Girls, To Think We Are Halfway Through 2024!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Already?????????  Darlings, I know some mark it as July 1, but let's face it, June 30 is the end of June, the end of six months.  And it has been an eventful Junes, what with The TONY Awards, my seeing "An Enemy Of The People," with the TONY-winning Jeremy Strong, and social gatherings too numerous to mention.

                                       David had his surgery on June 12 and came through it.  A situation has developed that is being dealt with, but I don't feel like saying more now.  I promise I will, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Coney Island is open, Summer is here, and today is Gay Pride.  So. let us celebrate all, as we have made it through the first half of this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           The second half ought to be really interesting, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Gay Pride, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Well, darlings, it is here!  Gay Pride, that seminal day in June when the community comes together and shows itself off, at its best.  Can we extend that for another 364 days, dears, hmmm?

                                  Really Gay Pride is for anyone who wants to express who they truly are but may have difficulty doing so.  Cast aside your doubts and fears and get out there and celebrate.    

                                     There are some great songs out there, but I am going to go with the obvious.

                                Here is Donna Summer singing "Last Dance."  Happy Pride, everyone!

Girls, No Home Is Complete Without This Lovely Victorian Escritoire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I actually write my posts on one.  Not quite as ornate as this, but elegant, nevertheless.  You simply MUST get one of your own, darlings.  They make writing, and other chores like paying bills so much more pleasant.

                                            Elegance enlivens any part of the house. But make sure there is an apt space for any escritoire you decide on.

                                              You will be the toast of Mayfair, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, I Promise You, If You Have Already Seen It, You Can SKIP "The Undead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                               I think this is Svengoolie's way of airing a tribute to Roger Corman, who passed on April 5, by broadcasting one of his films on Sven's Saturday night program.  I think the idea is great, but the choice wrong, because this is really not a very good film, and Roger Corman made better films, more deserving to be aired, than this.  Like "It Conquered The World," with Cucumbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Really, darlings, I know it has Alison Hayes, pictured here in all her bosomy glory, and it has a dance sequence that would foreshadow "She Demons" the following year, which would outdo it, but really that is all here that is worth watching.

                                 Roger Corman was noted for doing things on the cheap, but this film takes that idea to new heights, having been shot over the course of seven days in an abandoned supermarket.  But I give the filmmakers credit--the viewer cannot tell when the actors are in the frozen food section!!!!!!!!

                                  Again, for those already having seen it, do not watch it.  Better to stick your head in the freezer for several seconds, just to cool off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  And on the eve of Pride, too!  Why not "I Was A Teenage Werewolf," "Blood Of Dracula," or that howler, "Earth Vs. The Spider?"

                                  What is it with these programmers?  "Svengoolie," Channel 13, The Film Forum, they all have been making terrible choices lately.

                                     "The Undead" will not seduce you, darlings.  It will lull you to sleep.  But that's not such a bad idea, is it?

                                       Anyway, skip it!  I will let you know what we watch, instead.

                                        

Friday--Pride Week Song--Amber Riley Singing "MacArthur Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                 I know, girls, I know, you were expecting me to choose "Over The Rainbow."  Well, its greatness will be forever, so, when I heard Amber Riley's fresh take on the classic "MacArthur Park," I was again draw to the sense of romanticism it first had for me, when I was twelve years old.  Yes, darlings, for many years, I defined love by "MacArthur Park.

                             Of course, that was a long time ago, darlings.  But the music, with Amber's take, is still alluring, and to me seems perfect for Gary Pride.  Keep your eyes on the nice blond young man doing the piano parts.  Not only is he cute, but he is technically brilliant.

                               This song means many things to many people.  It still even puzzles some. But one cannot escape its allure.

                                Gays, and maybe not, will dance to it automatically.  Many will see a poetic ballet piece in their heads, or just be swept away for its nearly seven minutes by the sheer poetry of the piece.

                                  Romantic, poetic, questioning, and haunting, I think this is the perfect song for Gay Pride.

                                   But don't take my word for it.  Listen.

                                     Go, Amber!  And her pianist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday--Pride Week Sister Act--Bette And Joan In "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?"

