By Matthew Wexler
As 1 Minute Critic nears our first anniversary, we’re thankful for the theatermakers, artists, musicians, writers, and creators who inspire and challenge us. Even if we don’t love a particular work, we love that it’s been made; that an idea was born and turned into something for others to experience.
This fall has been packed with unforgettable experiences that remind us how grateful we are for the talent and tenacity it takes to create art. Here’s a look at some recent highlights:
Mandy Gonzalez and The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall
The New York Pops is back at Carnegie Hall, and kicked off its 43rd season with Mandy Gonzalez singing the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Broadway star (Sunset BLVD., Hamilton, In the Heights) delivered a phenomenal night of music and stories, celebrating Miranda’s career and musical influences.
Miranda calls Gonzalez “The Beast” for a reason—her powerful, emotionally driven performance felt limitless as she took on a catalog that included her stand-out number from In the Heights, “Breathe,” a suite of songs for Hamilton with guest star Phiippe Arroyo (now appearing in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and a medley of “Cheering for Me Now” and “New York, New York.”
Santa, if you’re listening, our Christmas wish is Gonzalez’s full-time return to Broadway!
Megan Hilty joins The New York Pops for the holiday concert A Place Called Home, December 19-20.
LA’s art scene
We recently welcomed LA-based journalist and photographer Karan Singh as 1 Minute Critic’s assistant editor, and he’s hit the ground running to check out LA’s art scene.
Recent discoveries have included MONUMENTS presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Brick, a trip to the dark side with Horror at the famed international gallery Sprüth Magers, and Shepard Fairey’s (the artist behind the Obama Hope poster) just-opened Out of Print.
The trifecta of exhibits proves LA’s position as a leading city for contemporary art. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead in 2026, as well as more coverage of Geffen Playhouse and more from the city’s theater scene (yes, there’s live theater in LA!).
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Small stages, big ideas
Who doesn’t love an epic Broadway belting musical (have you seen Chess)?, but we’re just as grateful for Off-Broadway productions that put us closer to the action in more intimate spaces.
If you’re headed to New York City through the holidays, consider adding one of these hits to your itinerary. We gave Company XIV’s Nutcracker Rouge five stars for its innovative take on a holiday classic, and positive reviews for Archduke, a dark comedy about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (trust us).
However you’re spending the holidays, find time for IRL experiences—see a show, hear live music, or take in some art.
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