All stories by Erik Nikander on BroadwayStars

Friday, November 19, 2021

Theater Review: “The Last Five Years” — Time-Tripping Through Scenes From A Marriage by Erik Nikander

Leigh Barrett's staging reflects a clear-eyed understanding of the power of the material's simplicity, which makes The Last Five Years an exceptional musical experience: thought-provoking as…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:36PM
Sunday, October 3, 2021

Theater Review: “The Merchant of Venice” — Rebooted Marvelously by Erik Nikander

Audiences who are open to a show that provides both riotous comedy and bracing truths will find plenty to think about in this deconstruction of one of the Bard’s most problematic problem p…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:32PM
Thursday, August 5, 2021

Theater Review: CSC’s “The Tempest” — A Brilliantly Kinetic Staging by Erik Nikander

CSC pulled out all the stops for its turn at The Tempest, bringing together a cast that is more than up to the challenge of knitting together poignant drama and madcap comedy. The post Thea…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:48AM
Friday, June 4, 2021

Theater Review: “Songs for a New World” — A Musical for Our Moment by Erik Nikander

Songs for a New World grapples with the jumble of emotions prompted by the end of the pandemic, while also serving as a potent reminder of what a joyful experience musical theater can be. T…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:06PM
Saturday, May 8, 2021

Theater Review: “TJ Loves Sallly 4 Ever” — Scattershot Satire by Erik Nikander

An exciting, subversive idea animates TJ Loves Sally 4 Ever. The post Theater Review: “TJ Loves Sallly 4 Ever” — Scattershot Satire appeared first on The Arts Fuse.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 02:32PM
Saturday, March 13, 2021

Theater Review: “A Brimful of Asha” — Trying to Bridge the Generation Gap by Erik Nikander

The conversation between Ravi and his mother is funny, engaging, and often illuminating; their real life bond is palpable as the pair try to reconcile the young man's hopes and dreams with h…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 02:54PM
Friday, November 22, 2019

Theater Review: “The Seagull” — An Exceptional Staging of a Legendary Play by Erik Nikander

Director Igor Golyak takes major chances in presenting a version of The Seagull that’s self-consciously about The Seagull. And they pay off. The post Theater Review: “The Seagull” — …

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 04:03PM
Sunday, November 17, 2019

Theater Review: “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” — Pray for the Devil by Erik Nikander

A script with this many characters buzzing about demands a strong cast -- fortunately, Hub Theatre’s terrific ensemble is more than up to the task. The post Theater Review: “The Last Day…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 05:24PM
Saturday, November 2, 2019

Theater Review: “The Thanksgiving Play” — The Perils of “Wokeness” by Erik Nikander

When confronted with a seemingly intractable quandary, playwright Larissa FastHorse -- and her characters -- take the easy way out. The post Theater Review: “The Thanksgiving Play” — T…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:48PM
Monday, September 30, 2019

Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” — A Little Anonymity Can Bring Us Closer Together by Erik Nikander

At its best, Tiny Beautiful Things delves deep into demanding emotional territory without becoming sappy or maudlin. The post Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” — A Little Anonymi…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:24PM
Thursday, September 26, 2019

Concert Review: Koyaanisqatsi Live! — Apocalypse Then … and Now by Erik Nikander

modern world out of control is more perceptive and chilling than ever. The post Concert Review: Koyaanisqatsi Live! — Apocalypse Then … and Now appeared first on The Arts Fuse.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:06AM
Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Theater Review: CSC’s “Cymbeline” — The Bard’s Greatest Hits? by Erik Nikander

The CSC production maintains a sense of romantic adventure throughout, which makes it easier to accept some of the staging's creative excesses -- as well as the loop de loops of the Bard's p…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:18PM
Friday, June 21, 2019

Theater Review: “Yerma” — The Tragic Power of Desire by Erik Nikander

Melinda Lopez’s superb new translation of Yerma makes the language of the play approachable, even conversational, without losing the beauty of Lorca’s poetry. The post Theater Review: �…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:42PM
Friday, June 7, 2019

Theater Review: “The Stone” — Nobody is Innocent by Erik Nikander

This marvelous production pulls off a tricky balance -- vibrant bursts of creative energy are put at the service of illuminating the thorny nature of memory and guilt. The post Theater Revie…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:03AM
Friday, May 10, 2019

