"Mother Of Mercy!" Is This The End Of 2024??????????????????

                             Yes, it is, darlings, and with David working from home, this will be the fastest year sum up I have ever written.

                                 Let's get the sad stuff over with--Three Losses--My Friend, Steve                                                                                                                                              My Canine Boxer Friend, Cujo                                                                                                                          My Feline Caretaker Friend,                                                                                                                                  Nicholas

                                 The year presented many challenges, but we managed to get through them all.  David is currently doing very well, and I thank God for that from both of us.   And thank you, readers, for being so understanding and supportive4.

                                     But there were big events this year, as well.

                                      Our Summer Stay At The Algonquin--We went to Steve's Memorial Service on Saturday, then we saw "Aladdin" on Sunday, and "Cabaret" on Monday.

                                       Our Friend Judy--Came to town from Pittsburgh, and we had a nice visit with her.  

                                      Our Friends Joe and Davida had their annual barbecue and autumn dinner.

                                      Ditto our friend Kathy, who has us for a pre-Christmas dinner.

                                      My Gala 70th Birthday Celebration--Again at the Algonquin, and we saw MANY shows--"SIX" on Saturday night, "Communion" on Sunday, "Teeth," on Monday, "Our Town" on Tuesday, and "The Roommate" on Wednesday.  Then back to the city on Thursday for "Once Upon A Mattress," and then on Saturday "Tammy Faye."  Theatergoing can be exhausting, but in a good way.

                                         With all the challenges facing David and I, I am afraid my book read total will come out to 92.  I cannot recall a year when I did not reach 100 books.  It has been a long time.

                                             Again, thank you readers, for bearing with me, and supporting me through some of the challenges this year.  I also did good deeds with animals and a friend of mine.  And I sang twice at church.

                                              So, that is/was 2024 in a nutshell.  I wish all of you the very best for 2025; may it bring us, most of all, peace and good health.

                                              See you next year, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When You Feel You Are The Black Sheep Of The Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        This is not intended to be a Puddles Pity Party, darlings, but it does bear worth mentioning.  I have had to deal with this throughout my adult life during the Holidays, but for whatever reason it seems to have culminated this year,

                                              When I was young, and everyone in my family was still alive, I was one of 19 grandchildren.  With time, two have passed on, so now the total is down to seventeen..  Meaning, excluding me, for a second, I have eleven cousins.  With the exception of one of those cousins, to whom I am eternally grateful, as he sends cards and we talk regularly, everyone acts like I don't exist.  I mean, I know they are out there, and they know I am, too, but do I ever get a card, invitation or any form of familial acknowledgement?   Why, after my father died, was I excluded from this family???????????

                                                  I am so lucky to have my David and thank every day for him.  Some may ask, if the cousins in question are so uncaring, why would I want to go near them?  Well, when I was growing up, especially in three cases, we were very close, almost like siblings.  Which continued into adolescence, though my differences began to show, and they were the types who fit in more.  By our twenties, we were going in all sorts of directions geographically and making paths for ourselves.

                                                      This is fine.  What hurts is I know the others keep in touch with each other, but not with me.  Why?   Because I am gay, married, and live in New York?  Why do I feel betrayed, and what can I do about it?

                                                         What I can do is concentrate on my talents--like writing, singing, and reading books, setting goals for 100 a year.  I won't make it this year, but I am all right by that.

                                                              Someday I would like an apology from these cousins for ignoring me.  I even reached out to one this season, wishing she and her siblings a Merry Christmas, etc..  Have I had a response? No.  Nor do I expect to.  Why?

                                                                 So many have said it is not my fault. This hurt will pass, but in the meantime, as long as I am ignored, I will ignore them.

                                                                Have any of you out there felt this way?  If so, let me know!

                                                                     Hey, cousins, the loss is yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some New Casting Thoughts, For Josh And Ruthie, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                    

                                While everyone is mulling over "Gypsy," girls, here is a new casting thought to think about.

                                  Both Josh Groban and Ruthie Ann Miles walked off with the last revival of "Sweeney Todd."  They were nominated for TONY Awards, which they deserved to win but didn't.  Now, Ruthie already has a TONY to call her own, but I wouldn't mind if she got another, and Josh is long overdue.

                                    So, here is my thinking.  "Les Misérables" has not been on Broadway, since 2016. That is almost ten years.  Based on the strength and heartbreak Josh and Ruthie both brought to their roles int the Sondheim show, I think they would be perfect for Jean Valjean and Fantine in a future revival of "Les Misérables.

