Darlings, I Just LOVE My 2025 Advent Book Lovers Calendar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                              From having been a small child, I have always loved Advent calendars.  They were so pretty, sometimes sparkly, and it gave me something to look forward to in the days leading up to Christmas.  There would be a door for each day, behind which were a picture or some words.  Of course, the 24th was always a double door, as that was a picture of what Christmas is really all about--the Nativity!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Now, the Book Lovers calendar works the same way, except behind the doors are trivia questions related to books, book references, recommendations on what to read--anything involving books and the reading thereof.

                                    There is even a calendar book in which to record the books read during the forthcoming year.  Having recorded my reading since 1968, I will make sure to use this in 2026.

                                     Advent calendars are the best, so find the one fitting you most.

                                    Maybe one with fashion designers, girls!  I would not be a bit surprised!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, Here Is MY List For 2025!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "The New York Times" Is No Longer So High And MIghty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Never mind the books depicted here, darlings; this sign was perfect, as it centers on the area I am interested in--Fiction.  "The New York Times" has had their say, now I will have mine.

                               Here is my (The Raving Queen) list of "The Five Best Works Of Fiction Of 2025!"

                                                                                   

                                              "Culpability," by Bruce Holsinger--Not just on my list, but my choice as The Book Of The Year!   This fascinating, intellectually stimulating novel involves who or what is or is not responsible for a family car accident, combined with algorithm concepts as well as AI.  Vastly absorbing, but anyone who fully grasps the last two concepts please explain them to me.  But it does not take away from the joy of reading this novel.

                                                                         

                                        "Bear," by Julia Phillips--I loved her previous novel, "Disappearing Earth," and I loved "Bear" just as much.  Touching and heartbreaking as it was, I could almost empathize with the gruesome climax, especially when it is an act of love.  Now, there is a big exception here.  I read this in early 2025 but had no idea till just now it came out in 2024.  How did I miss it then?  I really read it under the presumption was a 2025 book.  Still, it was so good at the time I knew, early on, it would be a selection.  So, I am sticking by my standards and including it.

                                                                           

                                       "Buckeye," by Patrick Ryan--As much about Ohio the state, as the families who people this book, this almost Michneseque novel is the king of big family saga reads I like.  Moving through time and history in surprising and fluid ways, this is a must for books of this type, of which too few are being published these days.  Thank you, Patrick Ryan, and I look forward to more from you.

                                                                             

                                             "Fox," by Joyce Carol Oates--Never, in all my years of writing, girls, did I ever think a Joyce Carol Oates novel would appear on my list.  Maybe "We Were The Mulvaneys," but I was not writing, then.  When I finished this book, something clicked in my head, the sign which tells me this book is eligible for my list.  An absorbing psychological thriller, it offers mystery, murder, and insight into the rationale or irrational of a pedophile.  Gripping and disturbing, yet thought provoking, it broke the "Joyce Spell" for me and made it to this list.

                                                                                

                                        "The Sisters," by Jonas Hassen Khemiri--Much has already been said on this blog, and enough cannot be said.  The only book The Times and I agree on, this is another family saga; perhaps it marks a return of sorts for the genre.  I hope.  Fascinating, exploring the lives of the Mikola siblings, and their author stand-in, Jonas, as he observes them from afar, this is both a family saga and a romance novel.   The kind thinking readers love.  Girls, you have not read anything yet, till you have read "The Sisters."

                                            So, these are my opinions, and I stand by them.  Interesting that "The Sisters" was the only book The Times and I agreed on, and as stated, I never expected a Joyce Carol Oates book to make my list.

                                               Meanwhile, I have to return to a ton of reading I must get out of the way, before beginning my 2026 Mammoth Project.  Will I make 100 books in 2025? Probably not, but I will try!

