Well, We Got Those Expected April Showers, But........................

                                       Today I say farewell to a month that is one of the difficult ones for our family.  On April 2, my mother's death anniversary, (43yrs.) David and I saw "Funny Girl," with Beanie Feldstein.  You have heard me on that, already.  But I think we were fortunate; seeing it on that date I could sense my mother's validation at doing something that was me, rather than mourning, and especially with someone as loving as my David.

                                          Of course, I read my way through April; currently I am enthralled with "The Love Songs Of W. E.B. Dubois," by Honoree Fanone Jeffers.  Girls, I cannot put its 799 pages down, and I  am nearly halfway through.  I haven't been this excited over a book since.... I can't recall when!

                                            Hayley Mills turned 76, which makes a Baby Boomer like me feel old, not to mention the 50th Anniversary of Joyce Maynard's piece, "An Eighteen-Year-Old Looks Back On Life," that helped launch me as a writer.  And, of course, there was the annual screening of "The Song Of Bernadette," at Easter.  Girls, I cried REAL tears over it, and it took 36 hours for me to recover.

                                             And now, we come to the last day, which is, in some days, the hardest.  Today is, and will always be, my father's birthday; he would have been 107 today, though I had hoped he would have made it to 105.  Alas, he died at 102 in 2018.  In retrospect, I thank God he was not here for the Covid pandemic.  He was spared that nightmare.  Also, on this date my childhood friend, since kindergarten, Doug, passed away.  I still get sad and angry over how things turned out for him; someone who had so much potential, but no drive or direction to pursue it.  And then destroyed himself with alcohol.

                                                 So, I look forward to May, after getting through this difficult day.  Prayers are appreciated.  And I have St. Bernadette around my neck.  She,  David, and my animal friends will look after me.

                                                  I am blessed.  But I gladly say farewell to this month!

Girls, Join Us All Tonight, As "Svengoolie" Closes Out April, With An Unusual Selection--Tobe Hooper's 1986 Remake Of "Invaders From Mars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                     I cannot figure out Svengoolie's April schematic, girls! Two werewolf movies, several Universal monster films--and now THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  There was no rhyme or reason to what was shown.

                                                      Now, I recall when this film came out, and I intentionally stayed away from it.  To remake the 1953 classic was a desecration; it was after all, directed by William Cameron Menzies, who I am sure had a hand in the visuals, being that he was Oscared for his work on a little something called "Gone With The Wind."

                                                        The smartest thing Hooper did was getting Jimmy Hunt, who played the little boy in the original, to do a cameo as a police chief.  And he got Louise Fletcher during her bitch period, so I do look forward to seeing Louise bitch it up. Or not--remember I have never seen this particular film.

                                                          And, then don't forget, there is the "Svengoolie" after party, hosted by "Sventoonie."  I simply cannot wait to see what film he is going to deconstruct.  It should be loads of fun.

                                                             Curiosity rules, but I have my reservations about this "Invaders From Mars."  As Jimmy Hunt said, in the 1953 original--"Gee whiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    These are the 1953 and 1986 depictions of the invaders' leader.  I, of course, prefer the 1953 one.  The one in 1986 looks like a giant pubic louse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      See you at 8PM, girls!  Baby Gojira, Kerwyn, and Cucumbo are excited!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  

                                             

Imagine! A Second Commercial Is Using The "Flower Duet" From "Lakme!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                        And why not?  It is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written, and one I always turn to when I need to be soothed by music that takes me someplace else.

                                            For years, people identified this piece with British Airways, but now the New York State Lottery, with a limo of dogs that has to be seen, has this as its accompanying music.

                                            The piece and the dogs steal the show.  The ad may not make one buy a Lottery ticket, but it will stop one from changing channels, until it is done!

                                               Just gorgeous, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speaking Of Vampires, Girls, How About A Vampire Bridal Shower???????????????????????????

