A Victorian Farewell To July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Girls, I am telling you, didn't July just fly right by?????????????

                              It seems like we had a very quiet month, just reading, resting, and of course, visiting the Jane Austen exhibit at The Morgan.

                                 David and I also weathered a weird virus that took us both by surprise; with me taking longer to recover.

                                    And "Svengoolie" gave us some real gems--"The Return Of The Vampire," the original 1953 "Invaders From Mars," 1934's "The Black Cat," and "Earth Girls Are Easy."  Wonder what he will bring in August???????????

                                     So, till then, darlings, I bid you farewell.  Seven months, with five to go.

                                      Where has the time gone??????????????

Someone(s) Know Something About This Poor, Unfortunate Child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Despite being 6'1," Shabab Khass IS a child!  He is 14!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I have so many questions.  What was this boy doing at 9PM by the Staten Island Ferry, on that side?  Where were his parents?  Had I grown up on Staten Island, do you think MY parents would have let me hang out by the ferry at 9PM?  I should say not!  Hell, I was never allowed to go to New Brunswick at night.  Back in my day, if one did, it was taking one's life into one's own hands!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Start a circle. Look at the parents.  Then extend that circle as wide as can be--neighbors, friends, teachers, colleagues, coworkers.  Someone(s) out there knows something.  I want to know why this child was there, and why, if, something awful was done to him.  Or is he just running away?

                                                Too many children get targeted these days.  This poster made it to my neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.  Return this child to his parents, no matter what, to give them closure.

                                                   And, if, as I fear, he is no longer alive, I want accountability!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                We are living in evil times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess What Novel Turns 50 This Year????????????????????????

                                       That is right, darlings!!!!!!!!  Judith Rossner's "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" was published fifty years ago this year.  It changed the lives of New York career girls forever and influenced future ones like me to be careful of who you hooked up with.

                                         You see, back in what today's young folk would call the Dark Ages, bars and public places was where people who wanted to "hooked up."  The advantage was the person was standing right in front of you, offering some sort of chance for evaluation.  One could still be right or wrong, but there was more truth to this than a fake history on the internet.

                                            No one thought of the novel at the time as a sort of "In Cold Blood," but it was actually based on the real-life murder of Roseann Quinn, a Bronx born, Mine Hill, New Jersey raised schoolteacher, who frequented singles bars, looking for guys.  Like so many of us, she came to Manhattan to seek the excitement the suburbs did not provide. The apartment she lived in was on West 72nd Street, and the bar was right across the street, and was known as Tweeds, at the time of its closing.  I used to frequent Tweeds and write down what I saw; the ghosts of this murder haunted the place, as I watched all the prostitutes interacting with the Johns.

                                             The novel, which holds up today, was a real slice of New York City life, a cautionary tale for both single women and men.  And those in the gay scene, too.

                                               So much has changed since this novel was published.  It could be looked upon as a period piece, but the threat of aberrant people being out there is still real, and for those who troll, darlings, whom are you really seeing on the internet?  Or is he/she for real?

                                                 Which is why Rossner's novel is still as compelling as ever.  Any single person at any time could make the wrong choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     Don't let it be you, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Do NOT Go On The Super Himalaya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Each Summer, I would love to visit Coney Island.  The most I could manage was the carousel and the spook house rides.  The other, more dangerous rides, I would watch with yearning fascination, wishing I could be on them, but knowing the dangers inherent if I did.

                              If only Nadine Coban had realized the same thing.  On June 11, 1999, this unfortunate girl, only 17. went on the Super Himalaya with her friends.  The car they were in was broken, went off its spokes, and Nadine was hurled against the backdrop wall, and killed.  It made the papers at the time, and for a long time this ride was out of operation, pending an investigation.

                               I am reminded of this as I see how more dangerous the rides have become, when I have visited Coney Island in more recent times.  Are people out for fun or thrills?  Or are they into flirting with death?  Death is irrevocable, darlings; is a cheap thrill on increasingly dangerous rides worth the possibility of losing one's life?

