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Michele Willens

Michele Willens, who coined the term “tweens” for The New York Times, is a journalist, playwright, and editor of Face It: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change.

A photo illustration of Marc Shaiman.
YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT

The Legend Behind the Soundtrack to Your Life Tells All

He’s written the music for just about every movie, TV series, and Broadway show you love. Now he’s telling the stories of his life.

Michele Willens

T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama in "44."
BACK TO BEFORE

A Barack Obama Musical Takes the Stage in New York

“44″ sets the former president’s political rise to song and dance. Its creative team tells us why it actually works.

Michele Willens

Betsy Aidem attends the 77th Annual Tony Awards
LIBERATED

The Actress Giving the Bravest Performance on Broadway

At 67, “Liberation” star Betsy Aidem is at the peak of her career...and baring all.

Michele Willens

Dulé Hill in NYTW's LIGHTS OUT.
ALL THAT JAZZ

‘West Wing’ Star Stuns in Performance as Nat King Cole

Dulé Hill is beloved to “West Wing” fans as Charlie, the president’s assistant. Now he’s playing to ovations as the jazz legend.

Michele Willens

Elizabeth Marvel in Brooklyn, NY on March 3, 2025.
ROLE CALL

The Actress You Know From Just About Everything

Chameleonic actress Elizabeth Marvel discusses playing everything from presidents to serial killers to sad moms—and her intense new stage turn as a fashion photographer.

Michele Willens

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Hadi Tabbal attends the 37th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards
TONY WATCH

Meet the Star of Broadway’s Buzziest New Play

The raves for “English” have been deafening. Star Hadi Tabbal tells us his surprisingly personal journey to the play’s splashy Great White Way debut.

Michele Willens

Female playwrights are finally taking over Broadway.
THE GREAT WHITE WAY

Female Playwrights Are Finally Taking Over Broadway Stages

The words of women are ruling our stages: It’s a watershed moment for female playwrights are stories with strong female characters that has been a long time coming.

Michele Willens

Ramin Karimloo in 'A Face in the Crowd'
TIMELY

A New Trump-Era Cautionary Tale Has All of London Buzzing

A new musical adaptation of Elia Kazan’s “A Face in the Crowd,” featuring music from Elvis Costello, is the talk of the West End—and more urgent now than ever.

Michele Willens

181022-Willens-housing-swap-tease_ultnwt
GOLDILOCKS SYNDROME

House Swapping Can Be a Tourist’s Dream or Nightmare

Want to live like a local in your dream destination? House swapping may be your best bet. But remember, while you’re eating off their plates, they’re eating off yours.

Michele Willens

articles/2014/05/31/the-foodie-capital-of-canada/140530-willens-montreal-tease_ipewpn
Délicieux

The Foodie Capital of Canada

As Montreal gears up for the International Jazz Festival, Michele Willens takes a look at the amazing architecture, art, hotels, and the utterly scrumptious food scene in the City of Saints.

Michele Willens

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