                                                  Happy Reading, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                         

                                                                          

                                                                           

                                                                          

Oh, My God, Girls, It's Here! "The New York Times Ten Best List Of Books For 2025!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" And Wait Till You Hear The Fiction Selection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I will start by saying two things about the Fiction section.  The first is, I have read two of the selections--but I will not yet tell you which ones.  The second has one I was not able to get through, so I may wait till the paperback edition comes out.  But my instincts are generally right.

                                         OK?  Let's go--

                                        "Angel Down," by Daniel Kraus--Huh?  What?  Never heard of it.  Nor have I read Kraus' previous novel, "Whalefall." And I am not sure I will.  As for this book, another one-sentencer but only 285 pages.  Quit with the Joycean, people!  And a World War I draft dodger, encountering an angel?  Are you kidding me?  Oh, well, I will have to read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                           

                                       "The Director," by Daniel Kehlmann-- Never heard of this one, either, darlings; what bin was this pulled from?  However, I, and other cinema mavens, have heard of filmmaker G. W. Pabst, who is at the center of this novel.  As a true film maven, I just may have to read this one.  It could turn out to be a pleasant surprise.

                                                                             

                                       "The Loneliness Of Sonia And Sunny," by Kiran Desai--Oh, my God, why did this have to make the list?  I could only get through page 260 of this 700 plus page novel.  The sad thing is that with its 19th Century style, and family saga narration, I should have been hooked.  But Desai's writing did not do it for me.   I know others have loved this novel, so is there something wrong with me?  I may give it a second try with the paperback edition.

                                          "The Sisters," by Jonas Hassen Khemiri--How ironic this is placed right after 'Sonia and Sunny.'  "The Sisters" was the gigantic family saga novel that did it for me.  As I have said elsewhere, the Mikola sisters are the most fascinating female siblings since the Bennets, and the observations of their lives by Jonas in the novel may echo that of the author.  Perhaps he modeled this after some early crushes he had.  Whether that is right or not, this is the most readable gigantic book of the year!

                                                                              

                                        "Stone Yard Devotional," by Charlotte Wood--Like "The Sisters," I have read this one.  It is great for Catholics of all types, and those who want Catholicism 101, without the theatricality.  A woman in Sydney, Australia, gives up her career to transition to convent life in New South Wales.  Moving and spiritual, this is an enriching reading experience.

                                           There, darlings, you have "The New York Times" choices.  I only agree with two of them, which says something about age and my changing regard for The Times.  I always held the paper in the highest regard, and anything they put on the list I would read.  I have wanted to write for them ever since April 23, 1972, when Joyce Maynard wrote her signature piece "An Eighteen-Year-Old Looks Back On Life."  Today, I am maybe somewhat jaded, but at least more questioning than I was when younger.  I no longer agree with everything The Times says; more importantly, nor do I feel I have to.

                                                So, peruse this list at hand, and think for yourselves, darings.

                                                Meanwhile, here I come with my list!

                                                 Which I am certain is better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                     

                                                                        

 

                                                                              
                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                     

"God Bless Mother Nature, She's A Single Woman, Too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            For all my girls and boys out there who are single, take courage.  Christmas is one of the most romantic times of the year, which can be depressing for many out there.  I know I have experienced such during my years of spinsterhood.

                             But to these girls and guys, I say do not let it stop you.  Use that mistletoe to kiss anyone you want.  Bake a fruitcake or better for friends to feel some seasonal joy.   Read a book you have been meaning to all year.  Go to the movies, the theater, opera, a concert.  If you cannot afford to do so, then do something for someone you know or don't who may not be able to afford less.  And check for free events; there are many in this city this time of year.

                              The point is to get out and celebrate your singularity, whatever your marital status is.  Hons, I waited 55 years, and never expected the miracle I was granted, so it CAN happen, dears.

                                  Meanwhile, listen to The Weather Girls' video, and yearn for that gigantic heart shaped Valentine's bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Halleluiah, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           

"I Should Know The Score By Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                         As I am sure many of you know, darlings, this is The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Christmas Tree.  It is my favorite tree in New York, and I am looking forward to seeing it on Friday, when we meet David's cousin there.

