We Won't Be Home Tonight, Girls, So Don't Let That Stop You From Watching 1943's "The Phantom Of The Opera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                     Though not nearly as good as Lon Chaney's, it is worth a look.  It is a tale of vengeance and loyalty.  Erique is an aspiring composer who has a manuscript stolen from him by an unscrupulous publisher.  When he confronts the publisher, his secretary tosses a bottle of acid in Erique's face, hence the disfigurement.  Susanna Foster, with a promising voice, was the Lucille Bremer of Universal.  You see, Lucille scored big in MGM's classic, 1944's "Meet Me In St. Louis."  But how does one top that?  One can't, and so they could not find anything for Lucille to do until 1945's "Yolanda And The Thief," which did nothing for her, and that was that.

                                    Same with Susanna Foster. She plays the Christine Daae figure, but I am not sure if she is called Christine, but I do believe that in this version she is his daughter!  Go figure!

                                      Still, it is better than the last two weeks of crap "Svengoolie" was showing.  And this was shot in Technicolor, so it should have an interesting visual landscape.  Worth watching if you are at home.

                                         But wait till next week, darlings!!!!!!!!!  I cannot reveal secrets right now, but I promise you "Svengoolie" will end the year with a BANG!!!!!!!

                                           Have fun tonight, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The fun starts, of course, at 8PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas, Darlings, From Our House To Yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      That is our annual Christmas table in our living room, with my mother's Christmas tree, homemade, and almost 60 years old.  To the left is Krampus, who comes visiting at Holiday time, and on the right is Baby Gojira in his Christmas outfit.  He and Little Pippin send love to all, and so, too does Krampus.

                                         What would the Holidays be without tradition?  While our living room is all set for Christmas, we have got to get the kitchen ready for Chanukah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Imagine, both on the same day!   It will be a full, eventful day, darlings!

                                              So, whatever you celebrate, Happy Holidays, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, We Welcome Winter! But Is This The Longest Day, The Shortest Night, Or What?????????????????

                                             I was taught that the shortest day of the year, which we have building up to since June 22, is December 22.  So, when is the shortest night?

                                              I have never been able to figure this out, but I do know that December 21st is the first day of Winter, and boy, do we have snow to show for it.  Winter arrived swiftly, like that Bugs Bunny cartoon, which makes me wonder what we are in for.

                                                 Goodbye to Autumn, and hello, Winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Looking forward to some cozy long reads come January!!!!!!!!!!!!

Audra And "Gypsy" Have Arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But How Long Will They Stay?????????????????

                              Though I was only four years old when Ethel Merman opened "Gypsy" on Broadway, I was old enough to have seen her.  I did not, but I have seen every "Gypsy" since.  For me, Patti LuPone is the Rose of our generation.  That production was perfect.

                                 As a "Gypsy" purist, I am leery of this production.  Danny Burstein will be a perfect Herbie, but what about Audra?  For starters, look at the picture.  Doesn't it look non-organic and overly staged?  I mean, come on.  And if this is "Everything's Coming Up Roses," she looks optimistic, not embittered, as she should.  Audra, Audra, what are you doing?

                                    Yes, she goes back and forth with the head and chest voices.  That cannot be good for her vocally.  She may act up a storm, but what about her singing?  It is interesting to me that every review I have read, even Jesse Green in "The New York Times," tip toes around that issue.  They try to praise Audra without addressing the most important component needed to play Rose.  There is definitely an elephant in this living room!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        There is no excuse for an insufficient Rose.  Without that, there is no "Gypsy."  Now, I am not seeing the show until January 26, so there is room for improvement.  Audra, you better be up there, because I know how Rose should be played, and if it is not right, I will send you notes like Trish Hawkins did to Sara Paulson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            "With what I have inside of me, I could have been better than any of you!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Girls, I Just Love Saturn Queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      As one queen to another, isn't she fascinating darlings?????????????

                                                     Saturn Queen is from the moon of Titan around Saturn.  She is the arch enemy of Imra Ardeen (Saturn Girl) and a choice member of the Legion Of Super Villains during the DC Silver Age of Comics.  I mean, just look at that costume.  You don't see artwork like this anymore, dolls.

                                                         Like her arch enemy, her powers are super telepathic.

