Jesse Hassenger

“The high production value of The Lost Boys may leave hipper audiences yearning for a firmer commitment to style over substance – rather than its ultimate choice of sap over style.”

“The Balusters feels more like the latter – which makes it both more fun and less resonant than it probably should be.”

“Those who haven't seen the TV show will receive Schmigadoon! as an uncomplicated good time, both an affectionate send-up of shows still performed at American high schools everywhere and a tribute to why they endure.”

“Though it would have been a riskier proposition, maybe an updated Afternoon actually set in 2026 would have made better use of this cast than a play that attempts an awkward negotiation between 1970s period details and a 2020s sensibilities.”

“As a medium-wire act, though, it’s still plenty brilliant.”

“But when Peter thinks he notices a bug bite from their shared motel bed, he starts to spiral further into paranoia.”

“One problem with the 2025 refurbishing of Chess is that its behind-the-scenes maneuvering threatens to overwhelm the actual material.”

“This reconfigured Phantom may be closer to a ride than high art, but it sure gives you a closeup look at a lot of terrific craft.”

“John Proctor Is the Villain doesn't feel like a show designed to goose youth-audience ticket sales; it feels like one that will engage and electrify a teenage audience, and plenty of adults too.”

“This new production is simply the latest modern contextualization of Mamet’s masterpiece, or a belated anniversary gift.”

“But with so many Broadway musicals imitating the sounds and aesthetics of a gigantic, gleaming jukebox, the genuine exuberance of Buena Vista Social Club stands out pretty handily.”

“It’s certainly cathartic to see a work so unafraid to go big and risk bad laughs by letting serious strife spill over into farce.”

“Almost immediately, it asserts itself as a play that feels contemporary both in its clarity about lingering racism and its willingness to generate big laughs from that very clarity.”

“Much of the time, it attempts a mega-yet-modest balance of big-budget splashiness with a beating human heart underneath, and comes across like a high-energy cover rather than any kind of reimagining.”

“Against the odds, the evening is truly theatrical – because it is essentially a backstage story.”

“It is unforgivable, stupid and thoughtless.”