                                    No need for last names here, darlings, because we all know them, don't we?   I knew I had to work Bette and/or Joan in here, somehow, and what better way than the picture in which both starred and impacted gay sensibility for decades?  And still does.

                                      Of course, the pivotal line is the child Blanche (Gina Gillespie) saying, "I won't forget.  You BET I won't forget."

                                        But I just love when Joan asks Bette how next-door neighbor Mrs. Bates (Anna Lee) enjoyed her film, and Bette, mocking Joan, say, "Oh, really?  Did she like it?  She LIKED it!!!!!!!!!!"

                                         Girls, we all know the lines and we have all acted it out, at one time or another.  I always want to be Jane; I can't imagine anyone wanting to play Blanche, except for the big reveal, unless there is a streak of masochism in them.  And there are plenty of those out there, girls!

                                            'Baby Jane' just warms the cockles of my heart.  It depicts the childhood I longed to have, and maybe still do, and it is just so much FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             What could be better for Pride Week than this perfect "Sister Act??????????????"

Wednesday--Pride Week Book--"Peyton Place," by Grace Metalious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Face it, darlings, every one of us has a copy hidden somewhere in their dwelling.  This is where it all began.  Though there are no conspicuously gay characters in the novel--but Norman Page in the novel is open for discussion--this is the novel that slapped small-town America in its face, and motivated burgeoning gays to leave it as soon as possible.

                                          When this title is mentioned, I always hear from people like me who came from small towns, "That is where I grew up."  "Peyton Place" is not just Gilmanton, New Hampshire, which Metalious based it on, it is universal!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Where would the gay community be, were it not for "Petyon Place?"  I can tell you I might have by now been confined to a mental institution.  Then, I could do my act, just like Baby Jane Hudson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Thankfully, I made it out of that ennui and to New York, where I carved out a life for myself.  As did others who flocked there, or Chicago, or San Francisco. Any urban center with a high gay population!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     Those too young or lacking, having not discovered "Peyton Place," I say there is no better time than Pride Week to read it.  What discoveries there are to be made.

                                                       Or, to quote Dr. Seuss, "Oh, The Places You Will Go!"

                                                       Happy Pride, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday--Pride Week Movie--"Valley Of The Dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            I knew I wanted a musical, darlings.   At first, it was a tough choice, but when this 1967 classic popped into my head, I knew I had made the right decision.

                            This film may not be a musical, but it feels like one, brimming with numbers that are just so unbelievable.  Iconic costumes?  How about when the beads envelope Patty Duke's boobs??????????

                            But mostly it is a story for all us girls.  Come on, hons, you know you have all acted it out in your bedrooms.  Or maybe even your living rooms.

                             Many opt to want to be Helen Lawson.  Sure, she is campy and fun, but for me there is only one choice--Neely O'Hara, "the lovable kid from vaudeville, who became a star and a monster."  That's me, for sure!  And I cannot wait to have that hysterical epiphany in the stage door gutter, with that hair style and coat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 There is no escaping it--"Valley Of The Dolls" is the perfect movie for Pride Week.  It goes great with coffee and alcohol.

                                     Have fun acting out as self-destructively as you want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      And watch out for Jacqueline Susann's cameo.  It will demonstrate why she never made it as an actress!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time To Celebrate, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          The week has arrived, at last, and, girls, while there are strangers and sailors in town this week, there is more to celebrate than sex.

                             Each day I will post something that exemplifies gay pride.  The choices are mine, of course, but they will relate to all LGBQT persons out there.

                              Of course, the week culminates with Sunday's Gay Pride Parade, which David and I no longer go to, due to our age, the heat, and the crowds.  But we watch the coverage on TV.  In past years, we have usually gone to a show, but David's health right now eliminates that.  Perhaps we can watch a gay centric film instead.

                                That is the key to this week--do something gay centric, for yourselves, loved ones, or friends.  Or if you know a member of the gay community in need of help, reach out to that person.

                                  Have a happy and joyous Pride Week, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

OK, Girls, With Gender Fluidity, I Think The Time Is Right! How About An All-Male "FOLLIES????????????????????"

                             The way I figure it, darlings, the men who play the female roles would dress accordingly, while the husbands would dress accordingly as well.  It would not be a total gender reversal.

