Friday 5: Favorite Off-Broadway Theaters - The Stand Alones

Favorite Off-Broadway Theaters

(The Stand Alones)

We spend most of our New York theater budget on Broadway, but that doesn't mean we don't love off-Broadway, too! We've seen some great shows in some of the coolest, quirkiest spaces, as well as some smaller but traditional spaces, too. Here are but 5 of our favorites that stand alone on the TheatreScene:

The Lucille Lortel Theatre

This historic venue has been producing a wide range of plays and musicals since the 1950s. Any and every up and coming playwright has has work produced here, many by the theater's namesake. Today, the late Ms. Lortel's legacy continues with the annual awards named for her that honor the best of off-Broadway each season. I like the intimate seating here and the terrific sound overall. A couple of years ago, the venue played host to a little play called Oh, Mary! by a fresh upstart named Cole Escola. I personally have enjoyed several productions there, including Alice Ripley, Jay Armstrong Johnson and Gideon Glick in Wild Animals You Should Know, Jonathan Groff and Eddie Kaye Thomas in The Submission, and Carrie with Marin Mazzie, Molly Ranson and Carmen Cusak. I'm especially fond of the old-school marquee, which just adds to its downtown charm.

The New Victory Theatre

For years, this next door neighbor to Broadway's Lyric Theatre on 42nd Street, was shrouded under scaffolding and tarps, but it was worth the wait. This charming little theater is grand in all the very best ways. Ornate and tall, the levels of seating with boxes rival that of many an uptown theater. We've only been inside once, to see a holiday favorite, the stage version of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, starring Colin Trudell (The Lost Boys). Granted we saw it during the return from the pandemic with empty seats surrounding us, but it was extremely comfortable, the sound and the view was terrific. I kept think this is the perfect place to introduce live theater to younger children, and ideal for teaching appropriate theater etiquette in formal, if kids-sized, setting.

Stage 42/The Little Shubert Theatre

Here's another Theatre that I've only been to once (so far), but it made a big impression. When we saw Lucky Guy: The Musical starring Kyle Dean Massey, Leslie Jordan and Varla Jean Merman, I was struck by how polished this place was - a mini Broadway house, really - with a beautiful lobby and a comfortably cozy/remarkably spacious seating area. Then it was called The Little Shubert Theatre, but now goes by Stage 42, and anchors Theatre Row.

New World Stages

This multi-stage venue is the off-Broadway spot I've been to the most over the years, and in that time I've been in each of the 5 spaces at least once. I love everything about this space. Each theater, though each slightly different, offers great seating, with good views just about everywhere in the house and plenty of leg room. But, and especially, when there are shows at every stage happening concurrently I really appreciate the spacious common area in all its industrial minimalist splendor. There is room for everyone and the staff keeps things moving and organized. Among the shows I've enjoyed there include the off-Broadway run of Avenue Q, Puffs, Mimi Le Duck, Rent, Bare, Evil Dead:The Musical, and both the original and current revival of Heathers. Talk about variety!

Westside Theatre

Here is another charming and storied theater. Built in the late 19th century as a German Baptist Church, then later repurposed as a night club, the venue as we know it today became a two theater space in the early 1970s. I've only been in the upstairs (larger theater) and it is a great space, with terrific views and leg room galore. There we saw the current long-running Little Shop of Horrors just prior to the shut down with Jonathan Groff, Christian Borle, and a young actress named Joy Woods as one of the urchins. I loved the unique lobby space and quirky, original stairwells in and out of the place.

In a couple of weeks, we will be sharing a Friday 5 Favorite Off-Broadway Institutional Theaters.

Broadway Games: The Stars of the 2026-2027 Season

The 2026-2027 theater season is starting to really heat up, and today's game is all about the stars of those shows!

Broadway Games:

The Stars of the 2026-2027 Season

DIRECTIONS: Name the actor and their 26-27 show based on the given description. Good luck!

