Theater critic, WHYY-FM NewsWorks. Broadway Theater critic, The Classical Network of NPR affiliates, at wwfm.org. Travel writer.
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Articles by Howard Shapiro
ERISA Litigation Enters The Voluntary Benefits Sphere
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources topic(s) As employers begin 2026, a new wave of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) litigation is emerging involving voluntary products that serves as an important reminder that accurate Form 5500 reporting, fiduciary best practices, and good governance procedures are important for all ERISA-governed plans.
A New Year And A New Wave Of ERISA Litigation
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources and Criminal Law topic(s) ERISA litigation continues to expand in unprecedented fashion, reshaping the landscape for employers, plan sponsors, and service providers. As we move into 2026, all indications suggest that this trend will accelerate. Four lawsuits filed in late December may represent the beginning of a significant new wave of cases.
A New Year and a New Wave of ERISA Litigation | JD Supra
ERISA litigation continues to expand in unprecedented fashion, reshaping the landscape for employers, plan sponsors, and service providers. As we move into 2026, all indications suggest that this trend will accelerate. Four lawsuits filed in late December may represent the beginning of a significant new wave of cases.
Mortality Table Defenses In Actuarial Equivalent Cases
By Robert Rachal and Howard Shapiro ( September 25, 2025, 5:56 PM EDT) -- In Employee Retirement Income Security Act class actions, plaintiffs are filing claims against defined benefit pension plans over the actuarial factors used to calculate alternative forms of annuity payments, particularly the mortality tables used for these calculations.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too.
Mortality Table Defenses In Actuarial Equivalent Cases
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Guidance For Cultural Institutions Navigating The Federal Policy Landscape
This client alert reports on recent developments in the Trump Administration and a shifting legal landscape that may affect the operations, funding, and tax-exempt status of cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, performing arts centers, historical sites, and community centers. We intend for this client alert to serve as a resource for counsel, officers, and directors responsible for adapting or responding to these changes on behalf of cultural institutions.
Guidance for Cultural Institutions Navigating the Federal Policy Landscape
Introduction This client alert reports on recent developments in the Trump Administration and a shifting legal landscape that may affect the operations, funding, and tax-exempt status of cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, performing arts centers, historical sites, and community centers. We intend for this client alert to serve as a resource for counsel, officers, and directors responsible for adapting or responding to these changes on behalf of cultural institutions.
Jackson Lewis Attorneys Named Among Lawdragon's Top US Corporate Employment Lawyers 2025
NEW YORK, NY (October 10, 2024) Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C.is pleased to announce Principals Neil H. Dishman, Maurice G. Jenkins, Howard Shapiro, René E. Thorne and Richard F. Vitarellihave been included in Lawdragon’s 2025 “500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers” list. The guide recognizes employment attorneys from across the nation whose dedication to providing exceptional legal counsel is fundamental to the continued success of their clients.
Class Action Alleges “Scheme” by TIAA and Morningstar to Drive Participants into TIAA’s Most Profitable Funds | JD Supra
On August 5, three Named Plaintiffs sued TIAA and Morningstar in the S.D.N.Y., claiming Defendants engaged in a “scheme to enhance corporate profits” by counseling participants to invest in two of TIAA’s most lucrative investment vehicles. Plaintiffs target ERISA and non-ERISA plans.
Class Action Alleges “Scheme” by TIAA and Morningstar to Drive Participants into TIAA’s Most Profitable Funds
On August 5, three Named Plaintiffs sued TIAA and Morningstar in the S.D.N.Y., claiming Defendants engaged in a “scheme to enhance corporate profits” by counseling participants to invest in two of TIAA’s most lucrative investment vehicles. Plaintiffs target ERISA and non-ERISA plans.
Stacey C.S. Cerrone Inducted As Fellow of American College of Employee Benefits Counsel
NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 1, 2023) Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Stacey C.S. Cerrone has been inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel (ACEBC). Fellows have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the development and pursuit of public awareness and understanding of the law of employee benefits and have at least 20 years of experience as an employee benefits practitioner.