                             Come on, you Theater Queens, especially those of a certain age, you know you have had this fantasy for years, you have even sung, danced and acted it out to the original cast album, or learned the choreography for "Who's That Woman?" on YouTube.

                              I can attest I have done all of the above!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

                             I have my eyes on three roles.  The first is Sally, because my color is pink, and I know I can nail her songs. But I would not turn down the role of Stella Deems, because then I get to lead on "Who's That Woman?"  Nor would I overlook Hattie Walker, as I can really belt out "Broadway Baby!"

                          It was only a matter of time, darlings, before it would have to be considered.  And Theater Queens would flock to this production, not just to hear the score, but to hear a bunch of male voices finally singing it.

                         How about it, girls?  An all-male version of "FOLLIES???????????"

                        "Hit it, baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I Want To Do A Jardiance Commercial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Listen, darlings, I have been taking it for several years now, and while it is worth it, it has cost me enough.  Every six months I enter a "hole period" where I pay nothing for it; the other six months it is $100 a bottle, and I buy in three-month increments, so that is $300 I have to lay down for Jardiance.

                                But more than that, I think the Jardiance commercials, the jingle, and those who wrote it, let alone the staging, show a potential future for film and Broadway musicals, and I want to be part of that.

                                 I want a pretty outfit, like the lady in the picture, and I know the jingle, and am certain I can work out some dance moves.  She is wearing two of my signature colors.  I want pink!

                                  I mean, does she really take Jardiance, or is it an act?

                                   With me, it would be the real thing??????????????

                                   How about it, advertisers????????????????????????

                                   And can the price of the medication be lowered??????????????????

 

"Ain't It Awful, The Heat???????????????"

                             That is the opening number of the Kurt Weill/Langston Hughes musical/opera "Street Scene," which opened on January 9, 1947, at the Adelphi Theatre.  It was adapted from Elmer Rice's earlier play, which opened on January 10, 1929.

                             The heat is awful.  And we have had more than our share this week, darlings.  If this is a harbinger for the rest of the summer, then most of us will spend it indoors.

                             "Street Scene" was about a building of New Yorkers who had no access to anything--no air conditioners or window fans.  People in a building like the above could only keep their windows open, hoping for a breeze.  Those truly desperate would spend the night sleeping outdoors, in whatever park was nearby.  Of course, this was when it was still safe to do so.

                                 As for the upper crust, my guess is they slept blanket-less on the finest sheets, in their silken underwear.  They wouldn't dare mix with the lower classes, even in the park,

                                  Thank God for air conditioners, darlings.  It helps stave off heatstroke, dehydration, nausea (which this heat makes me) and any ills heat of this nature the heat can bring on.

                                   "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof?"  Damn, darlings, like Maggie, I would have jumped off the roof!

                                    Stay cool, you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, My God! Is That Barbara Stanwyck?????????????????

                                    Were one looking at this photo, with poor vision, it would be easy to think this was Stanwyck.

                                    But it is not.  It is Colleen Gray in her signature role as June Talbot in 1960's "The Leech Woman," from Universal Pictures.

                                      "Svengoolie" is showing this favorite of mine tonight at 8PM, so make sure you are with us, girls!  Especially those who have never seen it.  It is a hoot.

                                        Yet, in some ways it is not.  Over ten years ago I did a lengthy analytic post for this film, which can be searched for on here, recognizing it also as a proto-feminist film, and a study of a desperately lonely, troubled woman, who tragically thinks that the secret of eternal youth will buy her lifetime happiness.  It does not.

                                           Ironically, with the titular character's surname being Talbot, so is one of the actual co-stars.  The great Gloria Talbot, who gets too little screen time, plays June's rival, Sally, like she does any of her roles--a campy Fifties bitch with a bullet bra sweater!!!!!!!!!!  She is always well dressed, that Gloria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Girls, I am telling you, do not miss this delightful treat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           And remember, you don't have to resort to June's methods.  All that is needed is a good moisturizer and sunscreen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I mean, you don't want to look like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Good thing this was not shot in Technicolor.