1. She starred in the Broadway musical version of 9 to 5, in the role made famous in the film by Tony winner Lily Tomlin.

2. She made her Broadway debut a couple of years ago as one of the title characters in a Shakespearean tragedy.

3. She starred as Penny Lane in Almost Famous, and did a stint as Satine in Moulin Rouge!

4. She's getting ready to co-star in a Jamie Lloyd revival on Broadway, but she's probably best known to US audiences for her roles in the Marvel Universe films and the Mission: Impossible franchise. (I loved her as Nick's aunt in Heartstopper.)

5. She won a Tony Award for her role in The King and I.

6. He was in the revival of Boeing Boeing several years ago, but is probably best known for his roles on TV's The West Wing and The Handmaid's Tale.

7. He last appeared on Broadway in Mr. Saturday Night.

8. He may just be a Jamie Lloyd muse, after proving himself as both Artie and Joe Gillis in Sunset Blvd., and now again in a role he originated in the West End.

9. He's a popular Tony Awards host and a gender-bending Tony Award winner.

10. A three-time Tony nominee, he hasn't been on Broadway since he starred in Leap of Faith.

Broadway 3-peats: Jordan Donica

Today, we bring you our latest in our 3-peat series, albeit with a bit of a cheat. We loved this actor three performances in a row, all three in revivals of musicals. The first two were classics presented by Lincoln Center, the third was a red hot revival from the Encores! series at City Center, so technically, not Broadway. I think we can let it slide, especially given how Jordan Donica's star is on the rise in a major way. Fans of HBO's The Gilded Age love him as the accomplished doctor in love with another Broadway baby, Denee Benton. In fact, in the upcoming 4th season, he's been promoted to a series regular! And international theater lovers are excited by his current turn as the title character in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End.

Broadway 3-peats:

Jordan Donica

Role #1: Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (2018)

I will admit that at first blush, the only thing I really loved about this lavish musical revival was Lauren Ambrose as Eliza Doolittle. But I also remember being struck by the tall and beautifully handsome young man playing Freddy Eynsord-Hill, Eliza's would be suitor. That, of course, was Mr. Donica, who was dashing every single time he was onstage. The kind of actor your eye is drawn to naturally, even when he's not the focus, he exuded that "I'm going to be a big star soon" energy. While the day, we saw him he struggled a bit with the higher notes of "On the Street Where You Live," his impression was a great one.

Role #2: Lancelot Du Lac in Camelot (2023)

With this show, the actor was two for two in being a highlight in an otherwise lacking production. On the cavernous (and shockingly bare) Vivian Beaumont stage, it was impressive that his presence was so large - others in the cast got swallowed whole. Of this performance, we wrote, "With the central trio, we are watching a living chess game. The knight, Lancelot, is played with humorous pomposity and staggering chivalry by Jordan Donica. His 'If Ever I Would Leave You' is a true highlight of the entire Broadway season." Apparently, I wasn't alone in my assessment: he was honored with a 2023 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. I suspect that in the coming years, there will be more nominations and, perhaps, a win.

Role #3: Burrs in The Wild Party (2026)

Heretofore, this suave leading man has been the romantic interest, but the brilliant revival of LaChiusa's complex, hard-partying jazz age musical has him playing an entirely different leading role. Of this breathtaking performance we wrote: "This production has found the perfect pair in Jasmine Amy Rogers and Jordan Donica. Their palpable chemistry is all the more mesmerizing as they spar and abuse each other to the point of mutual destruction. Donica is violent and vicious as described, and downright scary as he writhes and seethes, literally spitting out his anger... for my money, they are giving the leading performances of the season." I stand by that assessment. He was marvelous.

I'll bet the next time we see Donica, I'll have to call him a "4-peat." 

Broadway Games: Name That 90s Show!

 I still can't believe that the 90s were three decades ago! Time sure flies, doesn't it? How much do you know about the Broadway musicals of the 1990s? Maybe a few pictures will help! Good luck!

Broadway Games:

Name That 90s Show!

DIRECTIONS: Take a close look at each show photo and name that 90s Broadway musical! (Tap the pics to enlarge. The Bonus is an extra tough one!)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Bonus:

STOP SCROLLING!

(Unless you are ready for the answers...)

1. City of Angels

2. Jekyll and Hyde

3. Blood Brothers

4. The Goodbye Girl

5. Smokey Joe's Cafe

Bonus: Steel Pier

Off-Broadway Cast Recording Review: Heated Rivalry

 Off-Broadway Cast Recording Review:

Heated Rivalry:

The Unauthorized Musical Parody

I was on the fence about whether or not I should even listen to this cast recording before seeing the show. Could I wait over a month to listen to the whole thing? Would listening to it spoil any of the surprises of the hit off-Broadway musical Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody? Well, I kinda already spoiled it by listening to the infectious "Gym Song" dozens of times since the music video for it came out. I love it! So, why not listen to the rest of it? After all, I'm sure there are plenty of surprises in the book scenes.

As it turns out, I'm glad I listened to this fun cast recording ahead of seeing the show. Dylan MarcAurele's rapid fire lyrics are laugh out loud funny, so funny that at times I missed some of it because I was laughing. And the infectious tunes also by MarcAurele are serious bops, every one. Like all good parodies, this one skewers its source material while treating it with respect and - in this case - heartfelt love. I suspect anyone who sees this show won't appreciate all of it if they aren't familiar with the TV series. That said, there are enough sports (not just hockey) references and sec jokes to give even novices belly laughs. (I wouldn't necessarily play this where younger ears may hear it...)

Another smart thing about this score - and I'll assume the book is similarly smart - is that it cleverly sets up the conceit of the musical versus the novel versus the series in the opening number, "What We Want," also reprised as the finale. I won't spoil it for those of you haven't seen it yet, but I will say it really shows how aware the whole team is of its impact on culture. I love that the song pays tribute to both its Canadian roots and the woman that started it all, author Rachel Reid.

As far as the recording goes, the sound is impressive, with the music coming across as full-bodied and cleverly orchestrated. Vocally, it is also striking. Often, it struck me as remarkable that all of that was coming from just six voices! Most of the company plays several characters, and the recording has me excited to see how they play the characters as uniquely as their voices do. Ryann Redmond, who I've loved since I first saw her in Bring It On: The Musical, is a riot, and uses her impressive voice to give legitimate bona fides to each song she sings, especially "You're a Gay Guy." That song, like nearly all the others, encapsulates the idea that while it is outrageous fun, and really kinda dirty, it also has a sincerity and warmth that makes it all work so well. Cherry Torres and Ryan Duncan are similarly gifted with comic chops and versatility. Duncan is particularly funny as the counterpoint in "Gym Song."

Like the show and novel, the musical centers around Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, and the recording really shows how great the casting is/was, with star turns by both Jay Armstrong Johnson and Jimin Moon, respectively. (Though Moon is no longer with the show, I'm sure his replacement, Troy Iwata, will be terrific.) 

The score, at least, if not the book, relies heavily on Shane Hollander's story, and as such he carries the heavier burden here. His sincerity and wide-eyed wonder at all of his self-discoveries comes across easily in Moon's interpretations. That's not meant to imply that the character, actor or songs are overwrought, but rather that he makes oblivious observations - dick jokes and double entendre are the point here - and the delivery is priceless. "I Can Host" gives him a terrific 11 o'clock number. 

Johnson does a spot-on Russian accent that is both realistic and the height of parody. His big number, "Big Ass, Cold Heart," manages to be both hysterical and touching. And when he utters the famous line, "I'm coming to the cottage," I have to believe he stops the show cold.

At just about 35-40 minutes, the cast recording proves to be smart enough not to wear out its welcome, but is also easy to listen to multiple times. I'm glad I chose to hear this ahead of seeing it, as I can now watch the show with the ease of not having to concentrate so hard on the words that I miss some of the action and what will surely be equally clever staging.

Here's to the rink, the Marriott gym and the cottage. Give this one a listen!

Grade: A

What Would You See on Broadway 50 Years Ago?

Fifty years ago, the U.S. was celebrating its bicentennial. Times Square was a viper's nest of porn, prostitution and crime. The lights were bright, but dirty. Broadway was, as usual, "dying." Of course.

And yet, the theaters were open and serving a theater-going crowd the escape they craved. Inside those hallowed palaces was a refuge of elegance, glamour and vibrant art. Oases each and every one of them.

What might we have seen this week in 1976?

Broadway 

Time Machine:

What to See in September 1976

First-nighters had quite the week half a century ago! FIVE opening nights in a row!!

  

BROADHURST THEATRE:

Opening Night: September 21, 1976

A Texas Trilogy: Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander 

2 previews, 21 performances

Starring Diane Ladd and Everett McGill

Opening Night: September 22, 1976

A Texas Trilogy: The Last Meeting of the Knights of White Magnolia 

2 previews, 22 performances

Starring Fred Gwynne and Henderson Forscythe

Opening Night: September 23, 1976

A Texas Trilogy: The Oldest Living Graduate 

2 previews, 20 performances

Starring Fred Gwynne, Henderson Forscythe, Ralph Roberts and Patricia Roe

All three plays by Preston Jones and directed by Alan Schneider were performed in repertory.

EDISON THEATRE:

Opening Night: September 24, 1976

Oh! Calcutta!

5,959 performances

Until Chicago, this was the longest-running musical revival in Broadway history. 8 performers famously bared all in this musical revue that stuck around until 1989!

URIS THEATRE:

Opening Night: September 25, 1976

Porgy and Bess

5 previews, 122 performances

This production presented by the Houston Grand Opera was originally a limited run stop on a national tour. It went on to be nominated for 6 1977 Tony Awards, including for co-stars Larry Marshall and Clamma Dale, as well as director Jack O'Brien. It won for Most Innovative Production of a Revival.

BILTMORE THEATRE:

The Robber Bridegroom

12 previews, 145 performances

Fans of early previews had a chance to catch the first glimpse of eventual Best Actor in a Musical Tony winner Barry Bostwick.

Established hits to choose from included:

SHUBERT THEATRE: 

A Chorus Line 

Now in its 2nd smash year, the one singular sensation was the toughest, most coveted ticket in town.

ANTA PLAYHOUSE: 

Bubbling Brown Sugar 

A very popular musical revue of the African-American songbook.

46TH STREET THEATRE: 

Chicago 

The original production of the now classic Kander and Ebb was doing brisk business. The Bob Fosse helmed production started the legendary Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart, Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn, and Lenora Nemetz as Velma Kelly.

BOOTH THEATRE: 

for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf 

The original, ground-breaking play has just opened last week to considerable acclaim. Good luck getting a ticket!

ROYALE THEATRE: 

Grease 

The original Broadway production continued its record-breaking run - at this point, nearly the longest-running musical in Broadway history, a record it would set before finally closing in 1980. You may have seen Richard Gere, John Travolta, Marilu Henner and Judy Kaye!

BROADWAY THEATRE: 

Guys and Dolls 

This all-Black revival of the Frank Loesser classic was taking Broadway by storm with Tony nominees Robert Guillaume and Ernestine Jackson leading the cast as Nathan Detroit and Sarah Brown, respectively.

ST. JAMES THEATRE: 

My Fair Lady 

This 20th Anniversary production starred Christine Andreas as Eliza Doolittle, Ian Richardson as Henry Higgins, Robert Coote as Col. Pickering and Tony winner George Rose as Alfred P. Doolittle.

MAJESTIC THEATRE:

The Wiz

Ease on down the road - 44th Street, that is - to catch the newly crowned Tony Award Best Musical (and 6 more Tonys!) soulful retelling of The Wizard of Oz. 

Which shows would you have picked to see back in the day?