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

President Barack Obama Re-Elected Ladies and gentlemen, the election is behind us and we have a winner: the American people. Not only did Americans vote President Obama into a second term , they also voted several women into office (including Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the first openly gay women elected to the Senate.) Three states voted for marriage equality (MD, ME and WA), with one, Minnesota, voting against a ban on marriage equality, and two states voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use while one, Massachusetts, voted for medical marijuana. It's all a terrific outcome, in my opinion, and in these last few days since the election I've been thankful for the right to have my voice heard in this Republic. Visit my Tumblr   and Playbill for other Election Day reactions. (On a related note: Vice President Joe Biden will make a cameo on the November 15th episode of Parks and Recreation . Rolling Stone has details. Rolling Stone also ...

There wasn't a lot of entertainment news this week in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. If you can, consider assisting in the Hurricane Relief effort. Check in with New York Cares to find out how you can volunteer and help out. You can also make a donation in support of relief efforts; donate through the URJ's Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund [the URJ is a non-profit organization that will make sure your donation goes to those on the ground, not overhead costs] or the Red Cross . Storm-related Updates: Bruce Springsteen and friends, including Bon Jovi and Billy Joel , will perform at a benefit concert in support of the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The concert will take place and be broadcast live on NBC, HBO and other networks tonight (November 2). The event will be hosted by Matt Lauer. Rolling Stone has details. Dead Accounts , the new Theresa Rebeck play starring Norbert Leo Butz and Katie Holmes , will begin previews on November 5, two days later than originall...

Golden Globe Update Ricky Gervais had a nice run, but this year, funny ladies Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host the Golden Globes! The SNL alumnae proved a potent pair when they co-anchored Weekend Update on the late night sketch show, and I'm confident they'll bring the funny to the award season staple. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (that is, the folks who organize, vote on and decide the awards) said in a statement , "The HFPA is thrilled to have the magnetic duo be a part of the show's 70th anniversary!" So are viewers! The Golden Globe Awards will be handed out on January 13, 2013. The broadcast will air on NBC. Reactions to the announcement: Vulture listed 17 things Fey and Poehler should also be in charge of The Hollywood Reporter pits Fey and Poehler against Oscar host Seth MacFarlane in an award show host showdown. (For the record, I wish reports about MacFarlane and his audience would stop saying women are not part of his audienc...

Top 50 Showrunners This week, The Hollywood Reporter released its list of the top 50 showrunners. (Showrunners are often, but not always, the creators of shows, and often the head writer and sometimes the chief director.) With separate lists for comedy series and drama series , the list is full of some of the most creative forces working in television today. (Check the main page for bonus video footage.) In candid interviews, the showrunners reveal secrets of their show(s) and let us into their creative processes, both past and present. Check it out to hear from Girls ' Lena Dunham , Veep 's Armando Ianucci , The Newsroom 's Aaron Sorkin , Family Guy 's Team Seth MacFarlane and more! 2012-2013 Theatre Season Update Tom Hanks will make his Broadway debut when the late Nora Ephron 's last play, Lucky Guy , bows on Broadway next spring. Lucky Guy begins previews on March 1, 2013, in advance of an April 1 opening, and will conclude the strictly limit...

Emmy Prep The Emmy Awards will be handed out this Sunday night! (Don't remember who or what shows are nominated? Here's a reminder .) This past Saturday, however, the Creative Arts Emmys were handed out. Creative Arts Emmys cover categories like casting, design elements, camera work and other non-performance areas. The Emmys website has the full list of winners , including Downton Abbey 's hairstylist, Anne "Nosh" Oldham; the Adam Schlesinger-David Javerbaum 2011 Tony tune , "It's Not Just for Gays Anymore"; and the writing staff of The Daily Show . Tune in this Sunday night to the primetime Emmy Awards. Host Jimmy Kimmel will start the fun at 8pm EDT on ABC. Visit emmys.com for details. And now, some Emmy prep: EW looks back at the 17 greatest Emmy moments HitFlix makes its predictions for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Comedy and Drama E! Online weighs in with its choices The Hollywood Reporter's TV critic makes his Emmy picks ...

Election Update The Democratic National Convention is now under our belts, and what a rousing convention it was. And enthusiasm for our most prized civic duty (voting) has spread to the boards, where Keenan-Bolger siblings Celia ( Peter and the Starcatcher ) and Andrew ( Newsies ) have founded Broadway for Obama, which is exactly what it sounds like. Learn more on the Facebook page . And now, find several highlights from the week (in chronological order): Newark mayor Cory Booker delivers the party platform speech. Governor Deval Patrick (Massachusetts) criticizes Mitt Romney and touts President Obama's record . Julian Castro , mayor of San Antonio, delivers the keynote address , marking the first time a Latino has done so. (Hmmm. A charismatic Latino mayor from Texas shoots to fame in the Democratic party. Life imitating art - Matt Santos anyone?) First Lady Michelle Obama nails it as she gives one of the most incredible speeches in recent memory .  Foo Fighters roc...