Introduction: New England Theatre in Review 2.0
Martha S. LoMonaco, Editor, New England Theatre in Review
By
Published on
January 26, 2026
Welcome to the new incarnation of New England Theatre in Review, the performance review section of the late lamented New England Theatre Journal which ceased publication last year. The kind editors of JADT made space for us last fall when I had a section brimming with news on the New England theatre scene but no place to publish it, and they further offered us a continuing gig in subsequent Fall issues.
This issue features three articles that provide thoughtful interrogations of political theatre in the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts; highlight noteworthy productions at five small independent theatres of Greater Boston; and provide a window into Long Wharf Theater’s self-reinvention: Long Wharf abandoned its physical theatre space two years ago and is now peripatetically performing in and around New Haven, Connecticut, in hopes of reaching new audiences and new theatrical possibilities. All three give insights into how American regional theatre is thriving post-pandemic, beyond the boundaries of New York City, and in addressing the needs and entertainment desires of their local communities.
Since Long Wharf is now straying a bit beyond New England’s boundaries—its 2025-26 theatre season opens with a co-production exclusively performed in New York City—I’m wondering if future issues of NETIR might take a similar tactic. I invite readers to consider writing about performance that has some base in New England—perhaps it originated there or is about some area or personality associated with or inspired by New England—but you may have seen elsewhere. Or you want to profile a particular production, series of related productions, or theatre within the six New England states that is doing noteworthy work that demands to be documented. Please send your suggestions for articles to me at: unit12msl@yahoo.com.
References
Footnotes
About The Author(s)
MARTHA S. LOMONACO is a theatre director, dramaturg, historian, and writer. She is Professor Emerita of Theatre and American Studies at Fairfield University, where she was resident director and ran the theatre program for thirty-four years. She is the author of two monographs Every Week, A Broadway Revue: The Tamiment Playhouse, 1921-1960 and Summer Stock: An American Theatrical Phenomenon and an edited collection, Theatre Exhibitions, volume thirty-three of Performing Arts Resources. She has been editor of New England Theatre in Review since 2010.
JADT publishes thoughtful and innovative work by leading scholars on theatre, drama, and performance in the Americas – past and present. Provocative articles provide valuable insight and information on the heritage of American theatre, as well as its continuing contribution to world literature and the performing arts. Founded in 1989 and previously edited by Professors Vera Mowry Roberts, Jane Bowers, and David Savran, this widely acclaimed peer reviewed journal is now edited by Dr. Benjamin Gillespie and Dr. Bess Rowen.
Journal of American Drama and Theatre is a publication of the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center.
