The Break of Noon, a play by Neil LaBute at the Lucile Lortel Theatre. We never miss a Neil LaBute play, they're always well cast, well written, and well played. The Break of Noon is an intriguing examination on what happens if a heel gets religion after a tragedy. Two great performances by David Duchovny who is astoundingly good, and by Tracee Chimo who rises to tremendous heights in an emotional scene. The beautiful Amanda Peet is excellent in two roles as is John Earl Jelks. This is a thought provoking play that grows in memory. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade B+

Bells Are Ringing, a musical by Jule Styne, presented by Encores! at the New York City Center. Starring Kelli O'Hara, Judy Kaye, Bobby Cannavale, and Will Chase. Here's another notch on the belt for Kelli O'Hara, another triumph in a classic role to which she brings her customary warmth and grace. What a pleasure it is to enjoy her in these prime performances! Staged by Kathleen Marshall, Bells Are Ringing is a joy to see and hear. Superb conducting by Rob Fisher, and excellent performances by Bobby Cannavale who is hilarious in his Brando riff, and Will Chase who is a revelation as a romantic lead. More from him please! Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade A.

A Free Man of Color, a play by John Guare at the Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center. A total disaster, so much talent wasted. We lasted forty minutes into the first act, our earliest exit ever from a Broadway play. We weren't the first to leave. Subscribers should be warned. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test grade. F

Falstaff, a play by Shakespeare, presented by Shakespeare's Globe at Pace University. Falstaff, is, well, dominated by Falstaff, in this case Christopher Benjamin who gives a performance of such richness and depth that he conjures up the legendary Falstaffs of the past. Could Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree have been any better? Excellent performances too by the Ford, Andrew Havill, and Mistress Page, Serena Evans, and Sarah Woodward as Alice Ford. The rest are not exactly A level, but make a good solid ensemble, in a picture perfect, joyous production. Hats off to the director Christopher Luscombe and Janet Bird who painted such a pretty picture with the sets and costumes. Shakespeare of this caliber is rare in NYC. While Merchant is packing them in uptown with a movie star, this is probably the best Shakespeare we're likely to see until the RSC comes in the summer of 2011. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade B.