tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86864309397186992172024-03-19T03:56:14.380-04:00New York City StageMusings of a New York City Broadway and theater enthusiast!!New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.comBlogger578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-88910861560319652742022-03-17T19:00:00.022-04:002022-03-17T19:00:00.290-04:00I Love this Love Letter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKmHYs_bvujQQz-Snq1JoqBNN5ItCdQBmbxtol01UeNj7KpC5lfr9gXd5551I04kyhBCS9op75Wr3s9SQ40iYVmpmS9pB6f13v-2RJwZC2T_X_w7Euv8KXBwXkbK9kYVD4kRctk_rutgctzSyu0x-58cHG8_xaohfmwIgu8LTXImuAvB7zJH7wFJP=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKmHYs_bvujQQz-Snq1JoqBNN5ItCdQBmbxtol01UeNj7KpC5lfr9gXd5551I04kyhBCS9op75Wr3s9SQ40iYVmpmS9pB6f13v-2RJwZC2T_X_w7Euv8KXBwXkbK9kYVD4kRctk_rutgctzSyu0x-58cHG8_xaohfmwIgu8LTXImuAvB7zJH7wFJP=w480-h640" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">A love letter from playwright Arthur Laurents to dancer Robert Pagent in the 1950s. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Aah, to be so enamored that you drop everything, pour your delirious heart out into a flipping type-written love letter, and long for "the peaceful excitement that comes from being with someone you love." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On view at The Morgan Library & Museum </span></p>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-42473275803514173202022-03-16T19:00:00.001-04:002022-03-16T19:00:00.203-04:00Dominique Morisseau - Playwright's Rules of Engagement - Confederates<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">PLAYWRIGHT'S</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Permissions for Engagement</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Consider this an invitation to be your full and unrestricted selves. But I also want you to know that the theatre normative will be disrupted in this space for the duration of this show. And that means some thangs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It means you are allowed to laugh audibly and give all the "um hmmms" and "uhn hnnns" you feel inspired to give</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The subject matter might make you think that there is no room for humor. That is a lie. The humanity of both the folk in the present and in the past during times of enslavement mean that they are full and complex. They are not simply downtrodden or in a perpetual state of abuse.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just like in the present, the enslaved are multi-faceted. We all carry snark and sarcasm. We are all expert navigators of the systemic fuckeries. And sometimes, navigating that shit is painful. And sometimes, navigating that shit is funny.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As always, the theatre can be church for some of us, and testifying is allowed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Please be an audience member that joins with the village, either silently or vocally, in support of the journey we will take collectively. Exhale together. Laugh together. Say "oh hell no" or "amen" should you need to.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is community. Let's dismantle and let's go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">peaceandlovedominique:)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilNYKAJASlA7fR1Z4hAHqEkR2lkdfwQpkN454xXy5UvNe5iKCk3iXR2n588S4W57o8jv2ZhKT1L2_HQF4zOT_HDrYe3OdGdvCUDw7WbllUKvro4T97qe3PMHXDyU5JdyeWMh-xu8-kv3n8PYCNkXUHfJTscqT-IWVC427ju_wrOsEldmAuTowipqOV=s1148" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilNYKAJASlA7fR1Z4hAHqEkR2lkdfwQpkN454xXy5UvNe5iKCk3iXR2n588S4W57o8jv2ZhKT1L2_HQF4zOT_HDrYe3OdGdvCUDw7WbllUKvro4T97qe3PMHXDyU5JdyeWMh-xu8-kv3n8PYCNkXUHfJTscqT-IWVC427ju_wrOsEldmAuTowipqOV=s320" width="205" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div><br /></div>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-84708137985943754572022-03-05T11:27:00.001-05:002022-03-05T11:29:38.890-05:00I Saw the Northern Lights in NYC<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, so I haven’t really seen aurora borealis. There haven’t been any recent trips (unfortunately!) to any of the best destinations to take in the northern lights. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">But this experience still rests firmly on my bucket list. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the meantime, I take what I can get and headed over to <a href="https://www.edgenyc.com/">The Edge</a> at Hudson Yards this week to gaze at a special sky-high light show taking place only for a few days -- March 3rd through 7th (7 to 10pm each night). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNWE64fn6zo22Ikl1RKc77cHPZ5S3r3rBPonPs5q5_5Bih7umSnqHqJIGG1IXG3zeu2JG-Ac4Js53cN8694b0TMyzhrqHhKnT_QHPclD9R6XPXx8I7ZbBxfET5205CAfMJcPfNhPH4XULaV0oJ9n3y2q7KgvI2_vVWnyuNOYbtc61uCeA4IMm-DJqT=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNWE64fn6zo22Ikl1RKc77cHPZ5S3r3rBPonPs5q5_5Bih7umSnqHqJIGG1IXG3zeu2JG-Ac4Js53cN8694b0TMyzhrqHhKnT_QHPclD9R6XPXx8I7ZbBxfET5205CAfMJcPfNhPH4XULaV0oJ9n3y2q7KgvI2_vVWnyuNOYbtc61uCeA4IMm-DJqT=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVqxmeoIKo7UvJ4m7SEa1e2Sxb_3fwGshAfmXjvRq2_-ufFamAI4BBYX5QHkx8eD7nfXdLuvVfJUSgEH2mNcmoyURi2o56WnDKlj4qYxwhYBDpqiD_XkN2HO33cKZVvPyL3CExv6lgzJL6_ndFipY-Gzg69nGI7CkuEIofJaJGVA4oDE2xRnzPSIxv=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVqxmeoIKo7UvJ4m7SEa1e2Sxb_3fwGshAfmXjvRq2_-ufFamAI4BBYX5QHkx8eD7nfXdLuvVfJUSgEH2mNcmoyURi2o56WnDKlj4qYxwhYBDpqiD_XkN2HO33cKZVvPyL3CExv6lgzJL6_ndFipY-Gzg69nGI7CkuEIofJaJGVA4oDE2xRnzPSIxv=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't the real thing. But New York City on a clear night from the edge of a precipice is always beautiful.