My primary goal as a theater reviewer is to write an honest critique of a play that promotes interest in the production and/or theater company, and prompts conversation about the play's core themes. My approach is respectful, compassionate, and constructive. I try to be insightful and look for nuance. I do not believe in tearing down artists. I see theater critics as a bridge between artists and their potential audience. I want to encourage engagement between theater makers and theater goers. I want you to love theater as much as I do.

I have been reviewing plays for the Theater Mirror since 2019. Below is a catalog of those reviews. You may also find my reviews on Instagram: @ReviewsByJulie

Julie-Anne Whitney 6/4/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 6/4/26

10-year-old Livia Quist Shines in Charming ‘Annie’ at GBSC

Quist is only 10-years-old, but her voice had the tone, richness, and power of a much older, more experienced singer. She has a lot to learn about acting (who wouldn’t at 10-years-old?), but her singing was genuinely impressive.

Julie-Anne Whitney 6/4/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 6/4/26

CHUANG Stage Brings Strange & Insightful ‘My Home on the Moon’ to Boston’s South End

My Home on the Moon skillfully straddles the world that we know and the world that is coming. When Lan and Mai have to choose between an artificial reality that feels safer and happier than their actual reality– it is heartbreakingly believable.

Julie-Anne Whitney 5/15/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 5/15/26

‘Translations’ Highlights Importance of Communication & Connection

The Longwood Players have created a sensitive, thoughtful production of a tenacious, challenging play.

Julie-Anne Whitney 4/25/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 4/25/26

ArtsEmerson Offers Community & Connection with ‘The Secret Sharer’

In taking this complex work and turning it into an inclusive, collaborative experience, the Black and Queer artists of DNAWORKS have opened up a space for collective healing.

Julie-Anne Whitney 4/6/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 4/6/26

CST’s ‘Breaking the code’ is not to be missed

Central Square Theater’s stirring production of Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking the Code follows the turbulent but brilliant life of one of the world’s most important thinkers.

Julie-Anne Whitney 3/30/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 3/30/26

LSC’s ‘...Shamelessly Gorgeous’ Puts Black Women Center Stage

We should always uplift Black playwrights, and we should be producing more plays that center Black women. But, surely, there must be better plays out there that can share these stories more effectively.

Julie-Anne Whitney 3/10/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 3/10/26

SSC’s ‘The Antiquities’ Warns of the Future Dangers of A.I.

Jordan Harrison’s play asks us to consider: what makes us human? How do we maintain our humanity in such a rapidly changing and increasingly violent world? How has technology changed us? And in creating that technology, have we unknowingly manufactured our own destruction?

Julie-Anne Whitney 2/9/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 2/9/26

ASP Brings modern ‘little women’ to watertown

Hamill’s script does take some liberties with the original text– especially in her choice of ending.

Julie-Anne Whitney 1/30/26 Julie-Anne Whitney 1/30/26

‘Noli Timere’ is Thoroughly Thrilling

ArtsEmerson’s Noli Timere is a deeply moving exploration of trust and connection through the fusion of art, music, circus, and dance.