Ben Brantley resigns as New York Times theatre critic

It was announced today that Ben Brantley, the co-chief theatre critic for the New York Times, is stepping down from the position he’s held since 1993.

The NYT posted an announcement on their website which was echoed on Twitter by theatre reporter, Michael Paulson.

The end of an era at @nytimestheater: Ben Brantley, who joined the paper in 1993 and became chief theater critic three years later, is announcing today that he is stepping down. His last day on the job is Oct. 15.

— Michael Paulson (@MichaelPaulson) September 10, 2020

His editors wrote,

Over the past two decades, theater reckoned with 9/11 and recession, the Disneyfication of Broadway and, now, a pandemic. The larger backdrop: a digital revolution that made on-demand entertainment easy, and made the willingness to commit time and money to the live arts more precious than ever.

Through it all, in each effortlessly polished review, Ben led by example — thrilled by the humane and the adventurous, tough on the tired and the cynical. And he was always, always optimistic, ready to venture to the far corners of the theater landscape to bring back news of the next big thing.

Succeeding Frank Rich, Brantley’s 24 years in the role make him the longest-serving since Brooks Atkinson.

Brantley, no doubt, knew the importance of a New York Times review for the city’s theatre community and relished in its power to make or break shows and careers. There will be many who will think of his tenure well and many who will not. But that’s the life of a critic.

Brantley’s last day will be on Oct 15th.