More Theater Monday - Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares

We received complimentary tickets to Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares

Where: NBPAC

             11 Livingston Ave.

             New Brunswick, NJ 

When: This event took place from August 26 through August 30, 2026

Performer Laura Benanti, best known for her many starring Broadway roles, is currently engaged in a multi-city tour of her one-woman show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares. The show has played the Edinburgh Festival and sold-out two Off-Broadway runs, among other things. Recently, she played a 5-night run for George Street Playhouse, which is currently housed in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in New Brunswick. NJ.

 If you attend Ms. Benanit's show hoping to hear her perform some of the classic songs she has performed in some of her beloved Broadway roles, which have included Maria in The Sound of Music, Julia in The Wedding Singer, and Amalia in She Loves Me, among many others, you may be disappointed. There are no Broadway songs or familiar songs in the show at all, only original songs. It's not that kind of show.

Rather, it is more of an evening of storytelling about her life. She covers topics like growing older, being a mom, and trying to recover from a lifelong compulsion to people-please among other things.  It's all highly relatable and told in a delightfully amusing way. The songs sprinkled throughout the evening are also amusing.

This is definitely not a family-friendly show. It's full of vulgarity and frank sex talk, but not in a crass, hateful way- more in a self-aware, positive way. If you are still offended by even a hint of these things, you may want to skip this show. However, if you do, you will be closing yourself off to a highly entertaining evening. 

And that's our view. For more about Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, to find out when it may be coming to a city near you or to purchase tickets, visit www.laurabenanti.com. For more about the George Street Playhouse's upcoming season, go to www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares production photos by Avery Brunkus.

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used with permission. Address concerns regarding image usage here.

More Theater Monday - Benevolent

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

What: Benevolent

Where: IATI Theater

             64 E. 4th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 17 and Up

When: Through September 5, 2026

Benevolent is a sharply written show by Sophie McIntosh about a group of girls confined to the Benevolent Society who form bonds while on forced laundry duty. Mia Fowler is the cautious Emma, who, as a lone black woman, is forced to look out for her own interests. Rachel Ravel is the slightly needy Sarah. Chani Reese plays the knowing, confident Margaret. While all these performances are excellent, the show's standout is Livvy Marcus as the seemingly sweet and naive Abby. 

While much of what we learn about these girls and their stories is completely heartbreaking, it still won't prepare you for what's to come. The show's ending is an absolute gut punch.

And that's our view. For more about Benevolent or to purchase tickets, visit

www.goodapplescollective.com/benevolent

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Benevolent production photos by Nina Goodheart

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used with permission. Address concerns regarding image usage here.

More Theater Monday - An American Not in Paris

We received a complimentary ticket to An American Not in Paris for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: An American Not in Paris

Where: 59E59 Theaters

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

When: This event took place on July 9, July 18 & July 26

Liv Rocklin always wanted to go to Paris, and when she finally got there for a study abroad program, the pandemic hit. Engagingly told partly through storytelling, partly through amusing songs, this is the story not only of a dream gone wrong but of coping with OCD, ADHD, gluten allergies, and just life in general. Even though the show is very specific to its writer/performer, having to literally and emotionally pivot when life goes in an unexpected direction is something we can all relate to. This show is a little bit sad, a little bit funny, and surprisingly cathartic for us all. 

And that's our view. An American Not in Paris was the last of 59E59's East to Edinburgh Festival shows we will cover this year,  and it can now be seen there. For more information or to purchase tickets to see it at the festival, go to www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/an-american-not-in-paris

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Still More Theater Saturday - The Vessel

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

What: The Vessel

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York NY

Who: Recommended for ages 16 and up due to sensitive themes, including suicide and grief.

When: Through August 29, 2026

The Vessel is a 148-foot honeycomb-like structure with staircases winding up to the top. Since its installation in New York's Hudson Yards, it has courted controversy and been closed several times due to its propensity for use as a site for committing suicide. Precautions have been put in place to help prevent this, including signage, netting around the structure, and security staff. The latter have been trained in harm reduction and are tasked with monitoring visitor safety. This play revolves around three such workers. 

The show is not wall-to-wall darkness. There are lighter, more humorous moments within it, and a nice interplay between the three characters. However, given that, it's still hard to get past the heaviness at the show's core, particularly for those who find suicide triggering.

 And that's our view. For more about The Vessel or to purchase tickets, visit www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-vessel

Photo credits:

All The Vessel production photos by Jacob Ruth and Yiyuan Li.

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.