                                                         There was also someone called Saturn Woman, who had Allison Hayes like hair, and the thinnest waistline; the kind all us girls would like to have.  She was from the Silver Age, too.  I don't think she was a villain, but I am not sure how she fit into the scheme of things.

                                                              But villain or not, Saturn Queen's hair and costume are just fabulous!

                                                                They may give some aspiring fashion designers some ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Happy Birthday Today To Jake Gyllenhaal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       With that perfectly wavy hair, those dazzling eyes, and that charming smile, Jake Gyllenhaal looks good at 44.  I think he will look good at any age.  Don't you agree, girls?  How many of us looked that good at 44???????????

                                          Jake is a charmer and a consummate actor.  He will be playing Iago to Denzel Washington's Othello in the coming year, on Broadway.  And those are two heavyweight roles.

                                           Which is why Jake is such a consummate actor.  He does musical theater marvelously, what with "Little Shop Of Horrors," and "Sunday In The Park With George."  The great thing about Jake is he takes risks, and does not allow his good looks to get in the way of what challenging role he may be taking on.

                                                So, a Happy Birthday to Jake Gyllenhaal.

                                                 Don't you just want to sigh, girls??????????????

It Opens Tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And We Shall See!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        The word on the street, girls, is that Chowsie, the dog, steals the show.  And let us hope our good friend, Caroline, the cow is on hand.

                         As for Audra, well, she sounds like she is trying, but that is not good enough.  I heard she is singing most of the score through her head voice.  I mean, come on!  This score is tough enough, without having to resort to tricks, and if she does that throughout, I worry about her voice holding up. They better get it right, by January 26. when I, The Raving Queen, visit the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Still, there is a good omen in the air.  This production is relighting the renovated Majestic Theatrre.  And just 67 years ago, you know what opened there?  "The Music Man" with Robert Preston and Barbara Cook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             So, maybe this "Gypsy" has a chance!

                               I cannot wait to see the reviews tomorrow, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, I Just LOVE The Benedictine Nuns At Mary, Queen Of The Apostles, Near Kansas City, MO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               These nuns are the REAL thing, girls.  They wear habits that fully cover their heads, their hemlines are to the floor, they till the soil, raise animals, and, except when speaking to God, take a vow of silence.  And I bet their bodies are pain wracked from stone floors!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 But there is something they do beautifully.  They sing.  Yesterday, I heard them sing a bunch of traditional Christmas carols, and I was moved and impressed by the beauty of it all.

                                 I mean, girls, what are the odds of assembling a group of people, let alone nuns, who sing so well?  You would have to be a casting director for a production of "The Sound Of Music" to achieve this.

                                  Which makes me wonder, especially with all the nuns out there if, to get into this order, one has to audition?  It would not surprise me, and I am telling you, I am ready to don the habit, and sing.

                                    Except, what the hell would David and I do, in Kansas City, MO???????????

                                     These sisters are the real thing.  Sister Camille would love them, and so do I!

                                     Here they are, singing the Christmas classic, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

                                    Simply divine, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess What, Girls?????????????????? It Is Book Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Compare And Contrast These Selections!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   I always start with "The New York Times," which I used to think was the book list of record.  I focus on their five fiction selections, since I mostly read and study fiction.  Though, as I grow older, and hopefully wiser, I think of it less as of record, than just another list, if not still the prestigious one.

                                     I have read four of the five Times fiction selections.  So, let's start.

                                                                            

      1.  "All Fours," by Miranda July-- Are you kidding??????????  This was a yawn of a read about --yet again--an unfulfilled suburban woman who wants to go someplace else yet ends up in a seedy hotel only half an hour from where she lives, where she has an affair with some hot guy.  Ho hum.  Hasn't this been done before?  And its graphic depictions of female actions--like inserting a tampon--does not add to the supposed literary quality Miranda July thinks she has.  The best thing I can say about "All Fours" is if I had to make a Worst list, this would not even make that. 

                                                                                 

             2.  "Good Material," by Dolly Alderton--I had heard about this one, and the cover is arresting.  Reading it, I found it to be interesting in ways I never expected.  Purporting to be about a breakup from the male viewpoint, it almost veers into "Fatal Attraction" territory, yet smartly stops just short of it.  And the female viewpoint is given too, though maybe on the basis of one percent.  But what drew me in was the protagonist is someone who is trying to make it in the world of standup comedy, and I found the depiction of that world the novel's most interesting aspect.  I intend to give this book to a friend, who is himself an actor and a comic, and his son--whom I thought of throughout--did try to make it in the comedic world.  It would not have made my list, but I really can't fault it, and it is an enjoyable read.

