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
October Openings | October 4, 2021 Dear theatre friend, With cautious optimism, I'm finally venturing into theatres to see plays the way they're meant to be seen. My first two purchases are for New York Theatre Workshop's "Sanctuary City," by Martyna Majok (Pulitzer Prize, "Cost of Living") and "Morning Sun" by the deservedly renowned playwright, Simon Stephens ("The Curious Incident of the Dog in the… Read More
At Home and On Stage | September 10, 2021 Dear theatre friend,Today is a day for me, and all New Yorkers, to reflect. Every day I've seen the same clear, vivid blue sky, makes my stomach clench. Was that the end of my innocence? Am I now necessarily far more wary? I hope never to feel as blindsided as I did twenty years ago.Perhaps… Read More
Summer, Still Streaming | August 25, 2021 Dear theatre friend, Summer's rapidly coming to a close, but before it does-- here's another nudge to see a terrific play, performed live from the Old Vic, Bristol, beginning today at 2:30, NY time. Don't miss-- only four performances!Perhaps you remember the film "Bagdad Cafe?" If not, you have a chance to see Emma Rice's… Read More
Summer, Still Streaming | July 11, 2021 Dear theatre friend, I had prematurely ended my "...In the Time of Corona" emails, hoping that there would soon be enough live work to return to my previous format and schedule. Now, it seems, there are highly accomplished plays available which I'd like to share with you--- albeit via computer. ONE TIME ONLY, July 15th 2:30… Read More
In the Time of Corona | May 31, 2021 Dear theatre friend, It's with mixed emotions that I write this final note, with fingers crossed that the era of Corona virus is ending. This newsletter has served me well-- I've remained connected to news of plays, and to other theatre lovers, during these past fifteen months. The many thanks from readers have been most… Read More
In the Time of Corona | April 28, 2021 Dear theatre friend,Here are several plays worth your time-- even if sitting in front of a screen sometimes feels more a chore than a pleasure:See Paula Vogel's "The Baltimore Waltz" starring Mary Louise Parker, beginning this Thursday. It won an Obie for Best New American Play in 1992.You may be delighted by the modernized and truncated "Romeo and… Read More
In the Time of Corona | April 16, 2021 Dear theatre friend, Although this month is alive with burgeoning flora, my reports of theatre offerings have been less plentiful-- I need to be outside to witness nature's "theatre." From Scotland's venerable Dundee Rep, you can stream the well-reviewed "Smile" which garnered great reviews just before lockdown. Please take a look at their other streaming productions, and… Read More
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