A Victorian Farewell To May!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     It is hard to believe that we are five-twelfths through 2025.  May sure sped by what with us seeing two theatrical gems, "Old Friends," with Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga and others doing an evening of Sondheim songs, not to mention "Just In Time," featuring Broadway's hottie--GASP! --Jonathan Groff!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       We had media drama and dinners out.  Flowers bloomed and blossomed.  And, of course, we listened to Julie Andrews singing "The Lusty Month Of May."

                                         I was out of sorts with some intestinal thing, which I still do not understand.

                                        And why, knowing all the Holy Days Of Obligation, do I always forget Ascension Thursday?  That makes two years now!  I need a priest fast!

                                         Speaking of things spiritual, last Sunday we bade farewell to our fond broadcasting friend, Sister Camille D'Arienzo.  The sad thing is she will be missed; the happy one is that she is still with us, and, I hope, she enjoys her well-deserved retirement.

                                             And next comes June.  Pride Month!  Hang on girls, it is going to be a wild ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               See you next month, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Jessica Parker Reads Two Books A Day??????????? Give Me A Break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           First of all, I would like to know how the hell Sarah Jessica Parker got to be a judge on the Booker Prize panel.  I mean, is she even literate?  Her whole career has been defined by fluff written by Candace Bushnell, which, if she reads at all, which I doubt, is the kind of literature she consumes.  I bet she has even read the trash classic "Lace," by Shirley Conran.

                            Just look at these pictures!  So posed!  You think she has ever carried a pile of books like this, in her life?  Let alone read them?

                              Reading takes time, and does she really have that much?  Then, what about her career?

                              I try to do three to five hours of reading a day.  I average out two books a week.  Right now, I am working on my summer project, which is rereading "Jonathan Strange And Mr. Norrell."  I am almost to page 200, which is pretty good, but I need to go faster.  But are you telling me, that, even if she read around the clock, SJP could finish 'Jonathan' in one day??????????  She would be lucky to get to page 50.

                               These base claims are phony.  There is one thing Sarah is and that is Carrie Bradshaw.  Sure, it paid her way, but she will never be known as anything else, let alone a book reader!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Cream, milk, lemon, or sugar in your tea, darling???????????????

Is A Third Viewing Of "The Haunted Strangler" Really Necessary???????????????????????????

                                    Before writing this post, I discovered that this 1958 film was last shown in 2023, and then several years before that.  Now, darlings, "Svengoolie" is showing it again, tonight at 8PM.

                                     If you haven't seen it, watch it.  Elizabeth Allan, so memorable as Clara Copperfield in Selznick's 1935 film of "David Copperfield," gives her final film performance here, and goes out memorably, there is a famous shot of a prostitute leaning out her window in the opening scenes, and Karloff gives a pretty nuanced performance, far removed from the Frankenstein monster.

                                      But a third time?  If it was a gem, yes.  But though above the usual crap, this is not a gem.  Why doesn't "Svengoolie" show something campy and fun, like "She Demons????????" Now, those girls knew how to do makeup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        We will probably watch something else tonight, and, of course, I will let you know what it is, once viewed.

                                           Three times may be the charm, but not here, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Revival of "CHESS?????????" With THIS Cast???????????? Are You Kidding???????????????????

                        I eagerly welcome a revival of "CHESS," which I saw in the late eighties with the still unequalled cast of David Carroll, Judy Kuhn and Philip Casnoff.  Do Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher think they can equal them??????????  Are you kidding?????????????

                         It looks like Tveit will play the Philip Casnoff role of Freddie Trumper, Nicholas Charistopher (who?) will play the David Carroll role of Anatola Sergievsky, while Lea will play the Judy Kuhn role of Florence Lacey.

                           They get to sing such lovely songs as "Anthem," "Someone Else's Story," and "Pity The Child."  But are they up to it???????????  Not at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             What about Josh Groban?  His "Anthem" is the equal of David Carroll.

                              How about Ruthie Ann Miles????????  Or Jessie??????????  Julie Benko???????????

                              And is Aaron Tveit really the best choice for the role?????????????

                              If only this revival had been carefully cast, I would have run straight to it.

