★★☆☆☆ Eric Tucker puts Bedlam players, including outstanding Caroline Grogan, through unrewarding paces
Off-Broadway
The Frogs: They’re Back and Bouncier Than Ever
★★★★☆ Nathan Lane hosted an evanescent revival of his too rarely seen collaboration with Stephen Sondheim.
Pal Joey: At City Center, Purists Are In for a Surprise
★★★☆☆ With additions from the Rodgers & Hart songbook, this updated interpretation is juicy if not entirely cohesive
Sabbath’s Theater: Philip Roth’s Sexually Explicit Novel, Unabashedly Staged
★★★☆☆ John Turturro plays the licentious former puppeteer in this stage adaptation which he co-wrote, also featuring Elizabeth Marvel and Jason Kravits.
Sabbath’s Theater: Philip Roth’s Ribald Novel Now Stage Struck
★★★☆☆ Ariel Levy, John Turturro adapt, Turturro acts with Elizabeth Marvel, Jason Kravitz, Jo Bonney directs
Poor Yella Rednecks: A RIchly Colorful Comedy with an Asian Accent
★★★★☆ The refugee family from Vietgone returns to Manhattan Theatre Club with new adventures, more rap music and their kick-ass puppet son
Merry Me: Lesbian Sex Comedy Not That Sexy, Not That Comic
★★☆☆☆ Hansol Jung writes, Leigh Silverman directs, seven actors have a go at doing their stuff
I Can Get It For You Wholesale: Garment District-Set Musical Gets Some Fresh Tailoring
★★★★☆ The CSC’s revival of the 1962 Harold Rome/Jerome Weidman musical features a terrific ensemble headed by Santino Fontana.
I Can Get It for You Wholesale: Musical Revival Worth Paying Retail For
★★★★☆ Harold Rome-Jerome Weidman novel adaptation, retooled by John Weidman, Trip Cullman directing
Stereophonic: Musical and Personal Dynamics Writ Large and Small
★★★★☆ An up-and-coming rock band struggles to record their new album in David Adjmi’s drama, featuring music by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler