Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
The Shoe Fit (Or “Why I Liked the New Cinderella Actually”)
“I have to admit, there was a lot more tenderness, depth, and sincerity here than I’d initially anticipated.”
From Hero to Villain: Why We Suddenly Hate Evan Hansen
“Evan makes a really bad, hurtful choice. He takes advantage of other people. Evan also was left by his father, tried to kill himself, and suffers from a mental illness that significantly impacts his life. These facts about him can all exist simultaneously – and they all elicit an emotional response within us. We are forced to live with the dichotomy of Evan’s vulnerability and his deceit.”
Love/Hate: 2021 Tony Awards
“After waiting for over a year for (still) unknown reasons, theatre fans finally saw the Tony Awards handed out in a split telecast between CBS and its streaming network Paramount+. There were definitely some highs and lows of the evening, some expected – others definitely not. So let’s dive in.”
"A complete failure" : What happened at 'Jagged Little Pill' should have massive repercussions
“Through sheer stupidity, ignorance and a clear dereliction of duty, a cast member of a Broadway production could have died. And this could have all been avoided if the people responsible acted like human beings, showed compassion, and did their jobs the right way.”
It is time to stop using “Master” in our Job Titles
“This history of the word “Master” is problematic on multiple levels. This is not only a racially charged word because of its use during America’s history of slavery, but it is also a sexist term.”
Community, Theatre – Which Comes First?
“I would like to say that for those of you who may have enjoyed being part of the theatre community, but now are refusing to do your part and protect that very community -I hope you enjoyed the work you did. You should not be allowed to do it anymore.”
College Theatre Programs Must Be Held Accountable for Their Promises of Change
“There have been colleges that fulfilled their promises of change over the past year. There have been programs that followed through on bringing a diverse first class to their campuses. But we fear there are plenty more that pledged such changes and failed. And we’re already seeing proof of that.”
Not A Gimmick – Equity for Transgender Actors
“Positive encouragement and the sense of family in the theatre world should include trans and queer people,” Taylor affirms. “On stage and off.”
"How the World Can Be" - Lessons for a Revolution from 'Hadestown'
“It’s not hard to catch on to the fact that Hadestown is an analogy for 21st-century social concerns.”
Australian Theatre under fire for whitewashing 'Little Shop of Horrors'
“A local theatre in Australia is under fire from members of their community after their decision to whitewash their upcoming production of “Little Shop of Horrors” after pledging that they were looking for a diverse cast.”
'It's a joke' : Heartless Monsters Mock Content Warnings at 'Romeo & Juliet'
“London's famous Globe Theatre is warning audience members about 'upsetting' themes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and, not surprisingly, close-minded politicians and heartless performers in the community have chosen to mock the theatre for this move rather than support it.”
Our American Theatre Culture Enables Abusers of Power
‘In a profession where one’s greatest strength is attributed as being open, vulnerable, and expressive, abuses of power can abound if boundaries are not clearly understood and respected by all parties.”