What they’re saying: live arts in Brooklyn this week, February 27

A roundup of Brooklyn’s cultural offerings this week, from comedy to theater to music to art, and what critics are saying about them

February 28, 2024 Evan Rosen

St. Ann's Warehouse. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

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On Air Fest
Podcasts and Storytelling
Wythe Hotel, 80 Wythe Ave, Williamsburg
February 28 – March 1

The bi-coastal, bi-annual festival affectionately known as the “Sundance of Sound” is in Brooklyn this week. The festival has previously premiered dozens of award-winning podcasts and offers immersive experiences, awards, a business summit, and audio art residency. This year features podcast celebrities like Malcolm Gladwell, Seth Meyers, David Remnick, Sarah Koenig, Veronika Slowikowska and others. Festival passes for select days and events are available online.

“On Air Fest is the premier cultural event for audio storytellers and inspired listeners.” – The Verge

“I have experienced all that On Air Fest has to offer twice before and yet each day is full of new possibilities and experiences. It’s a transportive venue that both inspires and delights and those who get to experience it come out transformed.” – Joshua Dudley, Forbes

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The Hunt @ St. Ann’s Warehouse
Theatre
St. Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park, 45 Water Street, Dumbo
Performances now through March 24

Quickly gaining buzz throughout the city, this adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg’s 2013 film follows the story of a quiet teacher, played by Tobias Menzies, wrongfully accused of molesting several of his students.

This British production directed by Rupert Goold and adapted by David Farr has the style of a horror film, including ritualistic dancing, sacrifices and jump scares, but Menzies’ acclaimed performance is considered to be the main draw.

“Let it be known that the British import “The Hunt” — about a man ostracized, and worse, for a crime he didn’t commit — does not really err toward subtlety.” — Elisabeth Vincenteli, The New York Times

“It’s worth seeing for Menzies alone – he gives a stunning performance. I was riveted!” – E. Evans, NYC

“Menzies is a great actor. I suppose if anyone is equipped to take over this role from the great Mads Mikkelsen (who won Best Actor at Cannes for his performance in the film) then Menzies fits the bill.” – Sarah F., New York

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Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Visual art
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy, Prospect Heights
February 10 – July 7

“Giants” is the first major exhibition from The Dean Collection, Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean and Alicia Keys, and showcases some of the couples’ world-class holdings. The name of the exhibition refers to the legendary artists it showcases, as well as the impact of contemporary artists, including Derrick Adams, Arthur Jafa, and Meleko Mokgosi.

“A celebration of Blackness and an ode to living life monumentally.” – Izzy Baskette, Thrillist

“The Deans consider all of the artists in the show as giants. They have these very strong relationships with the artists that they collect. It’s not about transaction. It’s about being stewards and advocates and supporters of these artists,” Brooklyn Museum curator Kimberli Gant told Time Out New York.

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Circles Around the Sun @ Brooklyn Bowl
Music, Concerts
Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave, Williamsburg
March 2, other shows every night

The Brooklyn Bowl, a genre-bending bowling alley and concert venue in Williamsburg is hosting the Los Angeles-based instrumental supergroup Circles Around the Sun. The rock band was originally formed to replicate the music of the Grateful Dead. On Saturday night, their tour stops for one night only in Brooklyn, featuring musician and harpist Mikaela Davis and band Southern Star.

“The response from the audience was uniformly resounding, quite literally blowing up the internet with questions as to where this magical music came from and ultimately pleas for more.” – Santa Maria Times

“There’s no band quite like Circles Around the Sun since there are few instrumental acts that combine jazz, funk and psychedelia.” – The Spokesman-Review

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Drop Off Movie Nights @ Play Kids Greenpoint
Movies, Kids
Play Kids, 33 Nassau Ave, Greenpoint
March 1, 6 p.m., and Friday evenings. Ages 4-8

Play Kids in Greenpoint is offering Drop Off Movie Nights for parents looking to enjoy a solo evening while their children have some fun. This Friday, March 1, is a screening of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” from 6 to 8:30 pm. The evening includes a movie, pizza, popcorn and open play time.

“Had my daughter’s 1st birthday here and let me tell you it was AMAZING! From the beautiful decoration, to the big space and friendly employees. They were very attentive, helpful and fun.” – Katty R., Play Kids website

“I take my 2-year-old there for open play all the time and he loves all the creative toys, imaginary play and I love how airy and clean the place is. What a gem in our neighborhood!” – Alyce C., Play Kids website

The Second City
Comedy
64 N 9th St., Williamsburg
Shows every night

This historic improv theater trained the likes of Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Mike Myers and Tina Fey, and has just opened its first ever NYC location in Williamsburg. Aside from comedy shows, it also offers training and classes for those new to improv or looking to take their comedy skills to the next level.

“An hour and a half of delicately prepared, wonderfully delivered, professional comedy that you can’t get anywhere else in NYC.” – Christine Covode

“The founders of Second City, the storied comedy theater, took its name from essays by The New Yorker writer A.J. Liebling, who skewered Chicago as inferior to his hometown. Now, more than 60 years later, Second City has found a home in New York.” – Julia Jacobs, The New York Times