                                This "CHESS," darlings, is headed for "Checkmate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

It Begins Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Today, I commence my Summer Project, which is a complete rereading of Susanna Clarke's "Jonathan Strange And Mr. Norrell."  After all the hype last year over its twentieth anniversary of publication, I just had to do a second visit.  I may not be on here as much, what with 846 pages to plow through, but rest assured you will be hearing from me.  

                                             I mean, the TONY Awards are coming up, and I have a lot riding on that.

                                             So, don't think I will be forsaking you, darlings.  

                                               This will be like a college assignment.

                                                 Wish me luck, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   And, if it gets so I dislike it and can't finish it, I will be honest and tell you!

                                                   If I should complete it, I will post so on said date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Let Us Welcome A New Reader!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Even with my coffee, I had to look twice at the follower indicator, and, sure enough, it said 136, meaning we have a new reader.  So, let us give a big welcome to Annie Hickox.  Annie, I hope you find entertainment and information on here; this blog goes great with coffee.  Or tea.

                                        What an important day Annie chose to join us, girls, as shall be explained in the next post.

                                          So, a warm welcome to Annie.  And just for her, is the blog's unofficial theme song!

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

One Of The Few Things On Broadway Now, I Would See Twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                          I do not say this often, girls.  The last two times I said it were of Sondheim shows; first, the revival of "Sweeney Todd" with Josh Groban and Ruthie Ann Miles, and then the revival of "Merrily We Roll Along," with Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe.  The two gents received TONY Awards for their heartrending performances.

                                            Now, there is another Sondheim show on Broadway, by way of London, and it is a perfect evening of musical theater.  Headed by Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, Bonnie Langford, (whom I first saw, at age 9 playing Baby June in the Angela Lansbury revival of "Gypsy," back in 1974, when I was a tender 19) and a former neighbor of mine from Woodside, Kevin Earley, the cast perform outstanding renderings of Sondheim classics.  Because of the overlapping, it was especially good to hear "A Weekend In The Country," from "A Little Night Music," and the "Tonight Quintet" from "West Side Story" on stage!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga are the headliners, and while Bernadette does her usual magic with "Send In The Clown," and "Losing My Mind," it is Lea Salonga who is the show's surprise.  Who knew she had the range, or capability, to do a brilliant take on Mrs. Lovett, (I liked her better than Annaleigh Ashford!) or Mamma Rose, as she proves in "Everything's Coming Up Roses," and "Rose's Turn?"  Audra McDonald should pay attention to her.

                                                      Beth Leavel, a Broadway favorite, puts her own spin on "The Ladies Who Lunch," and it is so refreshing to hear a new voice do it.

                                                         I also love the united take on "Not A Day Goes By."  Bernadette usually does it solo, but this time the whole ensemble is brought in, adding depth and meaning.

                                                         Of course, one could list Sondheim songs that might have been included but aren't my personal choice being "Too Many Mornings."   But why quibble when Theater Queens and africandos will have just about the best evening of musical theater one could hope for.

                                                            You have GOT to see "Old Friends," darlings.

                                                              And here is another phrase I seldom use anymore.

                                                             It transported me to theatrical realms.  Meaning I floated to the ceiling, stuck there, not wanting to leave the theater, and someone had to pull me down.

                                                               Really, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watch Out For Those Panties, Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Three years ago, in the Summer of 2022--I cannot believe it has been that long--David and I, plus a group of friends, went to see Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster in "The Music Man" at the Winter Garden Theatre.  As the run continued, the legend grew that, nightly, or after each performance, women and gay men threw their panties at Jackman on stage.

                                       Jonathan Groff faces the same challenge.  After seeing him in "Just In Time" yesterday (this is not a review--that will come later--but an exultation of Jonathan!)  He is not only the hardest working man on Broadway, but also HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I wanted to throw myself at him after the performance but wouldn't out of respect for the actor's exhaustion in what is the hardest working tour de force on Broadway; one could say the male equivalent of BARBRA in "Funny Girl."

                                          I know women and gay men were reaching for their panties.  I did not notice any flying on stage yesterday, but I am sure they fly on nights and will increase as the TONYS draw near.  Mr. Groff gets my personal vote--he SHOULD win, but will he????????????????