                                      I can just hear Josh singing "Bring Him Home," and Ruthie "I Dreamed A Dream" right now.  Audiences would be devastated emotionally, and they would clamor to see these two.

                                       So, while "Gypsy" is still trying to get on its unbalanced feet, think about this future revival and imagine how good it would be.

                                          I can't wait, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can you?????????????????????

Will "Gypsy" Perform Today? It Will Be Interesting To See!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Of course, it is no longer just "Gypsy"anymore.  It has become "AUDRA/GYPSY," creating a whole new marketing scheme.  Which has failed miserably, as the hottest ticket on Broadway missed the entire Christmas week.  The excuse was Audra being sick, and so were some members of the company.  Which is understandable enough.

                                But, when I found out last night, via CBS News, that the understudies were not up to speed, and that because Audra is such a name, no alternate was found for her, in case this happened--which it did, I blew my stack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   There is NO excuse for this.  What was George Wolfe thinking--or not?  And Audra--is she such a diva that the show cannot go on without her?  Ethel Merman said she would go on sometimes if she had a sore throat.  If a performer was out, in over half a century of theatergoing in my life, the show went on, with alternates, understudies, and standbys.  Sure, the star and cast may not be there, but it is better than shutting down the show altogether.  I really sympathize with the staff working at the Majestic Theatre box office; they must be going out of their minds, and I do not blame them.  And all because of negligence and arrogance.

                                       I hope "Gypsy" does play this afternoon, at 3PM.  Though I have my doubts.  If I had the fortitude, I would march into the Majestic and try to get a standing room ticket, just to see what shape the show is in, at this point. And, of course, if it does not play, I would not be altogether surprised, which would beg the question, when on earth will performances resume?

                                         This is an unfortunate precedent that paves the way for other shows to follow suit.  What happened to show and company loyalty, not to mention taking care of oneself, so as to avoid illness, or at least being well enough to go on?

                                             The saga of "Gypsy" is not just an onstage one.  It is backstage as well.

                                             I see a repeat of the "Funny Girl" debacle, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          

There Is Trouble Afoot At "Gypsy--" And I Know Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                     

                                    The hottest ticket on Broadway right now has missed every single performance during Christmas week, which, to my mind, is unprecedented.

                                      Note this show is not just billed as "Gypsy." It says "Audra/Gypsy," meaning that this is Audra's show.  

                                       Sure, illnesses hit companies, and they are dealt with by understudies and swings.  But no one thought to rehearse them properly to get them up to speed in case something like this happens.  I mean, the show has children, who easily get sick, and animals who can cause health issues too, so, in terms of direction, "Gypsy" is not a show to be taken lightly when staging it.  All dilemmas have to be considered, even if it means someone like me goes on as Mama Rose or Dainty June!     

                                         This "Gypsy" seems to come down to one thing--Audra McDonald.  People are flying from all over the country and globe to see her, and no one with the show is saying exactly who is sick, or what the illness is or is not.  But I think I know the answer.     

                                          Miss McDonald, hitherto a fine performer, is learning the hard way that this is a role she should not have taken on, because it is too taxing on her vocally.  Of course, no one is going to admit that.  Would it surprise me if this turns into a "Funny Girl" or a 1978 "On The Twentieth Century" situation, where the leads had to be replaced because their voices could not handle the roles?

                                            Patti LuPone must be having a good laugh over this, because of Audra calling her out over the "Hell's Kitchen" situation.  Karma will get you, Audra, if you mess with Patti.  Who, by the way is the best Rose I will ever see in my lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              All I can say is--The Raving Queen has tickets for this show on January 26, 2025, and Audra and company had better be there--Audra particularly--or I will be walking out--something I have never done before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Get you act together, "Gypsy!"  Or Audra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                    

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Ends The Year With One Of My Favorites And Yours--AIP's 1957 "Blood Of Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                            For those who don't know, and especially those who do, this is the one about recalcitrant teenager Nancy Perkins, played by Sandra Harrison, who, while not unattractive, somehow manages to look more glamorous int the monster makeup.

                                               Easily this is a feminine re-do of "I Was A Teenage Werewolf," made that same year, with Michael Landon.  "Blood Of Dracula's original title was supposed to be "I Was A Teenage Vampire," and I think it should have been kept that.