                                         I also forgot to mention yesterday that it marked my day as having been a New Yorker for 42 years.  I was a tender 29 when I first moved here.  You better believe I know the score by now.

                                             And yes, girls, I have been dropped off at East 83rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            This is my favorite sign of Christmas, and the place where I feel the most spiritual.  Almost as if I were Bernadette.  Or at least Jennifer Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               The Holiday Season has arrived, and so has some other things, if you stay tuned.

And So We Come To The End!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But What Excitement, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  This was the secular Christmas book of my childhood, and its images shall always remain with me of what Christmas, the secular part, is.

                                   Today is December 1, girls, so welcome!  This will be such an exciting month, with parties and socials, and culminating in the birth of the Baby Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Oh, hons, the Nativity is the real meaning of Christmas.  I am talking about the real thing, not Radio City, though that is impressive.

                                       And yearly wrap ups will be coming soon!  What shall I say?????????????

                                      First, I say season's greetings and best wishes for a Happy Holiday and New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Dears, We Have Reached That Point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        I thought this would be an interesting and more different way of saying farewell to November, because it really is 25 days till Christmas.

                           November was quite a month.  More books read this month, now that the lists are coming in.  Two shows on Broadway seen--"Buena Vista Social Club" for my birthday, and "The Queen Of Versailles" for David.  For us both, there was "Blue Moon," the sad yet well-made hypothetical biopic of Lorenz Hart.  Ethan Slater did an Oscar caliber job in the role.

                             We got through the Thanksgiving season with an annual visit to Chadwick's.  We went to The Mark Hotel, Jean St. Georges, for my birthday, but felt we both caught colds from there, which we are shaking off.  David is also struggling with a pinched nerve, so if anyone out there can help, please do.

                                   Oh, and my friend, Hamlet, retired from The Algonquin Hotel.  Best wishes for his happiness and lots of love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 It seems I wrote more posts in November than any other month, and yet I was so busy.  I guess I am just a trouper to the end.

                                  Yet, November was a very exciting super-charged month, hard to say farewell to. but now comes the onslaught.

                                  How shall the year end?????????????  Only time will tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Only "Svengoolie" Would Show The 1936Version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Ah, the old one about the dummy controlling the ventriloquist.  Ever since Michael Redgrave defined it in the 1946 British anthology film, "Dead Of Night," this trope has been tried again and again; recently made memorable in 1978's "Magic," with Anthony Hopkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       So, girls, please forgive me if I cannot muster up any enthusiasm for tonight's film.  Lacking the likes of Maureen O' Sullivan, Frank Lawton, Lionel Barrymore--all from MGM's 1935 "David Copperfield--" not to mention the great Rafaela Ottiano--this 1964 cheesy Brit thriller has only William Sylvester, famous for one of the captors in 1961's "Gorgo," a role that took him nowhere.  Like the cast in this 1964 film went nowhere.  I am telling you, darlings, the dummy in this film outacts the human actors.

                                       All of us here have seen this before, and Baby Gojira remembers it as having lots of bosoms. So, if that is your preference, tune in, by all means.  If not, I am not so sure this film is worth seeing again.  "Svengoolie" could have picked a better film with which to end November.

                                         His December choices will round out the year.  Let's hope he does better, next month!  His last chance for 2025!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Darlings, It Is The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                That is right, girls, the Holiday Season is underway, initiated by America's study in greed, known as Black Friday.  This picture says it all--the fat, the ugly, the trashy, the greedy, pushing and shoving their way--sometimes trampling others--into stores.  And for what?  After it is over, is it all worth it?  I don't think so.

                                  What must our European contemporaries think of this behavior?  Yet, this says it all about America.  The "Get outta my way!" mentality flourishes most on this day.

