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The Guardian
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Richard Greenberg obituary
The American playwright Richard Greenberg, who has died aged 67 of cancer, was an accomplished and prolific chronicler of the lives of young, upwardly mobile professionals in the 1980s – he himself had first wanted to be an architect. In doing so, he moved American new playwriting on from the era of Sam Shepard and David Mamet; he had no particular axes to grind, and he wrote beautifully. Every time you saw a play of his – he was once dubbed 'the American Noël Coward' – you understood why his household gods were Scott Fitzgerald, Henry James and Edith Wharton. He was serious, literate, engaging and enlightened. In his breakthrough play, Eastern Standard (1988), he anatomised a yuppie quartet of best friends and siblings sorting out their relationships as they moved from Manhattan to a summer house on Long Island. And he did so in a becalmed atmosphere of guilt-ridden privilege that got some critics' collective goats. I saw Eastern Standard in the same Broadway season as AR Gurney's The Cocktail Hour and Wendy Wasserstein's The Heidi Chronicles. All three plays reverted to classical structure and narrative in middle-class environments turning their backs on Greenwich Village, political protest and scabrous social behaviour. He told the New York Times in 1988: 'The idea that the moral and personal lives of the middle-class do not constitute a subject worthy of consideration is a kind of fascism to me, a censoriousness saying that we know everything there is to know about them.' And it is certainly true that he jabbed and poked beneath the surface of his characters' lives with uncommon skill, revealing complex layers. Many of Greenberg's plays (and there were over 30) were set in Manhattan and the socioeconomic satellites of the Hamptons and the Catskills. But his own personal style and demeanour were secretive, withdrawn, uncooperative. As he admitted in a Daily Telegraph interview in 2009: 'I love the moment when you just have the dress rehearsal, when no one's there; that's kind of the peak to me. When people start filing in, I like to file out.' All the same, he won the Tony best play award in 2003 for Take Me Out – world premiered in London at the Donmar Warehouse in 2002 – a play about a major league baseball player coming out as gay that wittily addressed the subject of bigotry and homophobia in sport. Again, he did not tub-thump; he moved gracefully through the arguments. The Donmar had also presented – in 1999 – the clever and absorbing Three Days of Rain (1997), charting the fleshly appetites and passion in two overlapping triangular love stories, with a great cast of Colin Firth, Elizabeth McGovern and David Morrissey. The play was triumphantly revived on Broadway in 2006 with a trio of Paul Rudd, Julia Roberts and Bradley Cooper. Greenberg was born in Green Meadow, Long Island, New York, to Shirley (nee Levine) and Leon Greenberg, an executive for a chain of movie theatres. He graduated from Princeton with a degree in English in 1980 and enrolled in Harvard's doctoral programme on literature before transferring to the Yale school of drama for the playwriting course. There, he wrote The Bloodletters (1984), about a Jewish teenager on Long Island who develops a rare disease that makes him smell like a dirty bathroom. The New York Times critic Frank Rich, a notable champion of his, said that the play was 'so daffily conceived that one must admire its promising author's antic spin of mind even when he is straining too hard'. He signed a contract with the South Coast repertory in California, where several of his plays were first presented. Other important forcing houses in the early days were the Seattle Rep and the Manhattan Theatre club, both springboarding Eastern Standard to Broadway. Patently using James's Washington Square (in its theatrical format of The Heiress), Greenberg wrote The American Plan (1990) as a pungent, melancholic mother and daughter drama of great psychological and narrative ingenuity. Set in the Catskills in the 1960s, it was hailed as 'an absolute cracker' by Michael Billington when receiving its British premiere in 2013 at the Theatre Royal, Bath, directed by David Grindley and outstandingly well-acted by Diana Quick as the Mittel European Jewish refugee and Emily Taaffe as her daughter Lili Adler, a young heiress scarred by mental illness. The last play of his I saw, an extraordinary one, was The Dazzle (2002), presented in 2015 by the Michael Grandage company, directed by Simon Evans, in a pop-up theatre in the former Central Saint Martins school on the Charing Cross Road. The play is based on a true story of two brothers – or at least their decomposing corpses – found in 1947 in their clutter-rammed family home in New York. It had taken a team of people weeks to clear their hoard – books, instruments, newspapers. And it was from this posthumous view of the brothers that Greenberg looked back. He fictionalised what their lives could have been, inspired by the possibilities of how the two