It Is Time To Talk About Diabetes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               I have type 2 diabetes.  I don't talk about it; I live with it.  The thing is, darlings, I never thought I would get it.  Oh, I know, it is in our family, but with heart problems and seizure disorder I did not need another health issue heaped upon me.  Or did I?

                                Now, I wonder if youthful indulgences, or not pursuing them, would have made a difference in whether or not I would have gotten type 2 diabetes.

                                 I can't say I was a sweets junkie, but like any kid, I would occasionally eat Trix, put sugar on my Cheerios or oatmeal, and enjoy the occasional candy bar; my two favorites being Three Musketeers, (I knew it was a candy bar before discovering it was a novel!) Mounds and Almond Joy. I drew the line at Lucky Charms; I tried them once and they tasted awful. Better to put Kraft Mini Marshmallows in Cheerios, if one wanted the Lucky Charms experience.

                                  When I was single, living on the edge, and not having AC in the Summer--although I had a floor fan, that I would put a container of ice cubes in front, replicating Blanche Du Bois--I often had sleep issues.  So, certainly not every night, but, at least, once a week, I would have a container of Hagen Dazs Vanilla, and I would sleep like a baby.  Had I not, might I have avoided the disease?

                                       I suppose I will never know.  But I do know this.  As I finished the decade of my Fifties, I thought I was free of ever getting diabetes.  But guess what?  It emerged in my early Sixties, and here I am today.  I manage it as well as I can, and there have been no problems, but I am on all kinds of meds, and there are some side effects to taking all this stuff.

                                         I just want to notify others, especially the young, who think it cannot happen to them.  There is also someone in my family who needs to know this, but, alas, I am sure he does not stop to consider all this.  I worry for him.

                                          Having diabetes does not mean stop living, having fun, and enjoying what you eat.  It means making better choices.

                                            I have always had a craving for black and white milk shakes.  Now, I am lucky if I have one a year.  I don't miss them as much as I thought I would.  And my weight has come down, and I have kept it off.

                                              I know, girls, we all want our comforts.

                                             But at what cost, darlings????????????????

                                        

This Is My Biggest Worry About Seeing This Film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             I know, girls, we are all anticipating the arrival of this film.  I am, of course, anxious about what new designers will be referenced here, but I will save that for another post.  The fact I cannot see it on opening day is disconcerting to me, but I am, after all, committed to my love and my David, so off to Shady Maple I shall go.  No, something much bigger worries me about seeing this film.

                               What the hell should I wear??????????????????????

                                I mean, darlings, I can't go in rags!  This must be approached as if I were going to a meeting with ANNA!  I mean, suppose ANNA is in the theater I am attending?  The odds aren't high, but the possibility does exist, so OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                What am I going to wear?  Something pink, and either blue or my beige pants, but what color shoes to wear?   Is red too garish?  And some of the others the opposite.  What am I going to do, darlings?  I may have to go on a shopping spree!

                                   I also cannot wait to see Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton.  I relate to Emily.  I have an inner Emily in me, and I know it comes out, and always has, when I have done theater, especially stage management.  Believe me, when I called "Places!," every actor made sure they were there!

                                   Maybe when I see the film, I will have myself photographed in my outfit for all to see!

                                   In fact, when all of us go see it, we should have apparel and ANNA in the forefront of our minds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     "Go forward," as ANNA might say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Episode Of "Elsbeth" Was Written Based On The True Nature Of Beanie Feldstein!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               But before I get to Miss F, darlings (I can't even stand to write her name!) let me say a few words in praise of this show!

                               Girls, if you have not seen "Elsbeth," you must.  It is the gayest New York City show on prime-time television!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 The acting is always superb, whether from Carrie Preston, the supporting cast, or the amazing array of guest stars this show manages to get.  Hey, "Law And Order" franchise, take a lesson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Carrie Preston is a shrewd blend of comic genius and ingenue warmth, reminiscent of Leslie Caron in "Gigi."  But her real co-star is Dan Lawson, the show's costume designer, whose outfits for Elsbeth are amazing, ablaze with color, and I want to wear all of them.  Maybe I should have Dan fly east when he has a moment, and design me a few items.  Hear that, Dan????????????????????

