Fiona Moore’s life changes forever one fateful day when Margo Jones tries to get her to join an all-girls kickball team. Fiona is annoyed with Margo but there’s a little more to it than just that. Margo also makes her feel kinda special inside. It’s the late 1980s, so Fiona doesn’t have lesbian role models like Ellen or Rosie to relate to, and therefore she must find her own way to happiness. Her discovery of what lies behind her complicated feelings is at the heart of Caroline Prugh’s It’s Only Kickball, Stupid, a time-traveling, coming-of-age, off-Broadway production starring Autumn Hurlbert, Eric T. Miller, Lori Prince and Debargo Sanyal. It runs now through Sep 14 at The Hartley House.
Broadway’s next big hit drama might well be The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Based on Mark Haddon’s 2003 young adult novel, the play tells the story of Christopher, an intelligent 15-year-old falsely accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog. As he attempts to clear his name, he makes a shocking discovery and sets out on a life-altering journey. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time—already a huge success on the London stage, taking home seven Olivier awards including Best New Play—is running now at the Barrymore Theater.
For disco fans, there was no one like Sylvester: flamboyant, larger-than-life, unashamed to be out, proud, and feminine, and in full command of a soulful, powerful falsetto. As a solo artist, and together with his backup group Two Tons O’ Fun, he created era-defining hits like “Do You Wanna Funk?,” “Dance (Disco Heat),” and “You Make Me Feel Mighty Real.” Now, off-Broadway is paying him proper tribute with Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical. Anthony Wayne of Pippin stars as the Disco Queen himself, with Anastacia McCleskey and Jacqueline B. Arnold as Two Tons O’ Fun. Get ready to dance, sing, and learn about one of the funkiest, fabulous artists to ever step underneath a disco ball at the Theatre at St. Clement’s now through Oct 5.
Elaine Stritch lived a very big life, onscreen and off. Probably best known for playing Jack Donaghy’s irascible mother Colleen on 30 Rock, Elaine Stritch also had a celebrated Broadway career, winning a Tony in 1970 for Company. Venture to 54 Below and celebrate this hilarious and brassy lady on Sep 12 at 54 Sings Elaine Stritch with Broadway stars singing some of the songs from the Great White Way that made her famous. Stars include Christine Ebersole, Beth Leavel, Edward Hibbert and more.
The Manhattan Theatre Source is proud to present the 15th annual EstroGenius Festival, a month-long event celebrating creative work made by women. The festival was founded by Fiona Jones as a response to the lack of opportunity for female artists in the downtown theatre community. The focus here is on three-dimensional characters that differ from the typical one-note representations of women on stage. Enjoy plays, one-woman shows, and a performance by Girl Be Heard, a theater group that encourages teens to be powerful leaders in spite of difficult life experiences. The EstroGenius Festival runs Oct 2 thru Nov 1 at both Stage Left Studios and the 4th Street Theatre. For more info, go to estrogenius.org.
On Oct 2 get a sneak peek into future Broadway hits at Broadway Close Up. Liz Calloway hosts this showbiz evening that gives patrons the chance to hear songs and watch scenes from upcoming Broadway musicals. Hit the Merkin Concert Hall at Goodman House and mix and mingle with creators from upcoming Great White Way gems, including “Tuck Everlasting,” “Ever After” and more!
Golden Globe nominee Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck, Side Effects) stars in a revival of William Luce’s critically acclaimed, one-woman play about reclusive poet Emily Dickinson. Dickinson was extraordinary prolific, penning almost 1800 poems in her lifetime—though few were published while she was alive. The Belle of Amherst uses Dickinson’s poetry, diaries and personal correspondence to create a biographical show the Daily News called “full of passion and poetry and heart.” The Belle of Amherst begins Oct 7 at the Westside Theatre.
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