Here Is To The End Of February!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                It was a short month, but seemed fully packed, what with our vacation and all sorts of other happenings during this month.  And now it is Leap Day, in this, a Leap Year.  My sister has a REAL birthday today--she is now 80--I can't believe it!

                                                  So, Happy Birthday to all Leap Year Babies, and a joyous farewell to an action packed month.  May March be gentle and kind, bringing with it the promise of Spring.

                                                   And don't forget, there is Seamus' birthday--the 15th, and his presence in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Bay Ridge, which I will let you know when I find out.  It is not on the 17th.

                                                    See you next month, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"The Kids From Keystone Are The Kids No Longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                               Our vacation came to an unexpected highlight of an ending last week, when we went to see the ENCORES! production of Jerry Herman's overlooked gem, "Mack And Mabel."

                                Like many, I had come to love this show through the Original Cast Recording, with Robert Preston and Bernadette Peters, (!!!!!!!!!!!!) which my father actually bought for me.  But, when the show opened at the Majestic Theatre, back on October6, 1974, I actually had tickets to see it.  But the show closed on November 30 of that year, and my ticket was for beyond that, so I never got to see "Mack And Mabel" until now.

                                Darlings, it was the Musical Theater Event Of The Season!  Not knowing what to expect, I walked in, prepared to hear a great score, but unprepared for the underlying darkness and tragedy surrounding it.  Whenever the orchestra burst into "I Won't Send Roses," (sung beautifully by Douglas Sills and exciting newcomer, Alexandra Socha) tears came pouring down my face.

                                 "Mack And Mabel" is a love story of two people who clearly love each other, yet cannot live together.  Mack Sennett, of silent film fame, cannot express what he feels beyond the art of his movies, and cannot adapt to that medium's constant bouts of change, which finish him professionally.  Mabel, while adaptable, is vulnerable, and her moving on leads into a tragedy filled with alcoholism, drug addiction, and scandals.

                                   Watch the joyous number "Tap Your Troubles Away," the staging, by the talented director and choreographer Josh Rhodes, and see how much "Follies" influenced it.  Watch carefully for Socha's appearances here as Mabel.  Each is a deeper descent into addiction, easily missed by the joyous lyrics and staging that she slips in and out of.  Indeed, when Mack is finally confronted about Mabel's addictions, he is reminded that on his films she needed pills to get through his pace, and I recall subtle staging, where between takes, she is gulping down water and swallowing  something.

                                    So, yes, it is a dark show.  And I always said, dark shows, while underrated, are the best.

The chemistry between Sills and Socha is palpable, all the better to convey the tragic impossibilities of their romance.  Their voices are glorious, and all their songs have the vocal beauty and dexterity that honor this show superbly.

Miss Socha is a revelation, going from the show stopping "Look What Happened To Mabel," to the torchy "Time Heals Everything" in a way that never channels Peters, but makes them her own.  I will be interested in seeing what projects she does next.  As Mabel, she is something and someone to watch.

So is the supporting cast--Lilli Cooper as Lottie Ames--the Lisa Kirk role--who does both "Tap Your Troubles Away, and the Act One "Big Time" with show stopping aplomb, Michael Berresse as the sleazy William Desmond Taylor, and Ben Fankhauser as Frank Wyman, whose lead-in on "When Mabel Comes In The Room" is so heartfelt one almost weeps.  And his chemistry with Socha is theatrically perfect.

I wept at the conceptual beauty of the show, taking place in Sennett's mind, with the shut down set a metaphor.  I am so glad I got to see this production of the show, as I have heard of others not so reverent to the property, even daring to give it a happy ending.

The show ends as it should.  But when it leaves, the audience knows it has witnessed an underrated classic of the American Musical Stage.

I wish I could urge you all to see this, but, being ENCORES!, it ran only from Feburary19 through the 23rd!

If only it would move to an open end venue.  But I have heard nothing.

For those having seen it, like me, consider it a privilege!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And welcome to Broadway, Miss Socha!  It is a pleasure to have you!

 

Here is a two minute excerpt, to give you an idea of the brilliance missed!

Who Knew Such Treasures Existed In Morristown? That's Right, Morristown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I know, I know, it sounds like a line out of "42nd Street," but the Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, in Morristown, New Jersey, has the most exquisite display of 18th and 19th Century antiquities, with its Music Box Exhibit.

                                             On Thursday, of last week's vacation, we went to visit our friends, Lynda and Marilyn--those two, crazy kids--in Morris Plains, and took in the museum.  It was like stepping back into a past I wish I had lived in.  The detail, the designs of the boxes had that almost Victorian elegance I simply crave!