                                       Darlings, I am telling you, it would be the height of Goth glamour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Look how lovely that table is decorated, and all the kohl make-up, Goth costumes, and hairstyles that would go with it.  I would not want to be the main course, but this is one party I would not want to miss.  I suggest having it in New Orleans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Even if not a vampire, or interested in vampirism, this would make a great conversation piece.  It would be talked about for days.

                                             So, girls, embrace your Inner Vampire Bride.  Have a Vampire Bridal Shower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               With food to sink your teeth into, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Don't Know How To Prepare You For This, Girls, But, According To This Book, Jennifer Jones Never Wore Panties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  This book has been on my waiting shelf for six years, and I finally read it.  It has a big section on Jennifer Jones--one of the biggest--which is why I bought the book.  But I was completely unprepared for the scandalous revelation that she never wore panties.

                                                     Now, for girls and guys, of all identities, including cis-boom-bah, that is no way to live.  Those who don't give the excuse that things need to breathe?  Yeah, well not so much that everyone notices it.  And remember if you lay down with lice, you get up lousy!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         But, really, Jennifer Jones???????????????????????????????????????JENNIFER JONES????????????  And, girls, what about "on those days?"  How does one get away with it?

                                                           All readers on here are encouraged to wear panties!  Serious consequences await those who don't.

                                                            Let me make one thing perfectly clear.  When Jennifer Jones was before the camera, in "The Song Of Bernadette," a two million dollar plus production, around which she, a novice, was the center, you bet she was wearing panties.  When one is playing one of the holiest  people to walk this earth, they had better be wearing panties.  All that groveling on the ground, digging in dirt, and eating plants?  Without panties, a girl could get an infection.

                                                              So, let me assure you, Jennifer Jones wore panties during the filming of "The Song Of Bernadette."  I mean, a nun minus panties?????????????  And you had better believe the real Bernadette Soubirous was fully dressed--and that meant panties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                Mother always said to wear clean underwear in case accidents happen!  Now, this post shows what she meant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                  And I am not even talking about DEPENDS!  Which I hope never to have to wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, We Just Loved The Toothsome Bloody Dracula Brides In "The Satanic Rites Of Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                    Darlings, I am telling you, the "Sventoonie" after party on "Svengoolie" is becoming quite the thing.  I believe Sventoonie is outdoing Svengoolie, with his radical film deconstructions, and humorous presentation.

                                         Even though "Svengoolie" showed the fun filled "Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man," featuring everything from Bela Lugosi as the Monster, to an ersatz musical number that was pure camp, the after 10PM deconstruction of "The Satanic Rites Of Dracula," from 1973, and the 1922 century old gem "Nosferatu" were surely more entertaining than the main feature.  Svengoolie better watch out, or Sventoonie--sweet little thing--could take over the show.  But, then, that is show business!

                                             What, I ask you, tops vampire brides?  Especially toothsome ones, with flowing hair, dripping blood?????????????

                                                 And they are always looking for blood donors, you know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Happy 100th Anniversary, "Nosferatu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                                      

                                                                                                

                                     

Some Overlooked Things On Saturday April 23!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Saturday is our food shopping day, girls, and while this is a given, I also stopped by the pharmacy to get my second Covid booster.  Anticipating a reaction--as I had to the others--I was low keyed this weekend and did not get to write what I should have.  Now, it is time to make up.

                                        The 23rd of April marked the birthday of these two disparate icons--William Shakespeare and Shirley Temple!!!!!!!!!!!  Shakespeare was born in 1564, and Temple in 1928.   How those stars must be aligned on this date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Too bad one could not get Shakespeare and Shirley to do a dance number together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                 

                                       Now, who is this gentleman, and why is he on here?  This is Elliot Forrest, the classy, gentleman host afternoons weekdays on WQXR.  Baby Gojira actually has the hots for him!!!!!!!!!!  So, why is he on here? April 23 is his wedding anniversary, which he mentioned on one of his programs.  So, Happy Anniversary, Elliot!  I love your movie music, "The Score At Four!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                            