                                            3.  "James," by Percival Everett--Oh, come on now, really?  Critics have been going ape shit over this redo of "Huckleberry Finn," and I really don't get it.  The big reveal is absolutely preposterous and violates every tenet of Twain's work.  The sad thing is Everett is a good writer.  Thanks to this book, and the 2023 film "American Fiction," this will lead readers to discover Everett's superior novel, "Erasure."  That is a work of literary skill, and I feel this author is being honored for the wrong book.  Though I did not care for "James," "Erasure" makes me wonder where he will go from here.

                                                                               

                                         4.  "Martyr," by Kaveh Akbar--Known for his poetry, this is Akbar's first novel, and one I was not expecting to like, but loved.  The story of Cyrus Sham, his boring job, life in the bland Midwest, and loves and losses is compelling, asking the question if we are, in our own ways, all martyrs of a sort.  I am not surprised this made the list; the shocker is it is amazingly good.

                                                                              

                                         5.  "You Dreamed Of Empires," by Alvaro Enrigue--This is the one novel I have not read, but it has exciting potential--beautiful prose, a medieval Mexican setting, and plenty of bloodshed.  My local bookstore was supposed to have ordered it for me and have it by December 7; they never called, so what can I say?  When I finish what I am currently reading, this will be next, if I can get my hands on it.  I have to see what all the fuss is about--and if it is deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Here is "The New York Times'" list of fiction.  Now, let us look at mine for comparison and contrast.

                                                                              

                                               OK, girls, let's get REAL with MY book list.

                                               "The Raving Queen's" Five Best Fiction Works Of 2024

                                                                                   

                                     1.  "This Strange Eventful History," by Claire Messud--Oh, my God, girls, remember "The Emperor's Children?"  Well, her latest novel is its equal--a generational saga of an Algerian French family and their triumphs and travails from across the pond to America.  As I read it, something told me I had found The Book Of The Year, and it turned out I was right.  This is the one, dolls, make sure you don't miss out on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                              

                                        2.  "Long Island Compromise," by Taffy Brodesser-Akner-- This was another surprise.  When I picked it up and realized it was by the author of Fleishman Is In Trouble," which I disliked, I thought I was in for it.  This author scores with her second novel, which is kind of a Long Island "Buddenbrooks," the rise and fall of a Long Island family, spiced with regional dialogue and humor.  Being a New Yorker and having spent some time on Long Island--Once I wanted to live in Great Neck, darlings!!!!!!!-- I can say she gets it all right.  It takes a lot to make me laugh; books more so than movies and this one had me laughing.  Give it a chance, girls, you will be thoroughly enthralled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                          

  

3.  "Martyr," by Kaveh Akbar--An unexpected gem, and the ONLY book "The Times" and I agree on.  Which does not make it wrong or right, just that it makes for great reading.  See my comments above under "The New York Times'" list.

                                                                               

                       

                           4.  "Lucky," by Jane Smiley--Darlings, is there anything Jane Smiley cannot do?  From "A Thousand Acres," to her family saga, "The Last Hundred Years Trilogy," this woman never ceases to amaze me with the richness of her prose, characterization and insight.  And now she has done it again with "Lucky," following a Stevie Nicks type singer trying to make it in the world of rock music.  Not only does she get that world right, for Baby Boomers, she references every youthful influence of that generation--Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and others.  I was captivated by "Lucky," and as the title suggests, anyone who chooses to read it will be, too.

                                                                     

                                       5.  "Horror Movie," by Paul Tremblay--I think this is the first time I have had a book from the horror genre on my list.  But this one was just too unique and outstanding; it earned its place.  Though it does recall Marisha Pessl's earlier "Night Film," its premise is daring, and its structure is unique.  I don't think it was a coincidence that Tremblay published this during the 25th anniversary of the film "The Blair Witch Project" which set the gold standard for "Found Footage Films."   The novel's title refers to a film a group of students were making around 1993.  Only one filmmaker on that project survived, and he is being coerced by Hollywood into participating in a commercial remake of the film, of which only three scenes actually exist.  Along with all this, Tremblay includes portions of the screenplay, so one gets an idea of the true nature of the project. The big surprise is truly shocking, and I gasped when I read it.  I am not sure I will read Tremblay again, but this novel caught my attention in a way few novels of this genre do anymore.  It is too good to miss.  Read it.

