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Ben Brantley

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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.

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Everything You Don't Know About FLOYD COLLINS

Lincoln Center Theater is preparing for the Broadway premiere of Floyd Collins- the first major revival since the show's off Broadway premiere in 1996. Since then, the musical has gained a loyal fanbase, but remains largely unknown by musical theatre-loving audiences. What do you need to know...?
Previews: THE BOOK OF MORMON at TEATRO ARCIMBOLDI

THE BOOK OF MORMON al TEATRO ARCIMBOLDI DOPO AVER BATTUTO OGNI RECORD ARRIVA IN TOUR IN ITALIA IL MUSICAL PIU' DISSACRANTE E DIVERTENTE DEGLI ULTIMI TEMPI. IN SCENA DAL 10 al 21 dicembre 2025
Miracle or 2 Theatrical Licensing Acquires Rights for STEVE by Mark Gerrard

Miracle or 2 Theatrical Licensing announced the acquisition of worldwide rights for STEVE by Mark Gerrard.
MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW to be Presented at The Wallis

The Wallis will present 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now,' reuniting the original Tracy, Penny, and Amber from HAIRSPRAY for the first time. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Third Rail Projects Will Premiere TRUE LOVE FOREVER in November

Third Rail Projects will present the World Premiere of TRUE LOVE FOREVER, where immersive theater and an indie rock concert collide. This unforgettable experience of love, heartbreak, and everything in between will begin performances November 21 at ART X NYC.
Shattered Globe To Present Works From Sarah Ruhl, Kenneth Lonergan and More for 2024/25 Season

Shattered Globe Theatre announced its 2024-25 season featuring Sarah Ruhl’s BECKY NURSE OF SALEM, Kenneth Lonergan’s LOBBY HERO, and a new adaptation of Dickens' A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Brendan Pelsue.
Alexandra Billings and Honey West Will Perform The Big Gay Cabaret at The Mercury Theater Chicago

Alexandra Billings & Honey West will perform in The Big Gay Cabaret, performing together for the first time in 20 years at The Mercury Theater Chicago. Performances are Friday/Saturday, August 9 & 10 at 8pm.
Belarus Free Theatre To Debut Newest Work at La Mama This Fall

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club (ETC) will open its 63rd season this fall with the latest new work created by the internationally-acclaimed Belarus Free Theater, KS6: SMALL FORWARD.
Video: Inside Rehearsal for The Old Man and The Old Moon at South Coast Repertory

Go inside rehearsals for South Coast Repertory's producton of The Old Man and The Old Moon, with book, music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co in this all-new video.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG's Final Week Was Highest Grossing Week Ever For A Sondheim Musical

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG sets a new record as the highest-grossing Sondheim musical in a single week, breaking the box office record for the 10th and final time.
Four County Players to Open 52nd Season With Shakespeare at the Ruins: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Four County Players will open their 52nd season with Shakespeare at the Ruins: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, directed by 'Derby' Thomas this summer. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON Comes to South Coast Repertory Next Month

South Coast Repertory will return for a final summer at Mission San Juan Capistrano with The Old Man and The Old Moon, book, music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co.  The Outside SCR offering, which performs outdoors under the stars, runs July 20-Aug. 11.
Review: GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE at Music Theatre Wichita At Century II Concert Hall

What did our critic think of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE at Music Theatre Wichita At Century II Concert Hall? There is a reason the musical Gypsy: A Musical Fable is a Golden Age classic. The text, suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee and written by Authur Laurents, is economical and succinct. Jule Styne’s music varies from catchy tunes to lush, foreboding orchestral maneuvers, and Sondheim’s nascent lyrics are simple and accessible, yet cut to the core of each scene’s objective.
Ain Gordon & Josh Quillen's RELICS AND THEIR HUMANS to be Presented at La Mama

Pick Up Performance Co.’s Relics and Their Humans, written and performed by Ain Gordon and Josh Quillen and directed by Gordon, will make its New York premiere at La MaMa ETC. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Learn About the History of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Learn about the history of Merrily We Roll Along! Learn more about the show, currently playing on Broadway, and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Watch Caissie Levy & Eleanor Worthington-Cox Sing 'Maybe' from NEXT TO NORMAL

Get a sneak peek of the West End production of Next to Normal with Caissie Levy & Eleanor Worthington-Cox performing 'Maybe' from the show. Watch the full video here!
Premieres From Ryan J. Haddad, Sarah Mantell & More Set for Playwrights Horizons 2024-25 Season

Playwrights Horizons has revealed its 2024-25 season. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Lea Delaria And Judy Gold Announce Dates Join BIG GAY CABARET At Mercury Theater

The Big Gay Cabaret Series presented by Ginger Minj has announced performance dates for Lea DeLaria and Judy Gold.
Spotlight: BOEING BOEING at Valencia College

“Boeing Boeing” takes a comedic flight at Valencia College.

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