Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV Reviews

Finding Neverland  tells the story of J.M. Barrie , the Scottish playwright who wrote the beloved play, Peter Pan . Like the movie upon which the musical is based, this is the story of a man rediscovering his imagination. How disappointing, then, that the production would come off as dull and unimaginative. What makes it even more disappointing is that the show is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus  ( Hair , Pippin ), who is usually so sensitive, creative and curious. There are some elements that seem Paulus-esque. Throughout, the actors move and lift one another around the stage to give the appearance of flight. At first, I wondered why the actors weren't simply on wires, but then I realized that Paulus is asking the audience to use its imagination, just as Barrie implores the sullen Peter to do when they meet in the park. (More on the specific plot points in a moment.) Similarly, rather than go for broke with highfalutin visual effects, Paulus and her creative team o...

All About Hamilton Hamilton is a few weeks into previews (it opens February 17; look for my review), and just as the musical delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton, The New Yorker 's Rebecca Mead dove into the life of the show's composer and star, Lin-Manuel Miranda ( In the Heights , tick, tick...BOOM! ). In addition, Miranda and some of his co-stars, Daveed Diggs , Christopher Jackson and Leslie Odom, Jr. chatted with The New York Times about "rapping the revolution." What's more: The musical's run has once again been extended. The show will now run through May 3, although Brian d'Arcy James , who is hilarious as King George, will play his final performance with Hamilton on March 1. He will head straight into rehearsals for Something Rotten , which begins previews on Broadway March 23. Broadway.com has more, and you can visit publictheater.org to order tickets for Hamilton . New Productions Coming to Broadway The 2015-2016 Broadway ...

It's All About the Hamilton Cast, Baby Full casting—and an extension—has been announced for the premiere of Hamilton , the new Lin-Manuel Miranda musical based on the life of the American political figure. (Official credits cite an inspiration by the Ron Chernow book, Alexander Hamilton .) Joining Miranda ( In the Heights , tick, tick...BOOM! ) in the Public Theater production are Leslie Odom, Jr. , ( tick, tick...BOOM! , Leap of Faith ); Brian d'Arcy James ( Next to Normal , Time Stands Still ); Renee Elise Goldsberry ( Good People ); Christopher Jackson ( Holler If Ya Hear Me , Freestyle Love Supreme member, alongside Miranda); and Ariana DeBose (Miranda's Bring It On ), among others. Hamilton begins previews on January 20, 2015, and, with the extension, will continue through March 22. Opening night is set for February 17. Broadwayworld.com has the full cast list, and visit the Public's website to purchase tickets (now, before they sell out again). Fi...

Foo Fighters' Sonic Highways The rock band's eighth album has a release date and album artwork. Sonic Highways will be released worldwide on November 10 . The release coincides with the band's 20th anniversary. You'll recall that this album was written and recorded differently from the other studio albums. The band traveled the US, talking with local musicians and discussing the local music scene in each city. The artwork, above, reflects the journey and the way music connects us all and stays with us forever. Visit foofighters.com for a preview, to view the track list and to pre-order your copy. And don't forget to tune into HBO beginning October 17 for the accompanying docu-series, also titled Sonic Highways . Trading Theatres The upcoming Broadway productions of Love Letters and Honeymoon in Vegas are switching theatres. Love Letters , the A.R. Gurney play that boasts a rotating roster of stars (including Carol Burnett and Martin Sheen ), will now ...

An American in Paris World Premiere We've known for several months that a full stage adaptation of the beloved movie musical, directed  by the great Christopher Wheeldon ( Cinderella , Carousel (A Dance) ), was on its way, premiering in Paris and then coming to Broadway in spring 2015. This week, dates for the world premiere Paris bow at the Theatre du Chatelet were announced (November 11, 2014–January 4, 2015), and it was officially announced that New York City Ballet principal dancer Robert Fairchild will star as Jerry Mulligan, taking on the role made famous by Gene Kelly!!! (Robbie has excelled in Wheeldon ballets, particularly in the recent A Place for Us .) He'll be joined by Leanne Cope as Lise. An American in Paris is a trunk musical featuring some of the Gershwin brothers' greatest tunes. Theatre veteran Craig Lucas is writing the book and Encores! stalwart Rob Fisher is serving as musical director and arranger. Recent Tony winner Natasha Katz is on ...