                                       So, that is MY list versus "The New York Times."  See which you dislike or prefer, darlings; we all agree to disagree.  Meanwhile, happy reading.  I am going to focus more on Audra and "Gypsy," and me playing the role of Sylvia Fowler in "The Women."   Bet I nail it as good as Roz Russell.  Better than Annette Bening, I can tell you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Have yourselves a bookish holiday, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                      

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                             

                                                                          

                                           

                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                      

Oh, And I Also Saw "& Juliet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                             This show was never on my radar, darlings, but when opportunity comes, I grab it.  This was never on my birthday agenda, but I had to confess to a curiosity about it, and it is, after all, a musical.  How bad could it be?

                                                Pretty bad, and I will get to that.  But, to think back that I once wanted, as a career to be a theater/film critic.  After the taste of it I had during my birthday week, all I can say is I would have had an exhausting life.  And the professionals have to sit through crap far worse than what I saw, so I take my hats off to all of them.

                                                  As to "& Juliet."  This also came to Broadway by way of London. I used to think--foolish me--that London theater was more highbrow than American (although it used to be) and that for something to be brought over here, it had to be exceptional.  The best example was the recent Broadway iteration of Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along."  As opposed to this season with "The Hills Of California," "Tammy Faye," and now "& Juliet."

                                                     Let me explain.  I know pop music, but not the era this show uses.  Though there were melodies I recognized, the score did nothing for me.  I mean, I know who Taylor Swift is, I have heard her sing, yet I cannot name a single song.  But then, dolls, I know who Pola Negri was, and how many people can say that?

                                                         Knowing Pola Negri won't help with "& Juliet."  It is loud, colorful, and the female costumes reminded me of "SIX," which I thought was a better musical, since it had an original score.  Also, it had structure, something this show lacks.  Sure, its premise is what if Juliet had not died, and it might have been fine, had they just stuck to that.  But then bringing in Shakespeare, portraying him as a sexist husband, and his wife Anne Hathaway (the name gets a laugh every time it is said; I wonder if the actress has seen this show) as an unfulfilled, unrecognized talent, and then resurrecting Romeo, who comes off as such a doofus are just too many plot threads for one musical, and, frankly, who cares?  It's not like Shakespeare has never been a source for musical theater, often resulting in some of the best works of the genre--"The Boys From Syracuse," "Kiss Me, Kate," "West Side Story," even "A Little Night Music."   But these had original scores, not a hodge podge of songs the creators happened to like and then fashion a musical based on them.  A musical starts with a book, and this book is overwritten and contrived.

                                                           Sure, the performers are talented, energetic, with Luke Shepard's direction and Jennifer Weber's choreography moving things along, if only in a generic routine manner. Oh, and if one suffers from motion sickness or epilepsy, Howard Hudson's lighting design is sure to drive one crazy!

                                                              Still, I did learn one life lesson from "& Juliet."  One way of solving life's problems is to stick the problem person in a convent.

                                                                 Were I not married to David, I might have been taking my vows right now, if not proselytizing on the floor before the cross of Christ, in the shape of that cross. And on a stone floor!!!!!!!!!!!  Like Gladys Cooper!

                                                                    But really, who wants to join a convent, except that run by the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence?

                                                                    I am telling you, girls, skip this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Birthday Chronicles Came To An End On Saturday November 23, With The Opportunity To See "Tammy Faye--A New Broadway Musical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

                                        Well, not for long, darlings, because the show is closing this afternoon.

                                       You know, girls, flops can be interesting.  Some are unrecognized classics, like "Henry, Sweet Henry," "Merrily We Roll Along," and "RAGS."  Others are just plain boring, like "A Doll's Life," even though it may have Harold Prince's direction.

                                         But then, there is "Tammy Faye."

                                         Interestingly enough, because of traffic, we were late for the show, arriving a half hour in.  You know, it did not make a damn bit of difference; in fact, had we missed the entire first act, it still would not have mattered

                                           No one really wants to watch a train wreck but watching a musical fall apart before one's eyes can be fascinating, especially to Theater Queens.  This.was the show's only virtue.

