Adventures in the Endless Pursuit of Entertainment

Little Love turns 14

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 01:50:00 +0000

How is it possible that my nephew, my special little love, Cody turns 14 today? He'll be in high school come August. I'd like to keep him out of those damn long pants just a little longer...at least he's still playing the bugle, er trumpet.

Witches, Thanes and Madness, oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:51:00 +0000

Last week I managed to see two remarkable and unusual productions of Macbeth. They could not have been more different from one another.   One was Alan Cumming's one man on Broadway and one was the Tempest Ladies' all female production off Broadway.   Both were equally visually stunning, innovative and satisfying.   I'd see both again in a heartbeat.

I always thought that The Tempest was my favorite Shakespeare, but having seen Macbeth quite a bit over the last few years, I'm starting to think that it might actually be my favorite. It's got the political element, the madness, the intrigue, the supernatural and the believability that I love.

Having seen it fairly regularly may have helped me follow along with Cumming's dive into madness with the Scottish play.   It's set in a cell in an insane asylum. It appears that it's a forced commitment and the dread and fear is evident. It's not strictly one man, as there are two actors playing doctor (Jenny Sterlin) and orderly (Brendan Titley). With just the slightest inflection of voice and change in body language, he conveyed the various characters. His madness is evident and increases as the drama of the play unfolds, even as he subtly delivers the text, even as Lady M. It's painful, astounding and consuming. It's fairly graphic but also fascinating. I was absolutely enthralled by the concept and the performance.

I was also enthralled by the beautiful production by The Tempest Ladies.   The Tempest Ladies is an all female company. They play all of the roles in each performance, meaning each actress takes a turn at each character. Each character is assigned a symbolic item of costume and the transition between actresses is so seamless, it's almost indiscernible that the actress has changed.   They highlight the text with percussion instruments and chanting.   Each actress fiercely and fearlessly gives her all to each character and the result is gorgeous. The simplicity lends further depth to the text. It's also interesting to see women taking on the masculine roles of murder and power - even as Lady Macbeth pleads to lose her femaleness - "unsex me" - in her plotting to kill Duncan. I adore this theatre company and what they do is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Tempest Ladies' Macbeth is running through June 15th at The Actor's Theater Workshop on West 28th Street. Tickets are available online  via Brown Paper Tickets.   It's possibly the best $20 you'll ever spend on Shakespeare.

Meanwhile, Alan Cumming's Macbeth is at the Barrymore through July 14th. Tickets are available via Telecharge. If you looking for something different and you know the play pretty well already, this is a great take to see.

Measure for Measure at Frog & Peach Theatre Company

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:16:00 +0000

The Frog & Peach Theatre Company has launched its spring Shakespeare at the West End Theatre on the Upper West Side. This season, it's a great production of Measure for Measure.

This was my first time seeing Measure for Measure. I thought it was going to be a comedy, but it came across more as a commentary on political hypocrisy.   Shakespeare wrote it in 1603 and of course, it could have been written yesterday, i.e. not much has changed with our politicians. That's not to say I didn't laugh; I certainly did - it's full of irony and the cast delivered the wit with great skill.

Typically Shakespearean, it's full of hidden identity, trickery, lust, love and justice for all.   It is even a bit risque with accusations of fornication, unlawful marriage, pregnancy out of wedlock and sexual blackmail.

Directed by Lynnea Benson, this one had all of the elements that are customary of the Frog & Peach - simplicity in set that allows the text to shine and naturalistic actors practicing beautiful delivery. This production also featured fantastically flamboyant and sexy costumes by Asa Benally.
I've seen at least four productions of Shakespeare by Frog & Peach and I've enjoyed them all.   I love that it's Shakespeare in a neighborhood - I walk 6 blocks to spend the afternoon with them.   The company is so accessible and some of the actors deliver the text so naturally, it feels like they are just having a conversation with you - notably Brad Holbrook, Erick Gonzalez and Vivien Landau.

Measure for Measure features these three as well as company regulars Eric Doss (he does play a bad guy so good), Amy Frances Quint, Ilaria Amadasi, Macus Watson, Rachel Handler, Flor Bromley, Oliver Conant, Philip Oros, Stephen Siano, Alex Simmons, Jonathan Reid Wexler, Megan McGarvey, Julia MacMillan and Steve Mazzocone.   Mazzocone, togged as a super stylish dandy, had me giggling at his every line delivery.