                                  I mean, did you see the episode where he replicated Cecil Beaton's designs from "My Fair Lady?"  Oh, my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   The aforementioned Miss Feldstein was this week's guest star, and the first shot of her coming down the stairs in a wedding gown, looking like a cannoli overstuffed with cream, said it all.  She played a self-entitled bitch who thinks it is all about her, and when someone tells her it is not, well, that is the end of her!

                                     She does it with those popping eyes so wide she looks like she is hypo-thyroid!  The story is no one shows up for her party.  You know, the Anne Shirley routine from "Stella Dallas" (1937).  But while I felt sympathy for Anne, I felt none for Beanie.  Who the hell does she think she is?  I bet she has dreams of playing "Evita."  You could not build a terrace strong enough to support her on, while singing "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina."  Or trying to.  Not to worry, girls; I am certain Patti would not allow it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Was Beanie good?  Yes, she hit the marks and said her lines, and Lawson did a remarkable job of designing outfits that actually looked becoming on her--a miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          But he and Carrie Preston are the true stars of "Elsbeth," so girls, you really must tune in for some New York City fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            I understand next week's guest will be Griffin Dunne!  Hubba hubba!

                                            Can we even HOPE for Jonathan Groff???????????????

Should The Raccoons Who Traipse Across The Delacorte Stage Have Equity Contracts????????????????????????

                               I say "Yes," though let me qualify something.

                              Summer will soon be here.  So, it is time to consider this!

                               I have been to the Delacorte several times in my New York City life, and have sat pretty close to the stage, at times.  Never, in my visits, have I seen a raccoon run across the stage.  Though I do recall one performance--I cannot recall the show--where audience members, particularly the women, were disturbed by a bat flying close to the theater area.   I was fascinated; I thought it was cute.  And who knows if Flaco, in his free year, didn't catch a show at the Delacorte??????????

                                 Actors have reported scenes being interrupted and them being flustered, by the sudden appearance of these creatures.  Members of the rodent family, I believe.  I always thought the one thing to worry about performing outdoors was bugs flying into one's mouth!

                                 Apparently not, because the raccoons have almost become a part of the Delacorte experience!  For that reason, I think they should have Equity contracts!

                                  Make sure the props departments do not use food during shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents "The Car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   This film was released in 1977, so I am not sure it was a TV movie or a theatrical release.  Its redeeming feature is James Brolin when he was really HOT, and way before he met You Know Who.  The supporting cast, a good one, seems to be made up of TV types, which makes me question the film's origin further--Ronny Cox, Kathleen Lloyd, The Richards Sister--Kim and Kyle, John Marley, John Rubinstein.  Speaking for myself, since eighth grade I have never trusted girls named Kyle, because there was one that year who was a little bitch, even if she was the dumbest thing in our class.  I wonder how she turned out.  Probably eating spuds out of ash cans.  I hope!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Anyway, I digress.  Remember "Duel" in 1971?  And "Christine," in 1983?

                                    I think this film will not be much different from them.  Especially "Duel."  A car is running rampant through some Podunk town, killing people, and Brolin, as the sheriff, has to deal with this.  It sounds like Brolin here is standing in for Dennis Weaver, but, like I have said, he was HOT then, so he could make the film bearable.  But I really do not have high expectations for this.

                                     Still, I can't say switch to something else, as I have not given this a chance, having never seen it.  So, I will.  I hope The Sven Squad is on; this may be one film when they are needed.

                                       Meanwhile, darlings, I have wardrobe decisions to make.  So, we will see you at eight, for this journey down Memory Lane.

                                         To think this film is 49 years old.  The same year I graduated from college!!!!!!!!!!!

What Did These Critics See In This "Death Of A Salesman" That I Did Not???????????????

                               The revival of Arhtur Miller's iconic play, which I saw weeks before, opened last night, and the critics went wild!  I can't believe it!  Laurie Metcalf deserves all the praise heaped upon her here, because I am telling you, darlings, her Linda is the engine running this show.

                                  And by the way, I stand by what I said here, weeks before!

                               Nathan Lane, I can only hope, has improved in the role since I saw him, though from this photo, I wonder.