                                            Elton John may be a renowned songwriter, but he strikes out here.  Only one number, "If You Came To See Me Cry," sung with great passion by Katie Brayben, who plays Tammy, demonstrates what the show could have been, but it is too little, too late.  I felt really sorry for Miss Brayben, who was brought over here from London on a tidal wave of awards. She was probably sold a bill of goods that this show would do for her what "Evita" had done for Patti LuPone.  I could tell by all the lavishness of the sets and costumes, and opening the Palace Theatre after years, that this was exactly what the producers had in mind.  Except they had no score to back it up.  So, I have no idea what Brayben's future will be after this musical.  I am not worried about Christian Borle and Michael Cerveris, who are Broadway favorites and will soon find other gigs, which will soon make them forget about this one.  Rupert Goold, who directed Rene Zellweger in the film "Judy" fails again with another biographical product.  This show makes Tammy Faye into a saint, and she wasn't.  "Evita" had the guts to show the flaws of its titular character, but this show sanitizes and glosses over all the terrible things the Bakers did, so when the fall deservedly comes, those who don't remember this moment in history may be confused.  Like the recent news story about the cake for Eric Adams falling apart, this show does right before its audience's eyes.

                                            Yet it is not boring, because the astute theatergoer will keep analytically wondering what went wrong, or what could have been done to make this show better.  It had the talent, it had the drive, but there is no fire to this show, and Brayben, who does not even look like Tammy Faye hasn't the spark or charismatic presence that the real Tammy had.  Imagine a "Gypsy" with a bad Momma Rose.  Well, we got that with Bernadette Peters, back in 2003.  The results are the same here, except "Gypsy" still retained its great score.

                                               I feel sorry for those involved who worked so hard on this show.  I really do.

                                                Christian Evangelism, on television, whether you agree with it or not, does have a kind of theatrical magic.  That is what is sorely missing here.  Perhaps the show needed some evangelical consultants, because the show does not get it right.

                                                   The real thing knows how to hide the smoke and mirrors.  This show does not, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   After today, it will be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, I Am Telling You, Do Something Better This Saturday Night Than Watching "Dinosaurus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                           "Svengoolie' is really scraping the bottom of the barrel this week.  When this film was first hyped in 1960, as a child I thought it looked to be the greatest dinosaur film ever!  How wrong I was!

                             The dinosaurs in this film look worse than in 1993's "Jurassic Park," and not nearly as realistic as in 1925's "The Lost World," and 1933's "King Kong!"  Give me those earlier films any time!!!!!!!!!!

                                The caveman in this film is a hoot!  He looks like the cousin of "Eegah!," and probably is.  He does not improve things any.

                                  Even if one has never seen it, I would say skip this one.  I don't know what we are going to watch tonight, but it won't be this tripe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Get your act together, Svengoolie.  At least feature Nostalgiaferatu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As One Of The Show Lyrics Go, Darlings, This Show Will Leave You "Thoroughly Satisfied!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      Almost as soon as we arrived in our Bay Ridge apartment, with me happily exhausted from my birthday holiday, we received word from our connections that we would be heading back into the city that night--driven to and from--to see the revival of "Once Upon A Mattress," now playing at the Hudson Theater, where, a year ago last October, we saw "Merrily We Roll Along!"

                                        The show, the only musical written by Mary Rodgers (daughter of composer Richard) is a takeoff on "The Princess And The Pea."   It is pure musical theater magic, compared to the rest of what is on Broadway.  Sutton Foster is as perfect for Princess Winnifred The Woebegone, as Carol Burnett was back in 1959.  Foster not only puts over the numbers "Shy" and "Happily Ever After," with the pizzaz required, her limberness and bodily flexibility is remarkable, and she is incredibly adept at the physically comic aspects of the role.  As her Prince, Michael Urie emerges from a charming Mama's Boy into a person of his own strength.  And Ana Gasteyer is devilishly humorous as the Queen Mother.

                                            The rest of the company is solid, the sets and costumes appropriately fairy tale like.  And to think this was directed by Lear deBessonet, from ENCORES!  She was the one I thought ruined "Oliver!" when we saw it there, so I am amazed she pulled this show off so well.

                                             A more delightful evening of musical theater one can't ask for.  But, girls, I urge you to see it fast.  I have heard no postings, but I fear it may be part of the January show exodus.