                                         This next installment may have meaning to some particular viewers in my age group, and I will try and be concise.  Fifty years before, on April 23, 1972, "The New York Times Magazine" published Joyce Maynard's piece, "An Eighteen-Year-Old-Looks Back On Life."  She maintained ours was "the generation of unfulfilled expectations."  I could see through the phoniness of the piece right away, but I could not see through my own phoniness.  Because, shortly after, I wrote a rebuttal piece called "A Twenty-Year-Old Looks Down On Life," wherein I chided my peerage for having turned into "an apathetic group of jaded cynics, a society unto ourselves, a self-centered generation."  Before submitting it to "The Times," I had a professor go over it, who said my outlook on life was rather precocious.  It may have been, but what I now realize I was doing was indicting my peer group for how it had treated me during our adolescent years.  I saw myself as above and beyond them, and, at the time, I wanted everyone to know it.  Years later, Joyce owned up to her piece being all I said it was, and now I am owning up to mine.  Still, the date is etched in my memory.  And I have Joyce to thank for one thing--by example, she helped me become a writer, eventually finding my own voice.

                                          So, Saturday, April 23, was a biggie.  Not to mention "Svengoolie," which I will reflect on in another post.

                                            "Where have we gone, what have we come to," darlings????????????????

This Photograph Says It All, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Well, Beanie Feldstein has opened on Broadway in "Funny Girl," and this photo says it all.  This is not an actress, but an unsuited, spoiled little girl, who is getting what she wants, however wrong she might be for it.  And she is.  One critic cited Jessie Mueller--a choice of mine, and who this show's director, Michael Mayer, discovered for his 2011 revival of "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever--" as a potential Fanny Brice, and I agree wholeheartedly.  Jessie has a voice, which Beanie does not, and can go beyond acting as a petulant child in interpreting a role.

                                              A sage commented that her performance "was like watching the daughter of your dentist perform in community theater in Boca Raton, Florida."   Darlings, I am not sure Beanie would make Boca Raton.

                                                 From previews till now, spoiled Beanie--who is to take a week off, a few days from now; unheard of!!!!!!!!!--has been encased in a gigantic bubble of protection, like Billie Burke as Glinda in "The Wizard Of Oz," with everyone telling her how magnificent she is, even when they know she's not.  Sycophants, all!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     Well, now the bubble has burst, Beanie, and you have to come to terms with your unsuitability for this role.  BARBRA still owns it, and while others out there may be better suited--I would love to see the person who is filling in for her, in a few days--I still wonder why Michael Mayer cast her.  He shares as much blame for this as Beanie.  Maybe more.  Beanie just showed up, and auditioned, like everyone else.   But Mayer actually made the decision to cast her.

                                                        Of course, I am dying to do the role.  I am the Last Of The Belters, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But, for now, I will wait till the dust settles.  And for Beanie to come to terms with her not being the talent she and everyone said she was!

                                                          Take a chill pill, dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, If There Ever Was A Day To Get In Touch With Your Inner BARBRA, This Is It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Not just because BARBRA turns 80, which alone is enough, but tonight, Beanie Feldstein faces an opening night audience and critics in the current "Funny Girl" revival.

                                                One might say this is Beanie's Day Of Reckoning!

                                                 Can't wait to hear those critics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  As for BARBRA, she has been relaxing all day, while hubby James Brolin spoon feeds her a gallon tank of Coffee Ice Cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Eighty or not, we will always remember BARBRA like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Happy Birthday, Babs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 

Girls, Join Us Tonight, As Svengoolie Presents "Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                This week's feature is also the follow up to last week's offering, the previous 1942 "The Ghost Of Frankenstein."  Here, Lugosi plays the Monster, and Lon Chaney, Jr. his signature role of Larry Talbott, aka The Wolf Man.

                                                   I can only hope the above is simply a publicity shot.  Because, if you look closely, you can see Lon Chaney, Jr.'s actual flesh through his wolf hands.  Or perhaps Universal was just getting sloppy, in the horror department?