                                          That wavy hair, those eyes, that smile!  I mean, who could resist????????????  And why is this man single??????????? Hold out, Jonathan!  Be smart and wait for someone special.  I can promise you it is worth it.

                                             Meanwhile, catch Jonathan Groff at Circle In The Square in "Just In Time," which is the performance of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Keep going, Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 

Happy Memorial Day, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Here we are at not only the end of May, but the unofficial start of the Summer.  These next 80-plus days are the most magical of the year, so let us make the most of them.

                           Memorial Day is to remember the veterans who sacrificed their life, but it always brings up personal memories for me.  Like the annual Memorial Day parade in Highland Park, NJ, my hometown.  Then going over to my grandmother's house, on Nassau Street in North Brunswick, sitting on her front porch, as we watched the parade march up the street.  Then, of course, a cookout in the back yard--the season's first.

                             This continued into childhood and adolescence, and while the events are gone, the memories remain.  I do know that HP still has their parade; I don't know about North Brunswick.

                                So, take this day, girls, to remember, wherever those memories lead you.

                                 A memorial not just to the vets, but a past gone forever, yet treasured in our hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never To Be Forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Today is National Missing Children's Day.  The occasion was prompted by the disappearance, 46 years ago, of then six-year-old Etan Patz in SoHo.

                           It was a hurtful period for me, just seven weeks after my mother's death, from which I had barely recovered, and now this senseless tragedy, which remained unsolved for decades.

                            Walking to school for the first time, on the road to independence, Etan was lured to a store basement by bodega worker Pedro Hernandez, attacked, and killed, by strangulation.  According to Lisa R. Cohen's book "After Etan--The Missing Child Case That Held America Captive," Hernandez took the dead child's body to an apartment building basement, and placed it in the boiler, thereby cremating him.  Which why remains were never found.

                                Very clever and calculating.  Decades later, Hernandez was found guilty of this crime and is now serving time in jail, where he belongs.

                                  Etan Patz' name became code for every parent's nightmare.  It still is, and those of us who remember the event are forever haunted by that innocent face appearing on milk cartons and stores everywhere.

                                     Etan's case changed the way missing child cases were handled.

                                    It is a shame he had to lose his life for this to be achieved.

                                    Rest In Peace, Etan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Always remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

                          For the past 15 years I have been with David, Sunday mornings at 8:35 have always meant listening to a commentary from our beloved Sister Camille D'Arienzo, of the Sisters Of Mercy, on 1010 WINS.

                          Imagine our shock this morning, when, prior to the commentary, the announcer stated that she had been doing this for the past 50 years, and that this morning would be her last commentary.

                             David and I were shocked.  But Sister Camille came through, bidding an affectionate farewell to all her friends and listeners, who have been so kind to her.  And to those of us who always found comfort and inspiration from her every Sunday.

                               Things will not be the same.  Nevertheless, I wish Sister Camille a well-earned retirement and continued good health.  She will always be a treasured portion of my life.

                                 God bless you, and much happiness, Sister Camille!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 

Unfortunately, "The Mummy" Does NOT Find Poppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I would have hoped that "Svengoolie" would have ended the month of May, and Memorial Day weekend, with a gem of a film.  Instead, he resorts to the 1959 version of "The Mummy," with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.  Both pros, but this film pales beside the 1932 Boris Karloff classic.  Now, if THAT had been shown, there would have been no question of me tuning in.

                                           For Hammer afficionados--and I know they are out there--and for those who have never seen this, it is worth one look.  For those of us having already seen it, time to move on to something else.

                                           You know what film would be perfect?  "Sleepaway Camp" from 1983, with Felissa Rose and Desiree Gould, in their signature performances as Angela and Aunt Martha, not to mention Karen Fields and Katherine Kamhi as those two mean girls, Judy and Meg. Wait till you see Karen Fields' ponytail, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              However you entertain yourselves, darlings, have a fabulous time!