                                            I mean, darlings, just look at the elegance and craft, pictured below.  Where does one see this kind of work, anymore?  Oh, sure, the talent is still out there, but where is this kind of passionate craftsmanship today?  I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to see such treasures on display!

Of course, some of them I wanted to take home!

                                             Aren't these just ravishing, darlings!  And to think this is all in Morristown!  Morristown!

                                              That's right, girls, Jersey isn't all "Friday The 13th" and tract strip malls!

Alas, The St. Regis Has Never Been The Same, Without Lespinasse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               This famed eatery closed, on April 19,
 2003, after only being in existence for 12 years.  How lucky I was to have patronized this place once.  Had I known it was destined to disappear for good, I would have gone back.

                                  The atmosphere, the way it is lit, and the Louis Quatorze  furniture, is just as pictured above.  The food was exquisite, but what stood out for me was its doing something no other restaurant of its type did.

                                    After the main course, and before dessert, the patron was given a bowl of some cold soup, with sorbet in the center, and surrounded by honey dew melon balls.  The soup was often of a sweet flavor, to blend in with the other ingredients, but the purpose was to cleanse the palette.

                                      It was so refreshing.  And I have never experienced anything of its like again.

                                      How I wish the St. Regis would bring it back.

                                      Or that it would open somewhere else.

                                      Please??????????????????????????????????????

Our Vacation Last Week Continued, With Tea At The St. Regis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Darlings, I have always had such fond memories of the St. Regis Hotel. Back in 1983, in the King Cole Room, while dining with someone from my past, whose name eludes me, I saw Barbara Cook perform for the first time.

                                           One of my birthday excursions, one year, consisted of a visit to the then renowned restaurant, Lespinasse.  That is for the next post.

                                             As for tea at the St. Regis, it is one of my favorite places for such.  Usually, I am seated by myself outside the main area, by one of the windows.  I recall one Winter, sipping tea, and enjoying treats, while the snow flashed by with such quantity as though the outside was invisible.

                                            Last Friday, with David at my side, we were escorted into the gorgeous Lady Astor Court, which is THE place to have tea, at this hotel.  The whole idea was created by Lady Astor herself, for this hotel.

                                              It was scrumptious.  I opted for a pot of Earl Grey, while David chose a more exotic blend.  The tea tray was charming, as were the finger sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, with jelly, and dainties.  I let David have the Salmon sandwiches, as those were not for me.

                                                We sipped, and gossiped, and I just know Jackie and Lee were at our sides.  But there was one unusual experience we had.

                                                    When returning from the Men's Room, David said, when I went there, to notice this particular sign.  Before we left, I paid a visit, and saw the sign by the exit door. It was small enough not to be unnoticed, and I had to read it with my glasses off, the print was so small.  It concerned human sex trafficking--not to conduct it there, what to watch out for, and how to tell if one is being sex trafficked.

                                                    I was astonished.  At the St. Regis?  What the hell is going on here?
I have never seen a sign like this anywhere else, at any other high end places.  What gives/

                                                      It gave us pause, but not to stop coming back to St. Regis for exquisite tea and service.

                                                     Girls, I am telling you, you have GOT to go here!

Something For A Change, Girls! Instead Of A Southern White Trash Bitch, A Utah Yuppie One!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Chelsea Watrous Cook, aged 33, is one of the most pretentious winners of The Raving Queen Bitch Of The Week Award.  You know what she is?  She is a Yoga teacher.

                                    I have had it up to here with these Upper East Side mommies, in their Yoga outfits, who spend the entire day fixing their faces and figures, so that their hubbies may give them a look, a tumble, and some cash.  I mean, this is all they have to do with their day.  And the instructors are no better, either.  At least the mommies have children, even if they do walk ahead of the nanny who is wheeling, or walking, them.

                                     If all Chelsea was guilty of was pretension, she would not even be on here.  Back in November of 2018, on the pretext of delivering medicine, she visited her ex-husband's girl friend's house, and pulled out a gun, shooting and killing her, while her twin toddlers, presumably waiting in the car, witnessed the whole thing.

                                       Hey Chelsea, that is some message you are sending your children!  Hope Child Services got them away from you, right away.

                                        Can you believe how dumb she is?  I guess when one lives in Utah, there is not much else to do.

                                          My advice, girls, is to stay away from Utah!

                                          No need to fear Chelsea!  Where she is going, girls, she will not be seen, for a long time!

