Iris Wiener, Author at The New York Independent, New York City, NY

How Broadway Saved Josh Lamon’s Life Twice; ‘Death Becomes Her’ Actor Reveals Unique Journey

Iris WienerApril 9, 2025

Broadway saved Josh Lamon’s life…twice. He talks about his long road to Broadway in an NYI exclusive interview. ...

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTMUSICALTheater

Christina Sajous brings depth and perspective to Louis Armstrong on Broadway.

Christina Sajous Plays It “Unsafe” as co-director of ‘A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Story’

Iris WienerDecember 4, 2024

Christina Sajous brings depth and perspective to Louis Armstrong on Broadway. A New York Independent Q&A....

BROADWAYMUSICALTheater

Marissa Jaret Winokur, Laura Bell Bundy and Kerry Butler of 'Hairspray fame reunite for a new Off-Broadway concert. (Photo: Russ Rowland)

Marissa Jaret Winokur, ‘Hairspray’ co-stars Relive Musical’s Spirit in Off-Broadway Concert

Iris WienerDecember 3, 2024

Marissa Jaret Winokur, of 2002 Hairspray fame, has teamed up with original Hairspray co-stars Laura Bell Bundy and Kerry Butler for Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now...

OFF-BROADWAYTheater

Broadway Elite Celebrate at Only Make Believe 25th Anniversary Gala

Iris WienerNovember 2, 2024

Mario Cantone and Rachel Dratch helped kick off the 25th anniversary of Only Make Believe. (All photos: Jason Steinberg) Broadway’s finest celebrated the 25th anniversary of Only Make Believe, an inspirational, joyous organization that creates in...

CalendarENTERTAINMENTTheater

Melora Harden, Robert Downey Jr. in McNeal

Melora Hardin Talks Robert Downey Jr. Impact of AI in Broadway’s ‘McNeal’

Iris WienerOctober 30, 2024

When Melora Hardin first read the script for Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal, she immediately knew she wanted to take on the role of Francine Blake....

BROADWAYDRAMAENTERTAINMENTTheater

Ricky Rojas Enjoys a Third Stint in ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Celebrating Five Years on Broadway

Iris WienerSeptember 1, 2024

Ricky Rojas left such an impact on Broadway's Moulin Rouge! he's returning for a third turn at the show. ...

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTMUSICALTheater

Stereophonic was the big winner at the 68th Drama Desk Awards, with victories in seven categories, including Outstanding Play.

Stereophonic Sounds Off at Drama Desk Awards With Top Prize, 6 Other Awards (Photos!)

Iris WienerJune 18, 2024

Stereophonic was the big winner at the 68th Drama Desk Awards. Complete coverage, plus photos!...

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Virginia Woolf’s eccentric novel "Orlando: A Biography" is no stranger to adaptations. Signature Theatre’s current production

Virginia Woolf’s Eccentric 1928 Novel Gets a Modern Twist in Sarah Ruhl’s ‘Orlando’

Iris WienerApril 26, 2024

Virginia Woolf’s eccentric novel "Orlando: A Biography" is no stranger to adaptations in Signature Theatre’s current production....

COMEDYENTERTAINMENTOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada star as F. Scott Fitzgerald's love struck couple in The Great Gatsby Musical. (Photo: Evan Zimmerman)

‘The Great Gatsby Musical’ Packs Glitz and Glamour, But Lacks the Novel’s Social Punch

Iris WienerApril 26, 2024

F Scott Fitzgerald's storied 1925 Jazz Age novel, "The Great Gatsby" has stood the test of time. The Great Gatsby Musical, a giant Broadway production, unfortunately, won't....

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTMUSICALTheater

Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks looks at the relationship of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson through the prism of 21st Century Americana.

Love or Rape? ‘Sally & Tom’ Tells Compelling Story About a Founding Father and His Slave

Iris WienerApril 20, 2024

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks explores the relationship between founding father Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings,...

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTTheater

Encores! Once Upon a Mattress Music by Mary Rodgers Lyrics by Marshall Barer Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller & Marshall Barer Concert Adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino Scenic Designer David Zinn Costume Designer Andrea Hood Lighting Designer Amith Chandrashaker Sound Designer Kai Harada Production Stage Manager Cody Renard Richard Casting by The Telsey Office Featuring The Encores! Orchestra Choreographer Lorin Latarro Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell Directed by Lear deBessonet

Michael Urie on How He Juggles ‘Spamalot’ and ‘Mattress’ on Broadway and Hit TV Show in LA

Iris WienerFebruary 1, 2024

Michael Urie talks about his show-stopping performances in Broadway’s Spamalot and Encores! production of Once Upon a Mattress. ...

BROADWAYTheater

Paul Rudd, Celebrities Fete Stuttering Association’s Landmark Tenth Fundraiser

Iris WienerFebruary 1, 2024

SAY marked its 10th Annual Paul Rudd Celebrity Bowling Benefit in January. See the celebs who attended. ...

CalendarEvents

Krystal Joy Brown brings flair to her role in Broadway's Merrily We Roll Along.

Krystal Joy Brown Makes History as First African-American Lead in Broadway’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along’

Iris WienerNovember 29, 2023

Krystal Joy Brown brings her own flair to Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. (Photo: Show) No one gets inside the mind of a character with the same depth as Krystal Joy Brown, the scene-stealer in the Broadway revival of ...

BROADWAYMUSICALTheater

Philip Boykin is a commanding presence in his new role in the Broadway musicial Hadestown.

Phillip Boykin Adds a New Dimension to the Underworld in Broadway’s ‘Hadestown’

Iris WienerNovember 15, 2023

Hadestown, the musicial currently on Broadway, has a charismatic new leader with the addition of Phillip Boykin....

BROADWAYMUSICALTheater

Alex Moffat displays his comedic skills in 'The Cottage,' an uproarious Broadway comedy.

Alex Moffat Talks About ‘The Cottage’ on Broadway, Directed by Jason Alexander (of Seinfeld fame)

Iris WienerAugust 21, 2023

Alex Moffat has mastered the unforgettable entrance. ...

BROADWAYCOMEDYTheater