                                       See you at eight, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         

To Enliven Your Summer Dining, Girls, Why Not Serve Everrything In A Bento Box???????????????

                                                                        

                                   Darlings, isn't it simply captivating?  I mean, it is so economical and so simple!

                                  And great for one's health, as it doles out smaller portions!!!!!!!!!!!

                                The first one is like a rather sophisticated version of a Swanson's TV Dinner!

                               The second, with multiple boxes, could result in a meal being served buffet style!

                               Of course, I am suggesting these be used with American food, for variation.

                              Isn't this a charming idea, girls?  Eating American, but Japanese style!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I am sure Lady Murasaki would approve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is A Day Of Remembrance, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          From 1990 till about 2014, this was a major event in my life.  As the years went on, the group I would go with became larger and larger. until Time, that inconstant jade, did things in.

                           For starters, what began as a small, local event, that only purists like us knew about, became a worldwide phenomenon, thanks to social media.  Now, the crowds are so intense, and with this heat, I do not know how I would stand it, at my age!

                            Then the eatery we went to went out of business.  I remember one year we decided to go to Gargiulo's, and I had to take a change of pants, because shorts were not allowed inside.  Even though we were the only ones there and were going to a summer event!  When they saw me come out of the bathroom, leaving, dressed in shorts, the staff gave me dirty looks!  The cads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              But the saddest thing as time went on, so did our group shrink, due to circumstance, or tragic passings.  Things were never the same, nor would be again.

                               So, to a new, younger generation frequenting this event, I say enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              And top it off with the Spook House ride.  Is Spookarama still even there?

Happy Birthday To The Divine MERYL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Girls, I think it is somehow appropriate that MERYL was born on the longest day of the year.  It was the first sign that she would stand out from the rest.

                              Today, she hits the three-quarter century mark--75 years old!  Hons, we should all look so good when we reach that age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               This blog wishes MERYL the happiest of birthdays, and hopes she gets to do whatever she wants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               As for the rest of us, how about honoring MERYL by watching one of her upbeat films, like "The Devil Wears Prada?"  Or the original "Mamma Mia????????"

                                This day is for you, MERYL!  Happy, Happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is The Day We Have Been Building Toward, Darlings--The Longest Day Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Also, 55 years ago today, Judy Garland died. Something to think about, girls!

                                  As I was taught, June 22 is the longest day.  So, does that mean last night was the shortest night?  Or is it tonight?  I'm telling you, last night did not feel so short!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  The sad thing about today is that from now on, the days gradually shorten--this will not be noticed till sometime past Labor Day, in September--until it starts getting dark at 4:30 in the afternoon.  I would rather have prolonged daylight.  If only this time of year would stand still!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Hey, why not commemorate the longest day by watching some lengthy movies?  Here are some suggestions.

                                       "The Longest Day" (1962) --The title says it all.

                                       Abe; Gance's 1927 "Napoleon".

                                      "Les Enfants Du Paradis" (1945) --Known as the French "Gone With The Wind."

                                      And how about the Selznick classic?  To hell with culture cancellers!!!!!!!!!!

                                     The 1968 (at least in the States!) Russian "War And Peace".

                                     The 1987 "Little Dorrit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

                                      However you spend this day, dears, enjoy it while it lasts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      

                                           

                                       

Happy First Day Of Summer, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Judging from the above picture, someone out there understands my teachings.  Today, June 21, is the First Day Of Summer.  Though so far removed from childhood it seems hidden in the mist, as Scarlett O'Hara would say, it nevertheless, despite the heat, remains my favorite time of year. The sun shines brightly, dressing becomes lighter and more colorful, and even if working or retired, there is still somewhat of an emotional ease during this time, which I think is a leftover resonance from our childhoods.

                                        I have so many memories of Summer--the annual locking myself out of the house, driving my maternal grandmother, who lived with us, crazy; and my annual stops at the Dairy Queen for a Black And White Milkshake, A Vanilla One, then Butterscotch, and, lastly a Hot Fudge Brownie Delight, which, enticing as it looked, and as flavorful as it was, I could never finish.  Too much richness.  

