The summer theater season is fast approaching, and I am trying my best to catch up on Broadway’s recent releases before summer officially begins.  One of my top picks is Matilda, winner of seven Olivier Awards including best musical, in which an unloved child is sent to a horrific school run by a Nazi like headmistress played by  Bertie Carvel.

The production, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, features an alluring cast of kids between the ages of 9 and 14 who are as talented as they come and very convincing in their roles. They sing, dance and inspire us all to take a stand and change our destiny.  It was well performed and kept my attention throughout, making it a great must see for kids and out of towners looking for a comical yet compassionate story. My serving of theater was fulfilled although Kinky Boots is still my favorite.

“BIG KNIFE” ON BROADWAY

Last night, I decided to see “Big Knife” by Clifford Odeft. This epic feeling show takes place in 1948 which was considered the golden age of the Hollywood cinema. It’s about a Hollywood studio that not only produced big hits, but also ran the lives of their box office leading stars by keeping heavy hands on their property and enforcing the perception that the studio holds all the power.  This musical is sure to be a winner since it has all the elements conductive to succeed.

Set designed by John Lee Beatty, who also did the set for “Other Desert Cities”, and the equally talented leading actor Bobby Cannavale is a must-see!  Can you say Lights! Camera! Award!

Last night I went to see Leap of Faith.  It’s a new musical that’s about to open on Broadway, and I haven’t seen so much energy on stage for a long time.  The lead is played by Raul Esparza.  He’s been nominated for the Tony Award a number of times and is a performer who does an amazing job on stage.  It’s a story about a con man who uses preaching as his con.  It has great gospel music with a wonderful choir behind him.  Kecia Lewis-Evans is the lead singer, and her voice brings down the rafters.  So if you’re in New York, and you want a great time, you must see Leap of Faith.  If you want to see it in preview, the prices are very reasonable.  You call 212-947-8844 and use code LFGEN36 or visit: www.broadwayoffers.com and use code LFGEN36.

Starring Stacy Keach and Stockard Channing, the set of Jon Robin Baitz’s Other Desert Cities is unbelievable.  The story is set in a house in Palm Springs.  The elements and wall finishes are out of the pages of a design magazine, and the acting is superb.  Go and see it!

Recently, I went to The Lucille Lortel Theater to see the musical Carrie, a take on the movie directed by Brian DePalma (which is based on Stephen King’s book).  It had originally opened in the 90s and was not a great success but this time it has a much better chance as it is now showing off-Broadway in a much smaller theater.  Overall, it is very entertaining, not gory, and a lot of fun!

As most of you know, I am a theater buff.  For anybody that’s coming to New York and wants to see a serious play, they must make a point to see Man and Boy starring Frank Langella.  It is what theater is all about.  It is wonderful to see an actor do his craft in such a magnificent way.

I recently went to see Relatively Speaking,  a show that is made up of three one-act comedies by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen and directed by John Tuturro.

All three were very different and reflective of their personalities and style.  Ethan Coen’s storyline matches his typical movie-making style, which is quirky.  Elaine May’s dealt with female neurosis and a totally self-absorbed woman played by Marlo Thomas.  Finally, Woody Allen was at his best recreating the silent-era routine of slamming doors, with eight characters playing off each other.

Spider- Man Turn off the Dark recently re-opened on Broadway, I saw it about two months ago before the departure of Julie Taymor and really felt it wasn’t the horror everyone said it was. I am very interested to see the revised show and compare the two. The reviews are still not shining but they are not as horrendous as the last round. I would love to hear your thoughts if you have seen either or both of them.

If you want an evening full of fun, humor, extravagant costumes, classic songs and a ton of showmanship….go see Priscilla Queen of the Desert!

Years ago I saw Mama Mia and couldn’t understand why the audience was singing along, jumping up and down, laughing and cheering. I do understand it for this show. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, make it a must.

PS Rosie O’Donnell was in the audience and took photos with her fans, which I thought was a very nice gesture.