                                                   Keep your eyes peeled for this shot, darlings, to see if it appears.  Meanwhile there is also on hand Maria Ouspenskaya, again as Maleva, Patric Knowles, Lionel Atwill, as The Mayor, Ilona Massey, and, in the small role of Rudy, the always reliable and brilliant Dwight Frye, who was so good he found his way into just about every one of these Universal movies.

                                                       It should be an evening of fun.  But I am also looking forward to tonight's "Sventoonie," to see what horror film he deconstructs this week.  The bar is set high, after last week's redo of "Dementia 13."

                                                        So, join David, Baby Gojira, Pippin, Kerwyn, Cucumbo,. and myself for the festivities tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          The fun starts in exactly 99 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   

"And By The Way....We Have Strippers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      Today, darlings, is Earth Day, but I prefer what it used to be called--Arbor Day.

                                       And what comes to me most then, besides flora and fauna, is the Arbor Day song the two midgets (George and Olive Brasno) sing, disguised, or mistakenly perceived by the local truant office, Mr. Smithers, as children, which goes from tranquil to what by that times' standards is raucous and bawdy, but by today's is nothing.

                                          "Should we sing a song about the trees of Arbor Day?                                                                                    Should we sing a song about the trees that gently sway?                                                                               Should we be so gentle, and the sweetest story tell?                                                                                     "No," we yell!  What's there to tell?

                                          The two then began shimmying moving their hands up and down their bodies, urging people to "come and see the side show."  

                                          The titular phrase ends, and they go into their dance, which shocks the sexually repressed looking authorities, both male and female.  A subtle comment on America--a government ruled by sexually repressed people.  I mean, the same still applies today.  Just look at Mitch McConnell.

                                               "Le plus ca change, le plus meme chose."

                                                 Whenever I think of Arbor Day, I think of this.  Get out there and water your plants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      And shake your shimmy, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Here is the number.  You may have to endure some of Alfalfa, though.

                                          

"Moths, Spiders, Cats, And Things That Creep, In An English Country Garden! Spring Tea Afternoons Each Week, With The Mistress Shirley Pardon!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                             Spring is here, and May is coming, so wouldn't it be nice to have tea on the estate of Miss Shirley Pardon?  Whether in the English Country Garden--preferred--or the front of the estate, where there is more space, I would not have any objections.

                                               My recent post on Nicholas inspired this.  I plan to have tea with him, soon!

                                               Classical music has celebrated this occasion instrumentally, and I plan to convey it here.  It will give us all something to look forward to, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Here we are, loves!  Wouldn't it be simply loverly just to be here?

Happy Birthday, Patti LuPone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Girls, can you believe it?  Today is Patti's birthday--I actually thought it was tomorrow, which shows my mind is getting scrambled--and I cannot believe she is 73!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           But before getting to that matter, I should point out that 45 years ago this evening, when the Neil Simon Theatre was still the Alvin, "ANNIE" opened on Broadway.  It starred Andrea McArdle, Dorothy Loudon, Reid Shelton, Robert Fitch, Barbara Erwin, Laurie Beechman, and The Orphans.  Can I remember them?  Yes--Diana Barrows (Tessie), Danielle Brisebois (Molly) Shelley Bruce (Kate), Robyn Finn (Pepper) Donna Graham (Duffy) and Janine Ruane (July).  I wonder where they all are now, and do they recall this night 45 years ago???? I would love to hear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              Now, back to Patti.  She can currently be seen on Broadway as Joanne in "COMPANY," where she performs "The Ladies Who Lunch" perfectly, each night.   After seeing Patti in the show, and then beating Covid, don't for a minute think this is her last time on stage.  I had feared that when this production was announced; it would be nice to go out on a winner.  But Patti is unstoppable, and hons, she is not through yet.

                                               So, a big birthday toast to Patti, a wonderful day, do whatever you want, and continue to provide musical theater pleasure for us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Happy, Happy, Patti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And A Special Belated Birthday Wish To Hayley Mills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Who doesn't love Hayley Mills?  I knew her birthday was this month, but, for some reason, thought it was around the 9th or thereabouts.  Her actual birthday was on April 18, and--you will never believe it, girls--Hayley is now 76 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Doesn't she look great?  And doesn't that make me feel old????????

