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Howard Sherman

@hesherman.bsky.social
3.6K followers 308 following 2.4K posts

Arts admin, writer & advocate. Author, "Another Day’s Begun.” Enthusiast, not critic. Anti-censorship. Ayckbourniac. Lifelong theatre kid.

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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Tonight's show, at Roundabout: "The Imaginary Invalid," adapted by and starring the incomparable Bill Irwin!
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“The president has a pattern of moving so fast that it’s difficult to catch up.”
nytimes.com
Can Trump Legally Demolish the Kennedy Center? Experts Say Not Easily. (Gift Article)
The president has entertained the idea of tearing down the performing arts venue. Analysts say any plan would face multiple daunting challenges.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Kennedy Center decline, by the numbers
wapo.st
The Kennedy Center was solvent when Trump took over. Then its finances collapsed.
The Post examined 15 years of the institution’s financial records to see why it went south after the president took over.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Curious story out of Barnard College: student groups can't use their theatre this fall unless they want to do so without sets or tech equipment (such as lights), apparently due to a vacancy in the staff position that supervises the theatre. The college can't find interim tech advisor in NYC?
columbiaspectator.com
Barnard limits use of Glicker-Milstein Theatre, raising alarm for student theater groups
Barnard restricted the use of technical equipment and sets in the Glicker-Milstein Theatre this semester following the June 10 resignation of the theater’s director, leaving theater groups without a f...
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), who led the effort with fellow Democrats and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), sought to pass the bill by unanimous consent, a procedure that allows a motion or action unless a single senator objects."
wapo.st
GOP senator blocks bill to stop Trump from demolishing Kennedy Center
The bipartisan effort to ban the demolition of presidential memorials was thwarted in the Senate by an objection from Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Reading about today's Judiciary hearing in which Rep. Eric Schmitt beclowned himself by confusing the Hawks with the Hawkeyes, I am reminded of this quote from "Hamlet," suggesting that a gale is blowing north-north-west for Schmitt, for "When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw."
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I got to visit the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in LA on the fourth day it was open to the public. I have thoughts.
hesherman1.substack.com
A short time ago, in a museum far, far away
LA’s Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has a few stories to tell while letting patrons make up their own, too
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Next stop: LAX!
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
NYT reports the Paramount-Warner Brothers deal has been settled with CA Attorney General David Bonta, concentrating enormous media power with David Ellison. No official word; Times citing sources close to the negotiations. I am wary of what this means for democracy. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/b...
nytimes.com
Paramount to Resolve Antitrust Lawsuit, Clearing the Way for Warner Bros. Acquisition (Gift Article)
The deal would remove the last significant hurdle the media mogul David Ellison faced to create a news and entertainment empire, home to movie studios, HBO, CBS and CNN.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Final show of my London trip: "Thelma and Louise" (the musical) at Young Vic Theatre
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Sorry to read about the passing of "Spring Awakening" composer Duncan Sheik. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/a...
nytimes.com
Duncan Sheik, Who Traded Pop Stardom for Broadway, Dies at 56 (Gift Article)
Weary of the heartthrob label after his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing,” he pivoted to musical theater and won two Tonys for composing “Spring Awakening.”
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
First show of the London trip: Ayckbourn's "How The Other Half Loves" at The Old Vic Theatre. Can't say "curtain going up" as it's in the round. No curtain.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Farewell to costume designer Bob Mackie, a designer of spectacular gowns for great divas, but also the creator of perhaps the greatest costume sight gag in history.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Happy Frank Mills Day, to those who celebrate.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A very thorough audience advisory from @oldvictheatre.bsky.social. Makes me hungry and I don't see the show until Monday.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Audience development philosophy for the arts emerged from an unexpected source last week. Let me guide you through it. My newest "Downstage Center" post.
hesherman1.substack.com
Connection Seems to be the Hardest Word
Audience development philosophy emerges from an unexpected source
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is going to be a hot ticket, even though it's free event.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
"Even though the business of Broadway has been shaky since the pandemic, in many years there still are more shows looking to open than there are theaters to hold them."
curbed.com
What Will Become of the Ed Sullivan Theater?