                                           Good riddance, you pretentious Yoga bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Shelley Plimpton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Yes, today Shelley turns 73--Can  you believe it, darlings?  A child of the Aquarian age?--and we all want to wish her a Happy Birthday.  Mother of actress Martha Plimpton, and, of course, on her own, always Crissy in "HAIR," who introduced my favorite song in the show, "Frank Mills," whose signature song it became, for Shelley.

                                           So, here is to another year for Shelley Plimpton, whom we all carry a theatrical torch for.    No one sings the song as well as she. She owns it, darlings!

                                             And to honor her, here is Shelley on the Original Broadway Cast Recording, delivering her definitive version.  If any of you are in the vicinity of the Waverly today, take a moment and think of Shelley.

Happy Birthday, Shelley Plimpton!  And many more!

Our Tuesday Adventure, Last Week, Continued, With Lunch At Le Bernardin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    I knew something was up the minute I walked in, and I was right, as I discovered, when posting this picture.  Over the years, Le Bernardin has always been at the same location, 155 West 51st Street, in Manhattan, but I knew the interior had changed.

                                   Twenty or more years ago, on one  of my birthday lunch excursions, I dined at this restaurant, famous for its seafood.  The meal was exquisite, but I recall the interior being brighter, whiter, with a blue, nautical, French theme.

                                     The restaurant is still named "Le Bernardin," but its interior has been revamped to a decidedly Pan Asian one, with the blinds, Asian style, keeping out the sunlight, the dining room lit to the darkness of evening.  And both the staff, menu, and clientele, were more Asian than I recalled.

                                     Which does not mean the trip was a loss.  Far from it.  David, to my amazement, had two carrot ginger cocktails, while I had a huge glass of white wine.  For an appetizer, he hand the renowned scallops, (I have had an aversion to them, ever since a bad reaction, back in 1992!) while I opted for a simple mescaline salad.  And we both had the Dover Sole as the main course, and the sauce was superb.  The fish was filleted, light and tender.  It was, as the saying goes,
"Like Buttah!"

                                      For dessert, David had what looked like an exquisite Coffee Souffle,  which, if we go back, I think I may try.  While I had the "Baba Au Rhum," consisting of whipped caramelized  honey, and Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.  Topped off, of course, with some fabulous coffee.

                                      So, despite the changes, Le Bernardin thrives, continuing to be the only place I will eat seafood in, beside Galtoire's in New Orleans!

                                        Let the fish entrees come to me, darlings!  I do not go to them!

                                         But what a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           

Not At All What I Expected!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     As a Baby Boomer, myself, I was looking forward to this fictionalized generational meditation.  Finding myself often at odds with both millennials, and my own generation, (the last having written about over several decades, which I may explain in another post.) I could not wait to sink my teeth into this.

                                    The set up is promising.  Mark Brumfeld, a failed New York literary type, moves in with his parents in the Baltimore home he grows up.  He leaves his girlfriend, band player Cassie Black, to fend for herself in the East Village music world.  Cassie soon finds herself in the more lucrative start up world, which takes her to San Francisco.

                                      Meanwhile, Mark's mother, Julia, muses on her life as a failed Baby Boomer.

                                      Yes, Mark does cause a revolution when he blames the Baby Boomers from taking jobs and entitlements from the Millenials that should now be theirs.  And he has a point.  But what about what we went through, darlings?  Ask, and I shall gladly, tell.  While Mark is jailed form on the side causing a bureaucratic catastrophe with his ranting, the last was never clever enough to set that catastrophe off.  How it happens has nothing to do with Mark.

                                         I wish there had been more ranting, so I could take Mark on.  But the novel goes back and in forth, in sections, of the story told from the POV's of Mark, Cassie and Julia.

                                         Daniel Torday has written a fine novel.  Just not the one I was expecting.

                                          But anytime you want to take on the Boomers, Dan, here I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please Say Some Prayers, For Our Dear Friend, Norma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Some readers may recall our dear friend, Norma, from last Summer's chronicling of our trip to Oecan Grove, NJ.  Norma, who several years back with diagnosed with some form of blood cancer, underwent Stem Cell treatment, and three months of isolation, followed by chemo treatments, and made a remarkable recovery, and into remission for several years, was, we found out this weekend, recently hospitalized at Sloan Kettering with the flu and pneumonia.

                          Both David and I were terribly upset.  But last night, we received news that Norma was discharged from the hospital, is at home recovering, but in a weakened state.

                             Just being home, in one's own environment, can be a start on the road to recovery.  But Norma has been weakened, and it is going to take some time for her to get back on her feet.

                                So, I am asking all readers, Sister Camille D'Arienzo, and the Sisters at Convent Station Of The College Of Saint Elizabeth, to offer up prayers for her!