Frog & Peach always comes with the bonus of music - often, they set the tone with pre-curtain and intermission rock music. This production features some sort of Dixie land jazz. This production also features a lovely original piece by Ian McDonald and performed by company member Iliaria Amadasi.

The production runs until May 19th, with four performances from Thursday through Sunday: Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 7:30 PM, Sun at 3:00 PM. You can't beat the price either: $18 General Admission, $12 seniors and students. Call the Smarttix Box off at (212) 868-4444 or purchase online.

DiVaR Alert: Tucker Gala 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Tomorrow night, the 2012 Tucker Gala will be broadcast on PBS' Live from Lincoln Center. I attended the concert at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center on November 11th and it remains my favorite concert event of the year!

This was my sixth time to attend. It included performances by international opera singers as well as the winners of the annual Richard Tucker Music Foundation prizes. The Foundation, named after the great American tenor, was founded as a "non-profit cultural organization dedicated to perpetuating the artistic legacy of the great American tenor through the support and advancement of the careers of talented American opera singers by bringing opera into the community." Each year the Richard Tucker Music Foundation awards cash prizes to individual U.S. born singers. There is no application process, only nomination.

This year's stars were Ildar Abradzakov, Marcelo Alvarez, Olga Borodina, Giuseppe Filianoti, Gerald Finley, Marcello Giordani, Liudmyla Monastryska, Erwin Schrott, Ailyn Perez (2012 Richard Tucker Award Winner), Jamie Barton, Quinn Kelsey, Tara Erraught, Stephen Costello, Amber winners of grants from the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Choral Society, all under the baton of Maestro Fabio Luisi.

This year seemed to belong to the bari-hunks, but there's some diva thrown in too, especially with the knock-out mezzo sopranos Ms. Olga Boradina and Jamie Barton. The glamour and beauty came from this year's winner Ailyn Perez who wowed in several different gowns and opened the evening with Manon's gavotte on the Cours-la-Reine, my most favorite of all of the arias. The evening was as thrilling as ever and I'm so excited that it's hitting the airwaves on Live from Lincoln Center so others can see why I love the concert so much. Brava, Tucker Gala, brava.

Because Baby, It's Cold Outside But These Two Are HOT

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Lauren Molina and Wesley Taylor

The Outgoing Tide at 59E59

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:10:00 +0000

I was fortunate enough to catch Bruce Graham's "The Outgoing Tide" at 59E59 last weekend. This is the play's New York premier.

Starring Michael Learned, Peter Strauss and Ian Lithgow, "The Outgoing Tide" a dramedy about a family stuck in a mire of indeciviness about change being forced upon them.

Peter Strauss, in a truly brilliant performance, plays rough yet surprisingly tender Gunner who is suffering from dimentia. I was absolutely blown away by his performance. His wife Peg, played beautifully and subtly by Michael Learned, is grasping at her rope's end and is trying to make things easier for both of them while wading in a little bit of denial. Their grown son Jack, played by Ian Lithgow, is dealing with his own issues, both with being a father and coming to terms with his relationship with his own father.

I found the play to be very funny while being realistic, even while it tackled the sad and all too prevalent topic of aging parents. At first, I was taken aback by the crassness of Gunner, but I found myself agreeing with him, cheering for him and even crying for him. His character is brave and realistic. I could see my own mother in Peg, in her wanting to take care of her husband, even in her denial of the seriousness of his condition. I was slightly reminded of "On Golden Pond," but without the angst.

It's beautiful one set production with lovely lighting. Dirk Durossette was on board for scenic design, while lighting was by James Leitner. The smoothly run show is directed by Bud Martin. The producer is Delaware Theatre Company.

Tickets are available online via Ticket Central or by calling 212-279-4200. 59E59 Theaters is at 59 East 59th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. It's running until December 16th and is well worth a viewing.