                                                   But, anyway, Nancy's mother has died, and her father, Paul Perkins (played by Thomas Browne Henry) has, after only six weeks, married this tramp named Dors (played by Jean Dean) who is one step above a hatcheck girl.  They want to get rid of Nancy, so Doris can get all the vacations, jewels, and sex she can out of this guy, so they ensconce Nancy in Mrs. Thorndyke's (Wink! Wink!) School For Girls.  Hons, I am telling you this is a burgeoning repressed lesbian community.  The name Thorndyke alone should tell you something but wait till you get a load of Louise Lewis as repressed lesbian chemistry teacher, Miss Branding, who leads Nancy down her path of perdition, albeit, glamming her up for the camera.

                                                       Oh, girls, it is just too much, and so much fun!  Don't miss this special treat, tonight at 8.  We will all be here!   I hope Nostalgiaferatu is at hand.

                                                        And wait till you see all those 1950s bullet bras and sweaters!

                                                       Sandra Harrison's hair is so stunning, and her make-up so striking, her look, girls, will have you running to Sally Hershberger the next day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         See you tonight at 8, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        It will be an evening of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Today is Christmas Day, girls, and I wish you all peace and merriment.

                                 Since I could not get to the Metropolitan Museum Of Art's Christmas Tree, I decided to bring it to all of you.

                                 My voice held out very well at last night's choral performance, and we just had Christmas breakfast and opened our Christmas gifts.  I called my sister, and, while we may go out for dinner, I plan to settle in and read my current book--#91, to be precise, so I am still trying for that 100 goral, and will not stop until the year is over.

                                  The best to all my girls out there and have a merry whatever you do.

                                   Enjoy the day and remember whose birth we celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Love to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight Is The Holiest Of Nights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             That is right, girls.   In about two hours I have to mosey on over to the church, where I will be singing with others at the 5PM Mass, the Christmas Vigil.  I wonder if Baby Jesus will come out then, or at the 10PM Mass, which stands in for midnight!

                               The photo is of course The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Nativity.  As I have always said, the real thing could not have been better staged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 My voice is in good shape, unlike the company over at "Gypsy," where I should be called to play Madame Rose.  Anyway, tonight is important, and of course, afterwards we will drink Christmas Egg Nog--non-alcoholic--and salute the arrival of Christmas.

                                    So, a Merry and Blessed Christmas to all my readers out there.

                               I wouldn't leave anyone without a gift.  And here it is--Josh Groban singing the holiest of carols--"O Holy Night," as only he can.  Go for it, Josh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 And Merry Christmas to one and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It Would Not Be Christmas, Without Judy And Margaret!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              And Margaret is still with us, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           "Meet Me In St. Louis" is an absolutely perfect movie--MGM at its best, back in 1944--but this scene is extraordinary.   Garland comforts O'Brien by singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," as only she can.  Then comes a tear-filled extraordinary performance by a child ever witnessed on the screen.  Girls, if you have never seen it, this movie is worth watching for this scene alone, though all others are equally perfect, not to mention the memorable "Trolley Song."

                            No wonder Margaret O'Brien won a Special Juvenile Oscar for this performance.

                            If not the film, I watch this scene every year around this time, and, like Margaret, tears pour down my face.  It is like I almost "become" Tootie, her character during this sequence.

                           But then, don't we all, darlings????????????

                          Merry Christmas, darlings!

                                    Here it that moment, dears.  Watch the extraordinary at work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Girls, It Wouldn't Be Christmas Without Shockheaded Peter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Shockheaded Peter is an Eastern European anti-Christmas tradition.  Like Krampus, he is a figure who keeps his eyes out on those behaving badly and then terrifies them.  His book, which David's mother bought for him as a child, is full of tales of the consequences of misbehavior.

                                  Really, Krampus and Shockheaded Peter are needed to remind us of what Christmas is about, by demonstrating what must be avoided.  They are as important symbols of Christmas, in their own way, as Santa and Rudolph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       So, welcome Shockheaded Peter, darlings, but be wary of him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       You don't want to be carried away on Christmas morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  

As Far As I Am Concerned, THIS Was The Shortest Day Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     This is how I was taught, darlings.  So, then when is/was the longest night?  Last night?  Tonight?

                                      The best part of all this is now the days will start getting longer.  Soon, it will not get dark at 4:30 PM anymore, which I have always hated.  The more sun the more hope, I always say.

                                       So, make the most of this day, girls!!!!!!!!!!!  Relax and enjoy some well-earned rest.  Season's Greetings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!