Michael Appler

Theater, film, tv, and events for @variety & others. More: @backstagecast, @broadwaycom & @villagevoice. For pitches: [email protected].

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

@HarveyFierstein gave my two cents for me last night at @FunnyGirlBwy: Asked before the show what revisions were made— more simply:“Did you make a hit?” — he shrugged. “Ah,” he gestured, “that’s none of your business.” Read more: https://t.co/Qu4mJrWjJJ

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

“If you take this play to many places in the United States, it would be shocking,” Scott Ellis told me last night about @2STNYC’s “Take Me Out.” “This play is, still, a radical act.” Congrats to @jessetyler & cast on a triumph. #broadway https://t.co/MGSDaEXpOJ

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

After an eventful opening night on #broadway, in which @NYCMayor revealed to me his fandom for Sex and the City and Matthew Broderick nearly broke the set, @SJP reveals @plazasuitebway may be filmed for audiences. https://t.co/g45lFj1Yp3

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

Appreciate the feature in the Briefing this morning. More important, don’t miss their support of @AyannaPrescod and what she’s gone through after her thoughtful review of MJ.

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

@MrDavidGordon Where you're wrong here is that the cast's answers weren't half-hearted, and the talent wasn't exhausted. The carpet was before the show, and everyone gave thoughtful answers to some pretty base level questions about what they hope for their audiences.

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

After two years of calls for greater awareness on Broadway, how can its producers, theater owners, and publicity agencies meaningfully interrogate themselves while restricting the press from criticizing its productions?

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

The story was cut. Here are my full thoughts: Last night raises serious questions about the relationship between Broadway and the press who cover it, as well as producers’ willingness to foster a musical of this subject while ejecting meaningful criticism.

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

“Who would run into the hurricane? Those who need it most. And across the scope of American life, it’s always been African Americans who have stood up to do it," @rsantiagohudson told me about Black artists this season on Broadway & this incredible show.
https://t.co/m1zvwikCAu

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

Should @StevePasquale win at least an Obie for his performance on The Daily today? Absolutely yes. @nytimestheater, thoughts?

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

After @CompanyBway opened last night, I talked with @PattiLuPone about the complicated emotions of the evening, about Steve and how we honor him. Here's what she described. #Broadway #Company #Sondheim https://t.co/KFoqCzhAXU

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

@PattiLuPone and @TheKatrinaLenk take their opening night bows for @CompanyBway. #Broadway

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

A special night on #Broadway, and a very special Playbill. @CompanyBway

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

“Your vagina doesn’t die on your 50th birthday.” Say what you will about #AndJustLikeThat , but the show’s new writing team, including @msfruch, @keligoff and Sam Irby, are a hilarious & necessary force in the room. Read what I wrote in @Variety: https://t.co/AhLIcXUVzl

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

"Clyde's" might be one of the best plays I've seen on #Broadway in a long time. Not just cause @UzoAduba is the GOAT, but because @Lynnbrooklyn does it again—pairing perfect character work, surrealist structure & striking commentary. Here's what I wrote. https://t.co/xw5HfydC6U

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

I love this film so much. Here's proof you can remake a classic brilliantly without interjecting pointless modernist revisions, but making smart, meaningful changes that evolve characters & story we love. Here's what I wrote last night. #WestSideStory https://t.co/jZwDOQ8Tss

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

It was very clear last night at the #WestSideStory premiere, as #RitaMoreno told everybody where to stand in the cast photo, who the real boss is.

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

The #Broadway community honored #Sondheim today with a performance of “Sunday” in Times Square. @joshgroban and @SaraBareilles lent me some words about Sondheim and his legacy. https://t.co/CEyQYZ9X62

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

I got inside a Rolls-Royce with @thebigdewaal and @RoeHartrampf after the opening night of @DianaOnBroadway to discuss their show. Inside, Jeanna defended the musical against its reviews. #Broadway #DianaTheMusical https://t.co/XUGhtlu3q4

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

@BilldeBlasio didn’t show up to give the city’s own proclamation to @ChicagoMusical in celebration of its 25th, but @ericadamsfornyc rushed the stage after the Act One curtain & talked about being a police officer who protected Times Square tourists? #chicago25 #Broadway

[Michael Appler @ApplerMichael]

John Kander, of Kander and Ebb, is in the theater tonight for @ChicagoMusical’s 25th anniversary. No Liza yet. #Chicago25 #broadway