                                                  Nevertheless, all of us on here want to wish Hayley a happy birthday.  Hope it was a high tea, with plenty of champagne!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      We loved Hayley then and continue to love her now!

                                                         Only the best for Hayley now, and in the future!!!!!!!!!!!!

  

Belated Easter Wishes, From My Good Friend, Nicholas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Isn't he just the sweetest, darlings?  That's my handsome feline friend, Nicholas, posing for Spring, wishing all on here, including myself, a very happy Easter.  Nicholas really does know how to pose, when it comes to the camera.  And he is so handsome, and loving!

                                              Nichoas is one "cool cat."  I cannot wait to have another visit with him; so much to talk about and talk over.  And he is such a good listener.

                                                   I just wanted to share this beautiful Spring shot of Nicholas.  It makes me happy, and I am sure it will all of you, as well.

                                                     Back at you, Nicholas!  I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"At Dawn, On The First Day Of The Week, Mary Magdalene Carried Spices To The Tomb, To Anoint The Body Of Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                        This is really what Easter is all about, girls!  And if there just happened to be a rabbit in the vicinity, that was incidental!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           The popular bill of sale sold to generations was that Mary Magdalene had been a prostitute.  That is not necessarily the truth, but the poor woman suffered, yet became one of Jesus' most stalwart followers.  The Easter Gospel always starts with the titular phrase.

                                              Yes, Easter is about Jesus' Resurrection, and the hope it gives to us all, but let some credit be given to Mary Magdalene!!!!!!!!!!!!  And by the way, this is the REAL Mary Magdalene I am talking about, not Yvonne Elliman.

                                                 The blessings of Easter be with you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Gojira Wishes All On Here A Happy Easter And Passover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Our lovable Baby Gojira is always in a celebratory mood, especially when it comes to holidays, parties, and his pink fairy princess Spring outfit.  Doesn't he look just fabulous, darlings?  I am telling you, ANNA should take note, and use him in a cover shoot or a layout.

                                                 Nevertheless, he wanted me to wish all of you on here a very joyous Easter and Passover holiday season.  Blessings and love are sent forth to you from all of us on here.

                                                    Happy, Happy, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The Feast Day Of Saint Bernadette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Yes, girls, and I DO mean the real Bernadette, not Jennifer Jones!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       This was the day Bernadette died, in 1879, at the age of 35.  Fifty-four years later, in 1933, on this very day, she was canonized as a saint.  Which is what is being celebrated today, not to mention Holy Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Those who know me on here might say, why not watch "The Song Of Bernadette" today?  I admit it would make a kind of sense, but since it has been my Easter go-to movie for over twenty years, I cannot break with tradition.

                                           As Holy Saturday is a day of reflection, reflect also on the unstoppable faith and endurance of Saint Bernadette, and what she did for all in bringing forth the Spring of Lourdes, and how worthy she must have been to be chosen by Mary visiting her in the grotto.

                                              Let's hear it for Bernadette, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       

Have A Happy Holy Saturday, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Forgive me for sounding irreverent, girls, because I really do not mean to.  Today is Holy Saturday, which is the calm before the storm of the Resurrection.  It is a day of reflection, as was yesterday, and, dolls, you would not believe the time I had yesterday trying to get in my church visit on Good Friday.  I went to OLA (Our Lady Of Angels), which is nearest our residence.  I expected the church to be empty, or low keyed, with people making their visits.  Instead, I walked into the sermon of a 3PM mass, and, while I stayed and prayed and reflected, I could not help absorbing some of what was said, which is what I do not like about Our Lady Of Angels.

                                      The sermon was very admonishing and punitive, the sort of right wing Old Guard Catholicism my father and his siblings were raised on, and which was passed on to me.  I had enough, but I decided to stay for my own sake, and not let my visit be ruined.  I did notice a neighbor of ours in attendance, and wondered what he thought.  I also kept wondering how different it would have been were Sister Camille D'Arienzo up there.

