story, they are not central to every story. For more about this book, see our previous post Tips for Tuesday - Books: King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories. Enter to win a copy below:

Giveaway Dates 4/16 - 4/30

Giveaway Open to Ages 18+

US and Canada

Win a Copy of King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories Once you have entered our giveaway hop around to the other blogs listed below to see what other great prizes you can enter to win. 

Disclaimer: Hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors and self-sponsoring bloggers who do not fulfill prize obligations. To win any giveaway, please remember that following all instructions for any giveaway entry claimed is mandatory for that entry to count. Entries will be checked, and those that do not follow all instructions will be disqualified. Please do not claim entry for following our blog, Twitter, or whatever if you do not do so. Repeatedly entering our giveaways and claiming to be a follower when you are not will result in disqualification from all current and future giveaways. If you do follow our blog and/ or social media, don't let your entry be disqualified; be sure to leave your follower name and/or a link to your comment. 

All pictures used in this post are our own. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.