                                But not a negative word about the staging, let alone placing it in the Winter Garden.  The newspapers went wild over Joe Mantello's conception, which I could not stand, and still have so many questions about.  There was a 'Times' article about him reading rough drafts of the Arthur Miller script(s), and learning things from them.  Fine, dear, you honored the text, but how about the visual conception?   I understand directors like using staging to reimagine the play but give us a clearer idea of what you are doing.

                                   Still, the text was honored, and I left emotionally drained.

                                   Nathan Lane is now the Toast Of Broadway, and now he wants to do fewer shows, and maybe retire after doing this role?   Oh, Nathan, hon, don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You signed on knowing it was a killer role, so do it.  No social life between shows, remember?  Ever since Beanie Feldstein threw her tantrum with "Funny Girl," especially after not getting a TONY nomination, actors have been catered to more than they should.  And for the record, though not on Broadway, I did a show where I had to do four performances a weekend and then work a regular job the rest of the week!  So, I am not just whistlin' "Dixie," darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Audiences want to see Nathan Lane, not a substitute.  Soon, we will have audiences flocking to only specified performances, while the star or stars' night off gets audiences harder to perform to, as they care less.

                                    For God's sake, Nathan, take a chill pill!  Rest on the show's dark day.

                                   And this retirement thing?  Just a ploy for attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Even if he does Miss Hannigan in "ANNIE," Nathan will not stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is Who Should Be Hosting The TONY Awards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            As if it is not bad enough Hollywood has turned into a freak show, now my beloved Broadway is about to implode!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Yesterday, it was announced that something or someone called PINK--how dare one mock my signature color? --will host the TONY Awards.  At first, I thought the show was going to have everyone dressed in pink, which would be a lovely idea, but this musical wannabe, who will never host again after this year, I can promise you is another in a series of mistakes by the entertainment industry.  Like having Mariska Hargitay replace Daneil Radcliffe in "Every Brilliant Thing."

                                 The TONY Awards should not be pompous and pretentious, which is why I vote for Linda Richman and Liz Rosenberg.  I understand Liz has joined Linda at some of BARBRA's venues.  How about her hosting the TONYS?  Great idea, but are you kidding?

                                    Linda, with her coffee, and maybe a mention about her daughter, Robyn, will bring some talent and levity to the show, that this PINK thing does not have.  And Liz has the greatest sense of humor; calling Madonna a tramp and a "korva."  If anyone should know about Madonna, it is Liz Rosenberg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         You want to talk of tramps, darlings?????????  Even Liz and Madonna would be appalled at the way today's young girls dress!  Tramps!  Someone needs to teach them some class.  Madonna dresses better than these girls, although I would not recommend showing one's quinny as Madonna did in that sex book.  As a gay man, I could not bear to even LOOK at it!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            ANNA, could you provide a tutorial for today's young girls???????

                                           But really, these gals have talent, and that is what the TONY Awards celebrates.  Which reminds me, what the hell is going to be nominated for "Best New Musical?"  It seems all the big arrivals are revivals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Like Lucy and Ethel in the Fine Arts Club, vote for Linda and Liz to host the TONY Awards!

                                               As Linda would say, "Talk amongst yourselves."

                                              We (Linda and I) will give you a topic---

                                               What the hell is wrong with Broadway???????????????

She Won't Be Mentioned In "The Devil Wears Prada 2," But These Patterns Are Interesting To Look At For Summer Wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love discovering new designers, and Lauren Conrad is one I recently discovered.  Now, girls, I discovered her on a KOHL's Mom commercial, but it is not like I am telling you to shop at KOHL's.  I mean, a girl's could lose her reputation that way.  And that actress is SO annoying!

However, with the economy tanking, and all of us able to afford less, it would not surprise me if some of my girls have shopped surreptitiously at KOHL's.  It is one step above a thrift shop, though I understand, in the right locale, like Manhattan's Upper East Side, sometimes one can find amazing items at such shops.

Have I ever done this?  I will never tell!

The red dress is my favorite, as it is a color I am instantly drawn to.  Wearing it could make me feel like Donna McKechnie, and that is not bad at all.

But I also love the short summer frock with the parasol.  It can make me feel petite again, and girls, wouldn't we all want that?  I know I would feel so carefree and breezy in that outfit.