More Theater Monday - Isla

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

What: Isla

Where: WP Theater 

             2162 Broadway

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for all ages

When: Through August 29, 2026

Isla is the story of three women and their escape from Cuba to a new life in America. This is not your run-of-the-mill show. The story is told quite creatively, mostly through recordings, songs, dance, pictures, and shadow puppets rather than a lot of dialogue. Much of the dialogue that there is is in Spanish. Yet, even though not all of it is directly translated to English, it is still easy to keep track of the story, and even without much talking, the show rarely lags. 

The story is based on the actual experiences of performer and co-composer Samantha Blain's mother and aunts, which gives it a particular poignancy.  In fact, Blain plays her own mother in the show, and the voices on the recording are actually her relatives speaking about their experiences.  Blain and her two co-stars, Daniela Delahuerta and Tiffany Iris, give deeply passionate and emotional performances even without much, if any, dialogue. Their singing voices are beautiful as well, particularly Blaine's. All in all, it's just a touching, heartfelt story. 

And that's our view. For more about Isla or to purchase tickets, visit www.hitthelights.org.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits: 

All Isla production photos by Rebecca J. Michelson

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.

More Theater Monday: Reasons to See Rock Never Dies

Here are five reasons to see Rock Never Dies, the new immersive musical at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City:

1) The story is original.

2) The music is nostalgic.

3) You get to be a part of the show (but not in a way that is uncomfortable or forces you to call attention to yourself if you don't want to)

4) It's great to be in a room with all that rock and roll memorabilia.

5) A full three-course meal is included (but alcoholic beverages are extra).

And that's our view. Rock Never Dies is playing at least through the end of the month on weekends at the Hard Rock Cafe New York, 1501 Broadway. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to rockneverdiestheshow.com. We will also be talking more about the show in an upcoming Theater Thursday.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

All pictures used in this post are our own.  Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

More Theater Monday - Belly

We received a complimentary ticket to Belly for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Belly

Where: 59E59 Theaters

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

When: This event took place July 22, July 24 & July 25, 2026

Belly is an extremely thought-provoking show. It is told through stories of three related women and examines the destructive way women are taught to feel about themselves and their bodies. Ellie is a competitive swimmer under intense pressure to stay fit for her sport. Katie is her pregnant aunt, who can never do enough to keep healthy for her growing child. Susan is Katie's mother and Ellie's grandmother, dealing with the grief of losing her husband and the effects of aging. Each of these women has an unhealthy relationship with food in some way.

The show was written and performed by Riley O'Shaughnessy. She effortlessly floats from one role to another and back again with the adjustment of a jacket or moving to a different location on the stage.

The story is quite personal to Ms. O'Shaughnessy and not only because she wrote it. She can relate to her subject matter very well since she herself suffered from an eating disorder, as is revealed at one of several points during the show when she breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience as herself. During these breaks, she gets quite emotional and reveals surprising things about eating disorders. The audience can't help but be moved as well by this deeply affecting show. 

And that's our view.  Belly was part of 59E59's East to Edinburgh Festival and will soon be heading to the festival. For more information or to purchase tickets to see it there, visit www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/belly

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credit:

Photo supplied by the production. 

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.

More Theater Monday - Likewise

We received a complimentary ticket to Likewise for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Likewise

Where: 59E59 Theaters

             59 E. 59 St

             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: This show occurred on July 14, July 17, and July 18, 2026

Likewise is a coming-of-age drama about a young girl named Joey written by and starring Kiera Moran, who skillfully takes on a variety of additonal roles with quick changes of voice and tone. The show is billed as a comedy, but it is more of a dark comedy dealing with such serious matters as attempted suicide and assault, which may be triggering to some people. The irreverent handling of the suicide attempt may particularly offend some people.   

The show does a good job of depicting what it's like growing up and trying to navigate friendships while immersed in the self-centeredness of being a teen. It is at times funny, but often kind of heartbreaking. Throughout much of the show, it's hard to know what to think or feel because of the unreliable narration of the main character; however, the ending is surprisingly touching.

And that's our view.  Likewise was part of 59E59's East to Edinburgh Festival and will soon be heading to the festival. For more information or to purchase tickets to see it there, visit 

www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/likewise

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Any and all pictures in this post are our own.  Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

More Theater Monday - The Potluck

We were given complimentary tickets to The Potluck for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own 

What: The Potluck 

Where: Playwright's Horizons

             416 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 17 and Up Due to Subject Matter

When: Through August 2, 2026

If you are looking for a light, happy musical, The Potluck is definitely not it. Rather, this heavy-hearted musical deals with the tragedy of the Greensboro Massacre. This perhaps little-known horrific event occurred when five labor organizers engaging in a protest against the KKK were murdered by members of the Klan and the American Nazi Party in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1979. 

