Posts

Musician Interview: George Steel on Launching a New Thursday-night Series at the Gardner Museum with Steve Reich’s landmark “Music for 18 Musicians”

February 17, 2026
Posted in , , , ,

“I would say Music for 18  Musicians was probably the most influential piece of American concert music of the last quarter of the 20th century. You could conceivably stretch that to the most influential piece of American concert music since it was written.”

Television Review: “The ‘Burbs,” A Suburban Snooze — Fangless and Flat

February 16, 2026
Posted in , ,

Considering its hard-to-fault premise, Peacock’s “The ‘Burbs” should be a lot more fun than it is.

Book Review: “Sixties Surreal” — A Jingle-Jangle of an Alternative Take

February 16, 2026
Posted in , ,

While I heartily recommend “Sixties Surreal” as a provocative revisionist compendium or almanac, I know the volume will frustrate those who expect to find a conventional survey.

Book Review: “When Caesar Was King” — How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy

February 16, 2026
Posted in , , ,

The book argues, convincingly, that Sid Caesar’s genius wasn’t in what he did or said so much as in the anarchistic energy he encouraged his writers to unleash and harness.

Coming Attractions: February 15 through March 2 — What Will Light Your Fire

February 15, 2026
Posted in , ,

Our expert critics supply a guide to film, visual art, theater, author readings, television, and music. More offerings will be added as they come in.

Dance Review: Trisha Brown Dance Company — Elegance, Wit, and Enduring Innovation

February 15, 2026
Posted in , ,

The question was how well these mid-20th century works would hold up and how, with the passing of time, those dances would look to both familiar and fresh eyes.

Theater Review: Penelope’s Patient Power — Aimee Doherty Shines in Lyric’s Intimate Odyssey

February 15, 2026
Posted in , ,

The true star of the Lyric Stage production is Aimee Doherty, who is marvelous in the role of Penelope.

Visual Art Review: The Sacred Act of Making — Boston Artists Explore Ritual and Space

February 15, 2026
Posted in , ,

In this exhibit, curator Robin Hauck celebrates ten Boston-area artists who resist the relentless distractions that contemporary life imposes on all of us.

Film Review: “The Moment” — Charli XCX’s Self-Parody Is Just Another Product

February 14, 2026
Posted in , ,

Perhaps “The Moment” did manage to nail one truth about the music industry: when fame and opportunity come knocking, it’s near impossible not to wring out every drop of profit.

Book Review: A Writer’s Life Reconsidered — Paule Marshall’s Artistry and Influence

February 14, 2026
Posted in , ,

Mary Helen Washington’s biography of Paule Marshall provides a thorough consideration of the writer’s achievement and a convincing case that her fiction and her public speeches deserve continuing attention and respect.

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

Categories

Archives