October Wasn't All Bad: Five Shows We Actually Liked
October wasn't exactly a banner month for New York theater. But buried between the disappointments were five shows that reminded us why we do this. Here's what's worth your time.
Ragtime at Lincoln Center
The score still soars, the performances still devastate, and somehow this show about America at the turn of the last century feels urgently, uncomfortably relevant at the turn of this one. Now extended through June 14th, 2026, there’s no reason to miss this.
Mexodus at Minetta Lane
Now on its way to Los Angeles, Mexodus is a testament to the musical ability of the two performers, who also wrote the show. Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson don’t have a perfect show — the story is juvenile, the messaging spoon-fed to the audience — but it sure is entertaining.
Caroline at MCC Theatre
Let's talk about Chloë Grace Moretz. Yes, we all remember her as Hit-Girl. Yes, she's been on our screens since she was a kid. But this performance is a reminder that she's not trading on nostalgia or name recognition—she can actually act. It's the kind of performance that makes you forget you're watching someone you think you already know, and instead introduces you to an artist who's been honing her craft all along. Child star? Sure. But more importantly: a real, formidable talent.
The Ziegfeld Files at Studio Seaview
Jesse Eisenberg's one-man show is deceptively simple: a new father recording voice memos for his therapist because his wife is worried he's not bonding with the baby. Eisenberg performs it not-off-book, script in hand, which somehow makes it feel even more intimate and raw—like we're eavesdropping on thoughts he's still figuring out how to articulate. It's introspective in the best way, digging into the worst and best parts of all of us with the kind of unflinching honesty that calls to mind his performance in Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Fleishman Is in Trouble. It's funny, uncomfortable, and ultimately deeply human. This is the kind of small, smart theater that stays with you long after you leave. It’s sold out, but find a ticket on Theatr before December 7th.
The Least Problematic Woman in the World
Dylan Mulvaney brings her signature warmth and charm to this solo show that's as sweet as it is smart. The set is great, the direction is sharp, and Mulvaney herself is utterly personable—the kind of performer who makes a theater feel like an intimate conversation with a friend. It's funny, it's cute, and it tackles big questions about identity and acceptance without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Mulvaney knows exactly who she is and invites us all along for the ride. It was a genuinely lovely night of theater.