</span></p>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-74428297856223859002022-03-04T17:30:00.001-05:002022-03-16T13:32:11.701-04:00 Cécile McLorin Salvant’s "Ghost Song" - Drops Today<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> One of my absolute favorite artists:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbr-ElHfb8to_u8Qh2_yHiBY-ewkyWmJ3BZuCdLNBrQmdTUfL2XP_iOQNXd_750aJ9mBv3U6wrAg5LRbafxxtLf4jntp69wLITBQnbIbmTyqHdK7XgGy3ws6zazFFQgrAG5gjuiJ2DA4_2pZ86GhprealhMz0dyLQ_YMSvbnbRd-DcXhKUhBbanDMj=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbr-ElHfb8to_u8Qh2_yHiBY-ewkyWmJ3BZuCdLNBrQmdTUfL2XP_iOQNXd_750aJ9mBv3U6wrAg5LRbafxxtLf4jntp69wLITBQnbIbmTyqHdK7XgGy3ws6zazFFQgrAG5gjuiJ2DA4_2pZ86GhprealhMz0dyLQ_YMSvbnbRd-DcXhKUhBbanDMj=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/ghost-song-cecile-mclorin-salvant-saam-spanish-american-art-museum-marta-schchez-sullivan-fortner-aaron-diehl-ambrose-akinmusire-camila-maza-11646260348" target="_blank"><i>Wall Street Journal</i> </a>~ Larry Blumenfeld: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">“Ghost Song” is her boldest act yet. Here, Ms. Salvant displays yet more sonic range and nuance—soaring through intervals, moving nimbly through tricky rhythms, and reveling in pithy turns of phrase. Her voice is singularly arresting, yet it is never a single sound. It’s playful, nearly giddy, on “Optimistic Voices” (from “The Wizard of Oz”), and then sultry when that song segues into Gregory Porter’s “No Love Dying.” It’s a blues holler to start the title track, one of seven original compositions, and nearly soft as a whisper to begin Sting’s “Until.”</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Ms. Cécile McLorin Salvant plays the <a href="https://2022.jazz.org/cecile-mclorin-salvant?_ga=2.226283994.1994764049.1646422299-1625194971.1646422299" target="_blank">Rose Theater</a> in May 2022. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></p>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-51838600933890921822021-11-26T19:40:00.005-05:002022-03-05T11:33:01.067-05:00In Memoriam<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>Love Note to a Playwright by Phyllis McGinley</i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps the literary man</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I most admire among my betters</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is Richard Brinsley Sheridan,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who, viewing life as more than letters,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Persisted, like a stubborn Gael,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In not acknowledging his mail.</span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They say he hardly ever penned</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A proper "Yrs. received & noted,"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But spent what time he had to spend</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shaping the law that England voted,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or calling, on his comic flute,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tune for Captain Absolute.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Though chief of the prodigious wits</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That Georgian taverns set to bubblin',</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He did not answer Please Remits</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or scoldings from his aunts in Dublin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or birthday messages or half</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The notes that begged an autograph.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hear it sent his household wild—</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Became a sort of parlor fable—</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The way that correspondence piled,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mountainous, on his writing table,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While he ignored the double ring</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And wouldn't answer anything;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not scrawls from friends or screeds from foes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or scribble from the quibble-lover</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or chits beginning "I enclose</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Manuscript under separate cover,"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or cards from people off on journeys,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or formal statements from attorneys.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The post came in. He let it lie.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(All this biographers agree on.