Dear theatre friends,
Here’s another resource, which I’ve belatedly discovered, listing shows to view online– mostly Broadway. It’s BroadwayDirect.com.
Browse through– I found some, such as “Springsteen on Broadway,” which you can see on Netflix. It’s a filmed version of his actual performance. Another, “Sweeney Todd,” is a 2007 movie version of the play. “American Son,” with the Broadway cast, including the well-received Kerry Washington, is a stage-to-screen adaptation.
For movies, I’ve often used Amazon Prime, but I didn’t know you could see the modern update of “King Lear,” with Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Emily Watson. I guarantee, there’s not a bad seat in the house to view this stellar cast.
Should you see another worthy adaptation of a great play– please email me. I’d like to share those titles with all of you.
BoadwayHD has announced their new releases for May. Along with dozens of previously listed shows, are now: “On the Town,” “Victor, Victoria,” and “Carol King: Natural Woman,” for example. The website is still offering a 7 day free trial, then it will be $8.99 a month. Even at that price, what an extraordinary savings over the purchase of Broadway tickets!
From our friends across the Atlantic, “The Monologues Library” is available and it’s free. Along with well known stars, such as Sir Derek Jacobi, there are many young actors who’ve made British theatre so exciting– even Off-Off- West End!
Finally, do try putting the Stagedoor app on your phone. Even before closure of actual theatres, I used it to read Lyn Gardner’s (one of my Board Advisors) reviews and find out about smaller plays– often those not well publicized elsewhere.
It’s now been re-christened Streamdoor– you’ve got it, listings of at home possibilities! Some, such as Philip Ridley’s “The Beast Will Rise” are available on YouTube. For non-Brits, you’ll need a VPN to see others, because they’re on BBC IPlayer. (For these high-tech purchases, I always check out Wirecutter, a New York Times-owned site. And, no– I don’t receive a commission!)
At last, we can take a walk and enjoy the Spring-like weather– of course, with care. However, even in foul weather, we need not feel imprisoned at home, given all the options for plays and other diversions.
I feel very fortunate, being able to wait out this pestilence with computers, et al. I’ve tried to imagine enduring plagues of earlier, communication-free times…
Most of all, I feel very fortunate to have our group of like-minded, theatre-oriented folks–with whom to write and relate. Please let me hear from you– tell me your techniques for coping.
Also, if you discover other theatre-related news– please get in touch: Carol.
I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content! Send me other theatre related information, or do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
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.