foxy

I finally got to see the play. St. Patrick’s Day might not have been the best day to be in mid-town but I survived.
Glenda Jackson was everything you could want in a brilliant performance. Laurie Metcalf was not far behind. I wasn’t familiar with Alison Pill, but I thought she was good in a less showy role.
The play is quite funny even when being quite serious.
There’s a lush set that does some theater magic with a gigantic mirror that I thought was really interesting.
I certainly recommend the show. So far it’s been at tkts quite a bit but it’s still in previews.

I had never seen a live production of Carousel so I was looking forward to seeing this show. With a great score by the legendary team of Rodgers and Hammerstein you have to fight the urge to hum along. This new production has a cast of Joshua Henry as Billy Bigelow, Jessie Mueller as Julie Jordan and Renee Fleming as Nettie Fowler. They all sing wonderfully.
There’s a large orchestra in the pit so the sound is rich and full. The music won’t disappoint.
However there were things about this production I wasn’t crazy about. Firstly the plot. Julie is in an abusive relationship with Billy. I suppose it’s the old story of a woman being drawn to the bad boy. I think we can all relate to this on some level. But the chemistry seemed lacking between Henry and Mueller and it was hard to figure out what they saw in each other. The scenes in heaven were somewhat bizarre with a writhing group of dancers that didn’t make much sense to me. And Billy returning to earth only to wind up slapping his daughter. Well, that’s the plot of the book but I kept wondering that Billy didn’t seem to learn much and become any more sympathetic after he kills himself.
All in all it’s still worth seeing and you can leave the theater humming as you fight the crowd leaving the theater.
 
If you have Amazon Prime and are interested you can watch a PBS production from Lincoln Center recorded in 2013 with Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Stephanie Blythe and Jessie Mueller this time in the role of Carrie Pipperage.

For a fun 50 minutes I'd recommend this lively, funny and rather sexy show.
Now playing at the historic New Victory Theater on 42nd Street.
Part of the fun going to the theater is often the theater itself and this one is certainly impressive.
Built in 1900 by Oscar Hammerstein, grandfather of the famous lyricist, it was first called the Theater Republic. In 1902 it was taken over by David Belasco who added improvements. In the 1930's it was taken over by Billy Minsky and it became Broadway's first burlesque theater. The biggest star was Gypsy Rose Lee.
In 1942 the theater was renamed The Victory in a burst of patriotism. By the 1970's it was the block's only XXX-rated theater.
In 1990 it was completely refurbished and became the family friendly theater it is today.
 
Bromance is a show conceived and starring three attractive, very athletic, young British guys called the Barely Methodical Troupe.
Interspersed with some amazing acrobatics the show has a theme that it's okay for guys to touch and feel affection for each other all shown in a funny kid friendly way. This adult certainly enjoyed that message.
After the show the guys sit in one of the lobbies to sign autographs or take photos with anyone interested so you can get up close and shake hands.
 
http://www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/reviews/bromance-at-the-new-victory-theater_84073.html
 

Grit your teeth and empty your wallet and do a helicopter flight. Some even land at the waterfall made famous in Jurassic Park. If you’re really brave do a flight without doors on the helicopter which makes for better photos. No reflections from the glass. It’s the only way to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

Grit your teeth and empty your wallet and do a helicopter flight. Some even land at the waterfall made famous in Jurassic Park. If you’re really brave do a flight without doors on the helicopter which makes for better photos. No reflections from the glass. It’s the only way to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJsczmtGjxs

I just finished reading The Vanity Fair Diaries 1983-1992 by Tina Brown. What I find fun about reading on my iPad (kindle) is being able to stop and Google names to refresh my memory. It also brings me to other kindle books like the Bob Colacello book “Holy Terror”about Andy Warhol and “Them”about Alex Lieberman by his daughter Francine du Plessix Gray. It’s like like peeling an onion. One layer leads to another. Much as I love hard cover books there’s a lot to be said for having the urge to read another book and have it instantly on your iPad.

