theater

'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.

3 Reasons a Theater Degree is Important

We need a new and more effective way of talking about the value and power of a degree in the performing arts. Here are three reasons why a degree in theater is important.

‘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.

'Southern Discomfort' Showcases a Gallery of Eccentrics

Elisabeth Gray’s undeniably appealing solo show “Southern Discomfort” has yet to discover what it is that makes it stand out from every other actor-generated one-person piece.

5 Acting Tips from 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike's' Billy Magnussen

Magnussen chatted with Backstage about his worst audition, his fitness regime, and how to get the roles you want.

Flimsy ‘Lucky Guy’ Relies on Hanks for Heft

Tom Hanks makes his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron’s “Lucky Guy,” a breezy but thin account of the life and career of columnist Mike McAlary, displaying potent theatrical technique.

'Mad Forest' Proves Denser and Madder Than Ever

Open Fist delivers a solid production of Caryl Churchill’s 1996 play “Mad Forest,” a fascinating look at Romania’s 1989 revolution, thanks to Marya Mazor’s terrific direction.

'Orange Flower Water' Is Inadequately Realized

The Creative Collection’s production of Craig Wright’s “Orange Flower Water,” which depicts the shattering effect of adultery on families, is diminished by a few weak performances.

Harold Prince to Be Honored by American Theatre Wing

Producer-director Prince, who has received 21 Tony Awards over the course of his career, will be feted Sept. 16 at the American Theatre Wing's gala.

‘Pippin’ Director Diane Paulus Looks for Collaborative Actors

Diane Paulus, the artistic director of the American Repertory Theater and director of the Broadway revival of “Pippin,” shares what she looks for in actors.