                                  I think not.  Which is why I both envy and fear watching people ride the Super Himalaya.

                                    They could be in danger at any time.

                                    Ride carefully at amusement parks, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If "The Accident" Had Not Happened, Would The 'Baby Jane' Story Have Played Out Differently??????????????????????

                         On first thought, I said yes, but on a second thought I think there would have been some differences.

                        Viewers knew that Blanche, as an adult, became the biggest movie star of the Thirties.  Jane, at that point, was making crappy films, courtesy of her sister, and descending further into alcoholism.  When seen in the present day, she is an alcoholic who is childishly dependent on her sister.  Oh, she knows how to forge signatures on checks, but Blanche is the one maintaining the house, paying the bills, because Jane is simply incapable.  Left to her own devices, Jane would have lost the house and ended up where she does, anyway.

                             With no accident, Blanche has more autonomy and could get things done.  She would have seen through Edwin Flagg's shameless exploitation of Jane and put a stop to that.

                               Granted, all this would have enraged Jane.  So, the idea of Elvira not being killed remains questionable.  She would have had a greater chance of survival, because Blanche, completely mobile, could have stepped in and tried to stop things.

                                  Had Blanch been successful, or even if not, she would have known it was time to institutionalize Jane.  There would have been no scene on the beach, no death bed confession and no final dance on the beach.  Blanche would simply have placed Jane somewhere, gone on to sell the house, and lived out her life in a smaller, more comfortable place.

                                    As reality, this makes sense.  As a movie, it would be a bore.

                                    So, wasn't the fictional story more fun, darlings?????????????

                                   

Girls, Join Us At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Ends July With A Camp Delight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                       I had never heard of this film, until "Svengoolie" put it on his schedule.  Nor can I tell you, darlings, whether or not it is true, since I have never messed with girls, Earth or otherwise.

                                      For a 1988 film, this has quite a cast--Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carey, Damon Wayans, Michael McKean, and Larry Linville.  Yes, Frank Burns on the TV series "MASH."

                                      It was directed by Julien Templeton, whom I never heard of, though how he managed to gather a cast like this is beyond me.  I have no idea what we are in for, girls, but the potential for camp delight is high.  Don't expect another "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," but it should be lots of fun.

                                         Just perfect for the final summer night in July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    

                                         

Fifty Years Ago Tonight, "A Chorus Line" Began The First Of Its 15 Year Run Performances On Broadway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          History is spinning through the air at The Shubert Theatre tonight.  It was half a century ago--and I am here to prove it, darlings-- that "A Chorus Line" opened at The Shubert Theatre--and Broadway has never been the same.

                              What can be said that has not been already?  The Original Cast became legends, the show revolutionized dance, and there is not a dancer practicing today, who, in some form or another, has done the show!

                                 If a performance were playing somewhere in the Metropolitan area, I would be running to see it.  How I wish my dancing ability was good enough to have done the show.

                                 But the most important thing about this night-- 

                           Fifty years ago, tonight, Donna McKechnie became The Greatest Showstopper In Broadway History!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And she still is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            I wish "A Chorus Line" another fifty years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, Here Is An Interesting Theatrical Innovation, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Most people of my generation grew up with this album cover of "West Side Story" in their homes.  It was the film soundtrack, and its image captured the spirit of the movie.

                            Later, when I spread my wings and became a real Theater Queen, I learned to appreciate the Original Broadway Cast Album cover, with Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence running joyously past 419 West 56th Street, back in 1957.  For several summers, I would re-enact this in the same location, my arms joyously spread out, like Carol's.

                             "West Side Story," though tragic, is a perfect summer show, as it is set, then.  One day, while looking at a series of fire escapes on buildings in our neighborhood, a brilliant idea came to me, inspired by this cover.  Why not stage a production of "West Side Story" on building fire escapes????????

                                It would require massive overhaul in staging and choreography.  But can't one just picture the "Tonight Quintet" with everyone spread out on different fire escapes?  Of course, it would have to be done at night, by streetlight, and the orchestra would have to be inside one or more apartment near the fire escape, which might have to serve as entry points for the actors.