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Especially he did not reply</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">To things that had R.S.V.P. on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes for months he dropped no lines</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">To dear ones, or sent Valentines;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, polishing a second act</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or coaxing kings to license Freedom,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let his epistles wait. In fact,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They say he didn't even read'm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The which, some mornings, seems to me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A glorious blow for Liberty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brave Celt! Although one must deplore</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">His manners, and with reason ample,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How bright from duty's other shore,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This moment, seems his bold example!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And would I owned in equal balance</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">His courage (and, of course, his talents),</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who, using up his mail to start</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An autumn fire or chink a crevice,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cried, "Letters longer are than art,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But vita is extremely brevis!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, choosing what was worth the candle,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sat down and wrote The School for Scandal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">—Phyllis McGinley</span></div>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-66423502845111108112021-09-30T08:00:00.005-04:002021-09-30T08:00:00.198-04:00Broadwayworld Jukebox: 30 Songs for Your 2020/21 Tony Party<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> I may have missed the Tony Awards but I sure am enjoying the Broadway World playlist. </span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A0wvtXG7b43qxPXnGgQqqYo" width="300"></iframe></div>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-61028576187995754112021-09-29T15:49:00.001-04:002021-09-29T15:49:15.685-04:00Schomburg Performing Arts Talk: Fire Shut Up In My Bones<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> A talk with members of the creative team behind the history making opera</span></span> — <span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b><i>Fire Shut Up in My Bones</i></b>:</span> </span></p>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" id="ls_embed_1632874538" scrolling="no" src="https://livestream.com/accounts/7326672/events/9856841/player?width=640&height=360&enableInfoAndActivity=true&defaultDrawer=&autoPlay=true&mute=false" width="640"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Fire Shut Up in My Bones</i></b> premiered in New York on Monday and plays at the <a href="https://www.metopera.org/season/2021-22-season/fire-shut-up-in-my-bones/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Opera</a> through October 23rd. </span></div>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-6603602597611625472021-09-20T21:03:00.010-04:002021-09-21T11:58:49.260-04:00Sun & Sea : My Return to the Theater<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsY4i5AhtfRTF8j0TvGadVxV3NsJX-SGxrxAlbWl-ZIW41FgiJzazgYldDwEHMhCNChUjkt5DAknX5iowAnfx73uDOT5tzQtNJlHrgP_w1PKupwKrljZ1hCJU-wXCsyqwqLymKsZwne8/s1203/Sun+%2526+Sea.jpg" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="1203" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsY4i5AhtfRTF8j0TvGadVxV3NsJX-SGxrxAlbWl-ZIW41FgiJzazgYldDwEHMhCNChUjkt5DAknX5iowAnfx73uDOT5tzQtNJlHrgP_w1PKupwKrljZ1hCJU-wXCsyqwqLymKsZwne8/w640-h213/Sun+%2526+Sea.jpg" width="640" /></a><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">After vacation | </i><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Your hair shines | </i><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Your eyes glitter | </i><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Everything is fine </i></span></b></p><p><i style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sun & Sea</b></i><span style="font-family: arial;"> is an </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Lithuanian </span><span style="font-family: arial;">opera by Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė (direction and set design), Vaiva Grainytė (libretto) and Lina Lapelytė (music). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For this piece, tons of sand have been hauled in from the shores of Jersey to a Brooklyn theater. Theatergoers stand above the <i>stage</i> and roam around and watch (almost </span><span style="font-family: arial;">voyeuristically) while a varied cast of about thirty or so relax on a beach, play games, eat lunch and disappear for the occasional dip in the water. A subset croons melodies</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> —</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">melodies about </span><span style="font-family: arial;">exhaustion from being overworked, melodies about privilege, melodies about love, melodies about complaints about untidy beachgoers, and melodies about mortality </span><span style="font-family: arial;">— </span><span style="font-family: arial;">while the theme of climate change flows like an undercurrent through the piece. Together, the evening adds up to a very unique and worthwhile theatrical experience and</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> a wonderful, comfortable return to the New York City stage!