Matthew Wexler, Author at 1 Minute Critic

The cast of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

‘Spelling Bee’ revival spells it out: J-O-Y

Matthew Wexler Nov 17, 2025 0

Twenty years on, "Spelling Bee" arrives Off-Broadway with fresh energy, proving the quirky musical's charm remains timeless.

David Darrow and Ian Barford in "Amadeus."

Reviews

Steppenwolf’s ‘Amadeus’ orchestrates the bitter rivalry between genius and ambition

Matthew Wexler Nov 17, 2025 0

By Lauren Emily Whalen What is the price of genius—and who really “deserves” it? Inspired by an 1830 Pushkin play…

Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and the cast of "Chess."

Reviews

‘Chess’ returns to Broadway with a Cold War that feels white hot

Matthew Wexler Nov 16, 2025 0

"Chess" returns to Broadway with Danny Strong's bold rewrite. Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele lead a Cold War musical that…

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville in "Oedipus."

Reviews

Robert Icke’s ‘Oedipus’ turns Greek tragedy into an election night thriller

Matthew Wexler Nov 14, 2025 0

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville captivate in Robert Icke's contemporary "Oedipus," where ancient fate meets election night tension.

(l to r) Patrick Page, Jason Sanchez, Adrien Rolet, Jake Berne and Kristine Nielsen in "Archduke" by Rajiv Joseph.

Reviews

Patrick Page commands ‘Archduke’ as history’s most persuasive assassin

Matthew Wexler Nov 12, 2025 0

Rajiv Joseph's "Archduke" turns the assassination of Franz Ferdinand into absurdist comedy, led by Patrick Page's commanding performance.

Kristen Chenoweth in "The Queen of Versailles."

Reviews

‘The Queen of Versailles’: Even Kristin Chenoweth can’t save this Broadway house of cards

Matthew Wexler Nov 9, 2025 0

Kristin Chenoweth stars in "The Queen of Versailles," a musical as garish and empty as the mansion it depicts.

Exterior view of the Studio Museum in Harlem's new building, 2025. Courtesy Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo: Albert Vecerka/Esto.

Art

The Studio Museum in Harlem opens a new home, featuring Tom Lloyd and neighborhood soul

Matthew Wexler Nov 7, 2025 0

After 7 years away, Studio Museum reclaims its Harlem corner with bold new digs. The capital of Black America gets…

Julia Lester and Marin Ireland in "Queens by Martyna Majok.

Reviews

Martyna Majok’s ‘Queens’: Where a basement becomes urgent refuge for immigrant women

Matthew Wexler Nov 5, 2025 0

Martyna Majok's "Queens" Off-Broadway stars Marin Ireland in MTC's timely story of immigrant women surviving in a Queens basement apartment.

Taylor Trensch, Alex Newell, and Gabi Carrubba in "Bat Boy The Musical."

Reviews

Can a tabloid legend soar onstage? Taylor Trensch makes ‘Bat Boy’ believe it can

Matthew Wexler Nov 4, 2025 0

Tony nominee Taylor Trensch meets his match in "Bat Boy" but the musical's wacky plot may leave you in a…

The cast of "Messy White Gays" by Drew Droege.

Reviews

Drew Droege skewers queer culture in ‘Messy White Gays,’ but who’s in on the joke?

Matthew Wexler Nov 2, 2025 0

Drew Droege's "Messy White Gays" delivers laughs early but loses steam faster than a Sniffies hookup gone wrong.

‘Spelling Bee’ revival spells it out: J-O-Y

Steppenwolf’s ‘Amadeus’ orchestrates the bitter rivalry between genius and ambition

‘Chess’ returns to Broadway with a Cold War that feels white hot

Robert Icke’s ‘Oedipus’ turns Greek tragedy into an election night thriller

Patrick Page commands ‘Archduke’ as history’s most persuasive assassin

‘The Queen of Versailles’: Even Kristin Chenoweth can’t save this Broadway house of cards

The Studio Museum in Harlem opens a new home, featuring Tom Lloyd and neighborhood soul

Martyna Majok’s ‘Queens’: Where a basement becomes urgent refuge for immigrant women

Can a tabloid legend soar onstage? Taylor Trensch makes ‘Bat Boy’ believe it can

Drew Droege skewers queer culture in ‘Messy White Gays,’ but who’s in on the joke?

Have another minute? ⏰

The theater kid in you never takes a final bow. Gianmarco Soresi’s ‘Theater Adult’ proves it

‘My Joy is Heavy’ asks something of you: be present

‘A Chorus Line’ turns 50, goes global & proves it was always bigger than Broadway

Artist Henry Darger built a universe. ‘Bughouse’ merely knocks at the door