No, you will not hear Lauren's name mentioned in the 'Prada' sequel, but she does turn out some interesting work.  These items are worthy of attention, especially for young career girls just starting out.  How well I remember those days!

Remember--being short on cash does not mean you have to look cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Girls, Wait Till You Hear This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              The first time I heard the song "What Did I Have? (I Don't Have Now)" was when Eydie Gorme did a cover of it, belting her heart out.  For many it became the definitive rendering of that, and being the last of the belters, I have been singing it Eydie's way for years.

                              But first let me get back to "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever," one of the most ignored musicals, along with "RAGS."

                                 David and I saw a Broadway revival of it in 2011 that introduced to us a young lady named Jessie Mueller, who for several years thereafter, was the Toast Of Broadway.  Alas, Jessie, where are you now, when so needed???????????

                                   But the musical had been dramatically reconfigured so that homosexuality played a part in it, and when Harry Connick Jr. on stage wax so afraid to kiss David Turner, it became a laugh fest.  Except when Jessie was on.

                                     ENCORES has done this show with Kristin Chenowith, and the Irish Repertory Theater has done it with Melissa Erico.  I would have liked to have seen it with her. 

                                        But, like 'Merrily,' has anyone gotten this show right?  The cast album is gorgeous, and Barbara Harris gives the song I mentioned a beautiful vulnerability that makes it achingly heartbreaking.

                                          The cast album is a master class in how this show should be done right.

                                       Here is Barbara singing it the way it should be sung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Darlings, if only Broadway was this again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, It Is Not Too Early To Start Thinking Abot Summer Wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                       Summer will be here before we know it, so it may be a good idea to examine our closets for summer prospects.  When it comes to fashion, who knew better than the decade of the Fifties, and these models are just scrumptious.  My personal favorite is the yellow color patterned dress in the middle.

                                         The warmest season of the year is no excuse to let shirts hang, not comb your hair, or wear unattractive foot ware.  Or worse, going barefoot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            I mean, I still love the green dress Scarlett wore to the Twelve Oaks barbecue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             That might not work today.  But the blue one at the top sort of replicates it for a more comfortable design.  Summer is about being comfortable but not losing one's fashion sense.

                                               So, let us start thinking about this, girls!!!!!!!!!!  Right away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Was Once The Place To Be Has Become A Visual Metaphor For A Rapidly Vanishing America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            If you were a suburban kid, as I was, the shopping mall, or any ones near you, were places to be.  The escalators, the toys, books and records departments, fashions--these were places kids like me loved going to because it was a chance to see beyond the sheltered world we were then enclosed into.  Oh, I know I am sounding like a mall rat--which I was before I galvanized myself into this blog and high fashion--but the malls were just such fun.  And some even had movie theaters, so if one desired to see a movie, one did not have to travel far.

                              Alas, this photo reminds me of so much.  How the America I grew up in is slowly vanishing, as it does for each generation. How it recalls to me the Sondheim musical "FOLLIES," my favorite of his works, whose 55th Anniversary was this past April 4, just five days ago.  Sorry I missed it, darlings, but it was also Holy Saturday.  I forgot but was brought back to the event by the photo.

                            Abandoned amusement park photos are fascinating, what with their colorful sadness.  Yet they still have a beauty to them.  Abandoned mall photos, while macabre, are just plain sad.

                            Sometimes going forward forces others to forego cherished memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Becky Has NOTHING To Do With Thackeray Or GB Shaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Darlings, how many parties have we been to where an individual or group is conversing with us, and mentally we just don't care, and say, inside our heads, "Why don't you just get the hell out of here?"

                                     The answer is many.  And Gina Gionfriddo's play "Becky Shaw" leaves the audience, like party guests, captive among people they would rather not be with.

                                       Let's start with the playwright.  Gina Gionfriddo.  Sounds like she should be working behind the counter at a pizza parlor.  As for her writing, she cannot seem to decide if what she is going for is "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?," "Fatal Attraction," or "Promising Young Woman."  What emerges is two hours of histrionics blending all three and not succeeding very well at any of them.

                                         Thank God for Linda Emond, who livens things up.  When she speaks, she knows how, and what could be rantings have some dramatic meaning.  Too bad the rest of the cast does not follow her example.  And Lauren Patten, who plays Emond's daughter, Suzanna is supposed to be going for a doctorate in psychology at NYU?  If she can't reign it in long enough for normal conversation, then she should drop the program and go into something else, because it is clear she will not make it as a psychologist.