                                    Can you imagine waiting in the cold late-night for some second-rate store chain to open?  You wouldn't catch me within five feet of this, darlings.

                                       Nothing says White Trash better than Black Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Except maybe serving turkey pot pies on Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, This SHOULD Have Been The Gayest Show In Town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But It Is So NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I have to feel sorry for the St. James Theatre, darlings!  First, they are booked with that desecrator of a show, "Sunset Boulevard," and now "The Queen Of Versailles," which has already announced a January 4 closing date.  So, if you want to see this, girls, rush to it!  But don't worry; tickets are easy to come by!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            I also have to feel sorry for Kristin Chenoweth.  The woman is loaded with talent, can hit high notes I have not heard since the late Barbara Cook, and like Jonathan Groff in "Just In Time," gives this show her all.  I would say she and Jonathan are the hardest working performers on Broadway right now.  But Groff has the better material.

                                               Which is the major problem with this show.  Stephen Schwartz, high on his "Wicked" successes, and enjoying something of a renaissance with "The Baker's Wife," gives Kristin nothing to work with. The songs are repetitive, monotonous, and not even one stands out.  He tries for one with "Caviar Dreams," but it just misses the mark.

                                                 So, Kristin has nothing to do but sing boring songs, while looking stunning in a series of costumes by Christian Cowan, while striking poses on dazzling sets by Peter Hylesnski, which are lit by Natasha Katz.  The show has plenty of razzle dazzle, but no heart.  It does not even rise to the level of camp, like "Tammy Faye."  

                                                      The show is literally all Kristin.  Poor F. Murray Abraham has nothing to do in this show but pick up his weekly paycheck.  And the chorus members dance around in rather bad choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant.  They are not even Marge and Gower Champion, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Nowhere near!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                           Michael Arden had better find himself a hit show fast, or he will end up on the Island Of Lost Directors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                               Despite all that it musters, the show ultimately fails.

                                                               This "Queen" needs to have her crown removed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

                             Instead of a picture of a turkey, I decided to lead with this shot from 1968's musical, "Promises, Promises," and starring, center, Donna McKechnie, and to her left, Baayork Lee, and her right, Margo Sappington.  Margo went on to choreograph the international stage success "Oh! Calcutta."  Does anyone remember that show anymore?  Is it ever revived???????????

                               This was Donna's breakout show; her first showstopper.  And just look at that leap on Baayork!!!!!!!!!!  I could not even do that when I was her age.  Hell, in 1968, I was 13, and I still could not do that!

                                And the show played at the Shubert Theatre, where both Donna and Baayork returned to in 1975 in Michael Bennett's masterpiece, "A Chorus Line."  Donna certified herself as "The Greatest Show Stopper In Broadway History," when she originated the role of Cassie, while Baayork became the show's ambassador; no production of it gets by today without her approval.

                                 What a joyous way to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Better than a picture of a cooked dead turkey!

                                 But it is a time of remembrance, of gratitude.  Remembering the disenfranchised, and those in need.  The ones "Sittin' here eating their hearts out baby/Waiting for some lover to call. Dialed about a thousand numbers lately/Almost rang the phone off the wall."

                                 I am sure Sister Camille, Gojira, Baby Gojira and I wish these unfortunates the best Thanksgiving they can possibly have.  At least a nourishing hot meal at the soup kitchen.  They are deserving of at least that.

                                 As for me, girls, I am thankful for the aforementioned, but most of all my beloved David.  May our colds clear up, so we can enjoy the holiday season.  We have a roof over our heads, things to eat, and books, plus each other.  What more could be wanted????????????

                                   Maybe an emerald garnet from Van Cleef And Arpels??????????????????

                                  Here are Donna And Company doing "Turkey Lurkey Time."  Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Girls, Imagine THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Things get pretty hot on the film set, darlings, and a girl has to cool off.

