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
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
Plays for Summer | July 11, 2022 Dear theatre friends,Sorry, short notice for a thoughtful play ending soon-- "Chains" at Mint Theatre is well worth your time. A talented ensemble has brought Elizabeth Baker's play back to life- a hit in 1909! Considering today's economic hardships, the topic of being "chained" to one's existence seems timely, indeed. Again, beautifully staged with Mint's ever extraordinary… Read More
Tony Sunday | June 12, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Please read new Opinion Editor, Pamela Paul's essay, "Let Actors Act", before you read my response below or in today's New York Times. It may not trigger as strong a reaction as I had. Here's my letter along with several others. Please let me know your view-- I promise not to share your replies. I realize… Read More
Spring on Stage | June 1, 2022 Dear theatre friends, Amidst countless revivals, a few original plays are coming. I think these are worth your attention: First, The Vineyard is presenting "Lessons in Survival- 1971" with the always vibrant Marin Ireland. She, and several other cast members, conceived of this play based on poet Nikki Giovanni's interview with James Baldwin for WNET-- in, you… Read More
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