                                                This 'Mattress' will have you purring contentedly, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Celebration Ended On November 21!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But It Sort Of Continued, As You Shall See!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Girls, I forgot to mention that on Sunday, November 17, before we dashed off to see "Communion," David and I had lunch with our friends, Dan and Norma.  She is a former librarian, and he is a high-powered lawyer.  And guess where we were seated, girls?  At the famed Algonquin Round Table.  We had lunch and discussed all kinds of subjects.  I felt like Dorothy Parker, just sitting there!

                                        But, like I said, we left The Algonquin on Thursday, November 21, after Hamlet provided us with wonderful service.  I know I will be back, if only to see Hamlet.

                                      However, the celebration didn't exactly stop, as you shall see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Gojira Has His Own Comic Book, Honoring Works Of Literature!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't That Thoughtful Of Him????????????

                               And doesn't he look so cute on the cover?

                             Gojira is branching out in all sorts of cultural directions.  This may be his way to get young adult readers turned on to works of good literature.  I mean, who wouldn't listen to Gojira???????

                             I bet Sister Camille would love it.  And I know Gojira would love to distribute some to all the needy children.

                             He just wants to bring a bit of joy to the holiday season.

                              Thank you, Gojira!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come On, Girls, You All Know We Love Saying It--"Kill Her, Mommy! Kill Her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            I know it is December, darlings, and we are in the midst of preparations for the Holiday season, but today is also Friday The 13th, and you know what that means.

                            It means what better way to take a break from all the holiday hubbub than to watch the 1980 classic.  I cannot believe 44 years have gone by.

                             Betsy Palmer, as Mrs. Voorhees, whom we all love, acts the role with her teeth.  This is the best performance by an actress with her teeth that I have ever seen and expect never to see again.  Betsy must have had fantastic dental coverage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 And how about that horndog Barry, and that tramp, Claudette?????????????  They started the whole thing!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    How about Crazy Ralph, and the truck driver?  And Sandy, the diner waitress?  They are all in this film!

                                      We will probably start around 9PM. Join us in watching this classic, honoring this day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        As Mrs. Voorhees says, "I'M not afraid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And Then, After "The Roommate," We Dined In The Algonquin Lounge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            We were not at the Round Table this time--that is for another post--but we had dinner here the evening of November 20.  Our good friends from scenic Mill Basin, Brooklyn, Joe and Davida, joined us, and a good time was had by all.

                             While we were seeing "The Roommate," they were seeing "M.J., The Musical."  I never considered it before, but Davida said the performers playing Michael Jackson and the dancing were terrific.  Who knew?  Not that I am running to it, but another person's point of view, especially one whose opinion I respect, can help evaluate the validity of seeing a show not on one's radar.

                                Oh, when we were leaving to see "The Roommate," Hamlet came out of hiding to wish me a happy birthday.  He let me pet and scratch him, and he enjoyed every second of it, as did I.  It was so kind and thoughtful of him taking time out of his busy schedule in running this hotel.

                                 A day and a birthday never to forget, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Birthday Chronicles Continue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girls, Hurry And See Mia And Patti Before They Close On December 15th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  I can't say that "The Roommate," by Jen Silverman, is a world beater of a play, but with Mia Farrow and Patti Lupone sharing the vehicle, it becomes a performing arts event.  One which we attended on November 20, 2024.

                                   Which is exactly what "The Producers" was, back when Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick were in it.  When they left, the show tanked.

                                       The same would happen with "The Roommate."  Farrow and LuPone make the show!

                                         It is an interesting, exploratory character study of two very different women--Sharon (Farrow), living in Iowa, a lonely divorcee, who takes in a roommate named Robyn, a Bronx bomber, played by LuPone as bomber as one can get.  A butch lesbian, who has been married, she comes off as intimidating yet fascinating to the rather sheltered Sharon.  But as the drama unfolds, the audience sees sides of these characters that even they never suspected were there.  This is not as simplistic as "Single White Female," nor as dark, but I have never seen LuPone so vulnerable on stage as she appears, at times, in this. She was not a bit believable as Fantine, but her "Passion" showed she had the chops for vulnerability.   Farrow plays a likable, mousy sort, who is soon revealed to have a steel spine lurking underneath.  And this is what makes them a fascinating duo.  Under the direction of Jack O'Brien and Marsha Mason, both actresses play on the public's perception of what they think are their true selves--but is the public right?  Is the audience right about the characters?