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXPiADHoMnY" width="320" youtube-src-id="LXPiADHoMnY"></iframe></div><p><b style="font-family: arial;"><i>Sun & Sea</i></b> <span style="font-family: arial;">is a perfect return to the theater after eighteen months. I didn't have to jump right back in a packed theater. I could easily move about BAM Fisher and had the option to leave at any time The full opera lasts about an hour but performs on rotation for about five hours. Theatergoers can leave after one rotation or stay for the remaining rotations. I stayed two hours. They first hour I hugged the rail and just observed, taking in all the activity on the beach</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> below me — trying to identify the performers singing, wondering how easy it is for them to sing supine, marveling at the kids playing, and thinking how well-behaved the sole dog in the cast is. For the second hour, I stood back from the rail and allowed newcomers to get a good view of the performance as I simply listened closer to and enjoyed the music and read through the libretto in greater detail, grateful to be able to finally return to the theater once again. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Sun & Sea </i></b>plays at BAM Fisher through September 26th. Ticket holders are required to show proof of vaccination and must wear a mask during the performance. After BAM, it moves on to Philadelphia. See schedule at </span><a href="https://sunandsea.lt/en"><span style="font-family: arial;">https://sunandsea.lt/en</span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The libretto may be found at </span><span style="font-family: arial;">http://bambillss2021.tilda.ws/</span></p>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-77930039051207615742020-07-28T13:00:00.000-04:002020-07-28T13:00:00.464-04:00Intermission...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIlK36B3SKnfcLX8CQA-8wtd2-Ejpowu3ZYwuFbd_BGuKgKol-tSSqb9B6I-jc4Qsna0kuHDxltXWaVobb1VqxLte1Y7huvXp2ubXcs-XL4Y0CfSXM0MwuINLcP3tUn1f0d5OYKEU95M/s1600/Lincoln+Center+Intermission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIlK36B3SKnfcLX8CQA-8wtd2-Ejpowu3ZYwuFbd_BGuKgKol-tSSqb9B6I-jc4Qsna0kuHDxltXWaVobb1VqxLte1Y7huvXp2ubXcs-XL4Y0CfSXM0MwuINLcP3tUn1f0d5OYKEU95M/s640/Lincoln+Center+Intermission.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-10867757417646169722020-02-04T10:29:00.000-05:002020-02-04T10:29:10.795-05:00The Whitby Theatre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYBxWY_7gIjSMaGaqa8-wNlCSzlZgNw1-rVfFl1Lb1G9Um6lsznfwVhNaHYH9gWrwH09I6zNuivFxqjW6oBfbaIzS5syVy39o26yZD6rs-bc0lJO74Exn30DcpfgKq09ujBoo37hcUYY/s1600/Whitby+Screening+Room+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="798" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYBxWY_7gIjSMaGaqa8-wNlCSzlZgNw1-rVfFl1Lb1G9Um6lsznfwVhNaHYH9gWrwH09I6zNuivFxqjW6oBfbaIzS5syVy39o26yZD6rs-bc0lJO74Exn30DcpfgKq09ujBoo37hcUYY/s320/Whitby+Screening+Room+NYC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a regular theatergoer, but I could probably go out every day of the year and still not hit up all the nooks and crannies where I can experience the performing arts in some form in this area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My latest discovery? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whitby Hotel</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Midtown Manhattan. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bear right as you enter the hotel, trot down the staircase and discover a quaint, intimate </span><a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/the-whitby-hotel/the-whitby-theater/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">screening room</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I attended a The American Associates of the National Theatre (AANT) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">screening of Arthur Miller's </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>All My Sons</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with a FABULOUS performance by Sally Fields. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a treat the screening was - a glass a wine, a little popcorn, and amazing theater. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsEVM-DkMErMPvoEL08C3sbLE37jGmzGMi-0N6fV2YO6EB3_4VFpWGIHK3gnrZFIx18Sqa8B-rDYauuqumm10c-EoJ9ERJMoJ4byQ5QtGf4Xjq4dUb3oNeXbRUF61WsWtCV0vKt77cX8/s1600/National+Theatre+All+My+Sons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsEVM-DkMErMPvoEL08C3sbLE37jGmzGMi-0N6fV2YO6EB3_4VFpWGIHK3gnrZFIx18Sqa8B-rDYauuqumm10c-EoJ9ERJMoJ4byQ5QtGf4Xjq4dUb3oNeXbRUF61WsWtCV0vKt77cX8/s640/National+Theatre+All+My+Sons.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shakespeare fans can enjoy a Royal Shakespeare Company’s <a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/the-whitby-hotel/the-whitby-theater/rsc-live-romeo-juliet/" target="_blank">screening</a> of <b><i>Romeo & Juliet </i></b>later this month. </span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-22347560735962271032020-02-01T08:26:00.003-05:002020-02-01T08:26:53.074-05:00The Metropolitan Opera Standing Room Ticket - Behind The Dress Circle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z5xlVUwELTk_RnX0IHBw9-x0sdySQYgj6VHtvCKwLZFLH6E0iv7dBqbOGZ-5ATy1QTjshqfXpBc0PVbR9Lxx55pmO5C11Z_9gmue0Ur2iJvuYk-888sOBOHnpNATwY1rDs6Ys5zjv7g/s1600/Porgy+%2526+Bess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z5xlVUwELTk_RnX0IHBw9-x0sdySQYgj6VHtvCKwLZFLH6E0iv7dBqbOGZ-5ATy1QTjshqfXpBc0PVbR9Lxx55pmO5C11Z_9gmue0Ur2iJvuYk-888sOBOHnpNATwY1rDs6Ys5zjv7g/s200/Porgy+%2526+Bess.