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March 18, 2026 
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Dear Theater Fans,
Ready for some boozy, late-night shenanigans? And no, I’m not talking about a redux of the Oscars. I’m referring to the Encores! staging of “The Wild Party,” Michael John LaChiusa and George C. Wolfe’s adaptation of Joseph Moncure March’s poem about a decadent Jazz Age bash. Performances start tonight at New York City Center, and our critic will weigh in tomorrow. But one thing is certain: An incredible cast has been assembled for this production, including Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren, Jordan Donica and Tonya Pinkins. (Here’s a taste of the fizzy opening number, “Queenie Was a Blonde.”)
“Every Brilliant Thing” may have a delightful cast of one, Daniel Radcliffe, but it’s the supporting cast — the audience — that help make this interactive Broadway play sing. Helen Shaw has a lovely review of what makes the show such a charmer. She made it a Critic’s Pick. And speaking of singing: The Tony-winning production of the Sondheim musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” Radcliffe’s previous Broadway outing, is now available for streaming. Elisabeth Vincentelli wrote about that production and others in this month’s streaming column.
Also on Broadway: Michael Paulson reported that Maya Rudolph will make her Broadway debut in “Oh, Mary!” this spring, and that Jocelyn Bioh’s acclaimed Off Broadway comedy “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play,” will have its first Broadway production in the fall.
Speaking of transfers: In the new play “Giant,” now in previews on Broadway, John Lithgow stars as Roald Dahl, the successful, divisive and antisemitic children’s book author. At 80, Lithgow certainly has nothing to prove. So why, Jesse asked, does he make a beeline for such potentially divisive gigs? “I am fascinated by every variety of human experience and want to understand it,” Lithgow told him. “I’m in the empathy business.” Jesse has written a beautiful profile that you’ll want to sit down to read, and savor.
Please reach out to me at theaterfeedback@nytimes.com with suggestions for articles or to offer your thoughts about our coverage. And urge your friends to subscribe to this newsletter.
Have a wonderful week,
Nicole Herrington
Theater Editor
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