                                            But since the Dairy Queen was only a block and up the street from my house in Highland Park, New Jersey, it was a major player in my early life.  It tried to become something of a teen hangout, but did not offer enough privacy.

                                              As the Gershwins wrote, during "Summertime," "the livin' is easy."   Even as an elderly boomer, it seems that way.  But it is also a sad, reflective time.  Yesterday was the last day of Spring, meaning today is the halfway mark for Proserpina to be above ground on Earth.  And tomorrow is The Longest Day Of The Year, which compounds night problems--which is the shortest night? --and then, slowly, inexorably, the days start getting shorter.  Which thankfully does not become noticeable until sometime past Labor Day in September.

                                              So, let us welcome the Summer.  Here is the perfect song to issue the season in--one of Nat King Cole's classics.

                                   Here we are, girls--"Those Lazy, Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer."  Enjoy!

                                  And yes, I wish that Summer could always be here!

                                But no way am I moving south of the Mason Dixon line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        

Is This Crap Actually Going To Be Revived??????????????????????????

                            When I saw "Starlight Express," back in 1987, at the Gershwin Theatre, I thought it one of my worst theater experiences.  I can still count it among them.  

                               To quote the great Dorothy Parker, "What fresh hell is this?"  Not only is this show going to be revived, but it also has.  Opening at The Troubladour Theatre in London, near Wembley Park on June 8, with a cast of 40, the show promises roller skating all around the theater, and above the audience, plus a special area where audiences who don't want to partake of the experience can sit.

                                One of the reasons I hated it when I saw it was that the immersive experience promised by the British production did not happen here.  Audiences in the Gershwin sat in regular seats, while a globular glass cage was in front of them, on the stage, as performers skated in and around there.  Big deal!!!!!!!!!!!  It was the same as TV's "Roller Derby."  I felt gypped, and still do.

                                 So, I hope there are no plans to bring this tripe over here.  The trend is now on to revive Andrew Lloyd Webber's worst musicals--a scaled down "Sunset Boulevard," with no sense of time or period is due to arrive next season, so heaven only knows what will be coming next.

                                  Please, "Starlight Express," do us a favor and stay away from our shores this time.

                                  Besides, how will anyone be able to afford it????????????????

                                  

Let's Talk About The TONY Awards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Darlings, it was a bitter and sweet night.  I think the sweetness outweighed the bitterness, but let's start with the worst aspects, and get them out of the way.

                             First, get Ariana De Bose off the TONYS.  I had no idea she had done these three years in a row; I thought it was her second.  Whatever, too much is too much.  Get off the stage, Ariana, you are no longer the flavor of the month, and how long do you think you can coast on your role as Anita?  You ae not Rita Moreno or Chita Rivera.  So, there!

                              The opening number, which extended to the stairs leading up to the David H, Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center, was garish and ugly.  Unimaginatively staged and looking like something out of the last season of "American Horror Story."  I was no fan of "Hell's Kitchen," but when that started to perform is when I felt the show was finally coming to life.    What were they thinking?  And Ariana, you are gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Three people were robbed Sunday night.  The first was Maria Friedman, who solved the 42-year-old 'Merrily ' problem. She should have won for "Best Director Of A Musical."  I mean, Danya Taymor for "The Outsiders?"  Just because she is Julie's niece??????????  And "The Outsiders" as "Best Musical?"  You could hear gasps and jaws dropping when that mistake was announced.  If you think I am going to see it, you are crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       The divine Celia Keenan-Bolger was robbed, too.  Her achingly honest portrayal of Martha in "Mother Play" was the only honest thing about the piece.  Her movements and expressions conveyed a world of pain, difficulty and hurt in a play that deals with hardly the best of mothers.    But then, mothers often get a bum rap in plays.  Celia transcended the material to make this something of her own.  She deserved her second TONY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        And so did Lindsay Mendez.  How can one NOT award the third of the 'Merrily' trio?  To dismiss her is to dismiss the chemistry each bought to the characters and the performance, which helped the show immensely.  I am not sure 'Merrily' would have succeeded half as well without this extraordinary cast.

                                           All right, those are my grievances.  Now for my favorites.