                                           The other characters are not much better, and while they do follow through on what they are supposed to do, Gionfriddo and director Trip Cullman might just as well have told the cast unitedly, "Just go out there, and scream the playwright's grievances to the audience".  But are they her grievances. Are Suzanna and Becky stand-ins for the author?  Does anybody care?  I certainly did not.

                                               Yet the audience seemed to be lapping it up.  Has the theater become so expensive that audiences will applaud at the most mediocre material?  The answer is yes; I have seen applause at far worst.  

                                              "Becky Shaw" is to be avoided.  For those having children or grandchildren--their school play would be more theatrically satisfying than this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  Raspberries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, My God, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's MERYL and ANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Darlings, this image is classic, and will be as long as we are alive, so I suggest all run out and buy the May issue of VOGUE.    I have been sitting on this for a while, girls, but we have to talk about the May 1 opening of "The Devil Wears Prada 2," with the entire original cast back, and I cannot wait to learn the names of some new designers.  Alas, I will not be able to see it on opening day, because of what I do for love.  Before knowing of this opening date, David booked us on an LMS But Trip to Shady Maple, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Now, I know Jonathan Groff comes from somewhere around there, but hell, he won't be there.  He fled to NYC as soon as he could.  Like all us young artists!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        While it has a lovely gift shop and savories, the place is a buffet shrine passing off what is supposed to be Amish food, but I think is conspicuous consumption.  You should see how some of these heifers--and yes, they look it!!!!!!!!!--pile high their plates.   I find it disgusting.  But David loves it, so if he lets me watch my true crime, serial killer programs, who am I to deny him a visit to Shady Maple?  I can take medication for it, to block out the experience.  But why does it have to be on May 1????????????????????

                                         So, God knows when I will see this.  And what shall I wear?  What if I see it in Manhattan, and ANNA is there?   I am going to have to wear my best, even if I see the film in Brooklyn!!!!!!!!!!

                                           But, really, girls, sometimes retirement is a bitch.  Like cramming Easter, Passover, doctor appointments and two shows (which I eventually will report on) into one week.  I am moving faster than when I was working.  You never hear people say this, but I will--Thank God for the NYC Subway System.  It affords me so much reading time, which I sometimes do not get at home.

                                           Not to mention I am juggling two potential tragedies in my life, of which I cannot say more.  Don't worry, though, David and I are fine.

                                             And "Death Of A Salesman" opens tonight at The Winter Garden.  If it gets a rave from "The New York Times" I will spout off on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              That is what this past week has been like, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I Have Been Chronicling My Life For Nineteen Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               And you know what comes after nineteen, don't you, girls?

                                              Next year, when twenty is reached, we will have to have a big party!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               But today is the anniversary of starting this blog.  My first post was today, and it was short and sweet, because, at the time, I was not sure what this blog was going to be.

                                                  I am so happy I have a legacy to look back on.  I just find it hard to believe it has been 19 years.  I was 52 when I started this, and now I am 71.  I can't believe it!

                                                  But I want to thank all my readers, for whom I write this blog.  It has been a fascinating 19 years, and I can only pray that the next nineteen will be just as interesting, if not more.

                                                     The Raving Queen turns 19 today.  If only the same could be said of me.

                                                     But would I really want that?  No.

                                                       I am just proud to have kept this going for nineteen years.

                                                        Thank you all, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The Day, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Annual Screening Of "The Song Of Bernadette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                           I am running on empty, darlings. I had no sleep last night, --I just could not--and I just sang in my church choir, have not had coffee or eaten, so the screening, which usually starts at 2PM may start at 3PM.

                             I just heard a sad story from one of my friends, and while I cannot give out info, I ask all to pray for this family.  I know just what they are going through.  Holy Thursday, or April 2, specifically, was the 47th anniversary of my mother's death.  A life changer, to be sure.

                                So, a Happy and Holy Easter to all.  But, hey, if you prefer "Easter Parade," or "The Ten Commandments," that is fine with me.  To each his own, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   And watch it on the candy.  You don't want to end up a diabetic, like me!

