Richard Rodgers

First Nighter: Encores! Series' Pipe Dream Almost a Dream Come True

David Finkle | Posted 05.29.2012

David Finkle

Of course, when songs so ebullient and/or passionate are this good, who's going to complain? Although a number of the Encores! dust-offs have moved to Broadway, this one certainly won't. Never mind, since it has enough going for it right where it is.

Basking in the Multiple Charms of The Secret Garden

George Heymont | Posted 02.11.2012

George Heymont

If the crassness of the current social, political, and economic climate has you down in the dumps, I can't recommend a lovelier, more charming, experience.

First Nighter: The Great Barbara Carroll Even Greater at the Algonquin's Oak Room

David Finkle | Posted 11.19.2011

David Finkle

In her mid-80s, Barbara Carroll's still doing what she does best and what few others even begin to do as well as. Nowadays she does it more regularly at the Oak Room, where management is wise enough to turn the paneled room over to her every Sunday brunch.

First Nighter: Cy Coleman's Best is Yet to Come is Here Now at 59E59 Theaters

David Finkle | Posted 07.27.2011

David Finkle

The best is yet to come? Not this time. It's already here as it deliciously unfolds by way of singers Sally Mayes, Lillias White and Rachel York.

The Music and Its Message: Songs of Protest and Cultural Identity

George Heymont | Posted 05.25.2011

George Heymont

2011-03-22-ochs.jpg Two thrilling new musical documentaries place great emphasis on the importance of a song's lyrics while paying homage to their creators.

What Is Wrong With the Arts?

Michael Kaiser | Posted 05.25.2011

Michael Kaiser

The arts are in a parlous state, but contrary to popular belief, it isn't the fault of unions or the absence of arts education in our schools. The arts are in trouble because there is simply not enough excellent art being created.

First Nighter: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Stage Fair Much More than Merely Fair

David Finkle | Posted 05.25.2011

David Finkle

Rodgers and Hammerstein thought they wrote nine Broadway musicals. But there is a tenth that neither of them ever knew about it.

'Tis a Pity She's No Longer a Whore -- Times Square Cultural Armageddon

Melody Breyer-Grell | Posted 05.25.2011

Melody Breyer-Grell

And they said things were bad in the 70's. The dirt, the porno shops, the Disco. All that is now a fond memory for many New Yorkers who gamely braved that bit of Hades to attend a real Broadway musical.

Nostalgia for Noodles: Pearl's, the Best Chinese Restaurant in New York City, Is No More!

Jacquelin Carnegie | Posted 05.25.2011

Jacquelin Carnegie

Pearl's was unique. Not only was it the best Chinese restaurant in New York City -- it had become a celebrity itself, a hotspot.

Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano: Viewing "This Thing Called Love" From a Cabaret Stand-Point

David Finkle | Posted 05.25.2011

David Finkle

The husband-wife team of Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano are currently doing the living-room honors in Manhattan's Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel through the first week of March.

Back in Lady Liberty's Head

Dr. Susan Corso | Posted 11.17.2011

Dr. Susan Corso

The real, full name of the Statue of Liberty is "Liberty Enlightening the World." She wears a crown because she's a goddess championing the cause of all causes: freedom.