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you come by a ticket to a sold out performance of The Metropolitan Opera's </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess </i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">without going through some expensive reseller? </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Buy a standing room ticket on a snowy winter day. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By chance, I discovered that the Met offers standing room tickets. They are available same day and can be purchased online or in person at the box office</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I purchased a ticket online behind the Dress Circle for $40 + an additional $10 in fees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here is my view </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">House Left. Beautiful!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAflFKgOAurRPsNNA5W91qk4777OxmY3xl69sROLyvSjQgMDwKrVEHwA43YyO98EGndNy0etm5vH4gQzVOaWImJXEEEg9OTgMeuWdAHnW55VpZbY-EXlpHhX5fYX9bEPcy7jT7lCUryWM/s1600/Met+Opera+Standing+Room+Dress+Circle+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAflFKgOAurRPsNNA5W91qk4777OxmY3xl69sROLyvSjQgMDwKrVEHwA43YyO98EGndNy0etm5vH4gQzVOaWImJXEEEg9OTgMeuWdAHnW55VpZbY-EXlpHhX5fYX9bEPcy7jT7lCUryWM/s640/Met+Opera+Standing+Room+Dress+Circle+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would not hesitate to purchase a standing room ticket again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very affordable for the opera and an absolute bargain for a sold out performance. </span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-15452004597997918992020-01-07T08:07:00.001-05:002020-01-07T08:08:50.538-05:00Theater Talks: Charles Fuller's "A Soldier's Play"<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many thanks to Roundabout and the Schomburg for a wonderful talk on Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize winning</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Soldier's Play</b>, </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">which is making its Broadway debut under the direction of Kenny Leon. <b><i>A Soldier's Play </i></b>runs through March 15, 2020 at the American Airlines Theatre. Can't wait to see it!</span><br />
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<br />New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-41812074688116522102019-12-10T01:00:00.000-05:002019-12-10T01:00:11.700-05:00Jason Moran - Jazz on a High Floor in the Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir26me5RpZ6Q9Bmkbk5sRAq2Zlca_iZavnCPOHkYmMmVq_J_uaqz6RsUPPATGFXFUjtgRoJPMH0zZglJ9pGWTO-4loWBKMl8SDKeG-H_ZJtsyrNSaaQyzK1SNgorobF2DBhNz2tA2JMTQ/s1600/Jazz+on+a+High+Floor+in+the+Afternoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir26me5RpZ6Q9Bmkbk5sRAq2Zlca_iZavnCPOHkYmMmVq_J_uaqz6RsUPPATGFXFUjtgRoJPMH0zZglJ9pGWTO-4loWBKMl8SDKeG-H_ZJtsyrNSaaQyzK1SNgorobF2DBhNz2tA2JMTQ/s640/Jazz+on+a+High+Floor+in+the+Afternoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year on the <b><i>Blue Sea at Note 2019</i></b>, I had the honor to experience Jazz pianist's Jason Moran and his band. I recall just sitting in awe of the MacArthur Fellow's virtuosity, happy to be able to observe him in an intimate lounge setting. With that memory, I paused each time I looked at a Whitney Museum email lingering in my inbox promoting Jason Moran's first solo museum show. I knew that I had to see and support the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After looking through the series of performances scheduled over several weeks, I settled on <b><i>Jazz on a High Floor in the Afternoon: Michela Marino Lerman's Love Movement</i></b>. - a Jazz tap show performed inside an exhibit paying tribute to three legendary Jazz stages - midtown's <b>Three Deuces</b>, Harlem's <b>Savoy Ballroom</b> and Alphabet City's <b>Slug's Saloon</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The performance was truly clever. I enjoyed the tap, which I don't get a chance to see often, and I really got a kick out of seeing the Jazz club replicas, especially Slug's Saloon, which, by the way, on that same Blue Note at Sea cruise I watch <i><b>I Called Him Morgan </b></i>about </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helen Morgan shooting Jazz </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trumpeter </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lee Morgan in that club. That chair ain't knocked over for no reason. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp5iLYW4XrCjG4vTndoQ90h0aZR-BpThyphenhyphen2jJHJ8H7qYmJSEh3SEybebdE58VHJV7bCziBp-wsLthRLfmhRwRQG-KBCZBRJw55IFuYiiazuF6JKRBYPGGwAF7Cde-VvMSKBsvZpcoTeJg/s1600/Michela+Marino+Lerman%2527s+Love%2527s+Movement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="1363" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp5iLYW4XrCjG4vTndoQ90h0aZR-BpThyphenhyphen2jJHJ8H7qYmJSEh3SEybebdE58VHJV7bCziBp-wsLthRLfmhRwRQG-KBCZBRJw55IFuYiiazuF6JKRBYPGGwAF7Cde-VvMSKBsvZpcoTeJg/s640/Michela+Marino+Lerman%2527s+Love%2527s+Movement.