                                              We plan to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Grief, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did You Know This Past Wednesday Began Fleet Week???????????????????????? And Gojira, As Usual, Led The Ships Into New York City Harbor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Gojira really has a big smile on his face, darlings; there is no need to be afraid. His first dip in the water of the year is always to lead the sailors on their ships into New York City Harbor for the start of Fleet Week.  Once settled, the sailors get off, and Gojira greets every one of them with a handshake, poses for pictures, and signs autographs.  Then, before the sailors set out on their excursions, Gojira gives them a New York City subway guide, to help them maneuver about the city.

                          Isn't that sweet of him, and so patriotic!  When Fleet Week ends, he will bid a fond farewell and lead the ships away from the harbor and back into the sea.  Hooray for Gojira.

                            For those on land there is an unspoken tradition of bringing a sailor home for a home cooked meal.  Girls, for those who are single, I especially endorsee this.

                            Like the song says, "a bit of dinner never hurt, but guess who's gonna be dessert??????????"

                                  Now, here is a sailor, badly in need of a home cooked meal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Time to do your patriotic duty, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is An Important Musical Theater Day! Fifty-Nine Years Ago Today "MAME" Opened At The Winter Garden Theatre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             If I could go back in time, darlings, this would be one of the dates I would select, so I could see Angela Lansbury and the Original Company of "MAME."  This would include, of course, the great Beatrice Arthur and Jane Connell, and still the youngest TONY Award winner, Frankie Michaels as the young Patrick Dennis.

                              The cast album is solid gold, and this would be a good day to listen to it.

                               Any respectable Theater Queen owns this album.  If not, what is the matter?

                              Regarding the company, Miss Lansbury, who died in 2022 at the age of 96, was the longest surviving cast member.  The woman was a powerhouse, and an actress.

                                Many regard the overture to "GYPSY" as the greatest, and it is indeed that, but I think "MAME" gives it a run for its money.

                                  Here is that fabulous Overture, darlings.  Listen to and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With Memorial Day Weekend Looming, It Is Time To Bring Back a Long Standing Tradition--The Graveside Picnic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Those magical 80-plus days between Memorial and Labor Day will soon be here.  The most magical days of the year.  So, I think it is time to bring back the tradition of a graveside picnic.

                                Such picnics were popular in Victorian times, and the post-Civil War era in America.  All one does is bring a picnic basket with goodies, and a cloth to spread on the ground near the grave site of the beloved whom you want to honor by having a picnic.

                                   The choice of beloved rests entirely on the participants.  Can one have more than one picnic?   Of course, especially if one has lost more than one beloved.

                                     I know the idea may sound macabre to some, but the event is held during the day, people dress elegantly and honor the memory of their beloved.   Memorial Day is a perfect time to celebrate this way, and it is time to bring this tradition back.

                                       Happy Memorial Day, everyone, and head to the cemetery of the beloved most important to you.  Pronto, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Vets Of Universal Turn Out This Night, Darlings, As "Svengoolie" Presents "The Ghost Of Frankenstein!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                          This one is worth a second look, girls, because look at that cast--Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Ralph Bellamy, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi (as Ygor), Evelyn Ankers (then "The Queen Of Screamers") and Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Monster.  The only one missing is Dwight Frye.

                                               I take the last back.  Dwight Frye, uncredited, was in the opening scene as one of the villagers.  I knew I saw him there.

                                             Does the plot matter?  Hardly.  It is enough to witness the set design, art direction, and these seasoned actors going through their paces.

                                              May has not been a great "Svengoolie" month.  But this film is certainly an improvement.

                                              So, join us tonight at 8PM for this Universal delight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              Baby Gojira is very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How I Would Like To Explore "The House Of Evening Delights!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   Every house that is a brothel in New Orleans claims to be "The House Of The Rising Sun."  But who knew there was something similar in Cape May, New Jersey????????????

                                   On our trip their last weekend, David and I took the trolley tour.  We have taken it before, but I don't recall this being mentioned, or maybe I did not pay attention initially.

                                     The guide said that one of the third-floor houses in Cape May--I cannot be sure this is the one, though it has three floors--was known as "The House Of Evening Delights," when the sun went down.  I wonder what delights were offered on the third floor.  I certainly hope there was something for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Which led me to an idea.  To explore this history of prostitution in Cape May.  Oh, it existed, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!  It IS the world's oldest profession!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            I can't say I have it in me to work on such a project, but I hope someone out there does.  I can't wait to read  it.

