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.
These recommendations highlight plays which may not be on your radar, often from new writers or new companies. Whenever possible, there are links to previous productions and reviews, to give background to her choices. These are made with no commercial interest, as a service to both audiences and the productions.
Previous Speaking of Theatre Newsletters
In the Time of Corona | March 26, 2021 Dear theatre friend, A theatre company out of Brooklyn, aptly named Via Brooklyn, will be streaming "Testament," first seen at London's Vaults in 2017. This update of three biblical stories, by British writer, Tristan Bernays, begins tonight at 7pm on YouTube; you can purchase a ticket for performances until April 24th. In the mood for a… Read More
In the Time of Corona | March 15, 2021 Dear theatre friend, Greetings on the Ides of March! How about watching "Julius Caesar," with Marlon Brando, to honor the day? Another, to keep that Roman spirit alive, is "Coriolanus," on The National Theatre at Home site. While there, please take a look at Nina Raine's "Consent"-- with Ben Chaplin, among a terrific cast. Here's the Guardian's four star review.… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | March 8, 2021 Dear theatre friends,Yes, Spring arrives this month-- vaccines are abloom, but not in-person plays, yet! In the meantime, here are some suggestions for more at-home entertainment.Very last minute-- Food for Thought Productions double bill-- one acts by Tennessee Williams and Chris Durang. Live at 2pm today.Beginning Wednesday, "Final Boarding Call," from WP and Ma-Yi Theater Companies-- a female-heavy… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | February 27, 2021 Dear theatre friends,Just a few days ago, I implored you to join New York Theatre Workshop in order to view Geoff Sobelle's extraordinary (and Best of Edinburgh Award-winner) "The Object Lesson." Here's another reason to do so--- 25 Years of "Rent," a celebration of this "little" musical which began at NYTW, then transferred to Broadway for over a… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | February 24, 2021 Dear theatre friends,Are a member of New York Theatre Workshop? Now, you must join-- for the reasonable sum of $20 a month, or more if you can. Why, you ask? Because becoming a member entitles you to see "The Object Lesson," reviewed here by Ben Brantley. He agreed with me-- Geoff Sobelle's unique presentation must be experienced. In fact, when it appeared… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | February 18, 2021 Dear theatre friends,What are you doing at 7pm tonight? You can see Euripides' "The Madness of Hercules" by the wonderful Theater of War Productions. Sorry for the short notice!Another last minute gem-- only until tomorrow evening, two time Olivier Award-winning Janie Dee is performing a monologue, "All On Her Own," by Terence Rattigan. Here's a review of this online only… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | February 10, 2021 Dear theatre friends, Until next Tuesday, the 16th, you can buy discounted tickets for a new Peter Barnes play. If you recall his wonderfully reviewed "The Ruling Class," you may want to see "Barnes' People" starring Jemma Redgrave, beginning on February 18th.Do you check out PBS Great Performances for plays as well as musical events? Right now, you can see "Gloria:… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | February 3, 2021 Dear theatre friends, If you, too, are snowbound, here are a few diversionary plays:From the ever-inventive company, Kneehigh, comes "The Neon Shadow." It's been described as a love story in isolation. Co-produced, written and performed by Tom Jackson Greaves, this short digital piece is inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen's lesser known tales.You can also view "Good… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | January 23, 2021 Dear theatre friends, What are you doing today at 3pm? May I suggest you buy a ticket for "Overflow" from the Bush Theatre in London? It's written by Travis Alabanza, who also wrote the wonderfully received "Burgerz," which I saw at the Edinburgh Festival (and shortlisted for my Award.) Travis has a unique, compassionate voice, as described in this four… Read More
Theatre in the Time of Corona | January 16, 2021 Dear theatre friends, Finally, something exciting to share! Tonight, at 7pm, you can see the always exciting Marin Ireland in "Blue Ridge" by Abby Rosebrock. I completely agree with Brantley's New York Times' review-- Marin's performance is unforgettable. If you're otherwise engaged tonight, you can see the play on demand until the 19th.You don't need me to tell you… Read More