Here are accounts of shows I attended just before live performances traumatically ceased in NYC due to COVID-19, one review was not published before.
Author: Darryl Reilly
Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn’s Cultural Medallion Dedication
The legendary married acting couple were honored with a plaque at their former Manhattan residence. Their daughter Tandy Cronyn was among the speakers.
A Portrait of Maureen Stapleton
Viewing a stunning painting at an art gallery of the great actress done in 1968 inspired me to re-read her memoir to see if there was information about it.
Harold Pinter and Nicholas Hytner
The acclaimed British director recounts two dramatic exchanges with the great and temperamental playwright in his memoir of running the National Theatre.
Doric Wilson: An Eminent Outlaw
The pioneering gay playwright’s exclusion from a book about gay writers rankled me. The author spoke at the book club I attend and I confronted him.
Frank Langella is 80: A Stream of Consciousness Tribute
The great actor’s milestone birthday inspires a cascade of memories, observations and reflections based on following his illustrious and enduring career.
William Hickey: Reminiscences
He was the only one of the figures on the fringes of show business that I’ve met who truly experienced the Cinderella story we dream of. Today he’d be 90.
Steven Berkoff is 80: An Appreciation
In honor of that iconoclastic titan of the English theatre’s milestone birthday are my memories of seeing him perform and his profound influence on me.
Elaine Stritch at The 92nd Street Y
This was the last major public appearance in NYC, by the legendary performer. She died five months later on July 17, 2014. She put on a great show.
Laurie Lawrence (1959-2017)
She was one of NYC’s brightest and talented “undiscovered” stars. She died unexpectedly last month, and a beautiful memorial tribute was held for her.