                                           That is the fun of watching Farrow and LuPone.  They go in directions one is not expecting, and one feels sadness for both, but especially Farrow as Sharon.  Though I thought, as the play ended, she would eventually find another roommate.

                                               There is even a verbal cameo by that fine young man, Ronan Farrow!  If only he had appeared live on stage! Some of us would have gone crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I know I would have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   "The Roommate" is like a master acting class, with two mistresses of the craft, going at it.

                                                     Be sure not to miss them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     As Mia might say, "Tannis, anyone?????????????"

The Word On The Street About The Audra "Gypsy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                           Have you heard the vocal tracks on the ads, girls?  She sings it like a coloratura soprano.   Which she is, so why the hell is she doing "Gypsy??????????"

                                           Even worse than this, I have heard that she sings "Rose's Turn" in a grey dress, with the blood of her daughter, Louise, running down the front.  Suddenly the audience is magically transported to Times Square, where, while Audra ends "Rose's Turn," Louise sings "Little Lamb!"

                                          You have got to be kidding me, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I know it is a rumor, so I hope this is not true, but the very idea!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh, and this is definite--the Jerome Robbins choreography is going to be jettisoned, in favor of new.  If there is any break dancing in this "Gypsy," I will have plenty to say about it.

                                          Remember, this is "Gypsy," and for some Theater Queens the ultimate musical, which we do not like being tinkered with.   On January 19, when I arrive, I will have a legal pad and pen to take notes, and if I see one step awry, this production will get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            If I hear any more word on the street, I will be sure to let you know.  Till January 19, I am excited for "Gypsy."  Let us see if it is worthy of that excitement.

                                             "Hold your hats, and hallelujah!," dears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        

Girls, Seventy Years Ago Tonight On Broadway, Theater Was Changed Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Just look at the hysteria on Nancy Kelly's face!  And it is only going to get worse, as her killer child digs in her heels, with those shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Nancy, at this point, is just beginning to realize that child Patty, aka Rhoda Penmark, is indeed a very dangerous child.

                                          Yes, darlings, tonight, seven decades ago, "The Bad Seed" opened on Broadway.  And theater has never been the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             If only it would get a Broadway revival today.  But how could you match this perfect cast?  I doubt one could.

                                             Patty McCormack is the only one still alive.  So, Happy Anniversary, Patty! Thanks to film there is an approximation, and an excellent one of that stage performance, since the camera treats the film like a staged play, especially within the interior scenes.

                                                Darlings, if you have never seen it, you will have the fun of your life.

                                                And when Nancy Kelly drops the drinking glass--oh, my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Don't Care What Anyone Says! The Feast Of The Immaculate Conception Is December 8! So, Why Is It Being Celebrated December 9????????????????

                               I was always taught December 8 was this feast day.  But now itis being celebrated tomorrow.  I just don't get it.  What would Mary say?

                              Those who want to participate in the celebration have to go to mass tomorrow, on the 9th.  What gives, darlings???????????

                               Give Mary her due!  She deserves it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               This is a time when we need Sister Camille, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Skip This One If You Have Seen It Already, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                I know it has the creme de la creme of horror actors, probably their last gasp of glory.  But what should have been a campy delight is a mess, with Peter Lorre the real scene stealer in this film.

                                "Svengoolie" needs to get his act together, and show more gems, than this mess.  Because of that, David, myself, Baby Gojira and Company will be watching something else.

                                  We will be watching 2024's priest drama, "Conclave." Stanley Tucci is in it, and there are nuns to liven things up.  One of whom is played by Isabella Rossellini, and I hear she goes real Gladys Cooper in this.  I can't wait.  Catholicism seldom is such fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Whatever you watch, girls, even if it is "The Comedy Of Terrors," have a wonderful, safe and fun filled Saturday night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Hey, Nostalgiaferatu!  Can you get Svengoolie to show better movies???????????

                          

After "Our Town," On Tuesday Night, We Went To Serendipity 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who Knew????????????????????????????

                           I just returned from doing my one-mile walk, so I hope this has coherence.  Of course, years before, I had been to the original Serendipity on the Upper East Side, and I felt that one visit was enough.  Especially after having to wait two hours--can you believe it, girls? --to get in.  And this was way before Covid.