Looking for a warmhearted, happy holiday movie? This isn’t it. There’s lots of anger, tragedy, brutality, racism and interestingly humor. I found myself laughing in the oddest places. You get dragged around a lot in this movie and it’s a riveting ride that leaves you hanging at the end.
With an Oscar worthy performance by Frances McDormand who is surrounded by a cast who manages to keep up with her much of the time. I left the theater feeling a little exhausted but felt I’d seen what might be the best film of the year.

Looking for a warmhearted, happy holiday movie? This isn’t it. There’s lots of anger, tragedy, brutality, racism and interestingly humor. I found myself laughing in the oddest places. You get dragged around a lot in this movie and it’s a riveting ride that leaves you hanging at the end.
With an Oscar worthy performance by Frances McDormand who is surrounded by a cast who manages to keep up with her much of the time. I left the theater feeling a little exhausted but felt I’d seen what might be the best film of the year.

I had the great pleasure in seeing Farinelli and The King today. It’s playing at the beautiful Belasco Theater which blends perfectly with the gorgeous set onstage. The play is lit by candles from 6 chandeliers and sconces scattered around the stage. There’s audience seating on the stage on two levels in boxes. I was fortunate to get a front row orchestra seat in the center on a padded bench. So I was about 8 feet from the edge of the stage and quite close to the actors who often descended steps and addressed the audience. Normally such closeness might seem uncomfortable but not so in today’s production. As you enter the theater musicians in period costume are playing period instruments. There’s also an orchestra in a gallery above the stage. Actors move about the audience chatting you up and it makes for an intimate and cozy mood. By the time Mark Rylance makes his appearance you are ready for a good time. The play is actually quite funny and Rylance as King Philippe V of Spain gives his usual brilliant performance. He’s one of those actors that truly makes you feel he loves performing. It’s more like he’s performing with you and not at you. He makes you feel engaged in the best way. I was especially taken with Sam Crane who portrays Farinelli. However when it comes time for the actual singing one of two countertenors steps in. Iestyn Davis or James Hill. While happily neither man is an actual castrato their singing does give you some idea of what the singing was like. Once you relax into a man singing in a high voice you can begin to understand the beauty. It’s a wonderful theatrical experience which I’d recommend highly if you can get a ticket. I think they may be hard to come by. It runs until March 25.

I had the great pleasure in seeing Farinelli and The King today. It’s playing at the beautiful Belasco Theater which blends perfectly with the gorgeous set onstage. The play is lit by candles from 6 chandeliers and sconces scattered around the stage. There’s audience seating on the stage on two levels in boxes. I was fortunate to get a front row orchestra seat in the center on a padded bench. So I was about 8 feet from the edge of the stage and quite close to the actors who often descended steps and addressed the audience. Normally such closeness might seem uncomfortable but not so in today’s production. As you enter the theater musicians in period costume are playing period instruments. There’s also an orchestra in a gallery above the stage. Actors move about the audience chatting you up and it makes for an intimate and cozy mood. By the time Mark Rylance makes his appearance you are ready for a good time. The play is actually quite funny and Rylance as King Philippe V of Spain gives his usual brilliant performance. He’s one of those actors that truly makes you feel he loves performing. It’s more like he’s performing with you and not at you. He makes you feel engaged in the best way. I was especially taken with Sam Crane who portrays Farinelli. However when it comes time for the actual singing one of two countertenors steps in. Iestyn Davis or James Hill. While happily neither man is an actual castrato their singing does give you some idea of what the singing was like. Once you relax into a man singing in a high voice you can begin to understand the beauty. It’s a wonderful theatrical experience which I’d recommend highly if you can get a ticket. I think they may be hard to come by. It runs until March 25.

And James Franco has a very nice naked butt in an extended scene.

This may be the most expensive soap opera ever made. But you can’t go cheap when you’re showing one of the richest women in the world and her very expensive life. Castles, clothes and jewels all nicely represented along with her family and the army of servants who take care of them. As I binge watched through this season I found myself wondering why I care about these people who don’t really do all that much to justify the expense of the British people who fund all this. Yet every supermarket tabloid continues to fuel this odd fascination Americans seem to have with the British royal family. Really it makes no sense. Kind of like porn and I guess the vicarious thrill that might offer. One more guilty pleasure to add to the pile I suppose. I enjoyed every moment.