                                With the right cast, this could be the most innovative "West Side Story" ever.  Forget that thing that Ivo Van Hov tried to do; this would be truly innovative, giving the show a grounding in reality it had never had before.

                                     How about it, girls?  Who wants to see this new "West Side Story???????????"

This Show Was "Strange," All Right, But Not Necessarily Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I will admit I had my doubts, going in to see "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," at The Marquis Theatre.  All I had heard about the show was how good the special effects are.  Well, special effects a show does not make.

                                              And this turned out to be true.  Again, like "MJ," the show was overlong, so what might have seemed like an amusing amusement ride, was like riding one that had gone berserk; like being in one's own "Final Destination" movie.

                                               But the real problem with the show is that if one, like me, is an outsider, the evening will make no sense.  Anyone having not watched the Netflix TV series from the beginning will be at a loss as to what is actually going on.  Nor will anyone care.  I certainly didn't.

                                                Added to all this, I have to fault the director, Stephen Daldry, who is doing his actors a great disservice.  For reasons incomprehensible to me, he has them delivering line readings as though in a state of constant hysteria.  I hope every actor has a vocal coach and ENT doctor on hand, because this has to be a strain on the voices.  I could not imagine doing this eight shows a week, and, if forced to, I would go to Equity and bring Daldry up on charges!  So, it is a good thing I am not with this show.  The actors' names are not even worth mentioning, but I pray their health holds out.

                                                 I saw this show on a steamy Tuesday night, when it was 98 degrees.  I did not really want to see it, and when I soon saw it was going nowhere, I boiled inside, until Intermission, when I had a meltdown.  It seldom happens, especially in the theater, but when it does---!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Of course, I maintained an open mind that the show might get better, in the second half, but, of course, it did not.  And it was too long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    Devotees of the show will love it.  Those who are not are invited to stay away.

                                                       How this makes me long for the return of "Mamma Mia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                   .  

Girls, Tonight "Svengoolie" Is Showing "The Black Cat," But The RIGHT One!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            You see, darlings, there are two "Black Cats" and both have been shown by "Svengoolie."  The one being shown tonight, and which all must tune in to at 8PM, is the 1934 horror classic, suggested by Poe's story, and directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, who, twenty plus years later, would go on to direct the atmospheric camp classic "Daughter Of Dr. Jekyll," in 1957.  The other is also from Universal, but made in 1940, with Basil Rathbone, and is a kind of comedy mystery, laced with Gothic overtones.  Not as good as what we are seeing tonight.

                                                Besides Ulmer directing, the movie boasts Boris and Bela at their battling best, and the ever-good looking David Manners.  I know some girls will tune in just to get a glimpse of David, and once done, will not be able to keep their eyes off him.  Believe me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  "Svengoolie" has really given us a gem of a July.  Which was nice, considering the rotten weather and the travails we went through.  Baby Gojira and Pippin are looking through this too.

                                                      I even hear Hamlet is going to set aside some duties this evening, as CEO of The Algonquin, to watch this film.  You deserve a break, dear Hamlet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        I will see the rest of you girls, tonight at 8PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       Meeeeeeeeeeoooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Monday, A Fond Farwell To Hamlet, And A Happy Return To Bay Ridge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         It was a fond farewell between Hamlet and I, but Monday morning, following dinner in the lounge the night before, with friends, David and I said goodbye to The Algonquin and our weekend, and headed home for Bay Ridge.  I promised Hamlet that we would be back another time; see how anxiously he watched, as I left?????????????

                           The weekend could not have been more perfect.  A memorable time was had by all.

                           And I got lots of quality time with my handsome Hamlet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           What's next, girls?  As soon as I know, so will you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

This Is Good Of Kind, Girls, But It Is Not MY Kind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              I mean, darlings, everyone knows "Beat It!" and "Thriller," but if one is not a Michael Jackson fan, after those, who cares?  Which is pretty much how I felt about the "MJ" musical I saw at the Neil Simon Theatre, which will always be The Alvin to me.

