foxy

I have to correct myself. There are a few musical moments in this show but I wouldn’t strictly classify it as a musical. I’ll leave it at that.

It’s actually not a musical which is a relief. I admit I went in thinking it wouldn’t be great but curious about the “special effects” some of which were impressive. However I don’t think that was enough to make for a satisfying theatrical experience. But the audience must have been full of fans of the tv show since they were very enthusiastic. I’ll continue watching the tv show unless (until) ennui sets in.

So I’m replying to my own post. This afternoon I saw a 1pm performance of Stranger Things, The First Shadow. I found a $55 seat on TDf that turned out to be quite a good seat. Third row center in the mezzanine. This is another show that I think is best seen from above. The Marquis Theater is a big barn of a theater. But the sight lines are good and unobstructed. This is a show full of spectacle and stage magic. Much is very impressive. It did well with awards in London. Today the mezzanine looked to be only about half full so no telling what that portends for the future box office. As I originally stated this show is based on the hit tv series on Netflix. I’ve since been rewatching the first season to refresh my memory. A fifth is in the works. It’s a lot to watch. The play is a prequel so technically you don’t need to have watched the series ahead of time. But frankly I think most people would be confused if they didn’t have some basic knowledge of the story. I don’t think I could recommend this play to someone who just wanted a more typical Broadway experience. Cross it off your list unless you are a fan of the show. I do have to say I was impressed with the young actor Louis McCartney who plays the lead , Henry Creel. He was onstage almost the entire 3 hours contorting himself and putting out a really athletic performance. IMG_0113.mov

Today I saw a matinee performance and I thought it was terrific. If Jonathan Groff doesn’t win a Tony for this I will really be shocked. He was astounding. His energy never dropped during almost 2 1/2 hours. He was all over the theater, easily within spitting (literally) distance from much of the audience. The entire cast was wonderful and I especially liked the 3 back up singer/dancers who had so many incredible costume changes. For those who might be unfamiliar with the Circle In The Square Theater, the seating is steeply racked and is in 3 sides with the stage area on the far end. For this show the theater is set up like a nightclub with some tables and chairs in the center. These are the expensive seats and they serve you champagne. Mostly couples sitting here. I had a really good seat, very close to the edge of the stage where most of the action took place. Theater tickets, as has been discussed, have become very expensive. Today I reached my limit at $251 but honestly it was worth every penny. I did notice there were standing room patrons above the last row of seats. Not sure what they cost. The show moves so quickly I don’t think standing would be too bad. IMG_0092.mov

Probably most people know this is based on a hit tv show on Netflix. I watched a few episodes in the beginning and then just lost interest. Now there’s a Broadway show. It sounds like there’s lots of stage special effects and I’m somewhat intrigued. I remember going to see the a Harry Potter Cursed Child play and while I liked the books and movies I didn’t think the play was very good. And I saw the 2 part, all in one day performance. It was a long play. The stage magic was good but still didn’t make me love the show. Now I’m starting to see discount tickets on tdf for Stranger Things. I’m thinking I should go back to Netflix and try the series again before considering buying a ticket for the play, or buy the ticket and go cold. Or maybe just pass on the whole thing. Wondering if anyone has seen the show and what they thought about it?

Thinking about getting a ticket next week.

I have another idea which I think is perfect. You find a beautiful young man. You bring him in to take care of you. You tell him you will sign over your house to him and he will inherit everything in it after you die. That night he smothers you with a pillow and you no longer have to worry about anything. It’s a win win.

Wait! Did you say Golden Years in your 50’s???? I guess that makes me platinum.

I loved Maybe Happy Ending and thought Darren Criss was terrific. I actually got teary eyed towards the end. I’d be happy if he wins a Tony. Of course Jonathan Groff could get a second one and that’s ok too. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I think that’s a pun.

Well that’s a good example and shows promise. Hoping the idea catches on.

This is not about the tv show Mid Century Modern but it’s somewhat adjacent. I’ve been texting with a lady friend about my age who has been looking at potential assisted living places in North Carolina. While I don’t think I’m quite there yet, it’s not too too far off in the future. I have no children and my husband of 42 years died 10 years ago. I’ve been living ok by myself and am fortunate that I have good friends and family members who would help me if needed. But I’m still independent and hate asking others for help. I can afford a decent assisted living place but the thought is somewhat depressing. Years ago with some friends we talked about buying a big house together where we would all take care of each other. As we died off we’d bring in a younger older person. It never happened and 2 out of the 4 of us have died. I can think of all sorts of reasons why this might not work but somehow the idea still has a certain appeal. I have this fantasy that there was a sort of an agency that could put like minded people together for such an arrangement. Like a real estate agency with benefits. I’m sure there would be lots of legal hoops to jump through and personality clashes. But still I wonder. Is this really too crazy?

I’m glad you found some positive things about a show that maybe isn’t the greatest. But even when I’m not crazy about a show I think of the talent and hard work that goes into it. Just the idea of being on a stage acting, singing and dancing to me must take tremendous courage. I’m sure most of us would die of stage fright. And I’ve often read that many established actors still suffer from it but manage to perform even when they are sick. The show must go on. And to think that the odds of becoming a success let alone a star are pretty slim. I think there are probably many talented people that never get their names in lights. So support the arts.

This afternoon I saw Old Friends with a terrific cast led by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. Lots of great Sondheim music was given mostly fully staged productions. Bernadette did an emotional Send In The Clowns and Lea Salonga was hysterical singing The Worst Pies In London. 23 songs in all. in 1997 I sat next to Sondheim at a performance of Three Days Of Rain. I barely remember the play as I desperately wanted to say something to him. But I was too intimidated. I should have just said “thank you” IMG_0064.mov IMG_0062.mov

Today I went to (a very crowded) members preview of this new show of John Singer Sargent paintings. The title of the show is something of a misnomer as there is only one actual painting of a Paris street scene. Many of the other works are from his travels but of course a number of his more famous celebrity portraits were on view. In only 69 years of life he managed to produce over 900 paintings and 2,000 water colors and huge amounts of drawings. Somehow he managed a very complicated and active gay social life. He was a painting superstar, then ridiculed and now back to star status. Certainly very few painters could push paint around a canvas like him. It’s a beautiful show and wonderful to see some of less well known works.

Today I picked up a ticket to see this show and I’m really looking forward to seeing it. Jonathan Groff is always wonderful and I’ve actually had a few brief conversations with him in the past. Happy to report that he’s not just astoundingly talented but a super nice guy who is very charming and friendly to his fans. If anyone has seen the show I’d like to hear your impressions. Mine will be in a couple of weeks. https://justintimebroadway.com