Ben Brantley
Latest News on Ben Brantley:
BIO
Ben Brantley was formerly the co-chief theater critic for The New York Times. He has been a staff critic since 1996, filing reviews regularly from London as well as New York. Subjects of his profiles include the underground Belarus Free Theater in Minsk, and Barbra Streisand in Malibu.
Before joining the Times in 1993, Mr. Brantley was a staff writer for the New Yorker and Vanity Fair. He reviewed fashion for Women’s Wear Daily, where he was the Paris bureau chief and European editor, and movies for Elle magazine.
Mr. Brantley grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C., and graduated from Swarthmore College. He is the editor of two books of New York Times theater reviews and a recipient of the George Jean Nathan Award for theater criticism.
Photos
Videos
Exclusive: Watch Michael R. Jackson Sing from New Musical, SUBSCRIBERS
by Sam Anctil - 2026-08-16 16:00:07
Video: DEATH OF A SALESMAN Company Discusses Broadway Revival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-03-03 12:46:50
Video: Inside Rehearsal for The Old Man and The Old Moon at South Coast Repertory
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-10 12:55:13
Video: The Cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Perform 'Our Time' in New Music Video
by Stephi Wild - 2024-01-12 10:57:14
Video: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Cast Performs the Title Song in New Music Video
by Stephi Wild - 2023-11-15 10:22:45
Video: Watch Alicia Keys Talk HELL'S KITCHEN on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-11-12 11:22:58
Video: Watch Arielle Jacobs & HERE LIES LOVE Perform on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2023-09-28 09:51:59
Video: Go Behind Manhattan Theatre Club in New ALL ARTS Doc With Sarah Jessica Parker, André De Shields & More
by Michael Major - 2023-09-13 16:01:36
Video: Watch Bobby Lopez Answer THE BOOK OF MORMON's 19 Questions
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-09-10 14:20:10
News
COME FROM AWAY to Open Avon Players 80th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2026
Avon Players will open its 80th season with Come From Away, directed by Ryan Moore and running September 11-26, 2026 in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2026
Avon Players will open its 80th season with Come From Away, directed by Ryan Moore and running September 11-26, 2026 in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Exclusive: Watch Michael R. Jackson Sing from New Musical, SUBSCRIBERS
by Sam Anctil - Aug 16, 2026
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Musical Theatre Writer Michael R. Jackson is returning to Joe’s Pub 20 years to the day of his NYC concert debut with Michael R. Jackson: Wake Up Call, an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and personal songs from his catalogue and his latest musical in progress, Subscribers. In Wake Up Call, Michael will invite audiences to join him as he laughs at and reflects on two decades of fitful slumber and dark dreams in a probing, emotional and sometimes eye-rolling look at the world as he sees it. Watch as he gives us a very special sneak peek from Subscribers in this exclusive video.
by Sam Anctil - Aug 16, 2026
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Musical Theatre Writer Michael R. Jackson is returning to Joe’s Pub 20 years to the day of his NYC concert debut with Michael R. Jackson: Wake Up Call, an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and personal songs from his catalogue and his latest musical in progress, Subscribers. In Wake Up Call, Michael will invite audiences to join him as he laughs at and reflects on two decades of fitful slumber and dark dreams in a probing, emotional and sometimes eye-rolling look at the world as he sees it. Watch as he gives us a very special sneak peek from Subscribers in this exclusive video.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY to Open at Cape Rep Theatre This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Jul 7, 2026
Cape Rep Theatre will present GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, written by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, directed by Maura Hanlon in the Indoor Theater.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 7, 2026
Cape Rep Theatre will present GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, written by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, directed by Maura Hanlon in the Indoor Theater.
