foxy

Today I saw the ABT production of this ballet at the Lincoln Center Metropolitan Opera House. Choreography by Alexi Ratmansky and music by Aram Khachaturian it made for a fun and quite sexy production.

At the Met Museum today I saw the second part of the new fashion exhibit. Men’s and women’s dress from the 18th century to the present installed in period rooms of the American Wing. History buffs might enjoy seeing clothes owned and worn by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln.

This may sound silly but rocks and minerals are often valued (like so many things) by how pretty they are. Of course there are minerals that are valued by their rarity but most amateur collectors just go for eye appeal. You might find a local club or rock hound who can help you out.

If you were a Michael Jackson fan you’ll love this show. I was never a real fan myself but this show changed my mind. Myles Frost who plays the adult Michael is astonishing. The dance numbers are breathtaking. There are some incredible bodies on stage.

Two new films I really enjoyed. They couldn’t be more different but both compelling. Drive My Car is 3 hours and is not a fast paced film but worth the time if you just settle into it. It won lots of awards and deservedly so I think.

Beautiful show of many paintings by Winslow Homer both oils and some superb watercolors. Known primarily as a marine painter but this show has many early works painted after the Civil War.

City Center has announced that it’s acclaimed production of Into The Woods is moving to the St. James Theater June 28 for an 8 week run. Good news! There are a few changes to the cast but the new actors are equally as talented. I look forward to seeing this a second time.

The Palm Springs Art Museum is a gem of a museum. I’ve always enjoyed their exhibits and that it does a little of everything. Art, science and just fun stuff. It’s a great way to spend a day.

OK

I didn’t see Ethel Merman in Gypsy but I did see Angela Lansbury in the role in 1974. When she did the number Together Wherever You Go the audience went wild and literally stopped the show. It was, I think, the only time I ever saw that happen. The cast just stood there while the audience kept screaming. It was strange since it’s not exactly a major number. After a few minutes the audience calmed down and to everyone’s surprise they did the whole number all over again. The audience went ballistic. Angela Lansbury just stood there laughing. It was one of those crazy theater moments.

I saw the show today. I’m happy to report that Beanie was much better than expected. Is she Barbra? No. But no one is. Still she brought a sweetness to the role and she ended both acts with a pretty rousing version of Don’t Rain On My Parade. She’s got a good voice and perhaps is growing into the role. It’s not a great show but that’s more a problem of the book. I’d recommend it if you just keep your expectations at medium.

It’s on my to do list of shows to see.

I’d love to see it again also. NPH stepped in for Christian Borel so maybe he will do the role this time? Maybe if Lucky sees it again he might change his mind about the show? It was such a good production.

This afternoon I saw the final performance of Into The Woods at City Center. A brilliant production of a brilliant play with a brilliant cast. Neil Patrick Harris, Sara Bareilles, Gavin Creel, Heather Headley, Ann Harada, Denee Benton to name just a few. The best thing I’ve seen in years. I had a very good seat for this sold out production. Every number was a sitting ovation.

Wonderful new exhibit on this Matisse masterpiece

The Biennial is on right now at the Whitney. My favorite part of the museum is usually the view from the balconies overlooking the city and the Hudson.

In Madrid I spent 4 hours in the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Nice cafe. 4 hours in the Reina Sofia. Guernica is still staggering. 12 hours in the Prado in two days. Today 4 hours in the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The Richard Serra installation is astounding. My feet hurt but worth it. The food in the Basque country is phenomenal.

Also seeing it mid-May. Thanks for your review even though it wasn’t a rave. So maybe with a little time Beanie will improve. On the other hand when I’m not expecting something great I can enjoy the good parts that you’ve pointed out. Opening night is April 24 so we will see what the paid critics have to say. Or maybe we don’t.

I’m still trying to learn to appreciate his work. The show sounds interesting and worth seeing. The $45 admission charge a little steep. Astounding what his paintings are selling for these days.

I’ve already mentioned the Brooklyn Museum but I was there today and there’s a big new exhibit of Andy Warhol and his relationship to the Catholic Church. Surprisingly Andy was quite religious and attended church services almost every week. So most of the work on display reflects this but he certainly puts his own spin on things.

Here’s 3 you might like: The New York Historical Society. It has a large permanent collection of Tiffany lamps which are just so pretty. https://nyhistory.org The Brooklyn Museum is not small but usually very quiet. It’s right next to the Botanic Gardens which are very beautiful and starting now it’s cherry blossom time. https://brooklynmuseum.org The Jewish Museum is housed in a beautiful historic mansion. https://thejewishmuseum.org

So if the understudy steps in if SJP gets the virus…. Now I have to find out who that is. The show is starting to seem more interesting to me.

I may not be a fan of Broderick but I don’t wish Covid on anyone. Hope he recovers quickly. On the other hand his understudy gets to go on so maybe there’s a silver lining.

A while back there was a longish post about favorite museums which I enjoyed reading. I like museums. All different kinds and can spend hours wandering around in them. I belong to 9 museums in NYC. I like feeling my $$$ is supporting something worthwhile and you can often get a tax deduction from your membership. I join mostly because they are fun, I might learn something and most importantly having an experience with something truly great and beautiful can be a profound experience. And sometimes I just need to run in and use the bathroom. Some new exhibits are opening soon in Manhattan. Most recently at the Morgan Library I enjoyed the exhibit of the paintings of Hans Holbein the Younger whose portraits are astonishing. Upstairs and totally different is an exhibit of the American icon Woodie Guthrie. Both worth seeing. https://www.themorgan.org So maybe we could have a Museum category in the Comedy & Tragedy forum?

The last time I saw the revival of the Martin McDonagh play Hangman was in 2020 just before Covid shut down Broadway. At the time one of the stars was Dan Stevens who played Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey. He was very good as was the entire cast and production. It had this terrific set that I won’t spoil with a description. Now the play has returned. This time in the cast is Alfie Allen who played Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones. He’s playing the role of Mooney last played by Stevens. So I’m tempted to see it again as it’s such a good play but maybe out of curiosity to see how Allen does in the role.