                                                All the actors play their roles respectably well, but the story is highly sanitized, which I expected. What I did not expect was that director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's work would be the saving grace of this show.  But then, he is from the world of ballet.  Which is where I think a new choreographic infusion should come from for Broadway.  Look at Justin Peck. Need I say more????????????

                                                    The dancing in the show is exceptional and fine compensation for the turgid book scenes, and the overwhelming length--two hours and fifty minutes, plus an intermission--of this show.  It could have been cut by a third and still made all the points it wanted.

                                                         I am certainly not telling anyone to avoid this show, but I am not about to sell it, either.  If one gets the opportunity, as David and I did, then by all means go.  

                                                          But don't break the piggy bank for this one, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Algonquin Sunday Began With A Visit To Someplace I Had Never Really Been To--Saint Malachy's, The Actors Chapel, In New York City!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                 

                                 It was David's idea to attend the 11AM service here on Sunday.  See what comes of viewing "The Song Of Bernadette??????????"

                                   I had never been inside the church or attended anything.  The environment is beautiful, intimate, and atmospheric.  The service was conducted by a rather good-looking priest--Father-What-A-Waste! --that one does not see in the outer boroughs.  Afterwards, they were enacting some sort of pageant play, recalling to me courses I took in Medieval Drama.

                                      My only disappointment was that being The Actor's Chapel, I expected two things from Saint Malachy's--congregants I might have recognized, and a choir with extremely exceptional voices.  Not that these do not exist; I guess I should check out the website to see when such might be more visible at Saint Malachy's.

                                         But the service was a start to a wonderful day.  Like the song says, "Sunday In New York!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The Curtain Is Coming Down On Audra, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       You knew it was going to happen, darlings.  But I never expected it so soon.

                                       I had it under wraps that "Gypsy" was to close on October 5.  I had planned on announcing it, until this was confirmed.  Now, I can say that it is closing on August 17.

                                          Hah, Audra!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So, you couldn't cut it??????????  Patti LuPone must be having a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Go, Patti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           This cheap, poorly directed, and sorrowfully miscast production should have closed even sooner.  I knew from the moment the show kept turning up on the TKTS booth there was trouble, not to mention the Christmas shutdown, and then the expansion of Montego Glover to the Sunday matinees were all signals Audra could not cut it, and the producers were desperate to keep the show running.  But their efforts were in vain.  The project was doomed from the start.

                                             I don't think "Gypsy" will hurt Audra's career.  But it will be a negative benchmark in it.

                                              And some of us, including myself, will not have the same respect for Audra we once had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, It Is The End Of An Era!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               As I was shaving this morning, the voice of Connie Francis singing "Where The Boys Are" passed through my head.  Several minutes later, David knocked on the door, to tell me that the singer herself had passed away today, at the age of 87!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               It is a sure thing that tonight's performance of "Just In Time" will be extra special, in tribute to Connie.  Gracie Lawrence, who plays her, will knock herself out more than usual, and if Jonathan Groff has not blown the roof off Circle In The Square yet, he surely will tonight.

                                I even have memories of having seen Connie Francis, live, with my parents, at the Steel Pier, during the Summer of 1960.  I can still hear her beguiling; plaintive way she sang each song.

                               Connie will be missed, and I certainly hope she finds peace, as she went through some rough times in her life.

                                 How exciting it would be to see "Just In Time" tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Rest In Peace, Connie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Here is Connie singing "Where The Boys Are." Listen, and savor!!!!!!!!!!!

Something Is Wrong At "The New York Times---" And That Isn't Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            I just learned this morning, girls, that Jesse Green, hitherto the impeccable theater critic of "The New York Times," is being relieved of said role, and reassigned to other tasks on the publication. But no one says what.

                             There is something up, and I do not like it.  Talk is in the air about The Times making changes to their cultural section.  To me, this can only mean one of several things--

                             "The New York Times" is caving in to the Trump administration and has gone full blown MAGA, hiring only the most conservative critical cultural commentators.  But then, what do conservatives know about culture??????  As one reader said, " 'The New York Times?' No way!"