                                                                            

                         Jeremy Strong in "An Enemy Of The People--" The production should have won "Best Revival Of A Play."  But Jeremy Strong's performance was too perfect to be ignored--impassioned, heated, and HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, Michael Imperioli should have been nominated too, and seeing them go at each other was a theatrical delight, but it was Mr. Strong's  superb emotional delineation that made the evening for anyone who saw this production.

                        As far as I am concerned the evening was a triumph for 'Merrily We Roll Along."  Having seen the original 1981 production, and recognizing, with its beautiful score, the potential to be something more than what it was paid off, and I am glad I lived long enough to see it.  Of course, "Old Friends" was preformed--pity a sound problem almost ruined it--but then I did say it was the most upbeat song of the show.  And when the show won "Best Revival Of A Musical," it gave Maria a chance to address the audience, delivering the speech she should have for winning "Best Director Of A Musical." It was sweet vindication for "Merrily We Roll Along."  And it did not stop there.

                                                                   

                          Jonathan Groff deservedly won the TONY for "Best Leading Actor In A Musical," for his superb humanization of the flawed Franklin Shepard, in "Merrily We Roll Along.  He was touching and adorable, and his speech had me in tears.  Heartfelt, and giving, just as gives his all to the show each night.  How I would have loved to have seen the performance the first night after the TONYS.  It must have been so UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                        

                      If anyone ran off with the evening, it was Daniel Radcliffe.  I loved when Ben Platt called out "Charley Kringas himself," because for this generation Radcliffe will define the role.  Adorable in his own right, the chemistry between he and Jonathan Groff was just so precious and real; it made their wins an inevitability.  And Radcliffe's rendition of "Good Thing Going" was the best I have heard, so haunting and heartbreaking.  I think the entire community was cheering for Daniel Radcliffe, and I am so happy he won.

                        As for the rest, only three shows I thought had potential--"Illinoise," "Water For Elephants," and "SUFFS."  But who knows how long they will play?

                         I was so happy the revival of "Cabaret" got shut out.  Of course, now it is called "Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club," but it should really be the "Clit Kat Club," as lesbians are thronging to it.  But when that group has run its course, will it still be running?  No.  Eddie Redmayne's performance is so overdone; this is a show about understatement, which the production lacks altogether.  The best thing that could have been done was to place Bebe Neuwirth center, and have her sing the show's most heartbreaking song, "What Would You Do?"  It would have been more impacting than the tried and true "Wilkommen."

                              There you have my wrap on The 2024 TONY Awards.  Who knows what we are in for next year?  Will Audra win a seventh TONY for "Gypsy."  We shall see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               But does she have the voice to pull it off?

                               Happy theatergoing, darlings!  Dig deep into those pockets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          

Darlings, Which Cecil Beaton Gown Should I Wear To The TONYS????????????????????????????

                                                                                

                                       For me, girls, it comes down to the red or blue gown in the photo above.  Both suit my skin tones and would look good on me.  Of course, anyone would look in something by Cecil Beaton, even if Beaton himself did not think so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

                                         If the "Coco" dress was longer, I would go with that, but unfortunately Katherine Hepburn wanted to show her legs, which were not too bad, considering she was in her sixties when she did the show.

                                        Think about your wardrobe tonight, darlings, even if you are just sitting in front of your television set!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                          

It's TONY Awards Day, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Here Are My Faves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Not only should the following win, but they had also damn well better!   

                          Here we go--

                             "Merrily We Roll Along--Nominated for seven TONY Awards, this should win five.  This year has marked justice for 'Merrily' and has vindicated all of us who had faith in the show, since 1981. It SHOULD win "Best Revival Of A Musical," "Best Leading Actor In A Musical, Jonathan Groff," Best Featured Actor In A Musical, Daniel Radcliffe," and Maria Friedman as "Best Director Of A Musical."  And Lindsay Mendez, to complete the trio, should damn well win over that bitch from "Hell's Kitchen!" This trio was so adorable and believable.  Jonathan Groff is a brilliant actor/singer and found a way to actually humanize Franklin Shepard as no other actor has.  Daniel Radcliffe is cute and adorable, but when he sang "Good Thing Going," it just broke my heart.  I have never been as moved by anyone's rendition of that song as I was by his.  And Lindsay Mendez was something I thought impossible to find--the equal to Ann Morrison's Mary Flynn.  I knew from the start Lindsay would be perfect.  When she sang "Help me stop remembering then," in "Like It Was," oh, my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   This evening should belong to 'Merrily,' and I know all lovers of the show out there, will agree with me!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                           