men could have arrived in such a sorry state. Andrew Scott played, brilliantly, the eccentric pianist, Langley, David Dawson, equally superb, his accountant brother, Homer. The play was set in a small room with a grand piano – relatively uncluttered to begin with – but as the story unfolded the room began to cramp with crap. A bohemian hostess, played by a beautifully poised Joanna Vanderham, entered their world, almost marrying Langley, then much later almost marrying Homer, before the brothers were left alone, hidden from society, dirty and dying, surrounded by their accumulated memorabilia and detritus. The savagery of these biographies fully exposed the streak of jaundiced melancholia and dissatisfaction running through most of Greenberg's characters' lives, the downside to their wealth and privilege. It is impossible not to deduce there was something of this about Greenberg himself, the fuel to his writing. He is survived by his brother, Edward. Richard Greenberg, playwright, born 22 February 1958, died 4 July 2025
National Geographic
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Ready to unwind after Pride? Try these relaxing LGBTQ+-friendly getaways
From the first Pride—a bold blend of protest and celebration held in New York on June 28, 1970, to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising—to today's vibrant festivities, Pride Month continues to be a powerful time for the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay man, frequent traveler, and co-author of the book Out in the World from National Geographic, I'm always moved by the global expressions of unity, identity, and visibility that define this season. Pride Month is also one of the busiest times of the year. After the parades, marches, drag shows, and community events, many participants are ready for a break. Here are a few LGBTQ+-friendly destinations where you can relax, recharge, and continue celebrating who you are. The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village was the site of the 1969 Stonewall riots. Photograph By David 'Dee' Delgado/REUTERS/Redux The Berkshires, Massachusetts An artists' enclave in Western Massachusetts—the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage—the Berkshires blends charming towns, scenic hills, and a top-tier arts and culture scene. In Lenox, the 524-acre Tanglewood is built for picnics and concerts under the stars. Nearby, bibliophiles and fans of the Gilded Age will love The Mount, Edith Wharton's former summer retreat. An hour north, the Williamstown Theatre Festival presents world premieres and classic revivals, often attracting stars such as Audra McDonald and Mary-Louise Parker. For art lovers, MASS MoCA offers 250,000 square feet of galleries and stages showcasing contemporary art, music, dance, and film. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate hiking at Mount Greylock or Monument Mountain, as well as boating on Otis Reservoir. In Stockbridge, the former home of Norman Rockwell, you'll find his namesake museum, a quaint Main Street, and the historical Red Lion Inn, where front porch rocking chairs offer the perfect spot to slow down and watch the world go by. (Add a detour to your next vacation—starting with these classic destinations) Concerts at Tanglewood, exploring Edith Wharton's summer estate, and hiking Mount Greylock make the Berkshires an ideal summer getaway. Photograph By Pat & Chuck Blackley / Alamy Malta Spanning less than 100 square miles, this Mediterranean gem is consistently ranked among Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. It's especially welcoming to the trans community, who have been protected under anti-discrimination laws since 2015. More than 30 beaches line the island's coast, from the soft sands and striking views of Golden Bay to the calm, clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Mellieħa Bay is a hub for watersports, while Wied il-Għasri's cliff-lined inlet attracts snorkelers. On Malta's sister island, Gozo, the Blue Hole—a collapsed limestone sinkhole—entices divers with its underwater arches and marine life, but swimmers and snorkelers are also welcome. (A guide to Valletta, the Maltese capital with an eye for art and entertainment) Beyond the beach, Valletta, the baroque capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to impressive sites such as St. John's Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio's The Beheading of St. John the Baptist is on display, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Casa Rocca Piccola. For a break from the sun, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, located 15 minutes from Valletta, is an underground prehistoric burial site with interconnecting rock chambers. Malta is consistently ranked among Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Photograph By BBA Photography, Shutterstock Fiji With 333 islands in the striking blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean and its warm 'bula' welcome, Fiji will instantly make you feel at ease. On Viti Levu (where most international flights arrive in Nadi), land-based activities include Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, featuring over 2,000 varieties of orchids. Also on the island, the Coral Coast offers relaxing beaches and high-octane adventures such as diving with tiger sharks at Beqa Lagoon and hiking at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. From Viti Levu, scenic ferry rides take you to the Mamanuca Islands or Yasawa Islands, which have powder-soft beaches, resorts with overwater bungalows, and great snorkeling, including opportunities to spot reef sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish. The lesser-traveled Taveuni Island, known as the Garden Island, offers a great trek to Tavoro (Bouma) Falls in Bouma National Heritage Park. The island of Kadavu features the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world's largest barrier reefs, where you may encounter whales, dolphins, and wrasses. (In Fiji, these hotels put the guests to work—in a good way) A traditional fire dance performance at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji. Photograph By TOH GOUTTENOIRE/The New York Times/Redux Panama Famed for its canal and the narrow isthmus linking two continents, Panama offers vibrant city life, stunning beaches, and natural wonders all within easy reach. In Panama City, the UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo invites visitors to stroll winding streets lined with centuries-old architecture and leafy plazas. At Villa Ana 1928, you can dine in a beautifully restored mansion with a no-cellphone policy, while the inclusive Hotel La Compañía, set in a 17th-century Jesuit convent, features curated art, five globally inspired restaurants, and a rooftop pool. The modern cityscape includes the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, exploring Panama's rich biodiversity, and the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can watch ships traverse the Panama Canal. Beyond the city, the Pearl Islands beckon with turquoise waters and secluded coves. For a cooler retreat, El Valle de Antón—nestled in an extinct volcanic crater—offers thermal springs, mountain hikes, waterfall treks, scenic bike rides, and a laid-back atmosphere. At La Compañía del Valle, a restful and restorative experience includes a saltwater pool and sun deck with mountain views, inventive gastronomy with 'fire and earth' themes, and an upcoming 18,000-square-foot spa. (Why Panama City's appeal goes far beyond its namesake canal) Hotel la Compañia, in Panama City's historic district, is housed in a former convent. Photograph By Toh Gouttenoire/The New York Times/Redux Rapid City, South Dakota Though South Dakota leans conservative, Rapid City stands out for its queer-allied businesses and growing LGBTQ+ presence. The Black Hills Center for Equality offers community support, outreach, and sponsors a Pride festival and other community events. Downtown, explore the haunted history of the Hotel Alex Johnson, browse Mitzi's Books for your next great read, and learn about the region's storied past at the Journey Museum, with exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, Native American culture, and pioneer life. The City of Presidents, featuring life-sized bronze statues of former U.S. presidents, adds a unique historic touch, while iconic Mount Rushmore is just 30 minutes away. Rapid City also serves as a gateway to the Badlands, where hiking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing offer the perfect digital detox, and Custer State Park, where 1,300 free-roaming bison wander across 71,000 acres and scenic drives like Needles Highway reveal granite spires and sweeping views. For food and nightlife, local queer-welcoming favorites include Murphy's Pub, Ugly Graffiti, Bokujo Ramen, Tally's Silver Spoon, Aby's, and the Brass Rail. Rapid City also serves as a gateway to the Badlands, where hiking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing abound. Photograph By Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock
Cosmopolitan
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The Buccaneers Season 2 Schedule: Here's When New Episodes Come Out
It's here! After what has felt like an eternity, The Buccaneers is finally arriving on Apple TV+ for season 2, nearly two years on from it's original premiere. So, when does the show arrive on Apple TV+? The historical drama series is based on Edith Wharton's final novel of the same name, and season 2 will see the girls firmly take up their places in England. Nan is now the most influential woman in the country and Conchita is now Lady Brightlingsea. There's also the arrival of one very iconic cast member joining the lineup as Leighton Meester is set to appear in season 2. So are you ready to dive in for another series of scandal, society and secrets? Here's what time the series drops on Apple TV+. Get ready folks, because the first episode of The Buccaneers season two premieres on Apple TV+ today, June 18! There will be eight episodes in season 2, which will be released weekly every Wednesday. The season has eight episodes total, and episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays through August 6. So that means the schedule will be... The Buccaneers season 2 premieres June 18 on Apple TV+.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Period drama compared to Bridgerton but fans have a big complaint