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Moran's trio </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Bandwagon</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> plays the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Village Vanguard</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> December 19-21. If you were able to score a ticket, enjoy!! The Whitney exhibit runs through January 5th. </span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-79039429317847993282019-12-07T19:50:00.003-05:002019-12-07T19:50:40.340-05:00Inua Ellams - Barber Shop Chronicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB3-EZWFRl4Xa1QK-wqnjmxpXIGdbEIzdE9wlCa6D0Ydv0jXnwkX9lFkH9_JBaqG-5MkYxme8NedCOO2s24cC1eMWMEDJNwimGAbXmFyp56yLcQv_3LgNez3DcbeMgD1UOfQuiDZ8FLk/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB3-EZWFRl4Xa1QK-wqnjmxpXIGdbEIzdE9wlCa6D0Ydv0jXnwkX9lFkH9_JBaqG-5MkYxme8NedCOO2s24cC1eMWMEDJNwimGAbXmFyp56yLcQv_3LgNez3DcbeMgD1UOfQuiDZ8FLk/s320/IMG_1341.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently returned home from an amazing trip to Ghana, West Africa for the <b style="font-style: italic;">Year of Return 2019 - </b>which was launched to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were forcibly brought the United States. It was my first time to the region. I took in Pan-Africanism and the Atlantic from the other side, learned about Asante history and culture, ate spicy foods that were not unfamiliar as they warmed my esophagus and stomach, marveled at beautiful colorful fabrics, and almost lost it in a slave dungeon at Cape Coast. Frankly, I did not want to come home and would have gladly stayed longer if I could. But that is not how my world works unfortunately :(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days after my return (that is, to the U.S.), I halfheartedly scrolled through marketing emails in my inbox and perked up when I saw a promotion for <b><i>Barber Shop Chronicles</i></b> by Nigerian-British playwright Inua Ellams. Hmmm...what is this (I wondered) - an opportunity to return to Africa through theater on the New York City Stage? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The festive </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Barber Shop Chronicles </i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">takes place in barber shops across the African continent (Lagos, Johannesburg, Accra, Kampala, and Harare) and in London, and wonderfully </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">explores black male masculinity and relationships. It was absolutely refreshing to lose myself in these black men's stories, set to the bumping Afrobeat back drop. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kudos to </span>BAM<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for bringing this to us, as part of Next Wave 2019! I want more like this! </span><br />
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<br />New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-53513241595751477212019-11-01T09:32:00.000-04:002019-11-01T09:32:00.980-04:00More Sage Advice from "The Heiress'" Dr. Sloper<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>On Family</b>: </span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Family feeling is very pr<span style="font-size: small;">oper</span>. There isn't enough <span style="font-size: small;">of it in ou<span style="font-size: small;">r city. </span></span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><b>On Love</b>:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">don't <span style="font-size: small;">believe</span> in<span style="font-size: small;"> love at first sight. </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span> </i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>On Cleverness</b>:</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You are good for nothing unless you are clever!</span></span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-43770683308888982892019-10-13T11:08:00.001-04:002019-10-13T11:13:44.865-04:00MINDing My Health at 92Y<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Mental Health Awareness week kicked off last week, I enjoyed a day of panel discussions and break out sessions at <b><u><a href="https://www.92y.org/event/mind-your-health" target="_blank">MIND Your Health</a></u></b> at 92Y. The day included an array of speakers such as Bob Roth, Cheryl Strayed, and Cynthia Germanotta, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as well as doctors and experts such as Dr. Alka Gupta </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">from Weill Cornell Medicine. <b>MIND Your Health </b>was designed to help us take a holistic approach to improving the quality of our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some notes from the day (in no particular order):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Talk about mental health. Eliminate the stigma. Mental health is just as important as physical health! Treat mental disorders as they emerge; if not, they will worsen...</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Minimum of 7 - 8 hours sleep --> necessary </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(make your environment peaceful - put down the phone - dim the lights - set the right temperature - NO WINE!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Social connections and relationships --> critical</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Find things in your life that release endorphins naturally</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Practice gratitude and journaling. Create mantras</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Practice mindfulness through meditation (those with untreated trauma - beware)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Talk to your kids - make time for family time!</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Practice vulnerability - struggle is universal. you are not alone</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Look into alternative therapies - cannabis, slime anyone?