Playtime 13
April 6-April 12, 2026
This is PLAYTIME, a weekly email of theater shows in New York City, put together by me (Nora) and consisting of what I’m paying attention to and excited about.
This week I went to see Heartbreak Hotel, a two-person show that has nothing to do with Elvis, as the name might suggest. It’s about a woman navigating the grief of heartbreak and how very long it can take to get over someone (relatable). She also does brilliant covers of classic break-up songs interspersed with moving and funny storytelling. It’s up until April 19th, and really worth seeing before it leaves.
I also saw No Singing in the Navy at Playwrights Horizons. The website describes it as “a 3-actor, 1-piano attack on the “golden age” of musicals, No Singing in the Navy is a delightfully sardonic explosion of the myth of American innocence.” The play features three “silly sailors” about to be sent off to war and their inevitable death who are determined to squeeze in as much life as possible in 24 hours. I was unexpectedly delighted the whole way through and the music really bangs, as much as you can sincerely use the word “bangs” about a musical.
And run to see Calf Scramble before it leaves next week!
Week of April 6, 2026
59E59 Theaters Calf Scramble (through April 12)
Barbaralee Theater at The Public Antigone (This Play I Read in High School) (through April 12)
Cherry Lane Theatre You Got Older (through April 26)
DR2 Theater Heartbreak Hotel (through April 19)
Greenwich House Theater What We Did Before Our Moth Days (through May 24)
Greenwich House Theater Wallace Shawn performs “The Fever” (Sunday and Monday nights through April 20)
Irish Repertory Theatre Ulster American (through May 10)
Minetta Lane Theatre Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (through April 30)
New York Theatre Workshop My Joy Is Heavy (extended through April 12)
Playwrights Horizons (The Peter Day Sharp Theater) No Singing in the Navy (through April 19)
St. Ann's Warehouse SCORCHED EARTH (through April 19)
Soho Playhouse Ismael Loufti: Heavenly Baba (through April 25th)
The Public Theater / LuEsther Hall SEAGULL: TRUE STORY (in previews, opens March 30)
The Public Theatre/Shiva Theatre JESA (through April 12)
A bit about the listings:
The events are listed in alphabetical order of theatres. When a show is listed as “through” a certain date, the show has already opened.
For festivals, I’ve only highlighted certain shows and there’s usually a lot more happening. Check the full lineups on their websites.
I’ve done my best to get everything right, but details can change. Always double-check the official event page for the latest times, dates, and any updates.
If you’d like to submit a show to be added to Playtime email playtime@substack.com
Read my personal thoughts and god knows what else on my other Substack here.