Betty Buckley at Feinstein's

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:56:00 +0000

For the last four years or so, Karigee and I have looked forward to October (and sometimes February) in New York City more than any other month because it would mean the return of Betty Buckley at Feinstein's.   This October came too slowly and then went way too quickly and took Betty with it....and it was possibly the last time we'll see her there, at least for a very long time.   Feinstein's at the Regency is closing its doors on December 31st due to renovations coming to the Regency.

On top of the thrills that came with hearing Betty perform live in such a sophisticated, intimate venue, I had some of the best times of my life on those evenings.   Some of my best friends came along for the various incarnations of her show: Karigee (natch!), Robert "Ravinia Bob" Bullen (Chicago Theatre Addict), Kevin Daly (Theatre Aficionado at Large), Byrne Harrison (Stage Buzz), Roxie, Chelsea, and Steve and Doug.   Between rather large bar tabs, sometimes hotel room bills and tickets for multiple repeat visits, we dropped some serious change at this joint.   And let me tell you, it was worth every last red cent.

Betty was at Feinstein's for the whole month of October with a new show "The Other Women: The Vixens of Broadway."   She sang the songs of supporting female characters of musical theatre - all show stoppers and each stopping her own show.   She opened with "When You're Good to Mama" - vamping around the room and selling it like nobody's business.   As usual, Betty delivered the gamut of emotions - she makes me laugh and laugh and then she'll pierce my heart when she gets down to the emotional business.

I was thrilled to hear her sing a really sultry rendition of one of my favorite songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Allegro, "The Gentleman is a Dope." She also gave us an especially gorgeous "Something Wonderful" from The King and I.  The set also included "A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing" from Promises, Promises, "Another Suitcase In Another Hall" from Evita, "I Know Things Now" from Into the Woods and "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music.

Betty had her band with her - Christian Jacobs on piano, who also did all of the arrangements, Tony Marino on Bass (incidentally Betty and he did one of the coolest skatting riffy things!), Vic Juris on guitar and todd Isler on drums.   Together with Betty, they give her sets an old school, jazzy sound - Betty gets to be the Girl Snger and the only thing missing is a dance floor.   It's a delicious sound of which I'm absolutely mad.

Until I can hear her live again, which I hope is sooner rather than later, and hopefully someday again at Feinstein's (and quite possibly across the pond when she stars in DEAR WORLD at the Charing Cross Theatre), I'll have to be satisified with Betty's albums, all of which I love. I'm particularly smitten with her latest: Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway which is beyond fabulous in repertoire and sound.

photo by Stephen Sorokoff

GIANT at the Public Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:18:00 +0000

Yesterday, I took advantage of the Public Theater's benevolence and scored a free ticket to see the new Michael John LaChiusa musical GIANT. The book is adapted from the Edna Ferber's epic novel. It stars Kate Baldwin, Brian D'Arcy James, Michele Pawk, John Dossett and PJ Griffith.

Actually, it was Karigee who told me that Graham Rowat tweeted the news. So, I got up early and journeyed downtown. It wasn't exactly an odyssey, but thanks to the city still being in hurricane recovery mode, it did take about an hour and half and involved a cross-town bus, a limited subway ride and cab ride. The people at the Public are awesome and welcoming, so I was able to shelter inside while others slowly arrived for the noon time ticket giveaway. The Public only regained electricity just after 5:00 pm on Friday.

Although this is the third incarnation of the show - first at the Signature in Arlington, VA, then at the Dallas Theatre Center early this year, GIANT is still in previews in New York. It opens next Thursday, November 13th and is scheduled to close on December 2nd. If the critics love it as much as last night's audience, then it is sure to get an extension. Dare I dream of a Broadway transfer? I hope so.

Overall, the cast is brilliant. I loved seeing Kate in another leading role and she is indeed resplendent in this. It was so good to see Michele Pawk and John Dossett on stage again. This is the best show in which I've seen Brian D'Arcy James. I was so blown away by Katie Thompson as Vashti - where has she been? What a set of pipes! In fact, the entire cast is chock full of great pipes and it's beautifully sung.

As a Texpatriot and one who has had family members who were ranch hands and ranch owners, any annoyances I harbor are just nitpicking are mostly just about costuming on the men. The good far outweighs the bad and I loved the specific little Texas things - Michele as Luz mentions "Sonofabitch stew" (aka menudo), Mike the cattle lobbyist wears a Texas Longhorn tie, and there's a history lesson about the Alamo. I couldn't help but burst some Texas buttons.

