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
Spring on Stage | April 3, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Spring is a great season to return to the theatre-- especially when these fine plays are coming: Previews begin this month at Brooklyn Academy of Music for the London production of "Cyrano de Bergerac." This modern adaptation, directed by Jamie Lloyd and starring James McAvoy, was unanimously well reviewed. The National Yiddish Theatre's "Harmony" will be at… Read More
March Into Theatres Again | March 5, 2022 Dear theatre friend, I hope you're now walking into familiar, welcoming spaces and anticipating live performances with other expectant theatregoers. Sharing a sigh or a laugh has been a joy, long missed. Seems as if women are taking center stage recently-- here are three featuring Strong Women: From Dominique Morisseau ("Skeleton Crew"), "Confederates," at Signature Theatre. This time,… Read More
To See in February | February 3, 2022 Dear theatre friend, Now that the holidays are past, exciting plays are on the horizon-- for a short time, some are even half-price. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the re-opening of intimate spaces which have weathered a 2 year crisis, as have we. "On Sugarland" by Obie Award-winning playwright, Aleshea Harris, is one of… Read More
New Year, Old Concerns | January 5, 2022 Dear theatre friend, I had planned to begin 2022 with a list of new work coming to theatres-- however I've been unpleasantly surprised. You may have shared similar expectations until Omicron transformed our lives. Before heading out to use those tickets you optimistically purchased, please call ahead since so many plays are being canceled and… Read More
The End of a Very Long Year | December 3, 2021 Dear theatre friend, I have found this past year to be challenging, indeed. My mission has been to bring promising, interesting theatre to your attention. I've often had to rely on British shows, generously putting their work online . Although we'd all much prefer to be seated with our "tribe," I'm excited to once again… Read More
New in November | November 11, 2021 Dear theatre friend, You, too, may be longing to see theatre live, but some streaming offers are too good to miss!After the euphoric reviews for Emma Rice's newest, "Wuthering Heights,"you might want to stay home November 26th-28th to see it, filmed live. As you may recall, Emma's "Flying Lovers of Vitebsk" won my Award a few… Read More
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