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

Alex Winter, Michael Patrick Thornton, Brandon J. Dirden, and Keanu Reeves in a scene from Waiting for Godot. (Photo: Andy Anderson)

Finding Light: Brandon J. Dirden, Michael Patrick Thornton Tackle Beckett’s Godot

Iris WienerNovember 18, 2025

two actors describe Samuel Beckett’s work as both a “pleasurable torture” and a “terrifyingly high-stakes assignment.”...

BROADWAYTheater

Jeff Ross Brings Comedy, Sentimentality and Acerbic Wit to New Broadway Show

Iris WienerSeptember 8, 2025

Jeff Ross has a superpower. He's demonstrating his X-factor in his new Broadway show, Take a Banana for the Ride. He sits for an New York Independent Q&A. ...

BROADWAYCOMEDYENTERTAINMENTTheater

Dulé Hill found his character nuanced and complex in Lights Out Nat King Cole. (Photo: Marc J. Franklin)

Dulé Hill is ‘Unforgettable’ in ‘Lights Out: Nat King Cole;’ He Talks About His Journey

Iris WienerJune 17, 2025

Dulé Hill, the quintessential performer, talks about his transformative role in 'Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole in an NY Independent Q&A. ...

MUSICALOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Thomas G. Waites draws from a lifetime of experience fo rhis one man show. (Photo: Thomas G. Waites)

Thomas G. Waites Digs Deep to Expose His Life in One-Man Rock Monologue

Iris WienerJune 11, 2025

Thomas G. Waites is laying the highs and lows of his multi-hyphenate life on stage with Lucky Man – A Warrior’s Journey, ...

DRAMAOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Insights and Reflections from Inside the 78th Tony Awards, Plus 50 Photos!

Iris WienerJune 9, 2025

Tony Award winners reflected on their performances and provided insights into their roles at this year's show, with 50 photos!!...

BROADWAYTheater

Winners of six Drama Desk awards, the cast of Maybe Happy Ending. (Photo: Krystal Chocianowski & Iris Wiener)

Behind the Scenes, the 69th Drama Desk Awards: ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Wins Six

Iris WienerJune 5, 2025

Maybe Happy Ending topped all shows with six awards at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards. Here is a behind-the-scenes look....

BROADWAYOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Steve Rosen and David Rossmer are lending their comedy skills to the 2025 Drama Desk Aawards.

Behind the 2025 Drama Desk Awards; Comedy Team Steve Rosen and David Rossmer Will Provide the Humor

Iris WienerMay 29, 2025

Broadway comedy team Steve Rosen and David Rossmer have taken on the challenge for the second year to write for the Drama Desk Awards. ...

BROADWAYOFF-BROADWAYTheater

Jonathan Groff belts out a tune in a homage to singer Bobby Darin in 'Just in Time.' (Photo: Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman)

Jonathan Groff Captures Bobby Darin’s Heart, Soul in Broadway’s ‘Just in Time’

Iris WienerApril 27, 2025

Every aspect of Just in Time, the homage to '50s crooner Bobby Darin, immediately entrances audiences....

BROADWAYENTERTAINMENTMUSICALTheater

Tatianna Córdoba captivates as Ana in Broadway's 'Real Women Have Curves.' (Photo: )

‘Real Women Have Curves’ Resonates With Moving Message on Immigrant Hopes, Dreams

Iris WienerApril 26, 2025

Tatianna Córdoba captivates as Ana in Broadway's 'Real Women Have Curves.' (Photo: Julieta Cervantes ) There’s so much to love about the delightful new musical Real Women Have Curves that it is easy to forgive some of the conceptual missteps alon...

BROADWAYMUSICALREVIEWTheater

Anthony Michael Lopez and Jake Gyellenhall (right) in Othello on Broadway. (Photo: Julieta Cervantes)

Anthony Michael Lopez Revisits Othello and Brings New Perspective to His Role

Iris WienerApril 22, 2025

Shakespeare would certainly appreciate the irony in Anthony Michael Lopez’s role in Broadway’s Othello....

BROADWAYDRAMATheater

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