                                         So, for Easter, I am going to St. Anselm's.  I want comfort, not accusations, in a holy ceremony.  My Good Friday experience was almost ruined for me.  All I can say is good riddance!

                                           Still, I reflected, said an Act Of Contrition, and got what I wanted to out of the visit.

                                              Take pause and reflect, this Saturday, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Girls, Join Us Tomorrow Night, As Svengoolie And The Gang Present 1942's "The Ghost Of Frankenstein!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                            Since David never got this month's Svengoolie Newsletter, I am not sure just what his programming is.  Two werewolf movies, and now two Lon Chaney, Jr. films.  Is it Werewolf Month, or Lon Chaney, Jr. Month?

                                               Time will tell. It could simply be Universal Pictures Month, as this week's offering, "The Ghost Of Frankenstein," is not only from that studio, but has the standard Universal repertory cast.  It brings back Bela Lugosi as Ygor, with Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Monster, and stalwart standbys Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Lionel Atwill, Ralph Bellamy, and Evelyn Ankers.

                                                All I recall from this film, unseen since I was a child, was Ygor discovers the Monster is still alive--encased in ice????--and wants the latest Frankenstein descendant to restore him to full capacity.  Ygor, of course, is up to no good!

                                                   So, it should be fun to rediscover this little seen film.  Baby Gojira and Kerwyn, plus Cucumbo, are a little non-plussed, as they do not know what to expect.

                                                   And I hope "Sventoonie," this week, has a better film to deconstruct than last week's "Creature!"

                                                     Just a reminder, tomorrow is Holy Saturday, so if  "The Ten Commandments" is shown, and you prefer that, by all means do not let me stop you!

                                                      I admire that film, but just can't take it!  So, for the rest of us, see you at 8PM tomorrow night, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Good Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     I know, I know, it seems inappropriate to call this a happy day, when it is the most solemn day of the Church year.  Followed, in just two days, by the joyous celebration of Easter.

                                       I plan on doing my best to make a church visit today, with prayers, as Good Friday is when Jesus, for all of us, sacrificed himself on the cross.  It is a reminder of suffering, but also of love, which is what I try to look at, on Good Friday.

                                        It is also a day of fast and abstinence.

                                        However, you celebrate it, darlings, I wish you all a blessed and loving Good Friday.

                                         And to those celebrants, a happy and blessed Passover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       This is an all-purpose day, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        

"Everyone Get Behind The Table, For The Picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                     According to an old Catholic joke I heard in childhood, that is supposedly what the Lord said, at the Last Supper.  Be that as it may, today is Holy Thursday, which celebrates the Last Supper, and the first Eucharist--Communion--given out.  It is also the night when Jesus was caught, having been betrayed by Judas, and it is also known as "Maundy Thursday," for the washing of the feet; Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, much to their chagrin.  At least, he did not give them a pedicure!

                                       Nevertheless, as Lent winds down, this is an important day of Holy Week, and each day leading up to Easter gains in importance. So, I want to wish all on here a Happy Holy Thursday. If you want to get all Maundy, I have no objections!

                                          And, for Theater Queens, this is the point, in "Jesus Christ Superstar," when "Look At All My Trials And Tribulations" is sung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two Postings, For The Price Of One!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     When the April 12 subway shooting took place, and the name Frank James finally popped up, I knew I had found my Bitch Of The Week.  What a spectacular return after two years.  Would that it did not happen though.

                                          Because Frank James intruded on not only those directly involved, but the millions of us, including myself, watching this live, and once more having our safety and security trampled upon.  Aside from Frank, I cannot help but feel angry at Mayor Adams; Covid is not his fault, and I wish him well, but he has been saying ad nauseum about how he was going to do something about subway safety.  Hey, Eric, quit talking the talk, and walk the walk.  If this wasn't a wake up call for you, then you have no business being in office.

