Norma Doesmen - Reviewed by MARK PEIKERT

This infantile spoof of "Sunset Boulevard" aims for the lowest common denominator.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

When the Rain Stops Falling - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

Contrived plotting mars this tale of multigenerational misery in an Anglo-Australian clan, but David Cromer's direction and a sterling ensemble keep it from being a total washout.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

<cite>Remembering Mr. Maugham</cite>, reviewed by Robert Windeler

Those looking for literary insights or dramatic tension would do better to read a Somerset Maugham novel or watch a Garson Kanin movie.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Reviewed by Erik Haagensen

Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has arrived with a big old bang with Neighbors, a grandly theatrical, highly subversive, and immensely intelligent play that takes a long hard look at our supposedly postracial society.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

<cite>Zero Hour</cite>, reviewed by Erik Haagensen

Writer-performer Jim Brochu creates a fitting and touching tribute to actor Zero Mostel, one of the greatest and most outsized talents ever to grace the American stage and screen.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Reviewed by David Sheward

Melissa Errico makes a radiant leading lady, but each of the six characters is given equal weight in this witty debate on the nature of marriage and romantic love.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Special Kaye: A Tribute to the Incomparable Kaye Ballard - Reviewed by ERIK HAAGENSEN

Gretchen Reinhagen's one-woman salute to the great Kaye Ballard won a 2010 Nightlife Award and has been installed in an open-ended one-performance-per-month run at the Metropolitan Room.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

The Cherry Orchard - Reviewed by CLIFFORD LEE JOHNSON III

Though you won't find a first-rate production of "The Cherry Orchard" gracing the stage at T. Schreiber Studio, you will be able to see the best real-estate comedy currently running in New Y…

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

A Behanding in Spokane - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

Christopher Walken gives a bizarre, kooky, and captivating star turn in Martin McDonagh's blood-soaked black comedy. But don't look for anything deeper than a few gory laughs.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Love, Linda: The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter - Reviewed by ERIK HAAGENSEN

This self-described "one-woman musical" is a perfectly presentable cabaret act, but it fails as theater.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Brack's Last Bachelor Party - Reviewed by RON COHEN

For Ibsen know-it-alls, this takeoff on "Hedda Gabler" scores some enjoyable points, but it doesn't make it as a fully realized play.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

The Miracle Worker - Reviewed by ERIK HAAGENSEN

The story of teacher Annie Sullivan unlocking the deaf-and-blind young Helen Keller from a world of darkness carries an elemental power that survives even director Kate Whoriskey's troubled …

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

'Miracle' on 50th Street By Simi Horwitz

Alison Pill re-creates the inspiring Annie Sullivan in Broadway's 'The Miracle Worker.'

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Equivocation - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

Playwright Bill Cain combines Stoppard, backstage comedy, "A Man for All Seasons," and the war on terror in a confusing and disappointing mixed bag of a play.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

The Wonder - Reviewed by NICOLE VILLENEUVE

The now-forgotten Restoration playwright Susanna Centlivre is revived by a capable all-female cast in an entertaining and spirited production that falters only when it attempts to force itse…

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

The Duchess of Malfi - Reviewed by RON COHEN

Nefarious deeds and a high body count make for bloody good theater in this appreciative and hotly acted adaptation of a Jacobean classic.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Reviewed by Erik Haagensen

Jonathan Reynolds' latest satire leads not so much to intellectual ferment and debate as to exasperated eye-rolling and a quick contemplation of where to have dinner.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Reviewed by Erik Haagensen

Among the plethora of worthy gay-themed offerings currently on the New York City boards, The Temperamentals remains by far the best of an interesting bunch.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Sail Away (in Concert) - Reviewed by MARK PEIKERT

This hasty concert presentation of Noël Coward's 1961 musical fails on almost every level.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

John Standing: Performing Noël Coward - Reviewed by ERIK HAAGENSEN

John Standing may be appearing in cabaret, but that hasn't stopped him from delivering a master class in acting in this program at Café Carlyle.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Sounding - Reviewed by JASON FITZGERALD

Jennifer Gibbs' new play seeks the mystery of existence only to drown in weak storytelling and empty dialogue.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Signs of Life - Reviewed by RONNI REICH

In "Signs of Life," a new musical depicting life in Hitler's "City for the Jews" concentration camp of Terezin, Czechoslovakia, Amas Musical Theatre seems to place its desire to educate abov…

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Blind - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

This "Oedipus" in modern dress fails to make the case for retelling a timeless classic.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

The Tempest - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

The Bridge Project, Sam Mendes' company featuring British and American artists, continues to dazzle and delight.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑

Yank! - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD

Moving, clever, and passionate, this gay love story set during World War II does far more than ask and tell.

SOURCE: Backstage at 5:58pm on May 25, 2015☆⚑