The show does that that epic, everything is bigger in Texas feel, and it's allowing the cast, especially Kate shine brighter than the Lone Star. The whole show is beautiful and I can't wait to see it again in a few weeks.

Angela Lansbury: THE CHALK GARDEN!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:51:00 +0000

I've been waiting to find out if the clue in the photo of Angela Lansbury's desk in the New York Magazine Shoot that appeared last May was anything. Finally, she reveals to the Sydney Morning Herald that, "...already anticipating a role in New York this time next year in the Enid Bagnold play The Chalk Garden."

Photo: Francois Dischinger

Frog and Peach's Taming of the Shrew

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:13:00 +0000

The Frog and Peach Theatre Company has done it again: another terrific, wonderful accessible production of Shakespeare. This time it's The Taming of the Shrew.

While the company does not offer high production value, they make up for it with their intimate, conversational presentations from very skilled actors which far outweigh anything else. I am fine with not much set; the delivery of the language is so satisfactory.   It's clear that these actors and their director Lynnea Benson fill the space of West End Theatre with an appreciative and innovative love of the the Bard's lines.

This production is somewhat cut in a very neat manner and the time passes so quickly that it left me wanting more. I especially liked that it was mother instead of father who negotiates for her daughters Kate and Bianca. It gives it a more feminist view. Baptista, the mother, is beautifully played by Vivien Landau.   Along with Vivien, standing out in the cast were Amy Frances Quint as Kate, Erick Gonzalez as Petruchio, Ryan Dreyer as Grumio, Lenny Ciotti as Tranio and Alexandra Poncelet Del Sole as Bianca.   The entire cast is commendable.   I especially loved Ryan Dreyer as Grumio - he delivers an absolutely adorable and comical turn (I can't wait to see him in another, hopefully leading, role).

I adore this theatre company. There's something very special about being able to walk a few blocks to lose oneself to beautiful, practially lyrical, Shakespeare right in my own neighborhood.

The Taming of the Shrew is running thru November 4th at the West End Theatre, at 86th and West End Avenue, upstairs at Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew. Tickets are available via Smartix online here or by calling 212) 868-4444.

Book now for The Pipes of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Of the many and varied holiday performance events in available in New York City each year, my favorite is the Pipes of Christmas and I can't wait to go again this year. It causes my wee drops of Scottish, Welsh and Irish blood to course a little quicker through my veins.

The fourteenth annual Pipes of Christmas takes place this year on December 15th and 16th. Manhattan is getting two performances on Saturday the 15th at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, the 16th, Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, New Jersey will host.

The Pipes of Christmas offers a soul-soaring mix of traditional holiday and sacred music performed by brass, string and percussion, Celtic instruments and the Highland pipes interspersed with Holy Scripture and the poetry and literature of Celtic heritage.

It's a glorious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and of the season itself as well as the Celtic hertitage. It has me wanting to dance the Highland Fling right at my seat and the finale of Scotland the Brave is beyond thrilling and joyous.

Founded by the Clan Currie Society, the Pipes of Christmas raises funds to support music scholarships for educational institutions offering Celtic music programs, including the Royal Conservatorie of Scotland, the Gaelic College of Arts, and the National Piping Centre.

This year, featured performers are actor James Robinson ("Braveheart"), the Scottish Country Dance trio Local Hero, the Solid Brass ensemble, harpist Jennifer POrt of Golspie, Scotland and the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band of Reldands, CA. Additionally, Gaelic Mod champion singer Paul McCallum from the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides makes his New York City debut.

Also this year, the concert will feature the world premier of two new works. "Balmoral Snow" will salute Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. "Sea of Tranquility" will honor the memory of Neil Armstrong.

Tickets are available via SmartTix by calling (212) 868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com. Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability - this concert traditionally sells out. For additional information, call (908_ 273-3509 or visit www.pipesofchristmas.com.

Last year:

Art Before Work

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:26:00 +0000

On my walk to work this morning, I stumbled on a free art exhibit in midtown.   In the lobby of the UBS Building, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, there is a fabulous free exhibit entitled To be a Lady: forty-five women in the arts, presented by Norte Maar.