                                   Happy Easter, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                

At Dawn On The First Day Of The Week, Mary Magdalene Carried Spices To the Tomb, To Anoint The Body Of Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           This is more in line with what Easter is all about, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            But Jesus was entombed with a stone covering the entrance, and I wonder how Mary Magdalene and the others, enroute, thought they were going to roll away the stone!

                             Much to their relief, an angel was there, the stone unrolled, and they were told of the Resurrection.   Mary Magdalene ran to the Disciples telling them the Lord had been taken from the tomb!

                             But such was not the case.  Jesus later appeared to them, live, and that was the first Easter!

                               Which is why some people get up early, to reenact, in their own way, this rite.

                                  And it would not surprise me if a white bunny rabbit had been in the vicinity.

                                 But chocolate eggs and such.  That came along in the late nineteenth, early twentieth century, due to American commercialism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Happy Easter, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Starts April With A 1981 Film Featuring Two Hotties, When They Were Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Gay men across the tri-state area, will want to tune in to "An American Werewolf In London," featuring David Naughton and Griffin Dunne both at their hottest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               David is the brother of Broadway TONY winner James Naughton, whom I remember seeing in shows.  Griffin Dunne is related to Joan Didion and is the son of Dominick Dunne.  His sister, Dominque, was tragically murdered by her boyfriend, after the release of what would have been her breakout film, "Poltergeist." Griffin is still out there, and I have to say, he still looks pretty good.  I have no idea what David is up to. But his fame came from a series of Dr. Pepper commercials in the early eighties.

                                    But their youthful hotness, the cinematography, the transformation sequences, and some touches of humor in this unexpected comic horror film make for delightful viewing.

                                      In all my years of watching "Svengoolie," this is the first time I believe this film has been shown on his program.

                                        You won't want to miss it.  So, tune in at 8PM, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         And I hope I see Nostalgiafeeratoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is Holy Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Jesus has died on the cross and been laid in the tomb.  The disciples and Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, await his return.

                            After all the pomp of the last several days, we all wait for the coming of Jesus.  This is when Lent slows down, culminating in the celebration of Easter, which is tomorrow.

                               Can you believe how fast this Lenten season has gone??????????????

                               When I was growing up, Holy Saturday also came down to a choice of Easter movies.  Late that night, starting at 11:30 PM, two choices would be offered.  Channel 7 would show, every year, "The Song Of Bernadette."  Channel 2 would show "Easter Parade."  You know which one I went for, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                And so, we face another Holy Saturday.  Make it a quiet and peaceful one, preceding the joy of Easter.

                                Hallelujah, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 

Liza And I Are The Last Of The Belters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          If this does not quite seem like Liza to you, girls, you are right.  This is Christine Pedi as Liza.  I am using her because these days she is more Liza than Liza herself.

                          But, yes, darlings, she and I are the last of the belters.  This was made crystal clear by BARBRA's disappointing rendition of her classic, "The Way We Were," during The Robert Redford Tribute on The Academy Awards.

                             I never thought I would say this because BARBRA would go on forever, but that night it was clear she would not.  So, if she can no longer belt, then who is left?  Just Liza and I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Now, girls, BARBRA will be 84 on the 24th of this month.  I am now 71--I will be 72 in November--but my voice right now holds up pretty well.  Will I be able to say the same when I approach 84?  I cannot say, which is why I am telling everyone to be fair to BARBRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I mean, what would Linda Richman say?  And her friend, Liz Rosenberg???????????

                              One thing we can all agree on, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Lea Michele is a KORVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is Good Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           You want to talk about suffering, girls?  I woke up in the middle of the night and was sick to my stomach.  I thought I would vomit, but I did not.  I slept till past noon, so tired, and woke slightly exhausted.  So, my Good Friday is going nowhere.  Maybe that is doing my part for Jesus.  Who know?

                            But, yes, it is the holiest day in the Christian calendar--although shouldn't Easter be that? --and we must remember how Jesus suffered for us all.

                             This day, girls, is a lot more than John Wayne, as The Centurion, saying "Clearly, this man was the Son of God" in "The Greatest Story Ever Told."

                               Of course, we all remember that, but Good Friday is so much more.