                                         But what is really going on here?  Is Nancy Kelly really warm or is she just having some campy fun to reduce the tension of filming "The Bad Seed?"

                                       Or is she trying to entice the attention of repressed spinster lesbian Miss Claudia Fern, played by Joan Croydon?????????????

                                        Imagine if this shot had made it into the actual film!  What discussions and scandal might have ensued.

                                        Don't try this at home, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book List Season Is Finally Here, Darlings! "The New York Times "Has Chosen "The 100 Most Notable Books Of 2025!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                        Writing is hard, darlings, especially when one mistakenly erases all the work having gone before.  All I want is to give you my assessment of "The New York Times List," by giving you the books I have read, and the books I might read.  I had planned to go in sequence, and I will, but first let me list, pictorially, the books I have read.

                                                                     

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                                      

                                             Well, girls, this is interesting!  I thought I had read only seven books on this list, but I have actually read eight.  Which is more than this list merits, as some of these were outright surprises to me.  Let's try to break them down.

                                                "Buckeye," by Patrick Ryan--Lovers of family sagas will flock to this tale of two Ohio families over the course of two centuries, and thereby the changing of them, history, and our culture.  The surprise is Ryan writes this type of fiction in a quality way I have not experienced in a long time.  I am glad this made the list, and I urge all to flock to it.

                                                "Heart The Lover," by Lily King--I really loved her previous novel, "Writers And Lovers," so I was excited about this one.  Alas.  She gets it half right when venturing into the academic world of creative writing and lit classes, and how connecting bonds can be formed there. But then, years later, the reader is confronted with the terminal illness of this connected trio.  Was it really necessary to venture into "Terms Of Endearment" territory?  Had you stuck with the academic, Lily, you might have had a book worthy of my list

                                                  "Isola," by Allegra Goodman--I had heard much about this one and was looking forward to it.  Goodman's prose style is exquisite, but this tale of Marguerite, a 16th Century French woman isolated to a remote island for loving the wrong man might better have succeeded as a short story or novella.  Instead, all the reader gets is a high-class bodice ripper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   "Shadow Ticket," by Thomas Pynchon--I am not surprised this made the list.  Hey, it's Thomas Pynchon, the man is 88, and this could be his last effort.  The surprise is how accessible it is.  Imagine a noirish type of "L.A. Confidential" set in Wisconsin, and that is what the reader gets.  Along with Pynchon's dense prose and facility with language.  This one is a must for those who value literary fiction

                                                   "The Sisters," by Jonas Hassen Khemiri--This was the most immersive 600 plus page novel I have read this year.  The Mikola sisters are the most fascinating siblings since Jane Austen created the Bennets.  And the observer, aptly named Jonas could very well be a stand-in for the author.  How autobiographical is "The Sisters?"  Immerse yourselves in this world, and come away wondering.

                                                     "Stone Yard Devotional," by Charlotte Wood--A stunner, darlings.  For Catholics, lapsed and otherwise, while it may not be "The Song Of Bernadette," it is a meditative exploration of a woman's journey from being a conservationist in Sydney, Australia, to joining a convent in New South Wales.  While there is no Sister Ruth, as in "Black Narcissus," the details of actual convent life are absorbing, and will have readers falling to their knees.  It will enrich readers aesthetically and spiritually.

                                                           "These Summer Storms," by Sarah Maclean--Now, I really loved this one, but does it deserve to be on this list?  The Storms are a moneyed New England family who gather for an inheritance reading--their father's--on Storm Island, their own private getaway, off the coast of Rhode Island.  Conflict and drama ensue.  Nothing new about that, and the book is as entertaining as all get-out, but how many times have we been down this road before?  A fine, entertaining book to read.  But list worthy?  No way!