Howard Shapiro Discusses Increase in New York State Salary Threshold
Howard Shapiro discusses recent legislation that will raise the salary threshold for worker protections in New York in “Hike In NY Salary Threshold Lets DOL Take More Complaints,” published by Law360. Subscription may be required to view article.
Live from CCC2023 Ep. 7: Top Employment Law Topics for 2023 - a Quick Survey (Part II)
Click here to listen to the audio Welcome and thank you for joining us for this special edition of We Get Work, live from Jackson Lewis’ Corporate Counsel Conference, CCC2023, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach resort in Orange County, California. What follows are high level conversations on conference programs and why they were important topics to present now.
We must do something different on gun issue
Recently a gentleman wrote a letter to the editor ("A legitimate use for assault rifles," Jan. 19) speaking of his reluctance and frustration with a ban or restriction on semi-automatic/automatic weapons. Apparently, he is an expert marksman and competes using such guns. His fear is a restriction on these weapons would be too restrictive, especially for someone who takes part in organized, sanctioned competitions. In my view, this is apples and oranges.
Supreme Court to Take Up the Most Consequential Attorney-Client Privilege Case in Four Decades: What it Means for You | JD Supra
For the first time since its 1981 opinion in United States v. Upjohn, the United States Supreme Court, in a review of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in In re Grand Jury, will examine the scope of the attorney-client privilege for communications between a company and its lawyers. What types of materials are at issue? The case concerns a grand jury subpoena issued to an unnamed law firm and its corporate client.
Column: To stop mass shootings, stand and let your voices be heard
My wife Marsha and I were discussing the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, recently. Marsha was an elementary school teacher and I was a substitute teacher for many years. I taught in elementary, middle and high school so these horrible events affect both of us very much. I have been contacting teacher associations across the country sharing with them the idea of having walkouts by teachers for the next school year. These would be held if sensible gun safety legislation is not passed by Congress.
We are still our own enemy
In the immortal words of Pogo, a cartoon character from decades ago, "We have met the enemy and he is us." Sadly, I have written here before about school shootings. In light of events in the last week in both Buffalo and Uvalde, it is clearer than ever that we are the enemy. We fail to push our elected officials to take on the gun lobby and challenge them to be brave enough to change gun laws. We fail to rationalize our thinking about the second amendment to our Constitution.
A Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: Howard Shapiro: Trade Paperback: 9781680515701: Powell's Books
by Rees Hughes and Howard Shapiro $21.95 New Trade Paperback Release Date: 6/2/2022 Upcoming Event Crossing Paths: A Pacific Crest Trailside Reader (Mountaineers Books) offers triumphs, terrors, and tales stretching 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. What’s it like to be a trail angel and can romance truly blossom from first meeting to marriage on the Pacific Crest Trail? How do trail names get bestowed and what does it mean when you find yourself roaring back at a mountain lion?
In a Broadway Minute Reviews Gender-Swapping 'Company' Revival
Stephen Sondheim's musical "Company" is being revived on Broadway with a major new twist - the leading character, who has been male, is now a Manhattan woman. Hear Howard Shapiro's review of the musical this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (1/28) at 8 am and Saturday (1/29) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Mrs. Doubtfire' Musical, On Hiatus
The film "Mrs. Doubtfire," a hit from 1993, is now a Broadway musical, currently on hiatus. This week on In a Broadway Minute, theater critic Howard Shapiro reviews the show about a divorced father who disguises himself as a nanny and gets a job in his former home. Listen Friday (1/14) at 8 am and Saturday (1/15) at 10 am. Photo: Rob McClure in the title role of the Broadway musical "Mrs. Doubtfire." (Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Flying Over Sunset'
"Flying Over Sunset" is a new musical at Lincoln Center about three well-known real-life people who come together fictionally to trip on LSD. Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews the musical, which closes Jan. 16, on In a Broadway Minute this week, Friday (1/7) at 8 am and Saturday (1/8) at 10 am. (Photo - In "Flying Over Sunset" on Broadway, from left: Tony Yazbeck as Clark Gable, Harry Hadden-Paton as Aldous Huxley and Carmen Cusack as Clare Boothe Luce. Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Clyde's' - in Theater and Streaming
There's a new comedy on Broadway about a sandwich shop called "Clyde's," where a kitchen staff of ex-convicts dream about making better sandwiches than anything on the menu. Howard Shapiro reviews the production this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (12/31) at 8 am and Saturday (1/1) at 10 am. The cast of "Clyde's". From left - Uzo Aduba as Clyde, and the kitchen staff, played by Kara Young, Ron Cephas, Edmund Donovan and Reza Salazar. (Photo by Joan Marcus).