I loved the serendipidous opportunity to start my day with something a little different for my visual senses.

The forty-five artists, born in the last century, happen to be women.
Best of all, there's a small Louise Nevelson sculpture included: Untitled.

The exhibit will be on view, free to the public, through January 18, 2013.   See the image gallery here.

The artists: Alma Thomas, Charmion von Wiegand, Louise Nevelson, Alice Neel, Barbara Morgan, Irene Rice Pereira, Janice Biala, May Wilson, Lenore Tawney, Louise Bourgeois, Edith Schloss, Grace Hartigan, Ruth Asawa, Betye Saar, Pat Passlof, Jay DeFeo, Susan Weil, Lee Bontecou, Viola Frey, Judy Dolnick, Kathleen Fraser, Hermine Ford, Mimi Gross, Nancy Grossman, Elizabeth Murray, Judy Pfaff, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Mira Schor, Mary Judge, Nancy Bowen, Lindsay Walt, Michelle Jaffé, Elisabeth Condon, Tamara Gonzales, Jessica Stockholder, Brece Honeycutt, Ellie Murphy, Julia K. Gleich, Austin Thomas, Ellen Letcher, Rachel Beach, Vanessa German, Kristen Jensen, Brooke Moyse, and Nathlie Provosty

Untitled by Nevelson, 1976-78

Update: CANCELLED - The TIPA Project: Reading The Glory of America

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:53:00 +0000

UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED TO DECEMBER. STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

On November 2nd, the TIPA Project will present a free pre-Election Day event celebrating the Glory of America. Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Ed Asner, currently starring in Grace on Broadway, and Tony award winner Fritz Weaver will read from the speeches by Jefferson, Cady Stanton, Lincoln, F.D.R., the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as from the poetry of Walt Whitman. Other artists participating are to be announced.

The Glory of America, celebrating our Nation's Democratic Heritage via literature and the spoken word, is a gift to the public from the artists and TIPA, to promote peace and unity through free public performances of the arts and literature.

The event is free and open to the public and is hosted at Saint Luke's Lutheran Church, 308 West 46th Street (Restaurant Row). The reading is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 2nd, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. No reservations are necessary.

TIPA, or Toward International Peace Through the Arts, was founded by Stanley E. Tannen. Stan is celebrating his fifth decade as a peace advocate and activist dedicated to promoting the Humanities – Literature and the Arts – as an instrument for peace. The TIPA Project and its founder Stanley E. Tannen have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The TIPA Project began presenting programs at New York University in 1971, and adopted its present format of readings by the great stars of Broadway, film, and television in 1982.

Score Free Tickets: Golden Boy on Broadway

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:12:00 +0000

On November 8th, a new revival of Clifford Odets' Golden Boy begins previews at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway.

The Lincoln Center Theater production is directed by Bartlett Sher and assistant directed by Noah Himmelstein, with costumes by Catherine Zuber and sets by Michael Yeargan. The cast of 19 is lead by Seth Numrich as Joe, Tony Shalhoub as Joe's father, Danny Burstein as Joe's trainer and Yvonne Strahovski as Joe's girlfriend.

The story is about Joe, a young man who is struggling on whether to follow his talent as a brilliant violinist or a prize fighting boxer.

While Odets was a successful playwright and a founding member of the Group Theatre in New York City, he apparently struggled with his own choice of making a living as a Hollywood screenwriter and the more artistic pursuit of writing solely for the stage. Golden Boy embodies this theme of his own personal struggles.

I think many of us have experienced a version of this struggle at some point: do we do what we love or love what we do? I don't mind my day job, but I think if I did what I would really love to do - work full time in the arts - I would not live in the manner to which I'm accustomed. It's a small sacrifice since at least I am afforded the opportunity to be a patron.

I have the opportunity to offer a voucher for two complimentary tickets to see a peformance of Golden Boy at Belasco between November 8th and December 13, 2012. I will randomly pick amongst commenters to this post - just tell me what you do for a living and what you'd rather do if you had the choice. I will leave the contest open through November 5th.

Golden Boy begins previews on November 8th, with an official opening on December 6th. It will play at the Belasco, on 44th Street. Tickets are available at the box offices of the Belasco or Vivien Beaumont in Lincoln Center, or online via Telecharge.

Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Last night we gathered at Carnegie Hall to hear Barbara Cook sing and swing songs from her latest album, Loverman. Although the official day isn't until October 25th, this was a huge 85th birthday concert for Miss Cook. It's been an amazing couple of years for her - back on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondehim and then in 2011, most blessedly and deservedly becoming a Kennedy Center Honoree. It's an inspiration to see lady of her age not just resting on her laurels, but still recording and sharing herself and her art.

After serenading us for over an hour and half, some friends of hers took the stage to serenade her in turn, suprising and delighting all of us: John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Susan Graham, Sheldon Harnick and Josh Groban.

I'll listen to Barbara sing anything, but I especially loved this set.   It's all great American songs by songwriters, to paraphrase Barbara, who if they only had written this one song, it would have been enough. I was particularly grateful that she included Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You."   Most beautiful was the pairing of "House of the Rising Sun" with "Bye Bye Blackbird" (which happens to be one of my favorite songs, sung by anybody, anytime) and she finalied with a stunning a capella rendention of John Lennon's "Imagine," from the edge of the stage.

She shared little snippets and stories about her career and told some hilarious jokes.   She had us all doubled-over with her confessions of her youtube surfing addiction.   She's very off-the-cuff and down-to-earth and it really feels as though you're in her living room.

We were teased with the promise of "special guests," but after Barbara carressing us for the entire time with her warmth and humor we thought perhaps that it was all there was. But when she took the stage again on the arm of John Pizzarelli, she seemed as surprised as we were.   John proceeded to read a letter from Mayor Bloomberg wishing her a happy birthday and proclaiming her as one of New York City's living landmarks.   John's wife Jessical Molaskey joined them on stage and they proceeding to sing a silly and sweet set from No No Nanette, which was written just before Barbara's birth.

Next to surprise us all was mezzo-soprano Susan Graham.   Barbara is a huge fan of opera and of Susan's - I once stood in line with Barbara to greet Susan after her final performance of Der Rosenkavalier at the Met.   She shared her story about being a little girl and hearing a beautiful voice for the very time - Barbara's voice singing "Till There Was You" from The Music Man on the hi-fi.   She then proceeded to serenade Barbara with her own rendition of this song, sans microphone.   It was divine!

Tony and Pulitzer winning lyricist/book writer Sheldon Harnick then joined the party. He sang a song he wrote for Barbara, a take off from "Ice Cream" from She Love Me.   Barbara starred in the original Broadway production of She Loves Me, by Harnick and Jerry Bock, in 1963.

Next, Josh Groban took the stage to sing Sondheim's Not While I'm Around from Sweeney Todd. Barbara is a huge fan of Josh's - we saw him perform with her at her concert at the Metropolitan Opera in January, 2006.

Finally, we all joined in to sing Happy Birthday to Barbara. It was as thrilling an evening as any when it comes to concerts by Barbara Cook. It doesn't matter if I see her from the balcony at Carnegie Hall or at at a table near the stage at Feinstein's, I always feel as though she's singing and talking right to me. She's our grandmother telling us sweet - and somewhat baudy - stories and making us feel warm, happy, and loved.

Susan Graham

Sheldon Harnick

Happy 87th, Angie!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Renée Fleming: Absolutely Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Last Friday I saw Renée Fleming in the dress rehearsal of Otello at the Met. Unfortunately, I had to leave before the finale. That's okay, because I've seen it before and I'll see it again tonight. I already know, even though Desdemona is an annoying, complacent character, it's fabulous vocally for Renée and her "Willow Song" is to die for, ahem, no pun intended.

I had to leave in order to catch a flight to Houston. I thought I would watch Absolutely Fabulous for my inflight entertainment...imagine my surprise when Renée's voice came across loud and clear singing Sheherezade from her Poemes album. For a hot minute, I thought I was channeling Patsy and Idina after a heavy night of partying. It turned out only to be a glitch in the on demand system.

Off-Broadway: Keen Company's Marry Me a Little

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:24:00 +0000

I saw the first preview of Keen Company's revival of Marry Me a Little at the Clurman in Theatre Row. I loved it so much that I went back again last week and frankly I'd love to get in at least one more viewing before the show closes on October 27th.