                                  Hear these voices, Lord, as they cry out to you!

                                  May you have the best recovery, Norma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Ash Wednesday, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Well, girls, here we are, the beginning of Lent.  If there is something you need to give up, go ahead.  I should give up snacks, at the very least, for my figure.

                               But, remember, over the next 40 days is when Jesus did the most for us.  He fulfilled his mission.

                               So, remember Him, as we all go about fulfilling our missions.

                                And, rest assured, Easter is coming!

And Now, To Recount Our Vacation Week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Oh, my God, girls, it was simply too much.  David took last week off, which he badly needed, and a week ago today, after a doctor appointment he had, we went over to the Temple Emanuel, on the East Side, and saw their spectacular "Hello, Gorgeous!" exhibit, devoted to the one and only Barbra Joan Streisand!  Whom I wanted to be since March 26, 1964, when I was nine years old, and "Funny Girl" opened at the Winter Garden Theatre, on Broadway.

                                   There were two dresses.  The beaded one she wore in the movie, when singing "People", and the blue sailor suit one from one of the early TV specials.  There was a gigantic Broadway poster of "Funny Girl," bigger than any of the posters in this apartment, and I wanted it SO badly.

But this, darlings, this was the highlight!  In a corner, near the entrance to the second part of the exhibit--it took up two rooms, there was a replica of a recording studio set up, with real operating mikes, where folks could go in and.....BE BARBRA!  You bet I availed myself of this.

Now, it was kind of like karaoke night, because you had to follow lyrics, flashing by in time to instrumental music that I think was in BARBRA's key.  Which does not often match with me.  I chose something I have actually sung on stage, myself--"He/She Touched Me," and it did not come off too bad.  Not perfect, like I wanted, but when I hit and held those notes, there was no other existence but me blending with BARBRA!  And I still hope to do a Broadway revival of "Funny Girl."  It would be sure to impress BARBRA!

This exhibit is on till June 30.  So, for theater  queens, who have not yet gone, what is wrong with you!  And for those, who have dreamt of being BARBRA,  here is your chance!!!!!!!!!!!!

See the above photo?  THAT is how I felt, being BARBRA!

Happy Shrove Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Well, girls, it is that time of year, again.  Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which starts the season of Lent.  Culminating on Easter Sunday, April 12, with the annual screening of...."The Song Of Bernadette."

                                 So, I want to remind everyone out there to eat those pancakes today.  That is what Shrove Tuesday is for, though, in other cultures, other fatty foods are substituted for pancakes.
But I was raised on pancakes.

                                   On a minor point, this is an anniversary.  Fifty two years ago today, I saw "Gone With The Wind" for the first time.  It changed my life.

                                    So, a Happy Shrove Tuesday to one and all, with pancakes a' plenty!

                                     Aunt Jemima, of course, and lots of butter and syrup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Episode Should Have Been Called "The Devil IS Prada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   Thursday night's episode of 'SVU,' entitled, "Swimming With The Sharks," was enlivened by two performances--Radha Mitchell, as Luna Prasada, a fashion-feminist guru, and Samantha Mathis, as Melanie Franks.  Also, in this episode it was nice to see that Jamie Gray Hyder, as Kat, and Zuleika Robinson, as Bureau Chief Vanessa Hadid, have finally seemed to calm themselves down, and settle in.  Their characters, that is.

                                    The best thing about this episode were some of the subtexts.  The product that Luna was pushing was some sort of vibrator for women; clearly a riff on Gwyneth Paltrow's "This Smells Like My Vagina" scented candle!  And Luna Prasada turning out to be really Laurie Nobody, from Hackensack, New Jersey, is clearly sticking it to Martha Stewart, who, we all know, hails from Nutley, New Jersey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Nutley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Strictly "Jersey Housewives" territory.

                                      Speaking of Marthas, I thought it was a hoot, that Samantha Mathis, in a good performance as Melanie Franks, was, in look and manner, trying to channel Martha Plimpton, who, if times were better, would have been playing the role, instead of Mathis.  Not to discredit Mathis' great work, but how I long for the days when guest stars of the caliber of Martha Plimpton would routinely appear on this show.  Alas...……….

                                        The story involved Melanie spearheading a group of younger coworkers to take Luna down, and take over the company.  Among the false accusations they used to "gaslight" Luna (a word that was used several times, meaning the writers knew their audience had no idea of what it means, let alone know the Ingrid Bergman movie!!!!!!!!!!!!) were false embezzlement and rape--of a man!