</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Feed your brain. Mediterranean diet linked to good health and less depression. Eat more plant-based foods - eat fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel and sardines) 2-3x per week - limit added sugars - take in 25-30g fiber daily. Eat slowly and enjoy your food</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Reduce cognitive decline - avoid chronic stress and exposure to toxins and embrace physical fitness and social networks</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-3839586727501255552019-09-30T07:01:00.000-04:002019-09-30T07:01:07.368-04:00Natasha Yvette Williams - Rescue, Relief, and Redemption!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't been following <b>Natasha Yvette Williams</b>' career as closely as the gentleman I had the opportunity to sit next to at the elegant and cozy Feinstein's / 54 Below room on Wednesday night, but I'm sure pleased that I fixed my cabaret craving by attending her show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mrs Williams, whose Broadway credits include <b><i>Chicago </i></b>and <b><i>Waitress</i></b>, is talented, funny, vulnerable and supportive. She charmed her friends and audience with musical theater, soul and gospel tunes and readily shared her stage with young talent she has met at the stage door, her </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Waitress </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cast mates, and the talented </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saint Aubyn, who recently wowed me in </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ain't Too Proud</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and blew me away with his </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try a Little Tenderness </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on Wednesday.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mrs Williams cabaret show was an absolute blast and exactly what my spirit needed to get through the work week. </span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-41513988904791547772019-09-28T08:33:00.002-04:002019-09-28T08:33:39.645-04:00Ogresse - Cécile McLorin Salvant with L'Orchestre L'Ogresse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Maybe we could dance all night </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Under clouds of violet</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Moving to melodies long-forgotten</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Maybe if you held me tight enough, my love</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Neither one of us would fly or fall</b></span></i></div>
New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-68751654629065773872019-08-16T09:26:00.000-04:002019-08-16T09:26:25.613-04:00Quote by Aretha Franklin<div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Quote by Aretha Franklin in NY Post <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/beautiful_little_girl_had_it_all_LtlBmC9ZItp5kuIeszsZsO">article </a>- <i>Beautiful little girl had it all:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>No matter how successful you are, one day
the applause is going to die down. The amens and the hallelujahs will be silent
and even the money will stop flowing. When that happens, you’ve got to know who
you are and what you’re going to do. </i></span></div>
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New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-43063907976627197922019-07-27T12:06:00.000-04:002019-07-27T12:06:29.120-04:00Pose - "Love's In Need Of Love Today" Episode<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really enjoyed the awesome Billy Porter and the performances on the recent <b><i>Pose </i></b>episode. Here is the cast performing "Love's In Need Of Love Today." Enjoy!!!</span><br />
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<br />New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-8395974134829379572019-07-27T11:12:00.000-04:002019-07-27T11:43:45.396-04:00Harriet Tubman Biopic<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <b><i>Harriet </i></b>biopic trailer dropped this week. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harriet Tubman is one of (if not) the most important black women in American history. Featuring this American story on the big screen is WAY overdue.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The film features some of my favorite artists today - Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monae. However, the week has been bittersweet as there has been renewed online backlash regarding a British actress being cast as Harriet. And if you recall, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">David Oyelowo, a British actor, played MLK Jr. (another iconic black American) several years back. There was even more online outrage when a few of Erivo's old social media postings were unearthed and viewed as disparaging to black Americans. Despite this, I will go to the theater in November, buy a ticket, and support this important film about my sheroe (just like I supported the film <b><i>Selma</i></b>). But it is NOT lost on me that true art is political and decisions made matter. And no one in 2019 should act like America's history has been a fair and level playing field for all...</span><br />