There’s an opportunity, post-Colbert, for it to become a Broadway house once again.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
"Coyote vs. Acme" struck me as being aligned with the work of Samuel Beckett. Now that I've seen the connection, I can't unsee it.
hesherman1.substack.com
Samuel Beckett, Wile E. Coyote and I Walk Into a Movie Theatre
An afternoon epiphany links two very different works of stage and screen
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Good.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
"Theater games may help us see reality as malleable. But at their best, they remind us to look at reality in the first place."
nytimes.com
Opinion | How a ’70s Improv Book Became Silicon Valley’s Required Reading (Gift Article)
It can be useful to see reality as malleable.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
It seems we've reached the "rabid baby goats" stage of civilization.
abcnews.com
Rabid baby goats prompt North Carolina mobile petting zoo scare
At least four baby goats belonging to a North Carolina petting zoo have tested positive for rabies.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I'm not in the habit of making recs of what to see, but I'll make an exception for "Coyote vs. Acme." The film is a treat for anyone who loves Looney Tunes, especially the Road Runner cartoons. It's hard to imagine this film almost being shut away forever, as it's great fun. Fie on David Zaslav!
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Now to drop a metaphorical anvil on David Zaslav's head. #coyotevsacme
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
An arts school production of the musical "Ragtime" in Louisville was briefly in jeopardy this week. I took a closer look, as I tend to do in these cases.
hesherman1.substack.com
After Social Whirlwind, Louisville “Ragtime” Will Journey On
Did a knee-jerk reaction put acclaimed musical in jeopardy?
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Yesterday, I wrote about how the term "Theatre Kid" has been showing up in the news, leading a New Hampshire State Rep to draw my attention to a particularly ugly public use of the term, intertwined with antisemitism. The person behind it is up for reelection. hesherman1.substack.com/p/when-the-t...
hesherman1.substack.com
When the “theatre kid” slur metastasizes
A New Hampshire State Representative made it even uglier
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Some folks try to wield "theatre kid" as pejorative. I say it's a term to be embraced with pride. Three very recent news articles took differing views of theatre kids. I try to grapple with them all.
hesherman1.substack.com
Theatre kids, in the news
Three recent articles take theatre off of the arts pages
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It seems as if every journalist I follow learned the word "quisling" in the past 24 hours and used it today at their very first opportunity.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I wonder when we'll start seeing these at theatres. Without them, the bootleg environment will explode.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Somewhat stealthily, Off-Broadway ticket prices for certain shows have crept up into the Broadway range, even as select Broadway shows go far beyond what's commonplace. I'm concerned. Some thoughts. hesherman1.substack.com/p/off-broadw...
hesherman1.substack.com
Off-Broadway at Broadway Prices
Will price optimization damage theatregoing writ large?
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
When it comes to box office returns for live captures at the North American box office, "Hadestown" beat "Six." But there are reasons which suggested that would be the case all along. My latest "Downstage Center" post. hesherman1.substack.com/p/six-yields...
hesherman1.substack.com
“Six” Yields Three (Million)
In North America, Henry’s Queens lag behind the denizens of “Hadestown”
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The prospect of seeing "Paranormal Activity" on Broadway is already deeply unsettling to me. But will horror drive others to the box office? My latest "Downstage Center" column for Substack (and please consider subscribing for free).
hesherman1.substack.com
Afraid of the Theatre
Will “Paranormal Activity” scare up or scare away audiences?
