Dear theatre friends,
Yes, it’s officially the holiday season! Many theatres are concentrating on the very necessary job of fundraising or producing fare suitable for a frivolous time of year.
Here are a few plays to get you through:
“Oklahoma Samovar” will be at LaMama Downstairs for a sadly short run. It sounds delicious– in 1887, two Latvian teenagers excape the Russian Army– the only Jews in the Oklahoma Land Run. A century later, descendants try to discover family secrets. It’s based on the playrwight, Alice Eve Cohen’s ancestors.
Another fascinating subject is that of Meg Crane, the woman who invented the first home pregnancy test, told in “Predictor” by Jennifer Blackmer, at the new AMT Theatre.
Needless to say, she had a very hard time bringing the test to market.
For years to come, theatergoers will be talking about the extraordinary performances of Lesley Manville and Mark Strong in “Oedipus”. It is finishing its run this month at Studio 54. Don’t let this modern adaptation by Robert Icke pass you by.
Many might not remember the premiere of Tracy Letts’ “Bug” some twenty years ago. I can’t forget Michael Shannon’s deeply creepy, itchy performance. Here’s the New York Times review from 2004. This month, the revival will star Mr. Letts’ wife, the terrific Carrie Coons.
Dixon Place is presenting a new family drama, “Interstate” by Amina Henry. It’s about a mother who takes her long-grown children on a long postponed road-trip to the Grand Canyon. An ensemble cast will be at work.
If you understandably might crave a little levity these days– here are two to look at:
“All Out: Comedy About Ambition” will feature a rotating cast of well known comics such as Mike Birbiglia, Sarah Silverman. It’s written by Simon Rich and directed by Alex Timbers.
“Sam Jay” We the People” won as Best Comedy Show at Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe. Her
performance and multi-award winning writing will be Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow this month.
More to come in 2026. Happy New Year!
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.