                            Celia Keenan-Bolger, in "Mother's Play--" She SHOULD be the winner of "Best Featured Actress In A Play."  Good as Jessica and Jim were, Celia walked off with the show.  But doesn't she always?  I mean, look at her; even from this photo one can detect acting at its most brilliant. What technique!  And her gifted ability to morph into any age or character is unequalled by anyone.  Not that I would, but were Celia not to win, it would be enough to make me throw something at the television set.  Go, Celia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                      

                       "An Enemy Of The People--" Without question, Amy Herzog's redo of Ibsen's work should win "Best Revival Of A Play."  I mean, even among ardent theatergoers, how many know it?  And will it get revived again in our lifetimes?  Probably not, but if so, it will not be as definitive as this production.  I mean, back in the Eighties, at the same theater--Circle In The Square--I saw a brilliant revival of "John Gabriel Borkman," with E. G. Marshall, Ireme Worth, and Rosemary Murphy!!!!!!!  Has it been revived since?  No.  Could a cast like that be assembled today?  Well, if Meryl and Blythe are available!  But otherwise, no!  Same goes for "An Enemy Of The People."

                                                                       

                        Jeremy Strong, in "An Enemy Of The People--" Next to Celia, this was the best dramatic performance of the season, and he SHOULD win "Best Leading Actor In A Play."  His portrayal of Dr. Thomas Stockman is resonant, electric, and, especially in the climactic moments, HOT.  I am telling you, the audience, including myself, were fanning their Playbills.  Even in this shot, Mr. Strong resonates technique and hotness.  This should be his win, and it better be.  Oh, and I just want to say it was a shame Michael Imperioli was not singled out for his fine, understated performance.  His was the Yang to Strong's Ying.

                          There you have it, darlings, my favorites for tonight's TONY Awards.  May these choices win, and God help us if they don't.

                          But before I leave you, I wish to inspire you with a bit of Broadway when it WAS Broadway, to give you something to think about tonight.

                                  Here is "Who's That Woman?" from Sondheim's "Follies" with the 1971 original cast.  Hit it, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!  When will we ever get a show or cast like this again?????????????  Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                       

                                                                             

                                                                             

Summer Is Coming, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And You Certainly Don't Want To Look Like This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Darlings, I cannot emphasize how important it is at this time of year not only to moisturize, but to wear sunscreen.  And my dermatologist would certainly agree.

                           This is why I would never live in a Southern climate.  I would constantly be moisturizing, sun screening, taking a shower and changing my outfit each time I came in from outside during the day.  Think what the laundry load or cleaner's bill would be like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           The poor guy pictured above did not use anything and look what happened.   No galas for him.  Even Blanche Du Bois looked better when she was being carted off to the loony bin.  But then, remember all those baths Blanche took?  Believe me, she, and Vivien Leigh herself, would understand what I am saying.  I would bet Bette Davis, Olivia De Havilland, and even Agnes Moorhead followed my regimen during the filming of "Hush....Hush, Sweet Charlotte."

                              It would not hurt, during extremely hot weather, to carry an umbrella, or better yet, a parasol.  But please do not look pretentiously conspicuous. like Anne Heche in Gus Van Sant's abominable redo of "Psycho."

                               Yes, dolls, the heat wave is coming.

                                "The temperature's rising.  It isn't surprising. We certainly can can-can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                              

Happy Bloomsday, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            This is quite a day, girls.  It is my niece's birthday, and Father's Day--and my niece was actually born on Father's Day on this day, back in 1968.  It is also TONY Awards Day, and I know all my girls cannot wait for that.

                             Mos importantly, this is Bloomsday.  According to literary lore, this is the day on which the novel "Ulysses" takes place, in 1904, as it follows the central character, Leopold Bloom, on the way home to his wife, Molly.  The story also goes that this is the day on which James Joyce met Nora, the woman who was destined to become has wife--but fortunately things don't end tragically for this Nora, as they did for the one in A.J. Cronin's "The Keys Of The Kingdom."

