Theatr Insiders | Shows You Should See For Pride Month
Including recs from Theatr Insiders, latest theatre news, funny community comments, and closing shows
👋 Hello and welcome back!
👀 What’s new in the theatre world?
Oh, Jinkx! Jinkx Monsoon will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! from August 4 to September 27. Read more.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be returning to NYC this November at New World Stages. Casting has not yet been announced. Read more.
You only have a few more months to come to the cabaret, old chum. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club will be closing on Broadway on October 19. But before then, Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace will reprise their West End roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles on Broadway. Read more.
📝 What Our Insiders Have Seen Recently
This week we’re sharing reflections from our Theatr Insiders on Off-Broadway shows around the city, Lowcountry, At the Barricades, Trophy Boys, Prince Faggot, and My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?).
Lowcountry
📍Linda Gross Theater
👍 Recommended by Sid
@Sid_xs7 | A data scientist living near broadway
This is a piece drenched in suspense, unease, and emotional distance. Fleeting moments of intimacy flicker in and out like candlelight—gone before you can even feel their warmth. Then, once again, you’re plunged into discomfort, until coldness and selfishness harden into the only stable corner of the world one can truly rely on: the self. That’s what this show evoked in me. And strangely—or maybe inevitably—it resonated with the very point I’m at in this time of this world. It may feel disturbing at times, perhaps because it’s unflinchingly sincere. But Lowcountry is a rare work of clarity and emotional courage. It deserves to be seen, and felt. Read more
At the Barricades
📍MITU580
👍 Recommended by Phoenix?
@phoenixslemontown | International Actor/Playwright/ASM with expertise in devised and movement-based theater
The show takes place during the height of the Spanish Civil War, and focuses on the cost of one’s political beliefs. The show was developed in partnership with Abraham Lincoln Brigade, which allowed the creators to center their story around real-life soldiers and found text. I would recommend anyone going to see the show to brush up on their knowledge of the Spanish Civil War. Although the show grounds itself in historical details of revolutionary soldiers on the battlefield, it lacks historical context to the war itself. As someone who lacks knowledge for this particular war, this absence of exposition kept me confused throughout the show as I was left to string together how Madrid fell into a war zone. This removed me from the story and its potential impact. Although my particular performance had a few technical issues towards the end, the show’s standout was Adrien Yuen’s lighting design. The lighting rig at Mitu580 spans the small theater, and is effectively used to crisply highlight singular actors while silhouetting the accompanying ensemble. Additionally, as the show is set in an immersive, in the round style: I would recommend audience members to sit in the background over the sides to limit craning their neck for long periods of time. Overall, “At the Barricades” is a great night out for theater-goers interested in historical documentaries come to life. Read more
Trophy Boys
📍Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space
👍 Recommended by Kelsey
@kelsey | Theater lover of all kinds of shows! Probably planning my next rush day…
Trophy Boys is about a high school debate team of boys preparing for the championships all played by a stellar queer/gender bending cast. It takes several unexpected twists I won’t give too much away but it really gets into themes reminiscent of John Proctor is the Villain (from the same director). It has some excellent performances especially by Emmanuelle Mattina (who’s also the show’s playwright) and Esco Jouléy. This is a show that really left me thinking about these issues when I left and felt really nuanced. I’d highly recommend it! It sounds like it was previously sold out but it’s been extended. It’s a small theater and I think any seat would be a good one. They also have a rush program. Read more
Prince F*ggot
📍Peter Jay Sharp Theatre
👍 Recommended by Matthew
@NotesofNassida | A theatre nerd hot off the press, strictly a mess, nevertheless. Music Director, Composer & Playwright based in NYC.
This play really did something to me. It’s incredibly visceral and I left in a state of almost having the wind ripped out of me. I felt the celebration of the queer community heavily in this piece and I’m glad it celebrates so many aspects of us. I also love the hypothetical journey the playwright takes you on through a possibly queer royal future. What stuck with me as I was leaving though is how haunting some parts were. Like I feel a deep scar has been highlighted within my own queerness as well as queer history at large. Which feels necessary for growth and revelation and I applaud this piece for unlocking that within me. Read more
My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) (Closed)
📍New York City Center
👍 Recommended by Brandon
@brandongarciaw | A theatre journalist with a focus mainly on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions…I am here to reflect on a wide variety of shows, from those who honor Theatre history, to those who are changing its future.
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is pure joy. Truly the only thing I didn’t love about this production is that it’s only running for one weekend. Rob Madge invites us into their living room for an hour of family memories, gay awakenings and an epic parade. With the help of their childhood home videos, Madge shows us all that’s possible if we just let kids be what they want to be. The stories shared are both deeply personal yet wonderfully universal leaving audiences wishing they had a grandparent to hug and a pride flag to wave. Quick-witted, big-hearted and beautifully queer; this show is the perfect way to celebrate Pride month. So, put on your best yellow dress and get to the New York City Center because you only have four more chances to see this truly delightful show. Read more
🤣 Comments from the Community
Highlighting funny comments that you all have made on currently-running shows — Want the chance to be featured in our newsletter? Post your funniest reaction of a show on Theatr!
John Proctor is the Villain
The Outsiders
Oh, Mary!
Producing a show in NYC in 2025?
Here’s how you can invite Theatr Insiders to cover your show:
If you’re interested in inviting a group of Insiders to attend your show, please email partnership@theatr-app.com how many tickets you would like to offer and for which performances.
We will then hand-select Insiders based on their preferences and invite them to sign up for one of the available days. A live sign up sheet will be shared with your team so you can have direct access to the Insider names.
💨 Closing in Two Weeks
Eurydice | the Pershing Square Signature Center | Closing on 6/27
Glengarry Glen Ross | Palace Theatre | Closing on 6/28
The Death of Rasputin | The Arts Center at Governors Island | Closing on 6/28
Cracked Open | Theatre Row | Closing on 6/28
Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole | New York Theatre Workshop | Closing on 6/29
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men | Theatre at St. Clement’s | Closing on 6/29
Titanique | Caryl Roth Theatre | Closing on 6/29
The Imaginary Invalid | New World Stages | Closing on 6/29
At the Barricades | MITU580 | Closing on 6/29
Prosperous Fools | Polonsky Shakespeare Center | Closing on 6/29
Dead Outlaw | Longacre Theatre | Closing on 6/29
The Picture of Dorian Gray | Music Box Theatre | Closing on 6/29
Real Women Have Curves | James Earl Jones Theatre | Closing on 6/29
Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends | Samuel J Friedman Theatre | Closing on 6/29