Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Be more than "one thing" in theatre
“Whoever does take the limelight of a show, they could not do what they do without the team around them. Many people who work in our industry know and appreciate this. Some do not. All of us, however, should make an effort to learn more about what our colleagues actually do on a day to day basis. It will make us better at our own jobs.”
Defending "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
“One of the most popular Christmas standards is under fire for perceived sexism, but should it be?”
The importance of the muse
“It takes the spark supplied by muses like Verdon and Reinking to set the imagination of a creative like Fosse alight, and they must be included in the same breath as his when discussing his artistic footprint. There is no such thing as a wholly independent creation in the theatre. There is only divine collaboration.”
Dear Taylor Swift, I’m Sorry
“Dear Taylor Swift,
I’m sorry. This letter is long overdue, and it comes while I’m sitting by a lit winter candle and singing “dorotheeeeeea” under my breath.”
Streaming theatre is helping to fill the void
“Do I think these virtual concerts and productions are replacing live theater and shows? Nope. Not even a little bit. But they are helping to fill a void in my life.”
"The Prom" - The perfect movie musical for the 2020 audience
“All in all, The Prom is a fun time. Sit back and enjoy.”
Trying to figure out the hoopla surrounding "Spotify Wrapped"
“On December 2, Spotify released their signature “Spotify Wrapped” feature for the year, and just as expected, every participant of the streaming platform fawned over it once it hit their accounts. This year-in-review feature for music lovers that is personalized to each listener featured everything from top five songs, to analytics on what genre was listened to the most. The release of the feature was such a hit, made clear by the overwhelming reaction by listeners.”
Addressing the backlash to the "Ratatouille" musical benefit concert
“While I certainly understand and agree with those railing that vast changes in the industry are needed, I don’t think a one-time concert of Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical is the dartboard to be aiming at.”
Fan community rallies for Broadway stage doorman
“For years, Ernest J, Paylor has been a friendly face to many a Broadway fan. Working as a stage doorman at the Broadhurst Theatre, which currently houses Jagged Little Pill, Mr. Paylor not only protects the cast and crew but also make sure that stage door meet and greets are fun, safe, and accessible.
So when Mr. Paylor was hospitalized with a serious medical condition, those same fans didn’t hesitate to rally behind him.”
Be Humble On Stage, But Believe In Yourself
“I think there's a misconception in our society that we shouldn't boast, so we don't let the good stuff sink in. That's the wrong approach. Let it sink in, know the difference between confidence and cocky, but know all of the good traits you have as well as areas of opportunity.”
The eternal value of stolen props
“In an industry as changeable and brutal as theatre, memories and the items that enhance them are worth their weight in gold, not only to keep us connected to the shows and people in our past but also to remind us during the darker days of our careers why we do what we do.”
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' - A Timeless Cult Classic or Outdated Jab to the Queer Community?
“Is Frank-N-Furter to be looked at with admiration for being a bold queer character, or should we question the movie’s creators for equating queer characters as aliens and artificial science experiments?”