This incident has been part of the playwright-composer, Cesar James Alvarez's, history his whole life. Not only were his parents part of the movement, although they were not there on the date of the occurrence, but he was, in fact, named after one of the victims. This show is his way of both reckoning with the tragedy and honoring the victims. 

The show is like an elegy, maintaining its heavy somber tone throughout, except for maybe a moment or two of humor here and there just to break up all the heaviness. The songs reflect this mood as well. There are no fun and catchy tunes that will stick in your head. Rather, the songs are kind of an elegiac poetry. They are haunting and mournful.

This is not an easy show to sit through and may, in fact, be triggering for some people. However, the story is extremely relevant. With the current state of the world, it is not inconcievable that something like this can happen again. That's why we must remember and face what happpened when it would be easier and less painful to look away.

And that's our view. For more about The Potluck or to purchase tickets, visit www.sohorep.org/shows/the-potluck

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All The Potluck production photos by Juileta Cervantes

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.

More Theater Monday - This is Not Hansel & Gretel

We received a complimentary ticket to This is Not Hansel & Gretel for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: This is Not Hansel & Gretel

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 18+

When: July 10, July 11, July 15

Contrary to the title, this is actually Hansel & Gretel or a version of it that is more for adults than children. However, here you are not just thrown into the story. Instead, the playwright, storyteller, and solo performer Christian Hege meticulously sets up the story by exploring the time period and backstory. This makes the ensuing events make a bit more sense. Although it doesn't make the stepmother's actions any less heinous, it does elicit at least a smidgen of empathy for her, which is not the case with the original story at all. The witch's character, on the other hand, is entirely reframed; to say more would be a spoiler. 

Hege doesn't completely immerse himself in each character as some storytellers do. He is better at portraying some than others. For instance, he is particularly good at portraying the children. However, his gentle tone and deep focus keep the audience mesmerized and engaged throughout the show, even though most people are already familiar with the basic premise. 

And that's our view. The remaining performance of This is Not Hansel & Gretel at 59E59 Theatres is sold out, but for more about the show, which is part of 59E59's East to Edinburgh Festival and will soon be heading to said festival, or to purchase tickets to see it there, visit www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/this-is-not-hansel-and-gretel

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Any and all pictures used in this post are our own.  Any concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.

More Theater Monday - That Math Show

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

What: That Math Show

Where: Theater 555

             555 W. 42nd St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 8 and Up

When: Through August 16, 2026

Although the very title, That Math Show may strike dread in many a heart, this is exactly what this show is meant to combat. It's all about making math more accessible and, therefore, perhaps more enjoyable.  Performer and math-e-magician Arthur Benjamin has such an infectious joy and enthusiasm for his subject that even the most ardent math hater can't help getting at least a little bit swept up in it.

 In fact, the title math-e-magician is somewhat misleading. This show is not about performing amazing magic tricks to ooh and aah over and wonder how they are done. It's about sharing tricks anyone can use to make math easier. 

True, no matter how fun this show is, it won't make everyone instantly love math. However, it's not necessarily about that. It's about making math a little bit more accessible and a little less scary, and it does that exceedingly well. 

And that's our view. For more about That Math Show or to purchase tickets, visit www.thatmathshow.com.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All That Math Show production photos by Russ Rowland

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.

More Theater Monday - Youth in Flames

We were given complimentary tickets to Youth in Flames for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Youth in Flames

Where: 59E59 Theatres

              59 E. 59 St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up

When: Through June 28, 2026

Youth in Flames is Mimi Martin's one-woman show loosely based on her own story about a teenage expat living in Hong Kong who is drawn into the 2019 regime protests by a classmate. Ms. Martin is a very passionate performer. Her subject matter of people fighting for their right to be free and independent is close to her heart, as revealed in a brief statement following the performance. 

However,  playing a variety of different characters doesn't seem to be Ms. Martin's strong suit. She does a good job as Millie, the main character of the piece. However, neither her voice nor mannerisms change when she is playing other characters, so there is no differentiation between them. This is one reason it's sometimes hard to get invested in or keep track of the story. Even though the whole show is only about an hour long, it feels even longer.

And that's our view. For more about Youth in Flames or to purchase tickets, visit www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/youth-in-flames

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Youth in Flames production photos by Beckett Guimares-Tolley

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.