Theater Review: “Cry It Out” — The Power of Friendship by Erik Nikander

Cry It Out is a well-done dramedy that suggests that we try harder to let life’s sweet moments linger. The post Theater Review: “Cry It Out” — The Power of Friendship appeared first …

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 02:33PM
Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Theater Review: “Trigger Warning” — Not Quite Explosive by Erik Nikander

As Zeitgeist Stage Company closes its doors, it’s hard not to wonder, with some bitterness, what our plucky local small-scale theater troupes would be able to accomplish if they had the re…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:33PM
Friday, April 12, 2019

Theater Review: “The Clearing” — Timely Historical Drama by Erik Nikander

The Clearing pulls off an impressive challenge for a historical drama: it examines humanity’s weakness in the face of prejudice in a way that is not only faithful to the time period but un…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:03PM
Thursday, March 28, 2019

Theater Review: “Not Medea” — Blending the Mythical and the Mundane by Erik Nikander

Not Medea is a stirring character portrait, a detailed examination of the ruthless demands society makes -- and has always made -- on women. The post Theater Review: “Not Medea” — Blen…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:40AM
Friday, March 15, 2019

Theater Review: HTC’s “Romeo and Juliet” — A Seamless Marriage between Old and New by Erik Nikander

The HTC's Romeo and Juliet may be dressed in modern trappings, but the play’s elemental heart and soul are left fully intact. The post Theater Review: HTC’s “Romeo and Juliet” — A …

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:18PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019

Theater Review: “Who is Eartha Mae?” — Lady Sings the Sultry by Erik Nikander

Anchored by the assured direction of Cailin Doran and Jade Wheeler’s dazzling performance, Who is Eartha Mae? sings with truth. The post Theater Review: “Who is Eartha Mae?” &…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 06:18PM
Friday, February 1, 2019

Theater Review: imaginary beasts’ Winter Panto 2019 — Joyful Nonsense by Erik Nikander

Imaginary Beasts’ Winter Panto 2019 proffers plenty of enthusiasm, wit, and panache. The post Theater Review: imaginary beasts’ Winter Panto 2019 — Joyful Nonsense appeared fi…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:42PM
Saturday, January 26, 2019

Theater Review: “Slow Food” — Could Use More Meat on its Bones by Erik Nikander

Qualms aside, Slow Food is an enjoyable show that taps into the uncertainties of middle-aged parents who must confront a strange, new life without the kids. The post Theater Review: “S…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:42AM
Thursday, December 20, 2018

Theater Review: “1776” — Retrograde History Lesson by Erik Nikander

While the push for diversity in casting is admirable, it’s not enough to resuscitate a script that feels dated, even regressive in its approach to historical storytelling.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:42PM
Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Theater Review: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” — Rabbit Transit by Erik Nikander

The company's staging is dynamic and vivacious, and the unconventional seating arrangements give audience members the chance to place themselves in the center of the action.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:32PM
Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Theater Review: “Peter and the Starcatcher” — A Theatrical Adventure by Erik Nikander

Hub Theatre Company’s production bursts with energy, staged with a clear-minded sense of movement and a hand-made quality that generates ample charm and whimsy.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:54PM
Thursday, November 1, 2018

Theater Review: “We Will Not Be Silent” — A Vital Cautionary Tale by Erik Nikander

New Rep’s production of We Will Not Be Silent is an intelligent and profoundly moving work of theater.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:04PM
Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Theater Review: “Murder for Two” — Homicide Made Hilarious by Erik Nikander

Driven by vibrant performances and exceptional design work, Murder for Two’s good-natured musical tale of murder makes it an ideal Halloween treat.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:24AM
Thursday, October 11, 2018

Theater Review: “Macbeth” — Shakespeare Re-vamped by Erik Nikander

Most of the time, Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s production of Macbeth is compelling.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:06AM
Saturday, September 29, 2018

Theater Review: “Hamnet” — Lonely Beyond Words by Erik Nikander

Not all of the production's choices pay off, but Hamnet is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind play that strikes at a universal sense of longing.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:36AM
Monday, September 24, 2018

Theater Review: “Straight White Men” — Going Their Wobbly Way by Erik Nikander

Straight White Men features plenty of conflict, but most of this wrangling comes in the form of tiresome, repetitive familial bickering.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:36PM
Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Theater Review: “Native Gardens” — A Flowering Feud by Erik Nikander

The show’s attempt at satire comes off as blunt and lecture-heavy at times, but the production still manages to be an engaging comedy of manners.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:12AM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards