TDF Stages

With in-person theatre out of commission for the foreseeable future, many performers are sharing their talents online. Below are performances you can watch today, Monday, April 13, from the comfort of your couch for free (or at very low cost). 

London's Hampstead Theatre continues its #HampsteadTheatreAtHome series with a recording of its 2013 production of Drawing the Line, Harold Brenton's historical epic about the behind-the-scenes drama leading to the world-changing Partition of India in 1947. Watch it for free anytime between now and Sunday, April 19 on the company's website.

Ken Jennings, who earned a Tony nomination 40 years ago as Toby in the original Broadway mounting of Sweeney Todd, uses his acting talents to celebrate his faith in The Gospel of John. In honor of Easter, he's sharing a recording of his solo show in which he recites the powerful biblical story from memory. Watch for free on the Sheen Center's website.

At 2 p.m. EST, it's a Jagged Little Pill reunion on Stars in the House as cast members Elizabeth Stanley, Lauren Patten, Celia Rose Gooding and Kathryn Gallagher share stories and songs about the Broadway musical inspired by Alanis Morissette's seminal album of the same name. (Oh how wonderful it would feel to tap into the rage of "You Oughta Know" right now). This twice daily series hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley supports The Actors Fund, and you can watch for free on the organization's YouTube channel.

At 6:30 p.m. EST, cabaret haven Feinstein's/54 Below continues its #54BelowAtHome series with a recording of Native New Yorker, an autobiographical solo concert by the sparkling Charles Busch about the formative moments and music of his youth in the '70s and '80s. Through his witty tales and unexpected song choices, he reveals how he became the performer, Tony-nominated playwright and drag icon that he is today. Watch for free on Feinstein's/54 Below's YouTube channel.

At 7:30 p.m. EST, the Metropolitan Opera shares its 2014 mounting of Dvorák's Rusalka, starring Renée Fleming and Piotr Beczala, and conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The production was filmed for the company's Live in HD series, and is available to watch for free for 23 hours after the start time at metopera.org. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Così fan tutte (starring Tony winner Kelli O'Hara!), until 6:30 p.m. today.

At 7:30 p.m. EST, run away with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at the troupe's weekly live-streamed variety show. Enjoy a cavalcade of jaw-dropping acts, including punk magician Cardone, neo-vaudeville comedy duo Pinch and Squeal, singing aerialist Elizabeth Munn and sideshow performer/America's Got Talent alum Coney Island Chris. Watch for free on Bindlestiff's Facebook page.

At 8 p.m. EST, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley welcome songwriter and raconteur Marc Shaiman to Stars in the House, along with some of his as yet-unnamed friends. Considering Shaiman's Broadway shows include Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can, he contributed a slew of songs to Smash, and that he frequently pens hilarious special material for the Oscars and the Tonys, he has some pretty impressive pals. This twice daily series hosted supports The Actors Fund, and you can watch for free on the organization's YouTube channel.

At 8 p.m. EST, cabaret maven Jim Caruso welcomes renowned singers and up-and-comers at the second online edition of Cast Party, a live-streamed version of his popular weekly gatherings that have taken place at Birdland for decades. Tonight's lineup includes Grammy winner Melissa Manchester, Broadway funny lady Julie Halston, country star Ty Herndon and many others. Watch for free on YouTube, though tips via the Venmo app are appreciated.

At 8 p.m. EST, one of the most acclaimed regional theatres in the country, the Actors Theatre of Louisville, shares a recording of Where the Mountain Meets the Sea by lauded playwright Jeff Augustin (Little Children Dream of God at Roundabout Theatre Company, The New Englanders at Manhattan Theatre Club) with songs by The Bengsons (Hundred Days). An exploration of the complicated relationship between a Haitian immigrant and his American-born son, the show was commissioned by the theatre for its Humana Festival of New American Plays. Tickets are available to purchase from the theatre but TDF members get a discount.

At 8 p.m. EST, Actors Theatre of Louisville shares a recording of Are You There?, a trio of new short works about socializing in the digital age that were commissioned for its annual Humana Festival of New American Plays. Tickets are available to purchase from the theatre but TDF members get a discount.

And if you missed it last week, you can still catch London's National Theatre's mounting of Jane Erye, based on Charlotte Brontë's beloved novel. A co-production with Bristol Old Vic, the three-hour play was recorded for the National's NT Live series, and is available for free on the theatre's YouTube page anytime through Wednesday, April 15.

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Raven Snook is the Editor of TDF Stages. Follow her at @RavenSnook. Follow TDF at @TDFNYC.

Top image: Elizabeth Stanley in Jagged Little Pill. Photo by Matthew Murphy.