RETURN OF THE BUFFALO, KRAMER/FAUCI, SAIGON & More Set for St. Ann's Warehouse Fall 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2026
St. Ann's Warehouse announced its fall season, featuring buffalo puppet spectacles, Daniel Fish's KRAMER/FAUCI, Emma Rice's TRISTAN & YSEULT revival, and Caroline Guiela Nguyen's SAIGON.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2026
St. Ann's Warehouse announced its fall season, featuring buffalo puppet spectacles, Daniel Fish's KRAMER/FAUCI, Emma Rice's TRISTAN & YSEULT revival, and Caroline Guiela Nguyen's SAIGON.
Ethan Slater & Betsy Wolfe Will Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Off-Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 25, 2026
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk winner Ethan Slater will join the hit revival Little Shop of Horrors as Seymour, alongside Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe as Audrey.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 25, 2026
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk winner Ethan Slater will join the hit revival Little Shop of Horrors as Seymour, alongside Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe as Audrey.
Michael R. Jackson Will Preview Songs from New Musical, SUBSCRIBERS, at Joe's Pub
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 23, 2026
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Musical Theatre Writer Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop, White Girl In Danger, Teeth) will soon return to Joe’s Pub 20 years to the day of his NYC concert debut with Michael R. Jackson: Wake Up Call, an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and personal songs from his catalogue and his latest musical in progress, Subscribers. In Wake Up Call, Michael will invite audiences to join him as he laughs at and reflects on two decades of fitful slumber and dark dreams in a probing, emotional and sometimes eye-rolling look at the world as he sees it.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 23, 2026
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Musical Theatre Writer Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop, White Girl In Danger, Teeth) will soon return to Joe’s Pub 20 years to the day of his NYC concert debut with Michael R. Jackson: Wake Up Call, an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and personal songs from his catalogue and his latest musical in progress, Subscribers. In Wake Up Call, Michael will invite audiences to join him as he laughs at and reflects on two decades of fitful slumber and dark dreams in a probing, emotional and sometimes eye-rolling look at the world as he sees it.
Interview: Ilana Khanin of YOU MUST CHANGE YOUR LIFE at Alumnae Theatre
by Ilana Lucas - Jun 17, 2026
When it comes to experimental theatre in North America, few have a legacy as long, dedicated, and influential as Richard Foreman. When Foreman died in 2025, he left an archive of over 50 years of work from his Ontological-Hysteric Theatre company, founded in 1968. Foreman’s theatrical explorations prioritized immediacy and the present over a fixed sense of narrative, focusing on the process of the play’s creation and the audience’s interpretation.
by Ilana Lucas - Jun 17, 2026
When it comes to experimental theatre in North America, few have a legacy as long, dedicated, and influential as Richard Foreman. When Foreman died in 2025, he left an archive of over 50 years of work from his Ontological-Hysteric Theatre company, founded in 1968. Foreman’s theatrical explorations prioritized immediacy and the present over a fixed sense of narrative, focusing on the process of the play’s creation and the audience’s interpretation.
ST NICHOLAS by Conor McPherson to Open at Black Button Eyes Productions
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2026
Black Button Eyes Productions will stage Conor McPherson's one-actor play ST NICHOLAS at City Lit Theater in Chicago, with Kevin Webb as a Dublin theatre critic entangled with vampires, directed by Ed Rutherford.
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2026
Black Button Eyes Productions will stage Conor McPherson's one-actor play ST NICHOLAS at City Lit Theater in Chicago, with Kevin Webb as a Dublin theatre critic entangled with vampires, directed by Ed Rutherford.
Interview: Taibi Magar of WILDERNESS GENERATION at Philadelphia Theatre Company
by Taylor Shiley - May 13, 2026
We sat down to discuss everything from Philadelphia Theatre Company to the world premiere of Pulitzer-Prize winner James Ijames' new play, Wilderness Generation.
by Taylor Shiley - May 13, 2026
We sat down to discuss everything from Philadelphia Theatre Company to the world premiere of Pulitzer-Prize winner James Ijames' new play, Wilderness Generation.
