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
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
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