★★★★☆ This “circus musical” occupies an impressively big tent, probing the power dynamics that affect the human animal.
Broadway
Water for Elephants: Heavy Lifting for a Musical
★★★☆☆ Acrobatics and puppetry abound in this musical adaptation of the best-selling novel about a love triangle that takes place in a Depression-era traveling circus.
An Enemy of the People: Ibsen’s Cautionary Tale As Timely As Ever, 142 Years On
★★★★☆ Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli square off in a battle of right vs. wrong, science vs. politics, and brother vs. brother
An Enemy of the People: Ibsen’s Classic Trivialized with Gimmickry and Ice Cubes
★★☆☆☆ Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli star in Sam Gold’s production of Ibsen’s classic drama, adapted by Amy Herzog.
The Notebook: Just Another Love Story, with Kleenex
★★★☆☆ Six actors play the two leading characters in this atmospheric musical based on the popular Nicholas Sparks novel
The Notebook: A Musical Romance Made For Fans to Love
★★★☆☆ After a successful run on page and screen, the popular love story looks to score on Broadway
Doubt: The Debate Rages On
★★★★☆ Two decades later, John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play inspires as much conversation as ever
Doubt: John Patrick Shanley’s Prize-Winning Play in a Blessed Revival
★★★★☆ Scott Ellis directs Amy Ryan, Liev Schreiber, Zoe Kazan, and Quincy Tyler Bernstine to undoubted effect
Days of Wine and Roses: Demon Rum Is a Suave Seducer
★★★★☆ A familiar tale of alcoholism is revitalized by authors Guettel and Lucas, focusing on the addiction rather than the cure
Days of Wine and Roses: Musical on Alcoholic Sorrows Shakes and Stirs
★★★★☆ Kelli O’Hara, Brian d’Arcy James fine performances highlight Adam Guettel-Craig Lucas tuner.