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Diana', Closing Sunday
Actors portraying the royal family sing and dance in the story of Princess Di, called "Diana: The Musical." But this is a song and dance audiences aren't buying and it closes on Broadway this weekend (and will continue to stream on Netflix). Hear Howard Shapiro's review this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (12/17) at 8 am and Saturday (12/18) at 10 am. Photo: Jeanna de Waal (left) as Lady Di and Erin Davie as Camilla in "Diana: The Musical" on Broadway through Sunday and streaming on Netflix.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Trouble in Mind'
It took more than six decades for the stinging comedy "Trouble in Mind" to get to Broadway, and now it's playing as a production at the Roundabout Theater Company. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the play this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (12/10) at 8 am and Saturday (12/11) at 10 am. (Photo: From left, Brandon Michael Hall, LaChanze and Chuck Cooper in 'Trouble in Mind," a stinging comedy that took more than six decades to get to Broadway. Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Thoughts of a Colored Man'
The new Broadway play "Thoughts of a Colored Man" looks at the lives of seven black men and how they intersect during a single day in their gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the play this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (12/3) at 8 am and Saturday (12/4) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'The Lehman Trilogy'
The rise and fall of the Wall Street investment banking firm Lehman Brothers is documented in the play The Lehman Trilogy, now on Broadway. It's a roller-coaster tale that takes place over more than a century and a half, and this week Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews the play on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (11/26) at 8 am and Saturday (11/27) at 10 am. Photo: In "The Lehman Trilogy" on Broadway, from left: Adam Godley, Simon Russell Beale and Adrian Lester (Photo by Julieta Cervantes)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Caroline, or Change'
The musical "Caroline, or Change" is now being revived by Roundabout Theatre Compamy on Broadway. Theatre critic Howard Shapiro reviews the musical, the story of a black maid working for a Jewish family in the '60s, this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (11/19) at 8 am and Saturday (11/20) at 10 am. Photo: Sharon D Clarke, who plays the maid Caroline in Broadway's revival of the musical "Caroline, or Change." (Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Is This A Room'
Four years ago, the FBI knocked on the door of a young woman who was already an Air Force veteran. Their interrogation of her at her apartment is the word-for-word script of Broadway's Is This a Room. Theatre critic Howard Shapiro reviews the play this weekend on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (11/12) at 8 am and Saturday (11/13) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Dana H'
The playwright Lucas Hnath didn't have to go far to find his new Broadway play, Dana H. It's the story about a kidnapped woman held hostage five months - a woman he knows well. Hear Howard Shapiro's review of the play this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (11/5) at 8 am and Saturday (11/6) at 10 am. Photo: Deirdre O'Connell lip-syncs the real-life speech of Dana H., the woman she portrays in the play "Dana H." (Photo: by Chad Batka)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Lackawanna Blues'
The actor, director and writer Ruben Santiago-Hudson grew up in a boarding house run by a very special woman, and she's what the Broadway show Lackawanna Blues is about. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the show this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (10/29) at 8 am and Saturday (10/30) at 10 am. Photo: Ruben Santiago-Hudson and, in the background, Junior Mack, in "Lackawanna Blues" (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Chicken and Biscuits'
The new Broadway comedy Chicken and Biscuits takes place at a funeral in an African-American church. It turns out to be not the sort of funeral you'd expect. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the play this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (10/22) at 8 am and Saturday (10/23) at 10 am. Photo: Norm Lewis and Cleo King before the funeral of her character's father begins, in the comeday "Chicken and Biscuits" (Photo by Emilio Madrid)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Six'
The beleaguered and abused six wives of Henry the Eighth get back at him in the new rock musical called "Six" on Broadway. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the musical this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (10/15) at 8 am and Saturday (10/16) at 10 am. Photo: The cast of "Six," depicting the six wives of Henry the Eighth (Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Previews New Fall Plays
Nine new plays will open on Broadway by the end of December, and that's not even counting the new musicals. It's another sign that Broadway is back. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's preview about the new plays this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (10/1) at 8 am and Saturday (10/2) at 10 am. (Photo: The cast of "Chicken and Biscuits," a new comedy opening on Broadway in October and one of nine new plays on Broadway stages by the year's end.)
