The New York theater scene is most often associated with Broadway, but there is a diverse audience that actually prefers to head Off-Broadway. (I count myself among them.) The descriptor has nothing to do with location, but rather the number of seats — between 100-499 — making for a more intimate shared experience. Not needing to attract as large a crowd or pay sky high production costs allows tickets to be offered at relatively budget-friendly prices. Additionally, themes are often more daring: speaking to the issues of our time with an unexpected voice. Many works are brand new, possibly even still evolving. However, most runs are just a few weeks long, so here are a few to keep on your radar.
The six performances spaces of Theatre Row have welcomed a number of smaller companies from Pan Asian Rep to the community minded Keen Company as well as played host to the country’s largest celebration of monologues, United Solo. Now playing through September 29 is Sober Songs. With a score comprised of a range of musical styles, this dark comedy by Michael Levin tells the story of six young adults who meet at a local AA group. Emotions flow from carefree and charming to raw and deep, much like the recovery process itself.
Housed in the Theatre at St. Jean down a flight of stairs on an Upper East Side side street is The York Theater. Founded by three theater professionals over fifty years ago, their focus is on new musicals and lost gems. This fall season begins on Tuesday, September 9, with the World Premiere of This is Not a Drill. The script was inspired by the experience of Holly Doubet in 2018 when a false alert went out to residents and visitors that there was an missile attack headed for Hawaii. The book is by Doubet and Joseph McDonough with music and lyrics by Doubet, Kathy Babylon and John Vester.
Also calling a church home is the Theatre at St. Clements. Nestled in the heart of Hells Kitchen, this steep venue has launched new works by David Mamet, Terrence McNally, Sam Shepherd, and Julie Taymor among others. Beginning September 5th, the storied tradition continues with False Steps, a ballroom comedy written by dance champion Candace H. Caplin and Kim St. Leon, with original music and lyrics by Jesse Corbin. Starring Caplin, this farcefollows a floundering playwright whose life takes an unpredictable turn when her recently widowed mother falls for a much younger ballroom dance instructor.
Positioned firmly on your funny bone is Asylum NYC which offers stand-up comedians, sketch and improv troupes and musical reviews. Beginning on Wednesday, September 17, performances of Exorcist: The Rock Musical will be followed by the Slam Frank. With a score by Andrew Fox and a book by Joel Sinensky, this satire is perfect for those who think South Park doesn’t go nearly far enough. Inspired by a truly bonkers provocative tweet, the Afro-Latin hip-hop musical puts the story of Anne Frank through a pan-gender, feminist, multiethnic lens to create a work that has already sparked spirited conversation.
Long before finding household fame in Law & Order, Jerry Orbach starred in the long-running Fantasticks. Now the black box where the revival played on the third floor of The Theater Center bears his name. (A smaller space honoring his wife sits across from it.) The chairs in the Orbach feel like the sectional you should have replaced last year and the A/C is cranked to an 11, but the staff is welcoming and there are no bad seats. Recently, it’s been home to both The Office and Friends parody shows. But more progressive works are scheduled in between the comfort food. Starting on September 24 on Wednesdays at 2 pm, Fridays at 4 pm and Sundays at 6 pm is Kipp Koenig’s The Glitch. This timely sci-fi dramedy uses a woman’s visit to an AI simulator lab to explore life decisions, emotional connection, and the interdependence of love and forgiveness.
These are just some of the spaces offering risk-taking, thought-provoking, conversation- stimulating theater… and that’s just September! So consider enlivening your entertainment line-up with something brand-new and uniquely theatrical.
The Unforgettable Line 