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New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-79941143897363321782019-06-13T20:48:00.002-04:002019-06-13T20:48:37.371-04:00Quote from Lanford Wilson's "Burn This"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burton in Lanford Wilson's <b><i>Burn This</i></b>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Make it as personal as you can. Believe me, you can't imagine a feeling everyone hasn't had. Make it personal, tell the truth, and then write 'Burn this' on it. </i></span></blockquote>
New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-72831275355275726512019-04-22T08:02:00.000-04:002019-04-22T08:02:03.977-04:00Quote from Will Eno's "Thom Pain (based on nothing)"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thom Pain in <b style="font-style: italic;">Thom Pain (based on nothing)</b>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? That's easy. You'd be brave and true and reckless. You would love life and people with wild and new abandon. If you only had a day. What if you only had forty years? What would you do? If you're like me, and - no offense, but - you probably are, you wouldn't do anything. It's sad, isn't it? </i></span></blockquote>
New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-22837200504296399132019-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:002019-04-21T09:25:42.111-04:00My Quest to See August Wilson's American Century Cycle Continues<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've read August Wilson's 10 play American Century Cycle. However, I haven't seen them all. Several years ago at Signature, I was <a href="https://newyorkcitystage.blogspot.com/2015/02/august-wilson-my-plays-are-ultimately.html" target="_blank">chitchatting </a>with a fellow theatergoer (from Pittsburgh) who had seen the cycle and was even familiar with the Hill District where 9 of the 10 plays take place. After that conversation, I began a quest to: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read the cycle (I did it! Thanks, <a href="https://newyorkcitystage.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-shout-out-to-juilliards-evening.html" target="_blank">Julliard</a>), </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visit the Hill District (<a href="https://newyorkcitystage.blogspot.com/2017/04/my-spring-road-trip-first-stop-august.html" target="_blank">I did it!</a> Thanks, Road Dawg),</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And see the cycle (I'm working on it!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucky for me, several theaters have been mounting the cycle with Red Bank's Two River Theater even committing to mount all 10 plays.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To cross another play off my list, I recently traveled down to Philly's Arden Theatre Company to see my 7th play of the cycle - </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">Gem of the Ocean. </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And what can I say - Bravo to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zuhairah for </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">literally bringing Aunt Ester to life before my admiring eyes and</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> inviting me into </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">839 Wylie Ave. And then thank you for </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">taking me on an uncomfortable painful journey on a slave ship (I honor every African who lost their life during the Middle Passage). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What an evening...</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">what a quest...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>August Wilson's 10 Play American Century Cycle</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1900s Gem of the Ocean*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1910s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1920s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1930s The Piano Lesson*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1940s Seven Guitars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1950s Fences*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1960s Two Trains Running*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1970s Jitney*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1980s King Hedley II*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1990s Radio Golf</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Plays seen</span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686430939718699217.post-50465294958412226492019-04-18T06:45:00.000-04:002019-04-18T06:45:06.761-04:00TimesTalks x T Magazine: Terrence McNally<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrence McNally joined by Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon at TimesTalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://www.frankieandjohnnybroadway.com/" target="_blank">Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune</a></i></b>, which begins previews on May 4th, was not on my Broadway "must see" list this season. However, after the TimesTalk, I may have to add it to the list. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interesting bit of trivia -- </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Frankie and Johnny </i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is the first Broadway production to use an Intimacy Director.</span>New York City Stagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218287453108739047noreply@blogger.com0