Theater Update: Simon Rich’s Broadway news

July 24, 2024

Dear Theater Fans,

There’s a bit of Broadway news tucked into Jason Zinoman’s comedy column, in which he spoke to the author and comedy writer Simon Rich about how A.I. has informed “his dark view of the future.” Rich’s 10th collection of short stories, “Glory Days,” was just released this week, and now he says he is planning to make his Broadway debut this season with a show directed by Alex Timbers. More details on that one soon!

What happens when directors and performers thoughtfully reappropriate material that was once appropriated from them? Sometimes the story is expanded. That’s what Jesse Green noticed recently after seeing Chay Yew’s revival of “South Pacific,” with a Black lieutenant; a production of “La Cage aux Folles” whose casting of an actual drag performer deepened a character’s complexities; and a “Cats” revival that relocates the story to the world of Harlem drag balls.

Elisabeth Vincentelli wrote about how the actresses portraying the main character in “Pre-Existing Condition” — Marin Ireland’s play about the aftermath of domestic violence — have given the show a communal quality; Sarah Bahr highlights six panel discussions to check out while attending BroadwayCon in Midtown Manhattan this weekend; and Catherine Porter gives us a preview of the waterborne opening ceremony that the director Thomas Jolly is planning for the Paris Olympics.

Please reach out to me at theaterfeedback@nytimes.com with suggestions for stories or to offer your thoughts about our coverage. And urge your friends to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here.

Have a wonderful week,

Nicole Herrington

Theater Editor

About a dozen performers dressed in colorful outfits are grouped together as they pose onstage.

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Critic’s Notebook

For Some Old Musicals, Not Just Revival but Reappropriation

How a Black lieutenant, a gay kiss and a catless ballroom are helping reclaim Broadway classics.

By Jesse Green

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NEWS AND FEATURES

In a portrait of three women, one woman, who is standing, is flanked by two other women, who are both seated.

Jeanette Spicer for The New York Times

In ‘Pre-Existing Condition,’ a Character Isn’t Defined by Abuse, or One Actress

Stars like Edie Falco and Deirdre O’Connell bring a communal quality to Marin Ireland’s play about the aftermath of domestic violence.

By Elisabeth Vincentelli

Two women in early-20th-century period attire are talking to each other in a production image.

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

This Year’s BroadwayCon Raises the Curtain on Mental Health

The ninth annual fan event will include discussions on topics such as sobriety, self-care and body image. Here are six to look out for.

By Sarah Bahr

Thomas Jolly, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants, sits on the wall of a bridge over the Seine in Paris.

Dmitry Kostyukov for The New York Times

When the Paris Olympics Begin, the Seine Is His Stage

To open the Games, the theater director Thomas Jolly has masterminded a spectacular waterborne ceremony depicting 12 scenes from French history.

By Catherine Porter

Onstage, a woman in a red patterned cardigan and a man in a blue shirt sit on bright yellow folding chairs.

Helen Murray

At ‘Slave Play’ in London, a ‘Black Out’ Night Emerges From Controversy

Critics slammed the idea of “restricting audiences on the basis of race,” but at a recent performance, Black spectators praised producers for creating a safe space.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor

Wearing an electric blue button-down shirt, Simon Rich sits at a table with a calm expression on his face.

Maggie Shannon for The New York Times

On Comedy

If A.I. Is Coming for Comedy Writers, Simon Rich Is Ready

The author of humorous short stories finds emotional connections in tales that engage with tech. But he’s more interested in the ties between humans.

By Jason Zinoman

A black and white photo of Leslie Uggams on a bright orange and light blue background.

Caitlin Ochs/Reuters

My Ten

Leslie Uggams, a Fan of Both Nat King Cole and Billie Eilish

The actress, nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for her performance in “Roots,” is still going strong with appearances in the TV series “Fallout” and the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

By Leigh-Ann Jackson

FROM THE CRITICS

Seated audience members are seen in a mirror as two actors perform in a dimly lit scene.

Thomas Brunot

‘Inspired by True Events’ Review: True Crime Thriller Riddled With Clichés

The actor Ryan Spahn makes his Off Broadway playwriting debut with an immersive, psychologically shallow dark comedy.

By Brittani Samuel

The “Hello Dolly” cast, in 1890s costumes, stand in rows onstage. Behind them, a sign reads “Yonkers, N.Y.”

Manuel Harlan

Critic’s Pick

‘Hello, Dolly!’ Review: Imelda Staunton Has the Wow, Wow, Wow Factor

The veteran British actress shines in a new revival that is the musical theater highlight of the West End summer.

By Matt Wolf

BROADWAY GUIDE

Several actors playing teenage boys are onstage in jeans and T-shirts with their arms around one another’s shoulders.

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Broadway Shows to See This Summer

A guide to Tony-winning shows, including “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic,” and Off Broadway hits transferring to bigger stages.

By Laura Collins-Hughes

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