Looking for a warmhearted, happy holiday movie? This isn’t it. There’s lots of anger, tragedy, brutality, racism and interestingly humor. I found myself laughing in the oddest places. You get dragged around a lot in this movie and it’s a riveting ride that leaves you hanging at the end.
With an Oscar worthy performance by Frances McDormand who is surrounded by a cast who manages to keep up with her much of the time. I left the theater feeling a little exhausted but felt I’d seen what might be the best film of the year.

Looking for a warmhearted, happy holiday movie? This isn’t it. There’s lots of anger, tragedy, brutality, racism and interestingly humor. I found myself laughing in the oddest places. You get dragged around a lot in this movie and it’s a riveting ride that leaves you hanging at the end.
With an Oscar worthy performance by Frances McDormand who is surrounded by a cast who manages to keep up with her much of the time. I left the theater feeling a little exhausted but felt I’d seen what might be the best film of the year.

Looking for a warmhearted, happy holiday movie? This isn’t it. There’s lots of anger, tragedy, brutality, racism and interestingly humor. I found myself laughing in the oddest places. You get dragged around a lot in this movie and it’s a riveting ride that leaves you hanging at the end.
With an Oscar worthy performance by Frances McDormand who is surrounded by a cast who manages to keep up with her much of the time. I left the theater feeling a little exhausted but felt I’d seen what might be the best film of the year.

While I don't go to the opera all that often I might be tempted by this one.
 
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/05/26/brokeback-mountain-opera-coming-nyc/
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/arts/music/lyrical-cowboys-in-love-on-stage.html
 
http://www.wqxr.org/story/brokeback-mountain-opera-critics-weigh/

I’ve seen this statue several times in person. I’ve always found it incredibly silly. Maybe it’s the hat? The pose doesn’t help. I know it’s considered a masterpiece. I still don’t like it.

There's a wonderful new exhibit at the Met of the paintings of well regarded British painter David Hockney which I'd highly recommend. Some of his work was inspired by gay subjects which were very controversial at the time. His swimming pool series that he did while in LA are really beautiful along with the large double portraits he did of some famous friends.
 
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/david-hockney

There's a wonderful new exhibit at the Met of the paintings of well regarded British painter David Hockney which I'd highly recommend. Some of his work was inspired by gay subjects which were very controversial at the time. His swimming pool series that he did while in LA are really beautiful along with the large double portraits he did of some famous friends.
 
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/david-hockney

I saw it this afternoon at the Regal Union Square Theater. It was well attended for an afternoon show. I read and loved the book. So interesting to see how a screenplay has to make certain changes and parts of the book are changed or dropped entirely. But the essence of the book were all there and I confess to having some tears in my eyes along with Elio at the end. It’s a movie I will certainly see again. So much to absorb.

And it is. You get a lot of bling for your buck but the real reason to come is the Rockettes. Where else do you see so many precision high kicks and routines?
These gals work hard for their money and of course the theater is an architectural jewel. Just be prepared for the overpriced merchandise. Still its a fun way to kick (ho ho ho) off the holiday season.
 

And it is. You get a lot of bling for your buck but the real reason to come is the Rockettes. Where else do you see so many precision high kicks and routines?
These gals work hard for their money and of course the theater is an architectural jewel. Just be prepared for the overpriced merchandise. Still its a fun way to kick (ho ho ho) off the holiday season.
 

What an amazing & well written play. Extremely talented & likable cast. One of Harvey Fierstein's best!

The International Stud, the name of the original first act and where the play starts off was a real bar in the West Village. It was in the days of anything goes in NYC. What looked like a nice little neighborhood gay bar complete with exposed brick walls and a pool table had a notorious back room. Behind a curtain it was packed with men having sex in an almost completely dark room. One huge orgy! You could call it the good old days. Or not.