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
Just for June | June 1, 2023 Theatre Friends, Last minute alert! Please link immediately, until June 3rd, to see "Ghosts" live from its recent Abbey Theatre, Dublin run. Written and directed by the brilliant Mark O'Rowe ("Howie the Rookie"), it was well reviewed recently. You'll have two weeks to see the play, but the stream must be ticketed quickly-- don't miss this! Another stream to… Read More
Magic in May | May 1, 2023 Dear Theatre Friends, People talk about the magic of theatre. This month, we have the chance to see the theatre of magic! From The Atlantic comes "A Simulacrum" by Lucas Hnath and Steve Cuiffo. You surely know Lucas Hnath's name from his most recent works on Broadway-- "A Doll's House, Part 2" and "Dana H." I first… Read More
Arriving in April | April 4, 2023 Dear Theatre Friends, I know most aren't reading to find out about Broadway plays, but this month there are three that appeal to me and, I think, worth your time and money. First, is one I've seen and I agree with the Olivier judges-- Jodie Comer is incandescent in "Prima Facie." Jodie also won a Bafta Award… Read More
More for March | February 24, 2023 Dear theatre friends, I'm sending this out early, so you don't miss "Conversations After Sex," by Mark O'Halloran, which only runs until March 11th. It received the Irish Times' Theatre Award for "Best New Play" of 2022 Do make it to the magnificent new Irish Arts Center, perhaps after reading this rave "Irish Times review." Another last minute… Read More
Fine February | February 4, 2023 Dear theatre friends, Did I previously mention the return of the New York Times Critics' Pick "Wolf Play" at MCC? Hansol Jung's work, directed by Dustin Wills is presented by Soho Rep in collaboration with Ma-Yi Theatre-- I'm running out today to catch it! "Elyria" will be at the Atlantic's Linda Gross Theatre from next week. A world… Read More
First Suggestions for 2023 | January 6, 2023 Dear theatre friends, If my love of British theatre makes me an Anglophile, this month, my love of all things Irish makes me a Hibernophile-- new to me! The venerable Dublin-based, Oliver Award-winning, new writing company, Fishamble, will be back in New York at 59e59 Theatre with "Heaven" by Eugene O'brien. While at 59's website do look… Read More
On Stage Again | December 5, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Quickly, get down to Vandam Street to see Henry Naylor's "Afghanistan Is Not Funny," a multi- Award winning play, only until December 11th. While at the Soho Playhouse site scroll to find Tim Crouch's "Truth's a Dog Must to Kennel" coming at the end of the month. Both these talents have long been selling out at… Read More
New for November | November 1, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Sorry for the oversight-- I should have recommended "Chester Bailey" in last month's email. It has already received glowing reviews and stars the ever-wonderful Reed Birney and his son, Ephraim Birney. Extended until the 20th of this month. I'm delighted that the magical "Fiddler On the Roof in Yiddish" is returning to NY, directed by Joel Grey and… Read More
October’s Options | October 4, 2022 Dear theatre friends, By far, the most exciting play arriving this month is "A Little Life", adapted from the novel by Hanya Yanagihara, directed by Ivo van Hove, at BAM. This Guardian review describes the four hour production as not for the "faint-hearted"-- nor was the brilliant, yet grueling book. Not to be missed by any serious theatre goer! A short… Read More
Autumn Offerings | September 3, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Back again, with a short list of recommendations: Next week, I'll be seeing "Jasper" by Grant Macdermott at Signature Theatre. It's a world premiere, opening the 14th, so no reviews yet. The subject of a family trying to stick together holds perennial appeal for me. Is it theatre? Is it dance? I'm curious about work which is… Read More