Stritch, Coel star in streaming stage shows
Here are several streaming productions theater fans can check out as they await the return of live performances.
“MEDEA” >> The controversial exclusion of Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” from the Golden Globe nominations has drawn more attention to the talented performer, director and writer. Among the current streaming offerings of the National Theatre in London is its 2014 production of “Medea,” starring Coel as the nurse to Helen McCrory’s title character in the celebrated story of a wife’s revenge on her straying husband. Available to stream for three days for $9.99; ntathome.com/products/medea.
“25 YEARS OF ‘RENT’ — MEASURED IN LOVE” >> If your kids think “Hamilton” was the first musical to transcend the genre, introduce them to the 1996 cult success that ran for over a decade. New York Theatre Workshop’s annual gala will celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Rent” with a virtual concert that brings together an impressive assemblage of the show’s original cast, including Idina Menzel, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin and Anthony Rapp. They’ll be joined by such “Rent” fans as Neil Patrick Harris, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Billy Porter and Jeremy O. Harris. Livestreams 8 p.m. March 2 and available on demand until March 6; tickets begin at $25; nytw.org.
“ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY” >>
The streaming service BroadwayHD has hundreds of live performances (available for a monthly fee of $9 or $100 for the year). But a particular gem in the mix is Elaine Stritch’s raucous 2001 autobiographical show, which combines stories about her unique life with some of her most adored songs, most notably “The Ladies Who Lunch” from “Company.” This bio show, which
was filmed at London’s Old Vic in 2002, recounts her Broadway victories, as well as her struggle with alcoholism and her many rocky romances. Go to broadwayhd.com/movies and search for Elaine Stritch.
“FREDERICK DOUGLASS: MINE
EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY” >> As part of Black History Trilogy, a series of virtual productions from Flushing Town Hall in Queens, 2019 Tony winner André De Shields will portray Frederick Douglass in a stirring one-man performance. The transcendent “Hadestown” star also wrote the show, which explores the achievements and ingenuity of the abolitionist leader, as well as the darkness and horror that he experienced. The production streams 4 p.m. PST Feb. 26; free but donations encouraged; flushingtownhall.org.
“AN EVENING WITH ALI STROKER
FROM ENLOW RECITAL HALL >> Ali Stroker, who dazzled in the 2019 revival of “Oklahoma!” winning a best featured actress Tony for the role of Ado Annie, will appear on the stage of Kean University in New Jersey for a night filled with classics from the Great American Songbook. Stroker will sing favorites from Stephen Sondheim, Carole King, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lin-Manuel Miranda during the livestreamed event; 4:30 p.m. PST Feb. 27; $25; kean.universitytickets.com.