Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV Reviews

Lupita Nyong'o to Star in Eclipsed Off-Broadway Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o ( 12 Years a Slave ) will star in the New York premiere of Eclipsed , written by Zimbabwean-American playwright and actress, Danai Guirra . The production was just added to the Public's season, and is set to run September 29 through November 8. Directed by Liesl Tommy , Eclipsed takes place during the Liberian Civil War, and focuses on the wives of rebel officers and the community they form. This will mark Nyong'o's New York stage debut. Spotlight on Spotlight Check out the trail for the new movie, Spotlight . The film follows Boston Globe reporters as they break the story of the Catholic church child abuse/sex scandal. The trailer makes it look like the film is paced like a thriller (reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin's approach to The Social Network , but without his trademark snappy dialogue), and boasts an impressive cast: Michael Keaton ( Birdman ); Mark Ruffalo ( Th...

(Scroll down for some Muppets news.) Casting News Broadway — Marlee Matlin has joined the company of the Spring Awakening revival. Matlin will play Adult Woman. Matlin won an Oscar for Children of a Lesser God , and was memorable as Joey Lucas on The West Wing . This will be her Broadway debut. Spring Awakening begins previews on September 8, with opening night set for September 27. The strictly limited engagement, playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, will conclude on January 9, 2016. Broadway —An unbelievable roster of stars is assembling for the Roundabout revival of Noises Off , one of my favorite plays. Joining the previously announced Tony winner Andrea Martin are Tracee Chimo ( Circle Mirror Transformation , The Heidi Chronicles ); Kate Jennings Grant ( The Country House ); Megan Hilty ( 9 to 5 , Smash ); Rob McClure ( Chaplin , Honeymoon in Vegas ); and Jeremy Shamos ( Dinner with Friends , The Qualms ), among others. The Michael Frayn play begins previews D...

Quick thoughts about the Encores! production of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party , from someone who was unfamiliar with the show beforehand:  Queenie and Burrs's ambivalence is intriguing. Sutton Foster is slinking around the stage, exploring a dark sexuality, not something casual and bubbly but something deeper and more complex, something with higher stakes. Steven Pasquale is brooding. It's hard to deny his appeal, even as an abusive character, it is easy to see how a woman could fall for and continue to be with a man like that—despite his controlling nature. It can be difficult to leave, to break free from someone like that. I'd like to read the book, to know what else I'm missing and how the story develops outside of the songs. Brandon Victor Dixon has a quiet confidence, just as the character is described. There's a thrill in the inherent risk of a wild party. It is as alluring as it is frightening, with the poles bolstering each other. This production ...

American Psycho Broadway Run Confirmed Broadway.com reports confirmation of a spring 2016 Broadway bow for American Psycho , the musical adaptation of the eponymous Bret Easton Ellis novel and subsequent flick. Previews are expected to being in February 2016, with opening night some time in March. (No theatre has been announced.) The adaptation is written by book writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa ( Spider-Man ) and songwriter and Tony winner Duncan Sheik ( Spring Awakening ), and will be directed by Rupert Goold . Though no casting has been confirmed, Benjamin Walker ( Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ) and Jennifer Damiano ( Next to Normal , Venice ) have been involved in developmental workshops. She Loves Me Update Additional casting, dates and a creative team have been announced for Roundabout's spring 2016 revival of She Loves Me . Joining the previously announced Laura Benanti ( Women on the Verge ... ) and Josh Radnor ( Disgraced ) are Gavin Cree...

The nominees for the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced. Herein, nominees in select categories. Visit emmys.org for the full list of nominees. Drama Series Outstanding Drama Series Better Call Saul Downton Abbey Game of Thrones Homeland House of Cards Mad Men Orange is the New Black  With new rules landing Orange is the New Black in the drama category and the entry of new series, like Better Call Saul , look for this year's drama slates to look a little different than usual.   Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Bob Odenkirk , Better Call Saul Kyle Chandler , Bloodline Kevin Spacey , House of Cards Jon Hamm , Mad Men Jeff Daniels , The Newsroom Liev Schreiber , Ray Donovan Does anyone else find it wonderful that the hilarious Bob Odenkirk is gaining such fame these days for drama series? Still, I'm voting Kevin Spacey, although actual voters might get sentimental and award Jon Hamm, as this is the last year Mad Men will be n...