New writing abounds in New York this month — from some outstanding, new playwrights:
I’m excited to be seeing “Actually” by Anna Ziegler, who wrote the hugely intelligent “Photograph 51.” It’s at City Center Two,by Manhattan Theater Club.
“Twentieth Century Blues” by two-time Obie and Susan Smith Blackburn Winner, Susan Miller, is at Signature with the terrific Polly Draper in a cast of three. Do read this review from the D.C. production, where Miller is compared to the wonderfully witty and much missed Wendy Wasserstein.
Atlantic Theater Company has two which promise to transport you to Russia and Nigeria, respectively: “Describe the Night” by Rajiv Joseph, is on at their main stage and “The Homecoming Queen” by Ngozi Anyanwu, on their slightly southern sister, Stage Two.
I’m looking forward to “A Deal,” a world premiere by Zhu Yi at Urban Stages, after its successful workshop at Ensemble Studio Theater last Spring. You may want to read about this insightful, new playwright, born in China and educated in Oslo and New York.
For those of you who missed Sarah DeLappe’s multi-award winning, debut play, “The Wolves” when it was originally produced by Playwrights Realm — you have another chance at Lincoln Center, where it will again be directed by Lila Neugebauer.
If the subject of future non-human companionship intrigues you, too, see Zoe Kazan’s “After the Blast” at Claire Tow. I’ve been away so missed it’s opening, already reviewed here.
I’ll be heading to Brooklyn for the New York premiere of “The Fountainhead” at B.A.M., part of their Next Wave Festival. Based on Ayn Rand’s iconic book, Ivo van Hove’s radical reinvention sounds marvelous in this review from its Avignon Festival Production.
For Mark Rylance fans, or actually anyone — don’t miss “Faranelli and the King,” which begins next month. It is written by Clare van Kampen (Mrs. Mark Rylance, you know!) and comes from London with stellar reviews.
Enough for now — the holidays approach and you may have a few other plans. However, I trust I’ll be seeing some of you — at the theatre!
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.