The lead theater critic of the Times talks about the fantasy metropolis he’s searched for since he arrived in New York and offers his thoughts on innovation, grand gestures, and Gloria Vanderbilt.  Person: Gloria Vanderbilt  PLACE: London’s National Theater  THING: a framed hundred dollar bill RANDY’S THING: his first Emmy     Continue reading »

No one moves more gracefully between Hollywood and New York. Out west, she wrote for NYPD Blue, among many TV shows, before creating her own, Smash. Back east, her plays include Mauritius, Seminar, and the Pulitzer finalist Omnium Gatherum. She won the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, which isn’t really between Hollywood … Continue reading »

 A director who’s received pretty much every award going, Jack O’Brien is celebrated for his productions of big musicals like Hairspray, big brainiacs like Tom Stoppard, and big Shakespeare. His Macbeth with Ethan Hawke is currently at Lincoln Center. Jack Be Nimble, his memoir of working with Ellis Raab, was published last spring. He really … Continue reading »