Off-Broadway Review

'Futurology the Musical' Aspires to Flash and Sass but Doesn't Succeed

“Futurology the Musical,” from the Negro Ensemble Company and Paper to Pen Production, is done in by sloppy direction, deadly pacing, and perfunctory-at-best choreography.

‘Kafka’s Monkey’ Proves a Firecracker of an Evening

Theatre for a New Audience brings the Young Vic’s “Kafka’s Monkey” from London; Kathryn Hunter’s revelatory performance as an ape turned human is poignant, athletic, haunting, and funny.

'Buyer & Cellar' Is Inventive, Witty, and Pretty Wonderful

In Jonathan Tolins’ witty “Buyer & Cellar,” at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, an impish Michael Urie plays a struggling actor who gets an unusual job working for Barbra Streisand.

'Good With People' Makes a Virtue of Brevity

David Harrower’s “Good With People,” from Scotland’s Traverse Theatre Company, packs rich acting, taut direction, and even a bit of history into 55 minutes of riveting theater.

‘The Last Five Years’ Benefits From Its Author’s Insightful Direction

Jason Robert Brown has chosen to direct “The Last Five Years,” his 2002 two-person musical about a troubled first marriage, for Second Stage Theatre, and the result is enthralling.

‘F#%king Up Everything’ Is Tamer Than Its Title

David Eric Davis and Sam Forman’s rock musical “F#%king Up Everything” stays safely within the realm of musical comedy but offers exuberant songs and a vibrant young cast.

Alcoholic Comedy 'Happy Birthday' Goes Down Surprisingly Well

In the leading role of “Happy Birthday,” Anita Loos’ 1946 hit Broadway comedy created especially for Helen Hayes and being revived by TACT, Mary Bacon is completely captivating.

'It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman' Soars in Concert at Encores!

Encores! concert version of “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman,” featuring an irresistible Strouse and Adams score, is one of the company’s most entertaining shows to date.

'For Love' Is Sexy, Salty, and Sharp

In “For Love,” at the Irish Repertory Theatre, actor-playwright Laoisa Sexton chronicles the messy romantic lives of three Dublin women with raunchy wit and quirky details.

'The Drowning Girls' Takes Your Breath Away

With a capable cast and an evocative staging, Strange Sun Theater’s “The Drowning Girls” breathes vivid life and cheeky humor into the true story of the Brides in the Bath Murders.