Top 5 Stage Performances to Stream This Weekend February 28-March 2
Even though in-person theatre and dance are back in full swing, in the name of accessibility we’re continuing to round up performances to watch online from the comfort of home. Our curated list spotlights the five best options to stream this weekend, Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, for free or at low cost.
Live from 54 Below: I’ll Be Here Tomorrow: The Optimism of Jerry Herman
Live-streaming on Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET for $28.50.
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Live-streaming Sunday, March 2 at at 7 p.m. ET for $26
More Jerry Herman! Chanteuse Michelle Beth Herman (no relation, but a big fan!) sings numbers from his hits as well as his misses, including glorious, underrated songs from Mack & Mabel and The Grand Tour. This concert is a special tribute to the performer’s late grandparents and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to CaringKind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving. Live-streaming directly from The Green Room 42 in Midtown. If you prefer to attend in person, click here for info.
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Stratford Festival: Wedding Band
During the pandemic shutdown, Canada’s celebrated Stratford Festival launched its own streaming service, STRATFEST@HOME. While you can buy a subscription, shows are also available to rent individually. New to the roster is its acclaimed 2023 production of Alice Childress’ Wedding Band. Subtitled A Love/Hate Story in Black and White, the 1962 play explores the relationship between a Black seamstress and a white baker in 1918 South Carolina. As their attraction grows and a pandemic looms, they’re forced to confront racism, community disapproval and the anti-miscegenation laws that prohibit their romance. A 72-hour rental costs $8 Canadian. It’s just one of many fantastic Stratford Festival shows you can stream, so be sure to browse the entire list.
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Shakespeare in the Park: Richard III
Danai Gurira headlines Robert O’Hara’s radically inclusive Richard III, which was recorded live on stage in 2022. The Black Panther actor is riveting as the power-hungry and ruthless title villain in this Shakespeare in the Park production, and her costars include Oklahoma! Tony winner Ali Stroker as Anne, Heather Alicia Simms as Queen Elizabeth and Tina Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts.
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Kinky Boots
Everybody say, “Yeah, yeah!” Catch the exuberant West End production of Kinky Boots starring Olivier Award winner Matt Henry as drag diva Lola, who helps shoe manufacturer Charlie (Killian Donnelly) inject some fabulousness into his factory. Although the musical examines serious subjects such as homophobia and father-son estrangement, it’s mainly a celebration of friendship and being true to yourself, with catchy songs by Cyndi Lauper and a heartfelt book by Harvey Fierstein.
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