                            Or they have gone to the extreme left, being so WOKE that each critic is of a different and diverse ethnicity.  Which would not only give each of them, but let's stay with theater, a personal agenda and ax to grind, that could influence what does or does not make it to Broadway.

                              Lastly, in this rather Orwellian age, I think the paper might just hire their present-day idea of what they think "fits in."  No matter how much knowledge of theater or such may be lacking in the new hires, they will be taken in spite of, not because, of knowledge.

                                Or a combination of all three.  With talk of influencers, and media stars, the paper wants to go in some sort of modernistic direction, and that does not sit well with me or many on here, I hope.

                                    I always used to start my day with "The New York Times."  I hope this shakeup does not change that.  But it could.

                                    BIG BROTHER is out there, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To End Algonquin Saturday, A Trip To The Theater, Experiencing Oscar Wilde As One Never Has Before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I used to think I was "The Picture Of Dorian Gray."  Though I never wished for eternal youth, I was carded for drinks and movies till my early Thirties.  I always thought a portrait of me would show all my past profligacy and promiscuity.  After seeing Kip Williams' production, I took a good look at myself in the mirror.  And while I tenderly moisturize my skin daily, I could not deny the lines and wrinkles on my face that certainly had not been on me while in my Twenties!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           So, I guess I am not Dorian.

                                           Being Dorian is hard enough.  But consider Sarah Snook who not only has to play Dorian, but every single character in Wilde's work.

                                              This is an extraordinary feat of acting by an actress and it is no surprise Snook took the TONY for "Best Actress In A Play" for her performance here.  But it could not have worked without the skilled camera work and film editing of its technical staff, a technique that failed to work with "Sunset Boulevard," but is used to heightened extremes here, taking the audience on a journey into Dorian's descending depravity.

                                                    In both this and the Wilde work, I still say the key instigator is Lord Henry Wotton, who I think, metaphorically, is the Devil. When the portrait is revealed to the young Dorian, Wotton is there and hears him wish for eternal youth--that he never ages, but the portrait does.  As the story continues, he gets this wish, but I believe if Wotton had not been present, he would not have been granted this request.

                                                      All of this is Sarah Snook running to God knows how many areas of the stage, talking to herself, in character, on pre-recorded film and using visual distortion to unique, almost campy effect, but never sinking into camp. And when the end does come, it is understated, but stark and chilling.  It is Wilde who has the last words, and his resonate.

                                                         Kip Williams, who also adapted the story, aided by his tech staff have done a remarkable job of combining theater and media.  It even inspired me; I thought of doing a one-person version of either "The Bad Seed," or "The Song Of Bernadette."  Which would you like to see, girls?????????  "The Song Of Bernadette" would be challenging, but "The Bad Seed" would be more fun.  Or how about "The Children's Hour????????????"

                                                              I wish this had not closed so soon, for I would have loved to have seen it again.  It made me reread the Wilde work, which I admire more than I did before.

                                                               But it is Sarah Snook's show all the way, and she deserves every bit of credit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                           How the hell did she learn all that blocking???????????????

Mid-Afternoon On Algonquin Saturday, We Went For Afternoon Tea At The Blue Box Cafe At Tiffany's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             I mean, darlings, what is a day in Manhattan without an afternoon tea?  And the latest place to hang out, and so atmospheric for the Summer, is The Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany's, the noted jewelry store on Fifth Avenue, on the sixth floor.

                               Isn't the blue lushness just lovely?  Hanging from the ceiling are hundreds of blue boxes--the signature item of a given Tiffany's gift.  It really is a magical place to be, with Summer being the perfect season for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          And just look at elegant tea we were served.  Flutes of champagne, delicate, delicious finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and savory sweets.  What more could one ask for?

                           Who needs dinner when one has had this?  The answer is there is no need, as this more than suffices.

                              And yes, it is possible to have "Breakfast At Tiffany's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                             But how many of us can look like Audrey????????????????????

