15 Stage Performances to Watch Today, June 1
Leslie Uggams on Stars in the House
At 2 p.m. ET, stage and screen star Leslie Uggams ushers in June on Stars in the House, a hilarious in-joke for those in the know. The Hallelujah, Baby Tony winner and Deadpool scene-stealer will chat about her storied 60-plus-year and perhaps croon a song or two. Hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, this twice daily series supports The Actors Fund. You can watch for free on YouTube.
Shakespeare’s Globe: The Merry Wives of Windsor
At 2 p.m. ET, London’s Shakespeare’s Globe shares a recording of its 2019 mounting of The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s comedy about the clownish Falstaff, who romances two women for their fortunes until they turn the tables on the two-timer. Olivier nominee Bryony Hannah and Sarah Finigan play the clever ladies and Pearce Quigley is Falstaff. Watch for free anytime through Sunday, June 14 on the theatre’s YouTube channel.
At 7 p.m. ET, Lincoln Center at Home continues its online dance festival with highlights from the School of American Ballet’s annual workshop performance series, complemented by commentary from New York City Ballet‘s artistic leaders and celebrated alums. The lineup includes Justin Peck’s In Creases, Jerome Robbins’ Circus Polka and the pas de deux from George Balanchine’s Agon. See the dance stars of tomorrow today for free on Lincoln Center’s website.
Rising Star Honors
At 7 p.m. ET, watch up-and-coming actors at the Rising Star Honors, Paper Mill Playhouse‘s virtual variation on the theatre’s 25-year-old Rising Star Awards, which honors student performers in New Jersey. The celebration will be a montage of school video submissions of the shows that happened, were in process or had to be canceled. Many famous Rising Star alums will also appear, including Book of Mormon Tony winner Nikki M. James, Chaplin Tony nominee Rob McClure and Gypsy Tony winner Laura Benanti. Watch for free on Paper Mill Playhouse’s Facebook page.
The Metropolitan Opera: I Puritani
At 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares Bellini’s Idomeneo, starring Anna Netrebko, Eric Cutler, Franco Vassallo and John Relyea, conducted by Patrick Summers. The production was filmed for the company’s Live in HD series in 2007, and is available to watch for free for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera’s website. You can still stream yesterday’s opera, Salome, until 6:30 p.m. today.
Bindlestiff Open Stage: Quarantine Edition
At 7:30 p.m. ET, run away with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at the troupe’s weekly live-streamed variety show, hosted by adorkable ringmaster Keith Nelson. Enjoy a cavalcade of amazing acts, including comedic juggler Marcus Monroe, who’s equally hilarious and jaw-dropping; aerialist Kyla Ernst-Alper, hat juggler Bruke, rolling globe riders Coronel Sisters and hula hooper Pinkie Special. Watch for free on Bindlestiff’s Facebook page though donations are encouraged.
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
At 8 p.m. ET, the 92nd Street Y shares a recording of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, writer-performer James Lecesne‘s one-man play about how the disappearance of a gay teenager impacts a small New Jersey town. Lecesne, who earned an Oscar for his short film Trevor, portrays all the characters in this award winner, which and is being presented in honor of Pride Month. Watch for free anytime all month on the 92Y’s website thoughh donations are encouraged.
Menopause the Musical
At 8 p.m. ET, for almost 20 years, Menopause the Musical has been giving audiences hot flashes of laughter with its clever parody numbers about “the change.” This production was recorded in 2015, and features classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with comedic new lyrics. Tickets are available to purchase from the theatre but TDF members get a discount.
Available to Watch All Day
the [title of show] show Vineyard Theatre Virtual Variety Show show
If you missed The Vineyard Theatre’s delightful star-studded benefit show this past Saturday, don’t fret! You can watch a recording of the festivities through Tuesday. It’s hosted by the affable quartet behind the meta-musical [title of show], Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell, Heidi Blickenstaff and Jeff Bowen, who created fresh material for themselves and their big-name guests, including Tony winners Lin-Manuel Miranda, Audra McDonald, Laura Benanti, Bill Irwin, Linda Lavin, Kelli O’Hara, Leslie Odom Jr. and Victoria Clark, as well as Billy Crudup, Alex Newell, Michael Urie, Steven Pasquale, Phillipa Soo, Zachary Quinto and Brooke Shields. To watch, donate at least $25 to the theatre, though TDF members pay a discounted rate.
National Theatre: This House
London’s National Theatre presents This House, James Graham‘s gripping examination of Britain’s political strife in the ’70s. Much as he did for his Tony-nominated play Ink, Graham uses historical events to illuminate current woes, both in the U.K. and the U.S. This play may have been filmed in 2013 but its exploration of polarized politics feels insanely timely. Watch for free through Thursday at 2 p.m. ET on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel.
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Top image: Leslie Uggams.
RAVEN SNOOK