                                                           "Victorian Psycho," by Virginia Feito--Another one I loved, but what is it doing here?  The concept here is simple--Jane Eyre as a serial killer.  No, Jane is not the character, but the one in question is a governess.  How she simmers and boils is fascinating, and while Charlotte Bronte may have been affronted by it, I think Emily would have laughed her head off, happy that her bossy, more prolific sister was having her masterpiece roasted!  The book is very gory--even for me, darlings--so watch out.

                                                              There you have it, girls, the eight books on this list I read.  Whether they are worth your time is up to you; I leave these observations for you to ponder, and please excuse the format, which was not what I had originally planned.  

                                                                  But what about books under consideration.?  Here are a few titles on the list I am musing.  These five in particular stir my curiosity.

                                                                    

                                          "A Guardian And A Thief," by Megha Majumdar--I have heard a lot about this one, and not just its being an Oprah pick.  Like I care, darlings?  What grabs me more is its being described as an epic, comparable to Vikram Seth's "A Suitable Boy," though not as lengthy.

                                                                               

                                           "The Hounding," by Kenobe Purvis--Girls in an 18th Century English village, who may be witches, turning into dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!  This one has been described as " 'The Crucible' meets 'The Virgin Suicides.' "  How can I resist??????????????????

                                                                  

                                          "Maggie; Or, A Man And A Woman Walk Into A Bar," by Katie Yee--This has been touted as the literary debut of the year.  With an unusual jacket design, and a provocative title, I cannot wait to see what happens once Maggie and her compatriot walk into that bar.   And, at 208 pages, it is short, so it could help me reach my goal of 100 books read this year.  Though, right now, I am only somewhere in the mid-eighties.

                                                                              

                                           "Playworld," by Adam Ross--A child actor coming to age in a vanishing Manhattan.  This one sounds like it was written for me, darlings.  As a child star wannabe who still considers myself one, I have to hustle and read this one pronto.

                                                                        

                                           "What We Can Know," by Ian McEwan--Hey, it's Ian McEwan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Need I say more?????????????????

                                               As for the remainder, girls, I have no idea.  If any of you have heard of these or read any, you tell me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                

                                                                               

                                          I never knew till now that V. E. Schwab is a woman, darlings!  

                                                                                   

                                       There you have it, dears.  The last three I know nothing about, and some have never heard of, so if anyone out there can enlighten me, please do on here.

                                         And that concludes my assessment of "The New York Times" list of "The 100 Most Notable Books Of 2025."

                                          I cannot wait to see their "Ten Best" list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                                             

   

                                                                                 

                                        

                               

                                                                               

                                                                              

                                                                             

                            

                   '                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                  

                                                                              

                                                                      

                                                                     

                                                                                   

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

This Was My Birthday Show, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Theatergoers looking for a culturally immersive production, alive with dazzling colors and brilliantly conceived dances by reigning choreographer Justin Peck had best dash right now to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and experience "Buena Vista Social Club."

                                         Having seen it, finally, I am not at all surprised it is still running.  In retrospect, this really was the surprise hit of last season.

                                            I was expecting an extended dance piece, and while dance is prevalent, I never realized how much of a story there was to this show.  Bits and pieces of members of the club, and especially the tale of two sisters, both wanting recording careers, but one wanting to leave Cuba for America, and one wanting to stay with the club, just when everything in that country is falling apart, is the heart of the show.  I had to wonder if these sisters were based on any real-life components.

                                             The show also goes back and forth in time.  Natalie Venetia Belcon, in a performance that won a well-deserved TONY Award, plays Omara, the sister who stayed behind, and her joy in music is infectious, as is her sad abandonment of it once she hears her sister has passed.  Their relationship was never mended.   She comes back to it eventually, but it takes work.

                                                Speaking of work, girls, this company works fluidly.  Like the original "A Chorus Line" cast, before they became legends, the whole show was the star.  So, it is with the "Buena Vista Social Club," who not only perform, but provide music and lyrics.  The whole thing is superbly directed by Saheem Ali, with dazzling lighting by Tyler Micoleau and set design by Arnulfo Maldonado.