Back To Our Algonquin Weekend--We Started On Saturday Morning With A 10AM Screening Of Alfred Hitchcock's 1976 "Family Plot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                          Neither of us had seen this film, and after the recent "Nashville" screening at The Paris Theater, and featuring both Karen Black and Barbara Harris, we were not about to miss the opportunity to see them in what turned out to be Hitchcock's final film.

                                           It is not one of his best, but he does go out respectively.  The blend of suspense and comedy did not work as well as in "Rear Window," but the actors did due diligence.  And this was a good thing, because "plot" is what the film was short on, being very convoluted.  But its trio--Karen Black, Bruce Dern, and Barbara Harris--worked like a family, matching every move for move.  Plus, a bevy of familiar character actors--like Edith Atwater, from "Strait-Jacket'-- were on hand to liven up things.

                                           Unquestionably, Barbara Harris steals the show!   Are you surprised, darlings??????  I could not determine whether she was a medium, a psychic, or both, but it hardly matters when she is on the screen, because one cannot take one's eyes off her.  What a gifted actress she was, and what a career she could have had, if only she didn't suffer from emotional problems.

                                             But when a director was able to reel her in, the result was acting magic.

                                             I am so glad we saw "Family Plot," girls!!!!!!!!!!  For those who never have seen it, watch out; you may not get another opportunity to view it, since showings seem to be so infrequent.  Copyright issues, maybe??????????????

                                               Girls, you will come out of this film wanting to plot something yourselves!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join All Of Us, Tonight At 8PM, As Svengoolie Presents Another Gem, 1953's "Invaders From Mars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                           This is one case, girls, where the poster does justice to the movie.

                                           "Invaders From Mars" has a scene stealing cast--Jimmy Hunt as young David MacLean, Lief Erickson and Hillary Brooke as his parents, all of whom deliver A list performances.

                                              And the film has a distinctive visual look; no doubt because this film was directed--directed, mind you!!!!!!!!!--by William Cameron Menzies!!!!!!!!!!  Fourteen years before, he set designed a little film called "Gone With The Wind."  This film still his visual touch from that film!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                But there are two actors, or should I say actresses, who steal the show!

                                                 

                             The first is Jeanine Perreau, sister of Gigi, and who played the last, and surviving child victim of David Wayne in the 1951 American film version of "M," as Conformist Fifties Child Kathy Wilson.  Come to think of it, this is what the MAGA movement is aiming for, so this film still has a pertinence to today's times.  Keep an eye on Jeanine when watching.  She is never the same after walking up that hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Then there is Lucie Luz Potter as the giant, dome enclosed leader.  Ever since seeing this as a child, I thought the leader was a man.  Not until I saw the last "Svengoolie" showing, and did some research, did I realize this role was played by an actress!   And what a brilliant performance.  Just like Virginia Leith in 1962's "The Brain That Wouldn't Die," all she had to work with was her head.  What a performance!  Too bad she and Jeanine were not Oscar nominated.

                              This is a class A film.  Those who have never seen it, should not miss it.  Those who have can revel in its chilling prescience

                                A warning--the chilling twist is most disturbing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                See you at 8PM, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

                                 

The Truth Is Slowly Coming Out About Audra, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                From June 30, until July 6, while Audra McDonald took a vacation, Montego Glover, so good in "Memphis" (and what has she done since?) stepped into the role of Rose in "Gypsy."

                                  David and I were curious but did not get to see her.  Apparently, she was highly successful, because now she is going to be taking on Rose in all the Sunday matinees.

                                    Which means Miss High And Mighty Audra is not so, as she cannot sustain to do eight shows a week.  The truth is slowly emerging that she does not have the vocals for this role but come hell or high water either she or the producers, maybe both, are determined she see this out.  Even if they have to put in Montego, whom I am sure does a better job!  If tickets were not so expensive I would go see her, because "Gypsy" currently has the best score running on Broadway!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Didn't I tell you, girls, Audra was not up for this?  I have a feeling Montego will be doing more performances before long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Hey, maybe I will step in as Mama Rose!  I have the chops for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents A Real Gem--1943's "The Return Of The Vampire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            I have a special attachment to this film, as it was the first horror movie I ever saw.  I was six years old, and saw it on TV, and the scene where Lugosi comes into the children's nursery, as the French doors opened, creeped me out, I was afraid something or someone was going to creep into the bedroom where I slept.