                                           I mean, I sort of get it.  There are two people at my former workplace who need to be taken down, but by legal means.  I still think their time will come.  Not only do I believe in what goes around comes around, but I also believe the adage, give a person enough rope, and he/she will hang themselves.

                                              Luna almost comes to believe it, and Mitchell's prison breakdown scene was some of the best guest acting I have seen for a long time.  I am surprised Mariska allowed it!

                                               Taking down someone, and a company is one thing.  But, in the end, it all came down to a grudge carried over from childhood.  Melanie and Luna (when she was Laurie) were best friends in Hackensack, and, while Melanie was brought on board, she wanted more, and she never recovered from "Laurie" stealing a necklace of hers at sleepaway camp, and flaunting it before her!

                                                 Now, hons, as you know, I have some bullying grudges, as I have mentioned on here.  But using such machinations to take someone down, from back then!  I wouldn't waste my time!  I am too busy, leading my present life!

                                                   Poor Melanie!  I guess she felt she did not have much of one, so she had to resort to this, when she should have taken action, decades before?

                                                    THIS is what an 'SVU' episode comes down to?  No wonder the show is struggling!

                                                      And Ice T was not on hand again!  Something is up, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I Deserve Some Loving Too" Deserves An "F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                    I have to say the very opening of this episode, with the squad riding the subway, in search of a perp, had an exciting NYC specificity to it, that those of us who ride the trains every day, or to get to and from Manhattan, or therein, could relate to.

                                    After that, the story went downhill.  Despite a deliciously sleazy performance from Jeremy Bob, as ICE Agent Rory O'Toole, and  Delaney Williams, as John Buchanan, the defense attorney we all love to hate, the episode was simply another take on sex traficking, with an Immigration Office exec soliciting sex favors from females aspiring to get into our country.  Whether or not they comply depends on if they do, or not.  If not, they are deported back to wherever they came from.

                                     Big deal!  This is supposed to be a surprise?  Hons, it is probably happening, even as I sit here, writing this.

                                       But wait!  Near the end of this episode, something happens that will eventually explode like gunfire on the show.

                                        During the investigation, Amanda Rollins (the wonderful Kelli Giddish) finds herself working with Sergeant Hasim Khaldun, played by Ariel Stachel.  Not only are they compatible together as co-workers,  by the last scene, it looks as though he might be on future episodes, and this could blow things wide open, considering his background, if their relationship gets romantic, as it might.  And how will Carisi, who I believe is pining for Rollins, deal with this?  This is potentially explosive, darlings, and it was smart of the writers to inject this into a series that has been tired for a long time.

                                            And where the hell is Ice T?  Something is going on!

                                            Bet he has had it up to here, with Mariska!  I don't blame him, darlings!

                                            So have I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Kind Of Sickness Is This??????????????????

                                      The kids in this photo are stupid and cruel, but I really cannot make them the Bitch Of The Week.  The prize this time goes to the social networking site, Tik Tok, who came up with the cyberbullying game known as the Skeleton Challenge.  This is causing serious injury, concussions, and pain to those who have attempted it.  Of course, they are stupid too, but that is youth for you.

                                        Bullying has gotten worse.  Let me tell you about an incident that happened to me in my time.  After one of our seventh grade classes, two classmates (one of whom was the oft mentioned, at least on here, Diane Dykeman!) approached me, saying they wanted to tell me abut the "Ten Little Indians."  I had not idea what was in for me, but since the two were popular, I thought maybe I was finally being accepted.  Au contraire, darlings!

                                         The two, with me adjoining, got into this mock argument about the Indians.
They reached an impasse, where one said, "Shake on it!," then they joined hands, and jammed them right into my stomach.  I fell down, but was more shocked, and humiliated, than physically hurt.  My pride was wounded, but at least I did not have to go to the hospital.

                                            This situation is different.  Two students corner a third, saying they are going to teach that student to dance.  When the student tries, and leaps in the air, they kick out the student's legs from under him/her, causing said individual to fall on the floor, in a way that could result in a concussion, which has happened, to death.

                                              Must we wait till some kid dies, before something is done?  Who are these idiots at Tik Tok , anyway, and why aren't they put out of business?

                                                The kids, even the perps, are the victims.  The latter could face charges for inflicting injury or worse, while the dancer could end up injured, or dead.

                                                  And I was always told my school days were supposed to be the happiest of my life!  Not till I got to college!

                                                    As for these kids, they don't stand a chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does Not Hold Up On A Second Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Still recovering from Uwe Johnson's "Anniversaries," and wanting some fun, contemporary reading, I picked up Megan Miranda's "The Perfect  Stranger," having enjoyed her breakthrough thriller, "All The Missing Girls."

