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

Rising in the Ranks at NYCB Several New York City Ballet  dancers were promoted just before the February 19 performance. Russell Janzen  was promoted to principal dancer. He joined the company in 2008, and was promoted to soloist just a couple years ago. In addition, seven corps de ballet members were promoted to soloists: Sara Adams , Harrison Ball , Emilie Gerrity , Joseph Gordon , Unity Phelan , Troy Schumacher , and Indiana Woodward . Merde to all the dancers! The NYCB winter season continues through this weekend, and the spring season begins in April.  The New York Times  has more about the promotions. Oscar Isaac–led Hamlet Confirmed You might recall that a production of Hamlet , starring Oscar Isaac ( Inside Llewyn Davis ) and directed by Tony winner Sam Gold ( Fun Home , John ), was supposed to play at Theater for a New Audience this year. Those plans fell through, and it was heavily rumored that the production would play at the Public. This ...

The Great Comet , Josh Groban Extend Josh Groban announced via a tweet that he is staying in Russia a little longer. The singer and actor is making his (impressive) Broadway debut in the the terrific new musical, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 , and will remain with the show through July 2, 2017. In a follow up tweet from the show's account , we learned that tickets are now on sale through Labor Day. No word on who will succeed Groban, though the current standby, Scott Stangland , played the role in the A.R.T. production, and went on last month when Groban was ill. Additionally, Groban will miss 10 performances this spring , and the show's creator and the original Pierre, Dave Malloy , will step into Pierre's salon, making his Broadway performing debut. Groban will be out and Malloy will be on May 4-9; May 16; June 13; June 20; and June 27. (By the way, in a menschy move, Groban committed to matching Colts owner Jim Irsay's $20,000 gift to BC/EFA . ...

The winners for the 66th annual Emmy Awards have been announced. Seth Meyers  was a funny and effective host, with entertaining bits peppered throughout. But before we get to the winners, let's talk fashion! Let's begin with the night's biggest trend: ladies in red. On top we have Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji dress that accentuates her curves. Stunning in the middle is perennial red carpet stand out, Julia Louis-Dreyfus , in Carolina Hererra. She looks glam yet comfortable, an uncommon combination. On the right is Games of Thrones ' beautiful  Sebel Kekilli . Below are three talented young ladies, beginning with  Claire Danes in Givenchy. Danes would be a Best Dressed nominee were it not for that monstrosity around her neck. In the center is (the should have been nominated) Mindy Kaling in a Kenzo dress. Kaling said on social media that this dress was custom made by the designer, and that Kenzo doesn't usually design gowns. Our final lady in red is M...