In a Broadway Minute Previews the Tony Awards
Two summers have passed without the celebration of any Tony awards, and in a four-hour presentation this Sunday night, the American Theater Wing intends to make up for time lost to the pandemic, which darkened houses on Broadway and everywhere else. Hear more about the upcoming Tony awards this week on In a Broadway Minute with theater critic Howard Shapiro Friday (9/24) at 8 am and Saturday (9/25) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill', Now Streaming
Audra McDonald made theater history by winning her sixth Tony Award in 2014, the most of any performer. She won for portraying Bille Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, which is now streaming. Theater critic Howard Shapiro reviews the show this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (9/17) at 8 am and Saturday (9/18) at 10 am. Photo: Audra McDonald, a Tony Award winner for her portrayal of an ever-drunker Billie Holiday, in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," now streaming.
Second Circuit Revives Share-Class Claim In NYU Retirement Plan Class Action | JD Supra
In Sacerdote v. New York University, a class of university employees who participated in Defendant’s 403(b) plans brought ERISA breach of fiduciary duty claims against Defendant, challenging the administration of its retirement plans. The district court dismissed two claims and proceeded to a bench trial on the remainder, and ultimately found in favor of Defendant.
Second Circuit Revives Share-Class Claim in NYU Retirement Plan Class Action
In Sacerdote v. New York University, a class of university employees who participated in Defendant’s 403(b) plans brought ERISA breach of fiduciary duty claims against Defendant, challenging the administration of its retirement plans. The district court dismissed two claims and proceeded to a bench trial on the remainder, and ultimately found in favor of Defendant.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Come From Away' Stream
On September 11, 2001, the hamlet of Gander in Newfoundland was inundated when 38 planes landed there because the United States had closed its airspace in the wake of that day's terrorism. This week on In a Broadway Minute, Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews the new Broadway musical about the way Gander responded. Listen Friday (9/10) at 8 am and Saturday (9/11) at 10 am. Photo: The cast of the musical "Come From Away," recorded on Broadway and now streaming. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews New Broadway Documentary
A documentary featuring many Broadway stars called "Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age" aired recently on the PBS series "Great Performances," and it now streams online. It features a treasure trove of Broadway veterans talking about their Broadway lives. Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews the documentary this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (9/3) at 8 am and Saturday (9/4) at 10 am. Photo: John Rubinstein, in 1972, created the role of Pippin the show of the same name.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews First Post-Shutdown Broadway Play, 'Pass Over'
The first new play to open on Broadway since the Coronavirus shutdown is Pass Over, which has elements of the Exodus story and also Waiting for Godot. Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews the play this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (8/27) at 8 am and Saturday (8/28) at 10 am. Photo: Jon Michael Hill (left), Gabriel Ebert and Namir Smallwood are the cast of "Pass Over," now open on Broadway. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'A View From the Bridge' stream
Arthur Miller's classic play A View From the Bridge was done in an unusual way on Broadway in a 2015 production from London's Young Vic, and it's now available as a stream. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the 2015 production this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (8/20) at 8 am and Saturday (8/21) at 10 am. Photo: The ensemble of Young Vic's 2015 Broadway revival of "A View From the Bridge." (Photo by Jan Versweyveld)
United States District Court Dismisses 401(k) Plan Recordkeeper Fee Complaint
Recently, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania granted a Motion to Dismiss, dismissing ERISA breach of fiduciary duty claims based on excessive recordkeeping fee allegations. The district court addressed the level of detail plaintiffs must provide to move an ERISA breach of fiduciary duty recordkeeping fee allegation from possible to plausible under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). In Henrena Johnson and Barbara Demps v.