                                            The first thing I want to say is so many of these gender book jackets have become so generic that it is impossible, for one who reads so many books, to recall if the book has been read, or not.

                                               When I began Miranda's novel, and the name "Kyle Donovan" appeared, I started to wonder if I had read this before.  I kept on, and nothing, outside of the aforementioned name, seemed familiar to me.  It kept bugging me, so I checked on here, and I checked my book list, and discovered I had read this novel two years before, in 2018.

                                                On my original post, on March 1, 2018, I actually said it was better than "All The Missing Girls."  This time, I am wondering if I should go back and reread the earlier book, because this second reading did not hold up.  The whole identity thing is contrived, so the reader is unclear who or what this Emmy Grey is, or is not,  and after all the twists and turns, the climax was really not satisfying.  Now, Miranda has a book out called "The Last House Guest," and I am wondering if I should try it.  Even the cover for that one resembles this.

                                                  I guess the moral is too many thrillers run though my mind.  Hard to believe in two consecutive years I reread a book, without knowing it.  I must be more aware of what is being put out, in this genre.

                                                     So, darlings, in good faith, I cannot recommend this book. If I did not vividly recall it, and the second reading was disappointing, there is just no getting around that it is not worth reading at all.

                                                        Do yourselves a favor, dolls, and stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 

"Family" Was Never Campy! But The "Lifeline" Episode Almost Sent It Over The Edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Having recently watched an "E! True Hollywood" program, covering the rise and professional disappearance of Kristy McNichol, I learned, from some who worked on the show "Family," that the writing staff carefully calibrated each and every episode, so every member would get their showcase.  By the amount of letters received, if it was up to the fans it would have been Kristy as Buddy every week.  I would have  loved that, myself, but, then, the show was called "Family,"

                                           In the episode, "Lifeline," Kate and Doug go away for the weekend, leaving the children--Nancy, Willie and Buddy--to themselves.  Nancy and Willie sort of coalesce.

                                             Anne Schedeen, in this, the second of two episodes, plays a law school classmate and friend named Susie Robinson.  Susie is having a relationship with  Mark, who, she tells Nancy, is married.  Now, right away, the way the actress plays the character, it is apparent Susie, though bright, is emotionally unstable.  I had not seen this episode in several decades, so, as soon as I heard the guy was married, I was anticipating a "Fatal Attraction" scenario, with Susie going after Mark.  Hey, remember Karen Valentine, around this time, on "Starsky and Hutch?"

                                               Instead of turning her rage outward, Susie turns it on herself. Her plan is to drive up to the lake side cabin, where she and Mark were to have a romantic celebration of her birthday.  And, right before this, Mark has broken things off with Susie, so she is distraught.

                                                 Nancy talks Willie into driving to the cabin, to help Susie.  She starts out by having a solitary spinster birthday celebration, like Judith Evelyn, as Miss Lonelyhearts in "Rear Window."  Which, brilliant as she is, may be the path Susie is heading toward.  Later, she calls Nancy, having taken an overdose of pills.  She has decided to kill herself, but, having called Nancy, she really does not want to, she wants help.

                                                  And this is where the camp comes in.  While Willie drives frantically to the cabin, Nancy tries to keep Susie awake by constantly talking to her on the phone.  Girls, you have to see the moment, where, having run out of things to say, Nancy, hysterically and repeatedly, sings "Happy Birthday To You," to Susie.  It really is camp.  Meredith Baxter may be a great actress, but she certainly cannot sing, and the hysterical tenor of her voice makes it almost comical; hence the camp.  But it works, at least, because Susie is rescued and saved, all in the nick of time.

                                                     She never appeared on an episode again.  Probably because she was institutionalized.

                                                       Meanwhile, Buddy gets the secondary story.  A mother in her neighborhood has asked her, for babysitting money, to walk her small daughter, Marcie, home from school every day.  Buddy complies, and so does Marcie.  At first, the two become good friends, but then it morphs into a "Single White Female" scenario, with the ten-year-old Marcie wanting to emulate, and be, the fifteen-year-old Buddy.  Buddy has an honest talk with Marcie, and her crisis is abated, except, guess who Marcie latches onto next?  Buddy's best friend, Audrey Pfeiffer, wonderfully played by Louise Foley.

                                                          When Kate and Doug return home, asking about the weekend, Nancy delivers the flippant line I remembered, "It was a weekend, like any other."  When Willie tries to explain all that happened, the parents think the kids are being sarcastic, and exit upstairs.