Scarlett Strallen, Tam Mutu, and More Will Lead Industry Readings of Cole Porter’s THE NEW YORKERS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Industry readings will be held for a new production of The New Yorkers, the 1930 Cole Porter musical which was last performed at NY City Center's Encores! in 2017.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Industry readings will be held for a new production of The New Yorkers, the 1930 Cole Porter musical which was last performed at NY City Center's Encores! in 2017.
As Female Playwrights Lose Ground, Female Critics Are Making History
by Cara Joy David - Mar 30, 2026
The biggest change from prior years is at The New York Times, where Helen Shaw became the first female chief theater critic at the paper of record earlier this year. Previously, The Times has had plenty of female second-string critics, but the top seat was always held by a man.
by Cara Joy David - Mar 30, 2026
The biggest change from prior years is at The New York Times, where Helen Shaw became the first female chief theater critic at the paper of record earlier this year. Previously, The Times has had plenty of female second-string critics, but the top seat was always held by a man.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 12, 2026- THE WILD PARTY Meets the Press and More
by - Mar 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Mar 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Christina Applegate Calls Ben Brantley’s NYT Review of Her Tony-Nominated Performance ‘Horribly Brutal’
by Michael Gioia - Mar 11, 2026
Christina Applegate feels that some critics weren’t kind during her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine on Broadway. Though the actress, 54, was Tony-nominated for her performance in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, she said she can’t forget about what then-New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley wrote in his May 5 review.
by Michael Gioia - Mar 11, 2026
Christina Applegate feels that some critics weren’t kind during her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine on Broadway. Though the actress, 54, was Tony-nominated for her performance in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, she said she can’t forget about what then-New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley wrote in his May 5 review.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 4, 2026- WICKED Welcomes New Leads and More
by - Mar 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Mar 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: DEATH OF A SALESMAN Company Discusses Broadway Revival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026
The upcoming Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman has launched a new video series featuring former New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley in conversation with the cast.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026
The upcoming Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman has launched a new video series featuring former New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley in conversation with the cast.
WAITING FOR GODOT Enters Final Week of Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2025
There are only 7 performances left to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting For Godot.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2025
There are only 7 performances left to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting For Godot.
Stage Time December Programming Includes PJ Adzima, Eleri Ward, And Casts Of THE QUEER WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS And SLAM FRANK
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2025
STAGE TIME will present a month of December programming across multiple New York City venues, featuring events created and curated by founder PJ Adzima. The company continues its combination of variety performance, drag, burlesque, live music, and new work development with returning series, a holiday parody, and the final weeks of the Off-Broadway production Slam Frank.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2025
STAGE TIME will present a month of December programming across multiple New York City venues, featuring events created and curated by founder PJ Adzima. The company continues its combination of variety performance, drag, burlesque, live music, and new work development with returning series, a holiday parody, and the final weeks of the Off-Broadway production Slam Frank.
Jamie Lloyd’s WAITING FOR GODOT Recoups Broadway Investment
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, has recouped its initial investment of $7.5 million in just eight weeks.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Jamie Lloyd’s Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, has recouped its initial investment of $7.5 million in just eight weeks.
Michael Urie Stars in Extended Run of Richard II at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Michael Urie leads Richard II at Red Bull Theater, now extended through December 14. Experience Shakespeare's masterpiece in a fresh setting!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Michael Urie leads Richard II at Red Bull Theater, now extended through December 14. Experience Shakespeare's masterpiece in a fresh setting!
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation Announces National Events Celebrating HIRSCHFELD'S SONDHEIM
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 9, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is celebrating the release of Hirschfeld’s Sondheim with nationwide events in New York, California, Pennsylvania, and more. The new poster book, featuring over 50 drawings of Stephen Sondheim’s works, includes essays by Bernadette Peters, Ben Brantley, and David Leopold.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 9, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is celebrating the release of Hirschfeld’s Sondheim with nationwide events in New York, California, Pennsylvania, and more. The new poster book, featuring over 50 drawings of Stephen Sondheim’s works, includes essays by Bernadette Peters, Ben Brantley, and David Leopold.
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