According to Lincoln Center's new LCT3 project at its slogan, it takes "New Audiences for New Artists." It also takes new critics, hence the establishment of Theater Talk's New Theater Corps in 2005, a way for up-and-coming theater writers and eager new theatergoers to get exposure to the ever-growing theater scene in New York City. Writers for the New Theater Corps are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the off-off and off-Broadway theater scene, learning and giving back high-quality reviews at the same time. Driven by a passion and love of the arts, the New Theater Corps aims to identify, support, and grow the arts community, one show and one person at a time.

Friday, December 30, 2005

New Year's Eve at the Theater, by Matt Windman

Who will be the mystery guest tomorrow night at Prince Orlofsky’s ball? The Metropolitan Opera has a tradition of incorporating celebrity performers into its operas on New Year’s Eve such as Barbara Cook and Dame Edna. Tomorrow night, one or more celebrity performers will be added to the company’s enchanting revival of Strauss’s “Die Fledermaus.”

Sung in German with English dialogue, this light operetta from 1874 is viewed today as one of the world’s first musical comedies. Also making his MET debut is Bill Irwin, who adds a delightful dose of slapstick comedy as a screwball jail attendant.

On Broadway, New Year’s Eve will mark the final performances of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Latinologues,” and “Sweet Charity.” At Joe’s Pub, the controversial comedian Sandra Bernhard will rant, rock and rail over the ups and downs and further downs of 2005.

For cabaret, Elaine Stritch will perform her new show at the Carlyle, and Michael Feinstein himself will sing at Feinstein’s. And at 59E59 Theaters, the entire theater complex will be turned into a multi-floor “New Year’s Whirl” party with music, dancing and cocktails.

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