Solitary Solidarity: Theatre Reviews from the Present to the Past

      On July 23rd, 2025, I saw the 2pm performance of the musical comedy "Operation Mincemeat" at the Golden Theatre in New York City.  "Operation Mincemeat" is set in 1943, and is a true story.  The musical is about a deception operation carried out by the British Intelligence during World War II.  The operation involved planting fake documents (pertaining to an invasion) on a corpse disguised as a British officer.  The goal was to mislead the Nazis, and draw them away from Sicily.  The musical features a book, music, and lyrics by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts.      "Operation Mincemeat" premiered on Broadway on March 20th, 2025 (after beginning previews on February 15th).  The production was originally scheduled for a limited 16-week engagement.  However, it is currently scheduled to run through February 15th, 2026.  The West-End Production has been running for over two years.  ...

       On the moderately warm afternoon of July 2nd, 2025, I saw a performance of the jaw-dropping Broadway spectacle "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.  I won the ticket lottery for the performance the day before, and it became the perfect 40th Birthday present from my mom.  By that, I don't mean I received 40 gifts.  I mean that the present was in honor of me turning 40.  Incidentally, I've probably received far more than 40 gifts...    "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" is a prequel of the Netflix show "Stranger Things."  It takes place in 1959 in Hawkins, Indiana when a young Henry Creel and his family move there for a fresh start.  It doesn't take long before things go wrong.  This is a play full of amazing set designs and visual effects.  There are also frightening moments along with funny ones (occasional sad moments, too).         At the perfo...