Hana Sharif Leaves Arena, Leaving Questions for the Field
The artistic director’s departure, after just 3 years, from the helm of the D.C.’s flagship theatre has ignited a debate about the American theatre’s systemic challenges.
Stories by Rob Weinert-Kendt
Rob Weinert-Kendt is editor-in-chief of American Theatre. He was the founding editor-in-chief of Back Stage West and writes about theatre for the New York Times, Time Out NY, and the Los Angeles Times. He studied film at USC and is a composer member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.
The Caste Is Stacked in ‘The Employee Dharma Handbook’
A human resources tangle among tech workers is at the heart of Geetha Reddy’s new comedy at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
Great Pride, Also Pain
As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, can we find in the performing arts a reflection of a common identity, even cause for patriotism?
Solo Acts of Comic Commemoration in ‘The Peculiar Patriot’ and ‘Greef’
Conversations with Liza Jessie Peterson and Christina Gelsone about 2 very different shows, one ending a quarter-century run, the other quietly launching a tour.
‘Eugene’ Holds a Picking Party
Sarah Gancher’s hootenanny-inspired, Arkansas-set adaptation of ‘Eugene Onegin’ gets the Rachel Chavkin immersive treatment at TheatreSquared.
Jessica Stone: Ready for a Long Conversation at La Jolla Playhouse
For this actor-turned-director, the job of running one of the U.S.’s biggest nonprofit theatres is less about finding an artistic home for herself than making a home for others.
Tough Love and Liberation
In our Spring issue, we look at some long-standing structural and systemic challenges facing the regional theatre movement—and celebrate the luminous new work still being made in spite of them.
Books in New Editions in ‘Flower Drum Song’ and ‘Brigadoon’
How David Henry Hwang and Alexandra Silber seek to honor 2 classic musicals’ intentions while keeping them fresh.
‘Schmigadoon’s Secret Sauce: The Sincerity Is in the Sound
The show’s creator, Cinco Paul, explains how his score pays cock-eyed tribute to the mid-century American musical.
Chekhov Unhinged, ‘Cats’ Unleashed
How 2 Russian directors and 1 American one are making Chekhov’s work speak to the moment, and how a seasoned community-based theatremaker is having a ball on Broadway.
