TDF Stages

With in-person theatre out of commission for the foreseeable future, many companies and performers from Broadway and beyond are showcasing their work online. Below are performances you can watch today, Monday, August 31, from the comfort of your couch for free or at low cost.

The Seth Concert Series: Sierra Boggess
At 3 p.m. ET, apparently, hosting a daily talk show online and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio series isn't enough for the multitalented Seth Rudetsky. Well-known for his skills as a pianist, musical director and interviewer, he's hosted a series of intimate live concerts in Provincetown with Broadway stars for the past decade. This summer he brings the show online. Last night's headliner was Sierra Boggess, and you can watch a recording today. The Broadway star earned a Drama Desk nomination for her aquatic turn as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and has played the iconic role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies. Expect a lot of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, especially since she also starred in his School of Rock. Tickets are $25.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater: SOLDIERGIRLS
At 7 p.m. ET, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater presents a concert reading of songs and scenes from SOLDIERGIRLS, a new "lesbian musical sex comedy" by Em Weinstein and Emily Johnson-Erday. Inspired by real correspondence between members of the US Army's Women's Army Corps in World War II, the performance features Tony nominees Jenn Collela and Lilli Cooper, and Broadway vets Chilina Kennedy, Ezra Menas, Melanie Field and Jessie Shelton. Watch for free on Rattlestick's YouTube channel though donations to SPART*A (Service Members, Partners, Allies for Respect and Tolerance for All) are encouraged.

The Theatre Will Survive
At 7 p.m. ET, TheaterPizzazz.com assembles an array of Broadway stars for the debut of the music video "The Theatre Will Survive," an inspirational anthem by Michael Colby and Ned Paul Ginsburg celebrating the resilience of the stage community. Performers include Tony winners Chuck Cooper, Faith Prince, Judy Kaye and Paulo Szot, plus Broadway favorites Robert Cuccioli, Ann Harada, Courtney Reed, Tony Sheldon and Christine Andreas, and the song will be followed by a live Q&A. Tickets are available from TheaterPizzazz but TDF members get a discount. All proceeds go to The Actors Fund.

The Metropolitan Opera: Elektra
At 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera presents Elektra, Strauss' adaptation of the ancient Greek myth featuring Nina Stemme in the title role. Adrianne Pieczonka, Waltraud Meier, Burkhard Ulrich and Eric Owens costar in this 2016 mounting of the tragedy. Watch for free for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Falstaff, until 6:30 p.m. today.

Stars in the House: Katie Finneran
At 8 p.m. ET, On Your Feet! diva Andréa Burns continues her Monday night guest-hosting duties on Stars in the House, and she's bringing one of her Broadway BFFs: two-time Tony winner Katie Finneran. Early in their careers, they were so close they shared an audition dress! So we're sure they'll have lots to dish about. Watch for free on YouTube though donations to The Actors Fund are encouraged.

Jim Caruso's Pajama Cast Party
At 8 p.m. ET, cabaret maven Jim Caruso welcomes renowned singers and up-and-comers at Pajama Cast Party, a live-streamed version of his popular weekly Cast Party gatherings that have taken place at Birdland for years. Tonight's lineup includes Janis Siegel from the beloved vocal group Manhattan Transfer, cabaret singer Corinna Sowers Adler, and songwriters Debra Barsha and Sheilah Rae. Watch for free on YouTube though tips via the Venmo app are appreciated.

Available to Watch All Day

Metropolitan Opera Stars Live in Concert: Lise Davidsen
On Saturday, the Metropolitan Opera presented Lise Davidsen in a live recital, and you can watch a recording through Thursday, September 10. The Norwegian soprano performs some of her signature arias and songs, including selections from Wagner's Tannhäser and Puccini's Manon Lescaut as well as works by Sibelius and Grieg. James Baillieu accompanies her on piano from Oslo's stunning Oscarshall. Tickets cost $20.

---

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

Top image: Lilli Cooper.