
Pepper Slit’s Outlandish Charm Wears Thin
Former SNL cast member Chloe Troast’s Sondheim-inspired show doesn’t quite have enough zing.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

Ms. Gardner has written about theater and music for The New York Times, The Village Voice, Town and Country, Time Out New York, Entertainment Weekly and other publications. She is a board member of the Drama Desk and has served on the jury for the Pulitzer Prize for drama twice, most recently as chair.

Former SNL cast member Chloe Troast’s Sondheim-inspired show doesn’t quite have enough zing.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

On the evidence of her show, Cat Cohen is an overeager influencer who has seemingly determined that a cabaret-style live act could boost her profile.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

Bubba Weiler’s new play reinforces the Christian idea that human beings are flawed and in pursuit of grace.
By ELYSA GARDNER
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Despite valiant efforts from husband-and-wife stars Debra Winger and Arliss Howard, a 1978 Pulitzer Prize–winning drama is showing signs of rust.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

Comedian Bryan Safi addresses pop culture and people-pleasing in a funny, sharp and zany show.
By ELYSA GARDNER
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Benedict Lombe’s London transfer presents the joy and pain of young love at the Cherry Lane Theater.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

The monologues that earned Whoopi Goldberg wild acclaim and launched a multi-decade career are revived to successful effect.
By ELYSA GARDNER
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Jennifer Nettles acts with emotional authority in her new musical that seems destined for Broadway.
By ELYSA GARDNER
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What makes this musical adaptation of the 1999 film so refreshing is that it is neither a romantic fantasy nor a sermon on female autonomy.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

It’s difficult to recall a recent play that was as fair-minded in tackling the subject of the Middle East, or what it means to be a Jew today.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

Cillian Murphy acted in a previous production of this powerful one-man show, and Daniel Marconi shares his ability to project sensitivity and danger.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture

Nashville-set show benefits from a more infectious and endearing score than most recent jukebox musicals.
By ELYSA GARDNER
||Culture