                             To think this was released the same year as "The Song Of Bernadette!"  And two actresses both made their debuts in these respective films--Jennifer Jones, of course, in 'Bernadette,' and Nina Foch in 'Vampire!!!!!!!!!!!'

                             I mean, look at her hair!  Girls, get me to Sally at once; I want that hair style.  It is one of two main reasons to see this film.  The other is Frieda Inescourt, with her stern, clipped tones, in her signature role as Lady Jane Ainsley.  Oh, honey, she is the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!  She walks off with the film.

                             As for Bela Lugosi, he was caught between two studios.  This was supposed to have been released as "The Return Of Dracula," but Universal told Columbia no, because Universal owned the "Dracula" copyright.  So, it was retitled "The Return Of The Vampire," with Lugosi, for all intents, playing Dracula, but under the name "Armand Tesla."

                               The set design and art direction are pretty impressive for Columbia.  They almost beat Universal at their own game.

                                 Now, David and I are going to a post-Fourth party, so will not be able to watch it with you, girls, but we will shortly after, and I also own it on DVD!!!!!!!!!!!  As stated, it made a vivid impression on me.

                                  And when Nina Foch walks on screen, one cannot keep her eyes of her hair!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Could she have been foreshadowing Blythe Danner???????????????

"Waiting For The Chirp, Chirp, Chirp Of An Eagle To Be Born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                          Happy Fourth Of July everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Today is our nation's 249th birthday, and we are all proud to be here to celebrate.  And what better way to do so than to listen to the Original Broadway Cast Album of "1776."  Those who have the DVD should watch the movie, which, by the way, marked the movie debut of Blythe Danner!  That is right, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Blythe alone is enough to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Today is the pinnacle day for cookouts and fireworks.  And, as I have said on here before, it brings back memories of happy days when my parents were here and we would visit our friends, The Lammers, each July 4th.  I always think of them on this particular day.

                               I think ours will be a quiet one, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We will watch the fireworks from our apartment, and I may do Little Edie's Fourth Of July Sparkler Dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Am I that "Yankee Doodle Boy?"  Maybe not, but I do enjoy celebrating this day, and what it means!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Set off your own sparklers, darlings!  And have a Happy Fourth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Continuing With Our Algonquin Weekend, We Had Dinner, Then Went To The Gay And Lesbian Synagogue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              David had his heart set on going to this for a long time.  So, the weekend of June 20, we checked in at the Algonquin, had dinner at Friedman's with an old friend of ours, Larry, and went to the service.

                             As a sort of outsider, I found it interesting.  Just like when David comes with me to Catholic mass.  Architecually, I thought the place was small; at least more so than I expected.  Ruth Messinger was the guest speaker, and she was truly inspiring.  The congregation were very participatory, and the choir was huge and exceptional, with some good cantorial voices.

                             There was an old friend of David's, whom I had not seen in years.  She used to be a cute little thing but has morphed into a spinster with a hump.  Maybe, poor thing she has osteoporosis, If so, I wish her well, and free of pain so she can have comfort.

                                 People seem to find their way to this place, and it becomes their life.  David, unfortunately did not seem to have that experience, as he kept quoting the title of one of Thomas Wolfe's famous novels, "You Can't Go Home Again."  And, yes, I have read it.

                                    Both of us were glad we did this.  And I was especially glad for David.  For me, it was ironic, being at the same time the Catholic church I have been going to for the past three years is doing away with their Saturday 5PM mass, and the congregation there is like a community.  Yes, there is Sunday mass at !0AM, but that does not always work for us.  We can go to OLA for Saturday 5PM mass, but it is a bigger church with less chance to interact with congregants, and while the priests are the same, they tend to cater to the older congregants--older than I, even--who are very Old School, which I am not.  They would probably damn us both to Hell.

