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'Take the Lead' is an Earnest Attempt with Bland Execution

1 week ago | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

“Start big, finish big, and they’ll forgive everything in between,” goes the age-old show business proverb. Yet if neither the start nor finish is strong, the forgiveness will be scarce. Such is the case with Take the Lead, a world premiere musical currently playing at Paper Mill Playhouse. True stories make excellent material for entertainment and Pierre Dulaine’s life is no exception. (Dulaine was interviewed by this publication in 2014).
‘It’s a Miracle’: Life, Death, & Beyond in just over an Hour

1 month ago | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

Max Stossel has done a lot of psychedelics. He freely admits this in his illuminating solo show, It’s a Miracle. The confession elicits giggles from his audience, but jokes aside, he explains that our physical death on earth is not the end of our lives nor our creativity. “I don’t believe consciousness is confined to the mind, confined to the limitations of this skin we’re in.
Sarina Freda’s “no no no please no god no, nevermind i’m fine” is a Trip

1 month ago | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

In 1963 Catskills, Baby (Jennifer Grey) famously flew into the arms of of her crush, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) in the classic film Dirty Dancing. In 2021, Sarina Freda had her own flying experience with a crush in the Catskills, but the result was less cinematic and ultimately, more therapeutic.
Last Chance: 'OKUNI: The Woman Who Created Kabuki'

Nov 21, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

This weekend is your final chance to catch international star Ako Dachs in OKUNI: The Woman Who Created Kabuki. The Tokyo born writer, director, and choreographer, who was also seen in the Emmy Award winning Hulu series Shogun, brings the true life story to the Off-Broadway stage.
'Mama I'm a Big Girl Now' Reunites Stars and Reignites Smiles

Nov 21, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

Welcome back to the sixties via the early aughts. That’s when the musical Hairspray, based on the John Waters’ film about life in 1962 Baltimore, premiered in Seattle in 2002. Later that year, it would move to Broadway, win several Tony awards, and run for a whopping 7 years at the Neil Simon Theater. The Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman tuner showcased the talents of Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, who originated the roles of Amber, Penny, and Tracy, respectively.
Keen Company Benefit Weds Stars with Sondheim

Nov 17, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

On Monday November 18th at New York’s Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street) will host a one night only benefit concert of Stephen Sondheim’s Marry Me A Little for Off-Broadway’s Keen Company. The event starts at 7 PM ET. A recent press release describes the concert:“Keen’s reunion celebration will bring back the revised material from its 2012 Drama League nominated production and will feature its original stars Lauren Molina and Jason Tam.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company at the Korean Cultural Center

Nov 13, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

On Friday evening, November 15th, the acclaimed, Washington D.C. based Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC) returns to New York City for an evening entitled Korean American Journeys: An Evening of Modern Dance. The event will feature their signature repertory at the new Korean Cultural Center, located at 122 East 32nd street, steps away from Manhattan’s Koreatown neighborhood.
'A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical' Brims with Talent and Hope

Nov 11, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

These are tough days for optimism. Pithy advice and motivational speeches seem to be as useful as scotch tape after a hurricane. Thankfully, we still have the balm of theater. Specifically, A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, directed with a keen eye by Christopher Renshaw and co-director Christina Sajous, which charts the successes, loves, and losses of the beloved black American entertainer.
'Left on Tenth': Starry Cast,Tepid Dramatization

Oct 31, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

If human cancer battles, canines with cancer, and charming British friends don’t tug at the heartstrings, it’s hard to say what will. All four of them comprise Left on Tenth, an innocuous, but hardly a must-see dramedy which recently opened on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. In no way should of cancer be taken lightly nor minimized. Nearly everyone knows at least one person who has died, overcome, or is personally dealing with the all too common life threatening illness.
Pink Martini Marks a Milestone at Carnegie Hall

Oct 30, 2024 | manhattandigest.com | Ryan Leeds

Raise a glass! Pink Martini’s 30th anniversary Tour makes a stop at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Friday November 1st. Led by Founders Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes, this musically diverse band is one of the most ambitious contemporary groups. Singing in over 30 languages and a multiple of genres, Pink Martini defies categorization. They kicked off the fall tour in Canada at the beginning of October.