                                                              Like I said, really camp.  But the other surprise here was that Marcie was played by someone, who, very soon, would become important to this show.  You know who played Marcie? Quinn Cummings.

                                                                 Her character here was completely different from her Annie Cooper character she would later play.  I kind of liked Marcie; she had an edge to her that Annie tried to cover up with her prepubescent cuteness.  But who knew Quinn had appeared on the show before?
I completely forgot.  I guess, after this segment, when it came time, the producers decided to try her out.

                                                                    At the time, I did not like it when Quinn joined the show. Decades later, as I watch it, I can see her fitting in better.  And after all, the heartbreaking Merilee Kalisher episode featured Quinn.

                                                                     But, hons, you gotta see Meredith sing into the phone!

                                                                     It really IS camp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barbara Remington Defined Middle Earth For Me! And I Never Knew It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               This was the first set of the "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy that I owned.  Many my age did, but some were smarter than I; at least, those who still have theirs.

                                For me, this is what Middle Earth was supposed to look like.  I pictured it this way as I read it the first time, which is one reason why I never took to Peter Jackson's vision--even though I saw each and every movie.  Middle Earth was supposed to look like this, and never did.  So, I was never satisfied with Jackson's work.

                                  I am a purist, darlings, and, for me, this was Middle Earth!

                                  Barbara Remington, who created these images, died on January 23, at the age of 90.  What is interesting is that she said, when given the cover assignment, she had not read the books, she just designed from instinct.  Her instinct proved correct, and this edition, first issued in 1965, and which should be reissued again, is how many Baby Boomers, such as I, think of Middle Earth!

                                     If only the Jackson had been influenced by Remington!  He might have made a more exciting, visually stunning trilogy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     And, yes, especially with the cover of 'Fellowhsip,' one can see a trace of MGM's depiction of Munchkinland, from "The Wizard Of Oz!"

                                     Rest In Peace, Barbara!  Your Middle Earth will always be mine!

When It Come Time For Home Decorating, Darlings, Only One Name Will Do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Spring is approaching faster than one realizes, so it is time for me to think of home decorating ideas.  And I have some lovely ones for the bathroom and the kitchen, where so many of us spend so much of our time.  Don't even get me started on the  living room or kitchen; those are projects in and of themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    When it comes to the aforementioned room, besides the words "Laura Ashley" are "Think Pink!" Pink is my color, darlings, so it has to figure in all my decorating ideas. Take a look at this gorgeous Laura Ashley bathroom!

Isn't this fabulous?  The only thing I would do different is turn up the heat on the pink--make it flaming!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Even the radiator!  But, as a layout, isn't it just a perfect spot to beautify, girls?

Same with this gorgeous bedroom set!  Just flambe the pink; you cannot go wrong with more!  Pink brings style and purity to a bedroom, darlings!  And it is such a romantic color.  And aren't those curtains gorgeous????????????

Thanks to Laura Ashley.  Are any stores still around?  Or is it only an online presence!

In any case, I hope these home decorating ideas help!

I would love to see some of yours, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was This Book Written By An Embittered Lesbian?????????????????????

                                      It really does not matter to me, darlings, but I am telling you, after reading 'Fleishman Is In Trouble," and then seeing the movie "Marriage Story" (which I have not, yet) one would not blame anyone for writing off heterosexual marriage.

                                        Even on its own, Taffy Brodesser-Akner's--Lord, what a name!!!--debut novel does not make a good case for things.  Both Fleishmans,  Toby, and his getting divorced from wife, Rachel, are dislikable and unsympathetic.  Toby is some Wallace Shawn like troll who hunts for women, and, for some reason, these women, from tramps to Upper East Side social types, latch on to him, like he is catnip, when he clearly is not!  Why?  The author does not give the reader a clue.

                                          As for Rachel, she is a total bitch!  She goes on some abandonment binge, clearly uncaring about her two children, Hannah and Solly, and the reader is supposed to care about her.  Just whom is the reader supposed to care about?  And why?

                                            And yet, the writing is excellent, if flaky.  The author shifts points of view, without telling us they are coming, tends to repeat several passages toward the end, and foreshadows the very last sentence, before it is even read.  Little Miss Show Off does not give any clear motivation for resorting to these tactics, and I, for one, did not care for them.

                                               Which does not mean I did not like "Fleishman Is In Trouble."  It is a worthy entry in the pantheon of Contemporary New York Novels.  But if the author wants to continue successfully, she better settle down to straightforward narration, instead of resorting to cheap tricks for her own benefit.