                           I hadn't even been aware there was a Serendipity 3.  Was there ever a Serendipity 2?

                         This one is in the theater district, right near where we saw "Oue Town."  Unlike the one on the Upper East Side, this one is gigantic, spacious, and decorated in a candy-colored childhood fantasia I would love to convert our apartment into.  Very Lewis Carroll-esque.

                          Like Alice, I could not wait to go down this rabbit hole.  And while I know this contributed to my A1c going up--I mean we were celebrating my birthday, for heaven's sake! --it was worth.

                          I have never done a single drug in my life. That is right, dears.  But I am telling you, darlings, for a guaranteed high, you have got to try the Frozen Hot Chocolate!!!!!!!!!!  It is huge, and good and sweet to the max.  I was on such a rush I actually felt stoned, and David had to wind me out of there back to the Algonquin, where I am sure Hamlet knew what had taken place!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Girls, this is not to be missed.  Just take a look at this!

                        I mean, how could this be resisted??????????????????

                       The service and staff were great to us, and this was at peak after theater hours.

                        Go to Serendipity 3, darlings, and live out your Candy Land fantasy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                       

And Don't Forget, Girls, Tonight Is St. Nicholas Night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            This concept and illustration came from a book I had as a child and still own, called "Tales Told In Holland."  The American Santa Claus originated in European traditions of St. Nicholas, which varied in different countries.

                              In Holland, as depicted, he rode about on his white horse, dispensing gifts to good children, accompanied by Black Pete, his Moor assistant, who carries a stick to beat and a bag to carry of bad boys and girls!  Look out for Black Pete and his switch, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Elsewhere, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, often depicted as the Grim Reaper, or a great, hairy beast. In some parts or Europe this is Krampus Day, where folk dress up like Krampus and parade about, getting drunk, I am sure.  Not unlike our American Santacon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                So, dolls, before thinking Christmas is a uniquely American thing, realize if it was not for Europe there would be no holiday celebrations like those now.

                                  A Happy St. Nicholas and Krampus Day to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                

That Evening, November 19th, We Saw "Our Town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" What A Revelation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Like most theater folk of my generation, I have been "Our Town"-ed since high school.  It was done at my college.  I saw the last revival with Spalding Grey.

                                             So, "Our Town--" again???????????????????

                                             I figured seeing it at this age would be different from seeing it as a teen.  And I was right.  For one thing, in the Stage Manager's opening speech, instead of naming the characters, names the actors playing them.  There is a wall blocking the stage, often used for intimae scenes, like when doors open and George and Emily have their next-door courtship.  And this "Our Town" is done straight through, without an intermission.  What I thought was a lengthy three acter, is a quick one hour and forty minutes.

                                               But packed with insight and great performances.  Richard Thomas and Katie Holmes fair best, as the Webbs.  Katie Holmes is a revelation, taking on an acting challenge like this and running with it. When she is onstage, one cannot take one's eyes off her.  Every little gesture speaks of technique and revelation.  The only other actress out there I could see doing this is the divine Celia Keenan-Bolger.  But Katie Holmes is impressive.

                                                  Julie Halston has some funny moments as Mrs. Soames. But "Our Town" earns its grit when it gets to Act Three, set in a cemetery, with deceased members catatonically seated, though they do speak.  Having turned 70, this scene hit me int he solar plexus.  Because I am closer to those seats than I was when first exposed to this play, and the truth cannot escape me.  And when Zoey Deutsch as Emily does her famous "Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you" speech, there was not a dry eye in the house.  As it should be.   Kenny Leon directs a great company of actors, but I wish he had allowed or encouraged Ephraim Sykes to show emotion when by Emily's grave.  Seeing this scene has always made me wonder if the afterlife is like this.

                                                         And what of Jim Parsons as the Stage Manager?  He was a surprise too.  I was afraid there would be too much of Jim Parsons, but the actor restrains himself and projects the image of a shell backed New Englander.  It is a testament to Kenny Leon's direction.

                                                             This production is playing through January 19.  Which happens to be the day we see Audra McDonald in "Gypsy."  You can bet I will be critical about THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                               While "Our Town" is here, it should be seen.  It may not be the "Our Town" our youth remembers, but it is the one present day youth, if they go, will remember always.

                                                                   Where are the Thornton Wilders when needed???????????