                                             Someone I spoke with said James will get off on mental illness.  He should not.  Because he very skillfully engineered and planned this.  It was premeditated.  What I want to know is--why Brooklyn?  Why 36th Street, when there are more choice locales?????????  And how dare my personal space, and David's, be invaded like this?

                                                    Here is how it unfolded for me.  David left for work as usual; it was an ordinary morning.  Being a retiree, I usually do not rise until 10AM; after 35 years of getting up at 5:30AM, I feel tired enough to sleep this long, and have earned it.  At 9:40, the phone rang; it was my sister, in Pennsylvania, telling me to turn on my TV.  I did, and became hysterical.  Was David OK?  By the grace of God (and Bernadette, Jacinta, and Mary!) he was on the train before the one involved in the incident.  So, he was safe, at work.  The next problem was, how to get home, which he did by shuttle bus, so what was a stressful day turned out better than it might.

                                                        But my heart goes out to those shot and wounded, hospitalized, as well as those traumatized further by the idea of riding the subway.  It has me even more scared because of this happening.

                                                            I am now calling David every morning, after getting up, just to make sure he got in to work OK.  That is how uneasy I am.

                                                           Frank James, you are a sick bitch, and the first Post Pandemic Bitch Of The Week!  That's the only honor you deserve.  Except a life sentence in prison and making some kind of restitution to the millions you injured with your sick, terrifying deed.  No wonder this city is on edge.

                                                              For sure, Frank James is NO "Frank Mills," darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is Spy Wednesday, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Not the happiest of days, girls, but for those of us raised Catholic, an important part of Holy Week, which comes to a grinding halt this Sunday, which is Easter.

                                                    Spy Wednesday is when Judas made the done deal, betraying Jesus.  Pure and simple.  And of course, he could not live with himself afterward, so he hanged himself.

                                                     So, while this is a tragic day, it is to be remembered, because it set the motion the steps leading up to the Resurrection.  That's the positive spin.

                                                        It does not mean, as small children may think, that you spy on someone, or, if older, practice voyeurism.  It means you remember how things got started, and what hot it all ultimately culminated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         Here's to Spy Wednesday, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, What's Up With Beanie Feldstein??????????????????????????

                                        Girls, I know.  You want me to write about yesterday's subway incident, which shut down our lines, and effected David and I personally.  Thank God (and Sister Camille, Bernadette, and Mary!) that he got home safely.  He went back to work today--refused to stay home--and I talked to him.  He reported there were no incidents, though the train was noticeably less crowded.  Otherwise, he said it was like nothing had happened.

                                            When I have processed everything, and calmed down sufficiently, I will give a more cohesive report.

                                               Meanwhile, what about Beanie Feldstein????????????

                                                As you know we saw the show nearly two weeks ago.  Beanie seemed thinner than pictured above, because she is working hard.  But, for all that, the word on the street I keep hearing is not good.   Added to which--and this shows she really is not ready for Broadway--she is already outlining days she will take off.  She has the nerve--the NERVE!!!!!!!!!!!--to take a week off, four days after Opening Night.  This would be from April 28 to May 5.  Then August 26-29.

                                                   This is not how the Broadway game is played, darlings.  Or how to win friends with other cast members.  And while fans continue to call her "The Bean," it is unearned.  Ethel Merman was "The Merm," but look at her legacy.  What stage cred does Beanie have?  A bit part in "Hello, Dolly!?"  Come on; even Barbra Streisand did not become BARBRA till after winning the 1968 Oscar.  So, who is Beanie Feldstein to act like she is entitled?  It's not like she is difficult to replace, because, while she does not soar in the role, there are plenty out there who would.  And, you know, I wouldn't mind seeing the show again, just to see some of those prospects.  You may have gotten your "dream," Beanie, but, in the end, what will it do for you?

                                                       Her unprofessionalism smacks of Hollywood, where she was raised, and not Broadway or New York.  Enjoy it while you can, Beanie.  Because you won't be back!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        For those who want to see Beanie--go ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        "I'm not taking this from some third-rate diva, who can't SUSTAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It Was A Weekend Of Happenings, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Next weekend, the R train, our main means of transportation, will not be running on weekends, till sometime in June, so this was our last chance to go into Manhattan, and we had to, for several reasons, which I will get to.

