5 Shows to See in New York This Month

TheaterMania’s chief critic offers his recommendations for September.

| New York City |

September 16, 2026

Arias with a Twist credit Steven Menendez 1 — Joey Arias stars in *Arias with a Twist*, created with Basil Twist, at HERE.
(© Steven Menendez)

1. Arias with a Twist
Start with the return of Arias with a Twist, the groundbreaking collaboration between performance artist Joey Arias and visionary puppet designer Basil Twist. The show opened at HERE in 2008 and it was one of those rare instances of pure theatrical joy that turns casual theatergoers into true believers. Eighteen years later, it’s back at HERE to delight a new generation. In a recent interview with TheaterMania, Twist said, “Joey’s just better than ever.” Go judge for yourself. The show runs through November 1.

The Hope Theory. Photo by Meghan Marshall — Helder Guimarães stars in *The Hope Theory* off-Broadway.
(© Meghan Marshall)

2. The Hope Theory
I’m not usually a fan of magic shows, but Helder Guimarães wowed me with his new act, The Hope Theory, downstairs at New York City Center. Originally from Portugal, Guimarães deploys the subtle arts of perception and persuasion to tell the story of his immigration to the United States. It’s a tale of exploitation, broken trust, but also quite a bit of luck. And after seeing some of the amazing things Guimarães pulls off with a deck of cards, you won’t have trouble believing that chance is on his side.

DELIRIUM Photo by Austin Ruffer (2) — Andrey Burkovskiy and Chulpan Khamatova star in Eugéne Ionesco’s *Delirium*, adapted and directed by Igor Golyak, for Arlekin Players Theatre at the Space at Irondale.
(© Austin Ruffer)

3. Delirium
Less fortunate are the two characters in Delirium, Igor Golyak’s new adaptation of Eugéne Ionesco’s Frenzy for Two, or More. A long-term couple sheltering in place as war rages outside their door, they spend their time bickering, making love, and dreaming of a fantastical escape. Golyak is the director of Our Class and The Orchard, two of the most memorable productions of recent seasons. I’m always eager to see what he has cooked up with his Arlekin Players Theatre. The performances by Andrey Burkovskiy and Chulpan Khamatova are committed in every sense of the word, making this a must-see theatrical event.

Macbeth credit Marty Sohl : Met Opera — Lise Davidsen plays Lady Macbeth in *Macbeth* at the Metropolitan Opera.
(© Marty Sohl / Met Opera)

4. Macbeth
Speaking of must-see, you really ought to make room in your theatergoing diet for opera. The Metropolitan Opera is one of the greatest stages on earth, and the 143-year-old company is opening its new season in grand fashion with a new staging of Verdi’s Macbeth. Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen star as the Scottish thane and his ambitious wife in this new production from director Louisa Proske. The magnificent Ryan Speedo Green plays Banquo. The big opening night is September 22 (it’s one of the few places you can see couture gowns in the wild) with performances scheduled through October 20.

C'mon Everybody cred zrs — Qhrist Almighty and Sherry Poppins host the 10th anniversary of Str8 to DVD at C’mon Everybody
(© Zachary Stewart)

5. Something at C’mon Everybody
But if you’re looking to see something extraordinary on a smaller stage, I highly recommend a journey to C’mon Everybody. The Bed-Stuy queer bar hosts performances all week in its back room, including stand-up comedy and some of the most cutting-edge drag acts in the city. I had the pleasure of catching the 10^th anniversary celebration of Str8 to DVD. Hosted by drag veterans Sherry Poppins and Qhrist Almighty, the evening featured memorable performances from Lollygag (a rubber-faced clown with a talent for trippy sound design) and Angel Au (an old-fashioned showgirl with a wicked sense of humor). C’mon Everybody has something new and amazing every night. Click here for upcoming events.