The New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley steps down

Benjamin Brantley is an American theatre critic, writer, and publisher who became the co-chief critic for The New York Times in 1996.

Last week Brantley announced that he would be stepping down from his co-chief position effective from October 15.

Michael Paulson, a New York Times reporter, recently commented on Twitter that Brantley’s resignation marked “The end of an era” and;

The New York Times culture editor Gilbert Cruz said the paper is committed to filling Ben’s position. But, given the coronavirus pandemic has indefinitely prevented most in-person performance, New York Times Arts is expecting to take some time choosing his successor.

His co-chief Jesse Green will remain as chief theatre critic for the iconic publication. Brantley has been the longest serving theatre critic for The New York Times starting in 1993. His reviews were published covering shows from London to New York.

Prior to working at The New York Times, Brantley was a writer for the New Yorker and Vanity Fair. Brantley made the following comment in a statement from The New York Times;

“This pandemic pause in the great, energizing party that is the theater seemed to me like a good moment to slip out the door,” Ben said. “But when the theater returns, I hope to be there — as a writer, an audience member and, above all, the stark raving fan I have been since I was a child.”