In a Broadway Minute: Shakespeare in the Park Returns with 'Merry Wives'
Shakespeare in Central Park is back and live, with an offbeat adaptation of Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor called simply Merry Wives and set in Harlem. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review of the production this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (8/13) at 8 am and Saturday (8/14) at 10 am.
Seventh Circuit Revives State Law Claims Against Executives Acting As “Dual-Hat” Fiduciaries | JD Supra
The Seventh Circuit ruled recently that ERISA does not preempt certain state law claims against directors and officers because ERISA’s text and purpose contemplate parallel corporate state-law liability against executives who act as “dual hat” fiduciaries. In Halperin v. Richards, Plaintiffs were co-trustees of a Chapter 11 liquidating trust for Appvion, a paper company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017. Plaintiffs were given authority to pursue corporate law claims on Appvion’s behalf.
Broadway Sets Rules of Engagement as Theaters Re-open
The rules of engagement for audiences coming back to Broadway in the next several weeks have been announced, and theater owners are hoping they'll help returning audiences feel safe in what could be full houses. Hear about the protocols from Theater Critic Howard Shapiro this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (8/6) at 8 am and Saturday (8/7) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'An Iliad'
"An Iliad" is a modern-day telling of Homer's classic Greek epic poem describing the war between the Greeks and the Trojans, and it's a major production at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, live and also streaming. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (7/30) at 8 am and Saturday (7/31) at 10 am. (Photo: Greg Wood directs and plays The Poet in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival of "An Iliad". Photo by Lee A. Butz)
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Springsteen on Broadway' Stream
"Springsteen on Broadway" is a revival of Bruce Springsteen's show that won him a Tony in 2018. You can see the original show on Netflix, even as the revival plays for in-person audiences. Hear Theater Critic Howard Shapiro's review this week on In a Broadway Minute Friday (7/23) at 8 am and Saturday (7/24) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute: Schmigadoon Parodies Great Musicals
If you've ever wondered what life would be like if it were a musical, consider Schmigadoon, a new six-episode TV show that parodies great musicals and begins airing this weekend. Hear Howard Shapiro's review this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (7/16) at 8 am and Saturday (7/17) at 10 am. Photo: Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key stumble across the townsfolk of "Schmigadoon." (Apple TV+)
In a Broadway Minute Looks Ahead to Broadway Reopening
Slowly Broadway is making its comeback, with one show already opened and two others to follow before August is far along. Theater Critic Howard Shapiro looks ahead to the comeback this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (7/9) at 8 am and Saturday (7/10) at 10 am.
In a Broadway Minute Reviews 'Bandstand' Stream
The 2017 Broadway musical Bandstand is about a group of soldiers just home from World War II and a woman whose husband died on the battlefield. The show streams through the July 4th weekend and Theater Critic Howard Shapiro reviews it this week on In a Broadway Minute, Friday (7/2) at 8 am and Saturday (7/3) at 10 am. Photo: The ensemble of the 2017 Broadway show "Bandstand," streaming on the Web over the holiday weekend, dances the Tony-award winning choreography of Andy Blankenbeuhler.
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