                                            But first, let me wish a Happy Belated Birthday to Ann Morrison!  Theater Queens Of A Certain Age, such as I, know who she is.  How could I forget--after seeing her not once but twice in the original production of the musical, "Merrily We Roll Along," and, over the years, at various concert venues? So, Happy Birthday, Ann, weather that Covid in Florida, and hope you return to perform in NYC soon.

                                            The other reason was to do a spiritual pilgrimage, which I did, and can say was successful.

                                               Another reason we went was celebratory.  It was this--

                                             That's right, darlings!!!!!!!!!!  Coinciding with the 15th Anniversary of this blog, on April 7, Three Lives Bookstore reopened at its established location, 154 West 10th Street, and it was like Old Home Week!  I came out with a massive haul of books, the store looks great, still easy to find things, and the staff is as terrific as ever.  I cannot tell you how happy having this home-away-from-home back in its original location.  A breath of hope, I am telling you.

                                                  The last thing we did was something of a good deed.  We visited our friend, Alvin, now in rehab at The Village Nursing Home, on Houston Street, right across from the Film Forum.  Alvin seemed emaciated and frail to me, but then he has been through a lot, suffering pain from a torn pelvic bone.  Of course, being so close, we had to take a look at the Film Forum, and, girls, it really did not look any different, except for some new carpeting. David discovered there was an extra screening room installed, but don't ask me how.  Until they show something I will RUN to, I am not ready to go there!

                                                                            

                                      And, of course, yesterday was Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week!  So, I want to wish all on here a very happy one.  I did not get my palm, but maintained the spirituality of the day by listening, as we do each Sunday morning, to Sister Camille D'Arienzo, whose message was forward thinking, comforting and reassuring.

                                          All in all, a big weekend.  Not to mention a playdate with Dexter, earlier in the week, which I may cover.  And, of course, a report on  "The Wolf Man."

                                           So far, April is shaping up nicely!  May it continue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                            
   
 

Girls, Join Us All Tomorrow Night, As Svengoolie Presents The 1941 Classic, "The Wolf Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                   Lon Chaney, Jr., as Larry Talbot, did it for werewolves at Universal.  This became the actor's signature role, which he would repeat in various films throughout the 1940's.

                                                     This was a sort of anniversary picture, designed to recognize Universal's ten year hold on the horror genre, starting with "Dracula" and "Frankenstein," both in 1931.

                                                       And what a cast this has--Lon, Claude Rains, Ralph Bellamy, Evelyn Ankers, Bela Lugosi--and Maria Ouspenskaya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          The visuals are striking.  And this is where Ankers earned her designation "Queen Of The B's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                             No wonder Kerwyn, and Baby Gojira are so excited to see this.  David has never seen it, nor I, since I was a small child.

                                                                Even more, everyone here is excited about the post featurette, "Sventoonie."  What classic horror film will they humorously  deconstruct this week?????????????????

                                                                   Hope to see you all tomorrow night, at 8PM, girls and ghoulies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                    Wear your best jewelry, darlings!  Plus some wolfbane!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                

Happy Anniversary, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Yes, girls, fifteen years ago, on this very day, this blog was born.

                                       I cannot believe I have been churning out posts for fifteen years.  What a legacy!

                                        And its beginning was accidental.  I was having a boring day at work, trapped in my cubicle, and came up with the idea of creating a blog.  At first, it was just to be a repository of short stories that I had written, but then inspiration hit me--Why not become the gay Carrie Bradshaw, and write about life as I live it in New York?

                                            Thus, was born The Raving Queen.

                                             I want to thank everyone for being with me, and following me on here.

                                             As for celebrating, well cheers to everyone, but, actually I had a pre-celebration last night.

                                                I finally had that black-and-white milkshake I had been jonesing for!  And, boy, was it good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Here is to the next fifteen years, dolls!