★★☆☆☆ Chekhov and Shakespeare make a mismatched pair
The Lion King: Disney’s Pride Still Rules the Savanna
★★★★★ Long-Run Lookback: Disney’s Tale of Simba Remains Awe-Inspiring
From London: The Young Vic’s Fun Home and the Donmar’s Aristocrats
Sam Gold’s London production of Fun Home retains its full magic, while Brian Friel’s Aristocrats is interesting but not top tier
From London: The Lehman Trilogy, a Thrilling Look at the American Experience
An altogether terrific chronicle of money, power, and the American Way
From London: McKellen’s Lear and Christie’s Witness, Both Excellent
Ian McKellen makes a monumental Lear, while Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution literally goes to court
From London: The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The King and I, Both in Brilliant Form
Martin McDonagh’s macabre thriller and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Siamese spectacle are done to perfection
From London: A Bracingly Bristling Jungle, Plus an Overly Wilde Earnest
The Jungle is a remarkable theatrical experience; a sexualized Importance of Being Earnest works as poorly as one might suspect
From London: Rylance vs. Othello, plus World War II Weather
Mark Rylance’s Iago electrifies Othello, while D-Day forecasts bring suspenseful chills in Pressure
Pretty Woman: Lady Liza of the Streets Goes Hollywood
★★★☆☆ The beloved romantic comedy hit is transplanted from screen to stage, without quite enough magic
The Band’s Visit: Still the Music of the Jasmine-Scented Night
★★★★★ Last season’s best new musical retains its magic with a new leading man