The Buccaneers has not been well received by viewers, who have branded the period drama 'lame' and 'odd' as they compare it to Netflix hit Bridgerton for all the wrong reasons The 2023 period drama, The Buccaneers, has been met with a mixed reception since it premiered earning a modest 76% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a slew of negative critiques. Adapting an incomplete Edith Wharton novel, The Buccaneers transports its audience back to the ostentatious Gilded Age. It's the 1870s in England where the television series chronicles the exploits of five wealthy and enterprising American women navigating the upper echelons of London society. The quintet arrives in London at the pinnacle of the debutante season, with their eyes set on finding well-suited husbands amidst attending opulent weddings. The series is a whirlwind of culture shocks, burgeoning romance, challenges to tradition, and camaraderie, as the ladies rub elbows with the crème de la crème. A review on Rotten Tomatoes write: "Poorly written and acted period drama with an interesting premise. The premise of the Buccaneers is that boisterous Americans visit stodgy England to find marriages. "The idea is that the class of cultures will lead to sparks flying and plenty of engaging drama. "Unfortunately, the writing is stiff and awkward, and the performances are expressionless and limited in breadth", reports the Express. The series showcases a new brigade of stars, featuring Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Aubri Ibrag, Josie Totah, and Imogen Waterhouse at the core of its narrative. Yet, despite fresh faces, opinions on their performances are deeply divided among the audience. One critic doesn't hold back: "I couldn't watch past the first episode. There's not one likeable character, and the soundtrack grates worse than nails on a chalkboard. It's just a seriously irritating show. Can we have a back-to-basics period drama sometime, please? All this updating and reimagining just isn't working." A central bone of contention for many viewers is the apparent mimicking of the widely acclaimed Netflix sensation, Bridgerton. One comment encapsulates this sentiment: "Trying too hard to be another Bridgerton - very lame," reads the review. "I love a costume drama, but I had to abandon it. Won't watch more." Another viewer added: "The pacing is odd, the plot is odd, and the lack of any authenticity is odd. "For context, I'm a big fan of Bridgerton and My Lady Jane - but this was difficult to watch." Despite the attempt to breathe new life into an old tale over two seasons, it appears that the latest adaptation has missed the mark with some spectators. However, it's not all bleak as there are viewers who see the show in a different light, with one even suggesting it's imbued with "magic". They wrote: "If you're used to classic period dramas, the outspoken, rowdy American girls will feel cringey for an episode or two. But the magic in this is the contrast between the new-money Americans and the strangled politeness of the British high society. The collision of these two worlds becomes very high stakes when the main characters contemplate the reality of an eternity, trapped without the freedom they've taken for granted." For those curious to see how 'The Buccaneers' stacks up against shows like 'Bridgerton', all episodes are currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Cosmopolitan
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
What time is The Buccaneer released on Apple TV+ in the UK?
It's here! After what has felt like an eternity The Buccaneers is finally arriving on Apple TV+ for season two, nearly two years on from it's original premiere. So, what time does the show arrive on Apple TV+ tomorrow? The historical drama series is based on Edith Wharton's final novel of the same name, and season two will see the girls firmly take up their places in England. Nan is now the most influential woman in the country and Conchita is now Lady Brightlingsea. There's also the arrival of one very iconic cast member joining the lineup as Leighton Meester is set to appear in season two. So are you ready to dive in for another series of scandal, society and secrets? Here's what time the series drops on Apple TV+. Get ready folks as there's less than 24 hours to go until the first episode of The Buccaneers season two premieres on Apple TV+, with the series starting on 18 June. There will be eight episodes in season two, which will be released weekly every Wednesday. While we are very much supportive of staying up late to watch your favourite TV show drop the new episode, there's not really much point doing it for The Buccaneers as the show doesn't land on Apple TV+ until 8am BST on the morning of 18 June here in the UK. Not based in the UK? Here's what time The Buccaneers lands on Apple TV+ where you are: The Buccaneers season 2 is available from 18 June on Apple TV+