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Some thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding Ari Emanuel's MARI acquiring ATG and its theatres and what it means for Broadway and beyond. My newest "Downstage Center" post. P.S. Do consider subscribing to my (free) Substack.
hesherman1.substack.com
Broadway on the Block
A Hollywood impresario stakes a claim in Times Square
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Big Broadway news as ATG's theatres, five of which are former Jujamcyn theatres, are sold.
nytimes.com
Ari Emanuel’s Company to Acquire 7 Broadway Theaters and 10 in the West End (Gift Article)
The purchase of ATG Entertainment, which operates dozens of venues worldwide, will require regulatory approval.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
I had never seen or read "The Winter's Tale" before I saw it Central Park last week. Should I have read it or studied up before going? Some thoughts and memories on seeing Shakespeare plays for the first time, even after a lifetime of seeing Shakespeare plays. My newest "Downstage Center" post.
hesherman1.substack.com
When Shakespeare Is New
Even after 400 years, an encounter with the bard can be virgin territory
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
I get in a few words on this morning's @npr.org "Weekend Edition" feature on the cinema release of "Hadestown."
npr.org
Hadestown the Musical (the movie) was a hit. Other Broadway shows are taking notes
Hadestown the Musical has been a sleeper hit this summer at the movie theatres. It's a recorded version of the live performance, and the surprise success might mean more pro-shots of Broadway plays an...
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Just did an interview with NPR. Slated for Morning Edition Sunday. Hope I make the edit. Stay tuned!
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Wow. @lincolncenter.bsky.social has just announced a one-night concert with members of the original 2016 cast of "Shuffle Along," marking its 10th anniversary.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
I'm tired of superhero fatigue.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
"Oh, Mary!" is heading into the record books for Broadway in the 21st Century. Perhaps producers can learn a lesson about the ever-growing corps of Marys when it comes to sustaining plays on the Great White Way.
hesherman1.substack.com
Broadway Plays Can Take a Message From “Mary”
Successor casting to sustain non-musicals can be an opportunity, if producers are willing to take the risk
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Remember: broken box office records in theatre mean that tickets cost more. There aren't more performances per week or seats in the theatre.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
This week "Hadestown" announced that Geno Segers would appear in the new Broadway cast. They released this statement at noon: "The producers of Hadestown and Geno Segers have mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production. Additional casting will be announced shortly."
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
After boffo first week, expect Hadestown film grosses to drop precipitously. Surveying NYC screen times, few theatres are offering night shows & many only a single screening each day, often in the a.m. Late decision to extend will boost gross, but falloff will be due not to demand, but availability.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
“The ending of the tours comes after a volunteer tour guide was featured in a New York Times article detailing President Trump’s gutting of the iconic cultural institution... three volunteers had expressed worries to a reporter that the Kennedy Center would target the tour program in retribution.”
nytimes.com
Kennedy Center Halts Free Public Tours After Five Decades of Service (Gift Article)
The decision to suspend tours indefinitely came after a volunteer tour guide was featured in a Times article detailing President Trump’s dramatic revamp of the Kennedy Center.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Oskar Eustis said, "The American nonprofit theatre movement is over." After getting over the shock, I had thoughts. A lot of thoughts. Read them on my Substack. Please consider subscribing (for free). We've got a lot to talk about.
hesherman1.substack.com
A movement may be over. But nonprofit theatre lives.
Founding impulses fade. That doesn't mean it's time to count out what they created and what it's become.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The doves will cry (sing) starting March 12.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The movie of "Hadestown" grossed a very strong $9.7 million at the box office this weekend. Some thoughts on its success and what it might mean for more "proshots" of Broadway shows on my new Substack, "Downstage Center." Give it a read and consider subscribing. It's free!
hesherman1.substack.com
“Hadestown” Movie is Livin’ It Up at Box Office
Proshot of stage musical is the highest grossing new release of the week
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I started a Substack. Perhaps I can interest you?
substack.com
Downstage Center | Substack
Downstage Center is written by Howard Sherman, a veteran arts administrator, writer and advocate focusing on the performing arts in general and theatre in particular.
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
There was a gathering of Spider-Men yesterday in Washington Square Park. Had I entered the Spider-Verse?
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Howard Sherman @hesherman.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
There may be only a handful of films of "The Odyssey." But on live stages, plays and musicals have been exploring Homer's tale for decades.
hesherman1.substack.com
You've Seen It Big. But Have You Seen It Live On Stage?
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is taking up a lot of Homeric air. Let's remember that the story has been in legit theatres for years.
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