Just a week ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda joined me on Playbill's Opening Night Livestream for 
KINGS at the Public Theater! Watch our interview.

Dear Family and Friends,

     You might be thinking New Year? It's October! But, not only is this the timing of the Jewish New Year (hello 5779!), it also marks my New Year having celebrated my birthday October 1. A friend of mine passed along a tradition of taking stock of my most treasured experience from the past year while moving into a new one and that made me think I'd like to share what I've been up to. Looking back to the summer, the Tonys were an incredible night from the red carpet (if you didn't tune in to the livestream, the interviews were so great they're STILL worth the watch) to the broadcast to the afterparties! 

   Of course, I've been busy writing and creating more original video content for Playbill. I had the unbelievable privilege to meet and interview Oscar and Tony winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies) at his home for our Genesis of a Song series. You MUST learn how he wrote "A Whole New World," "Friend Like Me," and more by clicking the links. If you love makeup, you can watch Joe Dulude re-create his designs from shows like Wicked and Anastasia. And, I've been able to write a few meaningful features—not least the one about 10 Powerhouse Female Creators Making Change on Broadway. I have also written pieces for those looking for ways to buy affordable tickets or figure out college paths for your theatre-loving kids.

   There are personal projects brewing, exciting interviews planned, causes I'm working for, and more. As always, you all keep me hustling and pursuing my passion. I believe art can change the world, but only if we listen. Thank you for always listening.

Recommendations: 

1. If you are looking for a new book, allow me to recommend Alexandra Silber's White Hot Grief Parade. (Read an excerpt here.) This is a stunning memoir by the After Anatevka actor/novelist (which, by the way, is now available on Audible as an audiobook meets concert performance and a must for any Fiddler on the Roof fan).

2. The music of Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews. I saw Gould's Lempicka at Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer; his score is astounding. The two wrote Witness Uganda (also known as Invisible Thread)—highly recommend a listen. I just witnessed an early workshop of their new The Family Project. Keep your ears out for news about it.

3. Broadway Up Close Walking Tours. A must for anyone looking to add an activity to their New York City outing involving history, the city of New York, and theatre.

As always, if you need show recommendations or if you have theatre questions, please get in touch! I LOVE to answer. Keep tabs on Playbill.com and RuthieFierberg.com, and thank you for your enduring support.