Quote from Julia Cho's "Aubergine"

Lucien in Julia Cho's Aubergine:

We hold the hands of the dying. But we are not the one holding their hands. They are the ones holding ours.

Live! From the Rainbow Room

What an expensive evening - $250 per ticket + $100 per person food minimum. 

But oh what a treat it will be. 

The iconic Rainbow Room!

The 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical!

Congrats in advance to those who get to slip on shiny cocktail wear and experience this intimate, musical evening.

I know that it will be wonderful. 

Quote from Edward Albee's "The Sandbox"

Mommy in Edward Albee's The Sandbox:

So it is! Well! Our long night is over. We must put away our tears, take off our mourning...and face the future. It's our duty. 

I'm Going to the Other Signature to See "Jelly's Last Jam"

Over 20 years ago, I saw Jelly's Last Jam on Broadway and I recall loving the production. I loved the book, music, choreography, and oh yeah Gregory Hines and sweet sweet Anita, Tanya Pinkins. It is one of my fondest theater memories. 

Over the years I've wondered if Jelly's Last Jam would ever revive on the New York City Stage. Regrettably, it has not. However, as I type this, a production is taking place at the other Signature, and in a few weeks, I will be traveling to Arlington VA to see it. 

Now, it has been over 20 years. I am a little older. I've seen a heck of a lot of theater since then. And Gregory Hines' Jelly Roll Morton is unprecedented and etched in my memory. 

Will the trip to the other Signature be worth it? 

Will the Signature production reinforce or hurt from my love of this musical? 

I am counting the days and until then, I will enjoy the backstage tour of the Broadway production...thanks youtube!

Concert Production of "Ragtime" on Ellis Island

On Monday morning, I anxiously checked my email to see if I was the lucky winner of a ticket to the invitation only, one night only concert production of Ragtime on Ellis Island.
Unfortunately, I didn't win but welcome feedback from anyone who had an opportunity to see the show.  

Here is a segment from WNYC and clip from Playbill.

I Experienced "Cats" for the First Time

Last week, as I walked to the Neil Simon to see the Broadway revival of Cats, I overheard a woman telling her companion that she has seen Cats 18 times. Considering that the original Broadway production is one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history, this is not a surprise. What may be a surprise though is that I have never seen Cats. Thanks to the digital lottery though, this is no longer the case. 

So how did I enjoy the revival of Cats starring recording star Leona Lewis as Grizabella?

I confess. I will never be the woman I passed on West 52nd St. Once is enough. 

While there are special moments, I am not entirely sure why Cats is adored by so many. 

What I am sure about though is that Memory is a very special song. 

So, who sang it best? 

You decide. 

Elaine Page

Betty Buckley

Leona Lewis

2016 Newport Jazz Festival

Still reminiscing about the good music and weather last Saturday at the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival.

Chick Corea Trilogy

Norah Jones

Gregory Porter