Marry Me a Little opened on October 2nd.   The piece is a a sung-thru musical of rare and assorted Sondheim songs, a mix of numbers from rarely seen shows and pieces that never made the cut in popular shows. The conceit is two young singles, in this case as directed by Jonathan Silverstein, a couple of Williamsburg hipsters, basically living on top of each other.   Their paths inevitably cross, but the each spend a Saturday night on their own, dealing with various demons, loneliness and boredom.

Jason Tam is adorable as "Him" and his singing is fine. It's impossible not to be interested in his broken heart and root for him in the end.   He simply oozes charm.  However, Lauren Molina is the bright light of this production as "Her."   Her vocal range is on display - lots of soprano and some mighty belting, especially with "Marry Me a Little" and "There Won't Be Trumpets." Her performance is nothing short of thrilling as she stands on the edge of the stage and gives it her all.   She is absolutely effervescent. Accompanied only by piano by John Bell, and sometimes on cello by Lauren herself, the actors are singing without artificial amplification and this just knocks it out of the park for me in the cozy space that is the Clurman.

The story, set in a Brooklyn loft, is a wonderfully clever juxtaposition of two very young and hip people going about their singleness while imagining some really romantic and old-fashioned situations.   This view, coupled with the really beautiful Sondheim songs, lends a clever and very satisfying result.   There's no need for words - it's all laid out before you in their movement and song.   Even though the two are struggling with some loneliness, it's a lovely mix of funny and sweet. I should also mention that Jason and Lauren are very sexy - not a bad way at all to spend 70 minutes of your evening.

The songlist:
"If You Can Find Me, I'm Here" - from Evening Primrose
"Saturday Night" - from Saturday Night
"Boy, Can That Boy Foxtrot"   - cut from from Follies
"Bring on the Girls" - cut from Follies
"All Things Bright and Beautiful" - cut from Follies
"Bang!" - cut from A Little Night Music
"All Things Bright and Beautiful" II - cut from Follies
"The Girls of Summer" - cut from Follies
"Ah, But Underneath" - cut from Follies
"Who Could Be Blue/Little White House" - cut from Follies
"So Many People" - from Saturday Night
"Your Eyes are Blue" - from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
"A Moment With You" - from Saturday Night
"Marry Me a Little" - cut from Company
"Happily Ever After" - cut from Follies
"Silly People" - from Saturday Night
"There Won't Be Trumpets" - from Anyone Can Whistle
"Rainbows" - written for film of Into the Woods
"It Wasn't Meant to Happen" - cut from Follies

I think this show would make for a great date night, even though I happily went solo. It's for anybody who loves a little romance and especially those who love a great, well-executed story. It's a must for Sondheim lovers.  Hopefully, Marry Me a Little will get another much deserved extension. But don't wait just in case it does close on October 27th. It's playing at the Clurman in Theatre Row on 42nd Street.   Discounted tickets are available via Broadwaybox.com.

Photo: David Gersten & Associates, Carol Rosegg

It's today: my little love is an assistant director on Broadway!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:27:00 +0000

It's today: the first rehearsal for the Broadway revival of Clifford Odet's play Golden Boy. The production is directed by Bart Sher with costumes by Catherine Zuber and sets by Michael Yeargan. My very own little love Noah Himmelstein is assistant directing! The production stars Seth Numrich as the Joe the boxer/violinist, Tony Shaloub as his father and Danny Burstein as his trainer. The revival begins previews at the Belasco on November 8th.

From my Reporter Down Under : Driving Miss Daisy

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:02:00 +0000

My great Aussie friend Glenda sent me this photo of the giant advert for Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in the upcoming Driving Miss Daisy at the QPAC in Brisbane. Glenda and her husband invited me to come along with them. I admit I was tempted to have a go and head Down Under, alas, I've got other irons in the fire. Glenda will just have to report in after she sees the play in February. Good on ya, Glenda!

Angela vs Angela: It's a tie!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:21:00 +0000

From the NYT One Page Magazine:

Note: Although I love it, I do not consider Murder, She Wrote to be Angela Lansbury's "crowning achievement." I consider it her stage career, where she has thrilled audiences regularly since the late 1950s, and especially in Mame, Dear World, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, and specifically me in person, in Deuce, Blithe Spirit, A Little Night Music and The Best Man. She may have garnered 18 Emmy and 3 Oscar nominations, but she earned 5 Tony Awards, four for Best Actress in a Musical.

