The virtual show must go on. As we wait for live theater to return, the fall season offers a slew of digital performances to tune in from devices anywhere. One of the silver linings of this difficult time has been sharing entertainment with a wider audience that never had the opportunity to attend in person due to geography or other circumstances like finding a babysitter. Here are top picks to enjoy at home.
New York Film Festival
Film buffs rejoice. In lieu of regular, in-person screenings, the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center goes virtual for its 58th annual event through October 11. Five sections are divided into Main Slate, Currents for new forms and voices, Spotlight for sneak previews and special evenings, Revivals for restorations and Talks for insider expertise. French Exit, pictured, premieres on closing night. https://virtual.filmlinc.org/
Steppenwolf Theatre
Chicagos Steppenwolf Theatre is synonymous with its craft. Naturally, a company thats given rise to so many stars (John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf) was quick on its toes in reimagining the 2020/21 season. Steppenwolf NOW, its new virtual stage, presents theater, radio plays, short bites and episodic works by playwrights such as Isaac Gmez (pictured) and Sam Shephard from November to June. https://www.steppenwolf.org/now
Miami City Ballet
Being its 35th anniversary, Miami City Ballet was supposed to make a splash with it 2020/21 season. Instead, the company pivoted as gracefully as its ballerinas with online performances like This Bitter Earth through October 18; afterward, watch the pieces principal dancers in conversation with MCB artistic director Lourdes Lopez. Please donate to MCB Dancer Support Fund as well. https://www.miamicityballet.org/this-bitter-earth https://tickets.miamicityballet.org/donate/q/dsf
The Cleveland Orchestra
Sweet music for Floridas Cleveland Orchestra subscribers: The company, which performs in Miami during winter, is introducing an @Home concert broadcast series. In Focus streams five, hour-long, live performances as well as backstage sneak peeks via the Adella service from October 15 to December 10. Franz Welser-Mst conducts the series first episode, Inspirations, with works by Respighi, Walker and Tchaikovsky. https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/adella
Kiki & Herb
The cabaret circuit has never been the same since personalities Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman brought their wickedly wacky Kiki and Herb act to the stage. The duos Kiki & Herb: Seeking Asylum! was so popular, ticket sales crashed its New York venues website. No need to worry about missing out now, thanks to this streamed version through November 5. https://publictheater.org/productions/season/fall-2020/kiki--herb-seeking-asylum/
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