theater

'Passion’ Is Pretty Much Devoid of It

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s 1994 Tony Award–winning musical “Passion” suffers under John Doyle’s dry, overintellecutalized, slackly paced direction at Classic Stage Company.

'The Wonderful Wizard of Song' Salutes Composer Harold Arlen

“The Wonderful Wizard of Song” offers a brisk, affable, and professionally rendered survey of Harold Arlen’s work, but the iconic composer deserves greater emotional commitment.

'Suddenly Last Summer' Has Some Fine Acting Going On

Austin Pendleton directs and performs in Mississippi Mud Productions’ account of Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly Last Summer,” but the barebones presentation is an acting-class exercise.

Will 'Spider-Man' Injure More Actors?

A possible touring version of the Broadway musical resurrects safety questions.

NY Review: 'Independents'

"Independents," with a book by Marina Keegan, at the New York Fringe Festival, is a beautifully crafted musical about the doubts and fears of 20-somethings.

'A Crucible' Fails to Turn Miller Into Mayhem

Brian Bauman’s “A Crucible,” from Perfect Disgrace Theater, about what happens when a Catholic high school stages the Arthur Miller classic, wants to be edgy but is just dull.

‘Tartuffe Lab’ Riffs Electrifyingly on Molière

More examination of Molière than scripted event, California Repertory Company’s “Tartuffe Lab,” directed by Eberhard Koehler, is a rollicking, hugely original freeform grab bag.

Engaging 'On the Head of a Pin' Needs a Blue Pencil

Although Frank Winters’ new play of dark deeds in Iraq, “On the Head of a Pin,” at 59E59 Theaters, is protracted and unwieldy, it does indicate a promising if undisciplined talent.

Stars Are in Full Bloom This Spring on Broadway

From screen stars Tom Hanks and Alec Baldwin to stage stars Jeremy Shamos and Bobby Cannavale, there’s something for everyone as shows rush to open in April before the Tony Award eligibility cutoff date.

The Eyes of Others

Bulgarian author Ivan Dimitrov’s debut play, “The Eyes of Others,” at the New Ohio Theatre, is a thin and derivative absurdist comedy that features some first-rate performances.