Deborah Kerr Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:34:00 +0000

Any day is a good day for a Deborah Kerr film festival, but today would have been her 91st birthday. It won't be particularly hard on my eyes - she made two movies with Yul Brenner, three with Cary Grant, three with Burt Lancaster, and three with Robert Mitchum. She never won the much deserved Oscar after six nominations, although she holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for Best Actress without a win. In 1994, she was awarded an Honorary Oscar for her body of work. Although she did tours, regional theatre/summer stock, she only appeared on Broadway in two productions: the controversial Tea and Sympathy, which was made into the 1956 movie with her co-star John Kerr (no relation) (they toured with it and it was banned in Boston), and the original production of Albee's Seascape in 1975.

First Preview - Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Thanks to the producer's invitation to blogger night, I attended the first preview of the new revival of Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"   I have to say I'm feeling a little hung over this morning, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the short Jack&Ginger I had pre-show.

This 50th anniversary revival stars Amy Morton as "Martha" and Tracy Letts as "George." Madison Dirks is "Nick" and Carrie Coon is "Honey."    It is directed by Pam MacKinnon with sets by Todd Rosenthal.

I was initially tempted to skip this production, which first opened at Steppenwolf in Chicago and then had a run at Arena Stagesin D.C. last year.   I felt I had already seen the definitive production in 2005, which starred Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin.   That experience, my first Albee, was perhaps the most powerful I've had in any theatre, any time.     But because I love all Albee plays and am loath to miss a production of any of his work, I couldn't resist seeing this conceipt.

After all, Tracy Letts is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright of August: Osage County, also, like this one, one of the greatest dramas ever written.   I had the chance to speak with him before the run of his play Superior Donuts and I remember learning that he was an actor first and began writing plays in which he would be interested in acting.   It feels full circle to me to have seen his masterpiece and then see him acting in this masterpiece. Furthermore, Amy Morton also co-starred in August: Osage County, so I knew it would be interesting to see what she would do with "Martha."

The outcome is a very organic rendering of Albee's masterpiece. It's just as funny as I remembered, while being equally horrifying and gut-wrenching.   I felt the same apathy and empathy for these people as I did before and I still wanted to scream at the young people, "Just leave for Christ's sake!" But they can't leave and are sucked into the embarrassment and vitriol of the sickening evening. Even with the vitriol, these actors portayed a stunning brittleness and fragility. The final catharsis was as welcome and as astonishing as ever.   And I was still left with the feeling that I don't know what the hell happened to these people.   It's an emotionally tense three hours.

I am very glad that I took the opportunity to re-visit this play and am particularly glad that it was this production.   "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is playing at the Booth, with an opening on October 13th. Tickets are available via Telecharge or on discount via Broadwaybox.

Cast interview video by fellow ITBA Member New York Theater:

Angela Lansbury Google Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Between the publishing of the Autumn/Winter edition The Gentlewoman and the news of the next Wes Anderson film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, my Angela Lansbury Google Alert has practically exploded.

The photo on The Gentlewoman is by photographer Terry Richardson. He posted some additional photos of Angie to his blog. Kids, the lady turns 87 on October 16th. If these photos of her don't inspire you to clean up your act, nothing will.

Marry Me Extends A Little

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah B. Roberts) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 10:38:00 +0000

I saw the first preview of the Keen Company's revival of Marry Me a Little at the Clurman in Theatre Row. Lauren Molina and Jason Tam star. It's an veritable mash up of Stephen Sondheim shows, including cut and trunk songs by Sondheim, about two single people finding each other. While it's sweet, there's no sap. Natch, it's Sondheim. But it is clever, delightful and thrilling, mostly thanks to the sparkling performance of Ms. Molina. Before it even officially opens on October 2nd, they've already got an extension until October 27th. It's much deserved and I hope we'll hear there's an additional extension. I'll see it at least one more time, at which I'll post more about it, but suffice to say, I adored this production from the first moment the house lights went down. Discounted tickets are available via Broadwaybox.com.