                                        A bit of religious quandary, one might say.  I will let you know how things turn out, but our night on the town at the Gay and Lesbian Synagogue was a learning experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        "Would a convent take a Jewish girl????????????"

Great News, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!! Joey Chestnut Is Returning To The Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest This Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            And I, for one am certainly glad!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The contest just was not the same last year, without Joey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           He is sure to be back on top, winning this year!  As for David and I, we will be far away from Coney Island, but may catch the event on New York 1, or the CBS News.

                           I have not been to Coney Island in years, but the Fourth Of July is certainly not the day to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I do miss riding the carousel, and the spook house ride.

                            But rest assured, Joey will be back in his usual place tomorrow, and will regain his crown as contest winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I would hate to be his internist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"And Just Like That," There We Were, Back At The Algonquin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Forgive me, girls, for using that phrase, but I could not resist.

                             It's not like I am trying to be Carrie Bradshaw, or anything.  In the first place, I AM the gay Carrie Bradshaw, and I do not have a horse face like Sarah Jessica Parker, who is not aging well, is she, darlings????????  Plus, my adventures are lots more interesting than hers!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               As for The Algonquin, it was fabulous, as always.  And I was granted not one, but two, private audiences with Hamlet.  I was led to his chamber, where he seemed to be waiting for me, and as I began petting and scratching him, he was so delighted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Each time we would get off the elevator to the lobby, it seemed like Hamlet was always there, waiting for me!  And I never failed to stop and give him the love and attention he deserves.

                                   It was so kind to have the hotel's CEO take time out of his busy schedule to greet me.  Hamlet is a gentleman and a loving cat.  But he is also running a business, and he does it with pride!

                                    Make sure you greet Hamlet if you go here, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    He will add so much to your stay!

                                    I just LOVE him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is NOT Your Grandparents' "Pirates Of Penzance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                           The score and characters are the same, even if both seem to have a rockish beat.  And yet this reworked version of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates Of Penzance" is more enjoyable than expected.  So sick am I of video gimmicks after "Sunset Boulevard," that it was a pleasure to see creative set design here, created by David Rockwell, who wonderfully replicates 19th century New Orleans, giving it a Mardi Gras sort of flair.  How nice to see real creativity at work, instead of some guys hauling around a camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             The other surprise in this 'Pirates' is that the trio of Ramin Kairmloo as the Pirate King, Jinx Monsoon as Ruth, and David Hyde Pierce as General Stanley do better than expected with their toles.  The one exception is Samantha Williams as Mabel, the most attractive of the general's daughters, who here has been tarted up like some slut; what's that all about?????????

                                                  Except for the mistake made with Williams, Scott Ellis works his usual directorial skill on the proceedings, and as soon as I saw Warren Carlyle was the choreographer, I knew the show was in good hands.  He is the best choreographer working today on Broadway, and I would love to work with him, darlings.

                                                  This show has proved popular with audiences, to my surprise.  It has been through several extensions of its run, with a definite closing date on July 27.  So, hurry and run to see real color and creativity on Broadway--for a change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     See creativity while it lasts, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Belated Welcome To July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                I know it is the most of American months, girls, but this Victorian pic was so lovely I thought it would make a beautiful difference, for a change.  I had an appointment with my podiatrist yesterday and things turned out OK, and I managed to avoid the storms forecast for our area, so I am posting this today.

                                 As I said, it is the most American of months, what with Friday, July 4, being our nation's 249th birthday.  July is the time for fireworks, cookouts, and celebrations.  It is also a time of remembrance for me; on the Fourth of July, my parents and I always went to the Lammers' home, where we had a celebration.  They had a son, Marc, who was my age, and with whom I was friends.  I always think of them every July 4th.

                                   At some point in July, midsummer arrives, meaning before we know it, Proserpina will be going back to Hell soon.

                                  July is a month for celebrating all you can!  Welcome it with excitement, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!