                                On this day, I usually stand in the middle of my living room, clutching Joyce's text, and reading aloud, as best I can, Molly Bloom's soliloquy.  So, today, girls, I want you all to throw yourselves back on the bed, at some time of day, and cry, as orgiastically as you can, "Yes, I said, yes I said, yes...Yes....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   I mean, what else is Bloomsday for, dears?????????????????????????

"......In Castle Medina, The Shrieks And Moans Of Innocent Men And Women Echoed From The Depths Of The Dungeon, Where The Dark Deeds Were Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

                                               Svengoolie presenting "The Pit And The Pendulum, tonight at 8PM, is a big deal, darlings, because, while I am not sure it was Roger Corman's first Technicolor film, it was one of his few.  But then, my favorite will always be "It Conquered The World," with our beloved "Cucumbo."

                                                The story, vastly re-arranged from Poe, centers on Nicholas, a little boy who witnesses something awful--the death of his mother and uncle, by a pendulous weapon, at the hands of his own father!!!!!!!!!!!  Later, Nicholas grows up, and goes mad, convinced he is his own father!  What will happen then?

                                                    Girls, wait till you see the shot of Barbara Steele standing near the Iron Maiden in the castle's basement torture chamber.  Torture was never so colorful, or so fun!

                                                       After her sensational performance the year before, in Mario Bava's masterpiece, "Black Sunday," Barbara Steele was flown to America, where they tried to make a reigning horror star out of her, starting with this 1961 film.  But Steele had strong convictions and did not want to be pigeonholed.  I mean, she did appear in Fellini's 1963 "81/2."

                                                        Technicolor, Vincent and Barbara going at each other, it should be a fun filled night, and you won't want to miss it.  Everyone in this house will be watching.

                                                         Somehow, this is just perfect, the night before The TONY Awards!

                                     Go, Barbara, Go!  This is what I will be like if my TONY faves do not win tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     

You Won't Believe What We Did, Darlings......For Ulterior Reasons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Last year I was unable to do this, because I had a doctor's appointment.  This year, as last, someone at Our Lady Of Angels Church had requested a mass to be said on this day for Donald J. Trump, which is his birthday.  He turns 78.

                          Well, golly, gee.  Who is the right-wing extremist nut that requested this mass two years in a row, and who knows how many before?  It is certainly not Trump; if he walked into a church, it would burn him to death, like the witches in Europe.

                              I would like to give the requestee a piece of my mind.  The nerve of having a mass said for the world's most inhumane, narcissistic, intellectually stupid, and ultimately evil man!!!!!!!! What is next?  A mass for Hitler?  I can see it coming.

                               It says a lot about the attitude of this church and its congregation, which is why I only go in the Summer, when St. Andrew is on hiatus.

                                 Yet, at the mass this morning, it was not what I expected. No one wearing MAGA hats, no T-shirts.  The man doing the reading I would bet was the requestee, but there were a few older guys in the back who might have been responsible; it was definitely a man who did this.

                                   Well, if a mass can be said for Trump, why not Sister Camille D'Arienzo?  But her birthday is October, so it would be done at St. Andrew, where I recently had a mass said for my late friend, Robert Steven Collins.

                                      I wonder how many, if any other churches, say a mass for Trump?  I bet St. Andrew would not.

                                      I will go to this church for myself and my own satisfaction, but I will not endorse it.  The congregation is too right-wing.

                                       Oh, my God, in front of us there was this mother and daughter.  The mother sat far from the daughter in the pew row, so you know there is a story there.  The daughter was dressed in a decent black, white dotted summer dress with sandals, but the image she projected--with a loud voice --was Miss I Am Holier Than Thou Spinster.  The way she arched her back in prayer, like she was trying to be Jennifer Jones in "The Song Of Bernadette."

                                          I just know these two are Trumpers.  The daughter, for sure.  She is of a type; I can tell you that.  The type I never want to see again.

                                           Don't say a mass for Trump!  Dump him!  He is garbage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!