                                                    Really, girls--Theater Queens and all you blue-haired ladies (maybe men!) out there--I cannot recommend a better time at the theater right now than "Buena Vista Social Club.  It is theatrically stimulating, and I am not surprised it has outrun the majority of last season's offerings.

                                                     Theater, especially on Broadway, is always in flux and change.

                                                     Maybe this show is a sign of change for the better.

                                                    

                                        

This Guy Is Beginning To Annoy Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Not since Jamie on Progressive has a commercial character annoyed me as much as Jusitn, the Stop And Shop worker.  The ad where he starts singing "Deck The Halls" and continues is especially irritating, because the guy has no voice, and from the way he sings, I am telling you he is straight.  If you want a guy with a voice, you need to get a tenor.  Now, being one myself, I know we can be difficult to work with--but we are usually right!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Now, I am happy for the actor, who got this gig, and he deserves every penny he earns, but, really, hon, do you think this will launch you into a Broadway musical?   I don't think so.

                                 The other question is are there any Stop And Shops anymore?  I remember them in the New Jersey of my childhood and youth, but here in Brooklyn, let alone Manhattan, I have never spotted a single one.  Queens, maybe?  The Bronx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    There was even a Milton Bradley game called Stop And Shop.  Now, I would not mind bringing that back, and playing it--I never did, but this Justin guy has got to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Just what demographic do the advertisers think they are aiming for??????????????

Darlings, The Cuisine Was Exquisite, But The Nouveaux Decor Needs To Return To The Old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           How I loved the elegance of New York high end restaurants, when they were brightly lit, and bursting with flowers.  Ah, the end of an era.  Let us hope it returns.

                             This is the area where we actually sat, on my birthday last week, and did have a scrumptious meal.  I had a beef tenderloin that was so tender, with carrots, elegantly cut and presented, and it was accompanied with the most tasteful red wine.  Oh, and before that, I had the creamiest tomato soup for an appetizer.  Desert came when the staff brought me a candlelit chocolate lava cake, with ice cream and whipped cream--it was delicious, and, as The Raving Queen, I was honored by such attention.

                              Now, David had the coconut curry chicken soup, with rice, for an appetizer, which he said was delicious, but very rich and filling.  His main course was pan fried sea bass, in a light broth with vegetables, including fennel.  My desert was compted, but David loved the vanilla ice cream so much--the iciness and texture were exquisite-- so he ordered a whole bowl of it, which we shared, and it was delicious.  Oh, and David had a red wine, like me, called Murdoch.  We both had the same wine.

                                 Yes, girls, I know one is supposed to eat white wine with fish, but David tries to defy social conventions.  Thank God, he has The Raving Queen to back him up.  And Gojira as well.

                                  Of all the birthday restaurants over the years, this was our least favorite, because of the aforementioned atmosphere and decor.  The prices were exorbitant--of course, what isn't? these days--but $450 for lunch???????????  Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    I must say the staff was very nice to us and gave us lovely treatment.  I am aware that ANNA frequents this place, but as a downtown girl, I don't think she gets here too often.

                                     Oh, an added footnote.  To use a bathroom, you have to go into the hotel lobby, and up a flight of stairs.  The floor design looks as though done by Cecil Beaton, and the stair railing was straight out of "All About Eve," girls.  I could picture Fred and Ginger dancing cheek to cheek on the floor!

                                      But the bathroom--oh, my God!  It was sparkling and clean the first time I went, but the second, before we left, I was almost stopped, had to wait a few minutes, and then told to come in now that everything was clean and fresh smelling.  It seems someone--patron or not--had--I hesitate to mention this, girls!!!!--defecated on the bathroom floor!!!!!!!!!!!!   Can you imagine????????????

                                        So, due to this, I don't think we will be returning to this establishment.

                                         Jean Georges did his best, and in spite of it all, it was a lovely birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!