                                                  Yes, I have reservations about this book.  But I wouldn't stop anyone from reading it!

                                                     And, darlings, you know if I thought it that bad, I WOULD say it!

Time To Welcome A New Reader!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Well, girls, I see that the follower indicator is up to 103, which means it is time to welcome a new reader to this blog.  I am not sure the name of our new reader, so, to he or she, I bid welcome!  May you find all the entertainment and information on here that made you come here, in the first place.

                                 I have some interesting posts coming up, so stay tuned.  And a big welcome from all the readers on here, plus myself!

                                  Enjoy!

                                   And no welcome would be complete without this blog's unofficial theme!

                                  Here is Deborah Harry, singing "Call Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here Is My "Henry, Sweet Henry!" Dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Those of you who have been with me a long time on here, know how much I adore this overlooked musical theater gem, from 1967.  I was just in seventh grade when it opened, and my parents were planning on taking me to see it--except it closed on December 31, 1967.

                                       Several years back, David and I attended, at 54 Below, a tribute to the show, hosted by Original Cast Member, Neva Small, and performed with girls the right age, and not the overly sexualized nymphets that get cast in "Mean Girls," which I refuse to see.

                                       I have my album jacket framed, as it was signed by Neva, herself!

                                       Thoughts of this show are always coming and going, with me.  When is ENCORES going to hit upon doing it?  That would be an event.

                                         Recently, I had a dream, pertaining to this show.  In the dream, it was 1967, and David and I, in our present incarnations, were entering the lobby of the Palace Theatre, where it actually played, so excited was I to see it.  As we sat in our seats, at some point in the dream, I heard Robin Wilson, the show's original Valerie Boyd, singing "In Some Little World!"

                                          Of course, it has also been my dream to do the show, as well.  But which part? Val, Gil ((for Marian Gilbert, whom Neva orginated) and Kafritz (the original Mean Girl, as performed by Alice Playten) all have good numbers.  How does one choose?  Any of the actresses we saw at 54 below were lucky to be performing any of these roles.

                                             Well, darlings, it is MY dream, so, I guess, because of such, I get what I want.  As instantly as a scene change, I am backstage, dressed as Val, about to go on in the role, with the stage manager giving me last minute instructions, and also saying
 that, if need be, I am to understudy Gil and Kafritz!

                                                 Then I stood in the wings, as the orchestra launched into that marvelous overture.

                                                  Pleasant dreams are just the best, darlings!

                                                   Of course, were this ever to happen, you would have to come and see me!

                                                   And, in each role!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



There is more interest in this show than I thought!  Here is Robin Wilson, singing "In Some Little World, " from the original production.

                                        And here is Alice Playten, doing her signature number, "Nobody Steps On Kafritz."

                                         For an actual look at the show, as performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show," back in 1967, here are Alice and Company doing "Poor Little Person."  Can you theater queens spot Priscilla Lopez and Baayork Lee, among the girls?

We Must All Rally Around Rebecca Luker, And Send Out Our Prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    It was with great sadness, and tears, that I learned, last week that famed musical theater actress Rebecca Luker, whom I have sign in several shows, has been diagnosed with ALS, the debilitating nerve illness, known as "Lou Gherig's Disease."  Luker is married to Danny Burstein, a wonderful performer in his own right, currently starring in "Moulin Rouge," though, with this saddening news, who knows for how long he will be in the show.  He is going to have to be at Rebecca' s side throughout all of this.

                                     What is it with Broadway's divas?  We just lost Marin Mazie last September, and our sympathy is still with the talented and handsome Jason Danieley.  And now Rebecca, with Danny left to carry on.  What is going on?

                                        Some way must be found to eradicate this illness.  In the meantime, my readers and myself, as well as the New York theater community, send out our prayers to both Rebecca and Danny!

                                         What else can I say, except, "Amen?

Take A Good Look, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, THIS Is How You Fold Laundry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Yes, darlings, that is Anne Revere as Louise Soubirous, mother  of Bernadette, in "The Song Of Bernadette."  To make ends meet, she does laundry for the wealthier members of Lourdes.  And, that is Roman Bohnen, in the background, entering, after his morning of work, while Bernadette (Jennifer Jones) is out having an experience that will soon change all of their lives.

                                   But the important thing here, girls, is how correctly Anne Revere folds the laundry.  One does not have to wear the kerchief she does, but it does help.  But look how good and tight she gets those towels and garments.  That is what one must aim for, when doing laundry!

                                     Of course, this film is just filled with stunning information, but one can never underestimate the ability to fold laundry.

                                       It netted Anne an Oscar nomination for this role.  She should have won!