To say that there is a plethora of theatre in New York City is an understatement. The big apple is the place to be for theatre lovers.
There are of course many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows that offer very polished and professional performances with some of the best singers, dancers and actors along with some of the most spectacular design elements that money can buy. Not to mention all the celebrities who take star turns on the Great White Way.
However, for those of you who are interested in experiencing the complete New York theatre scene and the very heart and soul of American Theatre, you might want to check out the city’s independent theater also known as Off-Off-Broadway. The productions that take place in the more intimate spaces through out New York do not boast big named stars or impressive sets or costumes. But what they lack in production values, they often make up for with innovative staging, visceral and timely plays, outstanding performances and enthusiasm.
Along the West side of 42nd Street, is the famous Theatre Row. During the last 5 years, all of the old theatres (some 15 spaces) were torn down and replaced with a new complex of 5 theatres along with Playwrights Horizons. The new Theatre Row Theatres provide a very pleasant, clean and tourist friendly environment for some of these smaller productions.
This last week, my BF and I went to see an Off-Off-Broadway production entitled Sherlock Solo, a one-person show that tells the tale of one of Sherlock Holmes’ adventures that was previously undocumented by the intrepid Mr. Watson. The playwright, Victor L. Cahn convincingly played the analytical title role along with all the other characters in the story. The set was simple but elegant and gave the distinct feeling of another time and place. The play itself was crisp, fun and titillating especially for those Sherlock Holmes fans in the audience. It was perfect fare for a Saturday matinee.
For only $18 we got a great performance that was as fulfilling as any I’ve seen in New York City. I strongly encourage all visitors to consider Off-Off-Broadway productions in addition to the Broadway shows. Off-Off-Broadway offers some of the best up-and-coming theatre artists along with some of the most accomplished professionals in the city. Plus there is something so thrilling about discovering these gems before the rest of the world does. I love to tell people that “I saw the original production of Urinetown.” Maybe one of these days I’ll be saying “I saw the original production of Sherlock Solo.”
Sherlock Solo was produced by Resonance Ensemble. For more information about the company or their season, check out their website http://www.resonanceensemble.org/.
Insider Tip:
There are of course many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows that offer very polished and professional performances with some of the best singers, dancers and actors along with some of the most spectacular design elements that money can buy. Not to mention all the celebrities who take star turns on the Great White Way.
However, for those of you who are interested in experiencing the complete New York theatre scene and the very heart and soul of American Theatre, you might want to check out the city’s independent theater also known as Off-Off-Broadway. The productions that take place in the more intimate spaces through out New York do not boast big named stars or impressive sets or costumes. But what they lack in production values, they often make up for with innovative staging, visceral and timely plays, outstanding performances and enthusiasm.
Along the West side of 42nd Street, is the famous Theatre Row. During the last 5 years, all of the old theatres (some 15 spaces) were torn down and replaced with a new complex of 5 theatres along with Playwrights Horizons. The new Theatre Row Theatres provide a very pleasant, clean and tourist friendly environment for some of these smaller productions.
This last week, my BF and I went to see an Off-Off-Broadway production entitled Sherlock Solo, a one-person show that tells the tale of one of Sherlock Holmes’ adventures that was previously undocumented by the intrepid Mr. Watson. The playwright, Victor L. Cahn convincingly played the analytical title role along with all the other characters in the story. The set was simple but elegant and gave the distinct feeling of another time and place. The play itself was crisp, fun and titillating especially for those Sherlock Holmes fans in the audience. It was perfect fare for a Saturday matinee.
For only $18 we got a great performance that was as fulfilling as any I’ve seen in New York City. I strongly encourage all visitors to consider Off-Off-Broadway productions in addition to the Broadway shows. Off-Off-Broadway offers some of the best up-and-coming theatre artists along with some of the most accomplished professionals in the city. Plus there is something so thrilling about discovering these gems before the rest of the world does. I love to tell people that “I saw the original production of Urinetown.” Maybe one of these days I’ll be saying “I saw the original production of Sherlock Solo.”
Sherlock Solo was produced by Resonance Ensemble. For more information about the company or their season, check out their website http://www.resonanceensemble.org/.
Insider Tip:
There is just about something for everyone from classic Shakespeare to new plays fresh off the photocopier. I suggest spending a few minutes researching the productions and companies prior to venturing out. There are some fantastic sites that offer reviews and listings of the complete spectrum of theatre happening Off-Off-Broadway.
The New York Innovative Theatre Awards - www.nyitawards.com
TheaterMania – www.theatermania.com
The New York Theatre Experience – www.nytheatre.com
Off-Off-Online – www.offoffonline.com
Full disclosure I am one of the Founders of the New York IT Awards.
The New York Innovative Theatre Awards - www.nyitawards.com
TheaterMania – www.theatermania.com
The New York Theatre Experience – www.nytheatre.com
Off-Off-Online – www.offoffonline.com
Full disclosure I am one of the Founders of the New York IT Awards.
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