New York Magazine Trades Longtime Critic John Simon for Jeremy McCarter

Longtime New York Magazine theater critic John Simon has been let go from his position. His replacement is Jeremy McCarter, who was formerly the chief theater critic at The New York Sun.

"It is really is a thrill," McCarter told Broadway.com. "The whole process happened very quickly. I am excited to be part of what is happening at the magazine these days. I am also excited to have the weekly schedule. I imagine it's a bit friendlier than the daily grind!"

Simon had been New York Magazine's theater critic since 1968. He is known for his witty writing, but he was also infamous for his cruel comments. While he strongly championed certain shows, his negative comments attacking productions or people he did not enjoy tended to be harsher than those of other New York critics.

Simon turns 80 tomorrow, which might be beyond the retirement age for some. But last year he told Broadway.com he wanted to write until the magazine for as long as he could. "As long as they're willing to publish me, I'm willing to write them," he said in a Broadway.com Q&A. "Obviously, if I go blind or deaf or senile or bed-bound, I'll stop. But as long as I have my brains--and they seem to be, as yet, unimpaired--and as long as I have my physical health and my interest, I will go on. If they stop publishing me then I'll stop."

A Harvard graduate, McCarter is 28. In addition to his position at The New York Sun, he serves as a contributing editor for The New Republic. He previously was editor of The New Republic's online site.

McCarter is also a frequent Simon reader. "I think anyone in the theater has to read John Simon," McCarter said. "He is essential reading."

Simon's last review, a notice for the Broadway revival of Sweet Charity that is expected to be positive in tone, will appear in next week's New York.