                                If you go out today, darlings, visit a church.  And display kindness to people and the little boo boo boos (dogs) that need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Good Friday wishes to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 

                               

                              

Girls, Can You Believe This THING Wants To Play Sally Bowles In "Cabaret??????????????" And Fantine In "Les Miz!????????????" Fantine?????????????????????????????

                            You have got to be kidding me.  Is this some sort of belated April Fool's joke?  Because that is what it sounds like.

                             I will say one thing in favor of Miss Lea I-Am-Better-Than-Everyone-Else Michele--she has the hair for Fantine.  But that is about it.

                            The role requires an emotional voice, beauty, warmth and vulnerability.  Fantine is the show's emotional center; there would be no story without her.  And she is supposed to break audiences" hearts.   After seeing Michele braying her way through "CHESS," though she can carry a tune and hold notes, she has no emotionality, no sense of characterization, making the notion of her playing Fantine, let alone Sally Bowles, who, though a survivor, still has a vulnerable quality ridiculous!  And aren't we a bit too, shall we say mature, Miss Michele, for these roles?????????

                                 She scored lucky in "Funny Girl," but never fully erased the memory of BARBRA, though I am sure she thought she did.

                               Quit while you are ahead, Lea.  Don't dare ruin any of these classic shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                You are simply playing an older, more haggard and arrogant version of Rachel Mayberry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   That is where you will stay, and where you belong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Day Just Happens To Fall This Year On Maundy Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    After 47 years, it remains the saddest, most life changing day of my life thus far.

                                  My mother had been hospitalized for 6 weeks with inoperable lung cancer. We knew what the result would be.  But even if anyone thinks they are prepared, are they really?

                                    My father and I said good night on April 1, expecting to see her the next day.  Around 7:30AM, the phone rang.  It was the doctor, telling us that mother had passed.  I recall waking up in bed, and that the radio downstairs was playing a song I hated, and came to hate even more--"Honey," by Bobby Goldsboro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      And just a week after we put down our beloved, but ailing, 14-year-old French poodle, Baby Mouse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        What happens now?  What does the future hold for me.  I felt like Scarlett looking out on her life after seeing how the war had ravaged Tara!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I could never imagine then I would be where I am now.  The next three-and-a-half years were difficult ones for me.  

                                            Still, I never forget this day and what it did for me.  And how, like small starting engines, it ignited my life.

                                              But the loss is still felt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laudy, Laudy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's Maundy Thurssday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Now, things really speed up as Holy Week closes in, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        This is the night of The Last Supper, Judas betraying Jesus, Peter denying Jesus, and Jesus himself arrested and taken away.  What a rough 24 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Today, we reflect on this day, and why things happened the way they did.  Jesus did this for us, and we should remember him for it.  However you reflect on this day, do it any way you choose.

                          And remember, according to legend, the words Jesus said to the Apostles at The Last Supper--

                            "Everyone get behind the table, for the picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Today Is Spy Wenesday, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Holy Week really kicks into play here on this day.  Hardly happy, this is the day when Judas began his betrayal of Jesus.  He told them where he could be found and that the man they will see Judas kiss is actually Jesus.

                              No, girls, it is not a day to play spy or James Bond.  It sets in motion the path for the joy of the Resurrection, which will occur that coming Sunday.  And which we know as Easter.

                                Oh, sure, bunnies and baskets are there, but the real deal is Jesus rising from the dead to save all us sinners.  Know what I mean, darlings????????  I include myself in this category.

                                  Take some time to reflect on this day.

                                   And the suffering Jesus endured for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here We Are In April!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Girls, we have completed one fourth of 2026.  But alas T.S. Eliot called April "the cruelest month," and I have to agree.  This is a hard one for me, as it has so many death anniversaries in it--six, I believe, including the most life changing, my mother, which happened 47 years ago tomorrow.

                                          So, I don't think I can be blamed for being a little apprehensive.  Nevertheless, there is Passover tonight, Easter on Sunday, and with it the annual screening of "The Song Of Bernadette," in a remastered edition!  We also have tickets to "Becky Shaw," and "The Lost Boys" musical, our taxes are done

                                             It could be April may not be that bad a month after all.  We can only hope.

                                            I just have to keep thinking of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire doing "When The Midnight Train Leaves For Alabam," in 1948's "Easter Parade."