Jordan Lauf

Jul 18, 2024 | gothamist.com | Alison Stewart |Jordan Lauf

After 12 years, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells is moving on. In his time in that role, he's scoured the boroughs for the best slice of pizza, given stars to fine dining establishments and food trucks, and even ranked the 100 best restaurants in the city. A great Pete Wells review can elevate a restaurant, while a bad one can spell trouble. In an essay published in the Times this week, Pete got candid about the health concerns that accompanied the job.

Jul 10, 2024 | gothamist.com | Alison Stewart |Jordan Lauf

Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s new novel, “Long Island Compromise,” begins with this line: "Do you want to hear a story with a terrible ending?"Who wouldn’t want to keep reading? A terrible ending, it turns out, is not what you think. The story starts with the kidnapping of Carl Fletcher in his driveway, at his very nice home on Long Island in 1980. Carl is rich — really rich. His father escaped from Poland with an idea that he turned into a fortune: polystyrene, AKA styrofoam. Back to the kidnappers.

Jun 16, 2024 | gothamist.com | Alison Stewart |Jordan Lauf

In light of Sunday's Tony Awards, WNYC is revisiting some of the conversations we've had with people doing exciting work on Broadway. “Merrily We Roll Along” has had a phenomenal run on Broadway. The musical is nominated for seven awards at this Sunday’s Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. But the show wasn’t always so celebrated. In fact, the story of the 1981 production of “Merrily We Roll Along” is legendary, almost infamous.

May 22, 2024 | gothamist.com | Kousha Navidar |Jordan Lauf

“Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions" is the newest work from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel and is running now at Broadway's Hayes Theater. It's also a personal work inspired by Vogel’s family's story. Jessica Lange stars as Phyllis, a single mom struggling with alcoholism and her finances. She is delighted by her oldest son Carl, played by Jim Parsons, and seems confused and disappointed by her daughter Martha, played by Celia Keenan-Bolger.

May 19, 2024 | gothamist.com | Kousha Navidar |Jordan Lauf

In the revival of "Cabaret," Broadway's August Wilson Theatre has been completely transformed into a Weimar Germany-era cabaret club – with the audience surrounding a small, circular stage. After entering through an alley, you emerge in a space full of dancers, musicians, drinks and debauchery – and that's all before the musical even begins. “There was a real desire for the audience to not feel they're coming to the theater,” said director Rebecca Frecknall.