                                            Meanwhile who is partaking of those "evening delights???????????"  

The Heights Players Seldom Disappoint! Unfortunately, Their 'How To Succeed' Did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I had such high hopes when I heard this show was being done.  A gorgeous score, some marvelous parts and songs for actors--it could not miss.

                               Except it did.

                               Now this was not nearly as egregious as when they did "A Chorus Line" in 2013, which should never have been done in this venue, and, except for the Cassie, was atrociously cast and staged.

                               Thank God for the Ensemble, the chorus kids, darlings, who lend this show a bigger sound, because most of the leads could not put the score across.  This show needs voices, and save for the Ensemble, and Amanda Duisenberg as Smitty, Sean Costello as Bud Frump and David Kurnov as J.B. Biggley, the singing and musical direction were substandard.

                                Rosemary's opening number, "Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm," should soar, especially at the end.  But Dorea Slagle's performance reduces it to whimsy, not the determination of a secretary who wants out of the Sixties pool.  Same with Victor Gorlach as Finch.  Oh, he projects someone who has a high opinion of himself, which he probably does in real life.  Too bad his voice is not up to the role; his exuberant opening is stunted by his inability to project, and in the triplet "Rosemary," only Sean Costello's voice soars.

                                One more thing about Gorlach as Finch.  The audience, on some level is supposed to find him likable.  But his arrogance makes him come across more like Frump!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Was this the best they could get?  Better not to do the show.  As for the Music Director, Anne Rebold, honey, why change the tempo on some of the numbers?  Couldn't you have worked vocally with the leads to make their voices soar?  Either that or get a new Finch or Rosemary.  I would be happy to step into either role.

                                         Girls, Bob Fosse choreographed this originally, in 1961, and it marked the Broadway debut of Donna McKechnie.  Need I say more?

                                          For some reason, the second act was better than the first.  Either I had gotten used to the subpar quality of the actors' voices, or they were saving themselves for the bigger numbers, like "Pairs Original" and "The Brotherhood Of Man."  Again, they delivered, but did not soar.

                                           As for Marie Ingrisano Iser's direction, couldn't you have found a way to get Gorlach to modulate his performance as Finch, and give Dorea Slagle some tips on how to make Rosemary soar?  What kind of director are you?  And the way you cast--OMG, horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I had such high hopes for this show, but they were quickly dashed.

                                          Girls, this 'How To Succeed' does NOT succeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Would You Believe That The Actor Pictured Plays Doug On The Liberty Emu Commercials????????????????

                        Darlings, let us face it, no matter how it is aired, the emu steals the show every time.  But I began to wonder about the actor playing Doug, the emu's owner, because I always thought that head of hair and moustache were phony.

                        And I was right.  Take a look at actor David Hoffman, pictured above, and then his portrait as Doug.  Note the emu, to the right, is making sure to make its way into the picture!!!!!!!!!!   Why not??????????  The emu is the star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                       It has taken me awhile, but I have come to love The Emu and Doug commercials.  And congratulations to Mr. Hoffman and the emu, who have a steady gig.  How many in the business get that?

                          But take a look at this--

                                                                              

                          This is Stephanie Courtney, who, since 2008--my God, that is 17 years!!!!!!!!!!--has been playing Flo on the Progressive commercials.  Like David, who has been doing Doug for a mere six years, since 2019, both gigs are set.  Progressive has tried to incorporate other characters into their ads, such as the annoying Jamie, well played by actor Jim Cashman since 2014, for the past eleven years.   The only one to come close to stealing the show from Flo was when Stephanie doubled as her wealthy, but White Trash acting sister, Janice!!!!!!!!!!!  I just LOVE Janice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Darlings, I should have such a gig!!!!!!!!!!!!  Shouldn't we all?????????????

                             I take my hat off to Stephanie and David.  They make commercial acting an art.

                             But the emu still steals the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The 48th Anniversary Of My Graduation From This College!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Yes, girls, on this day, forty-eight years ago, I graduated from Seton Hall University.  I had my whole life in front of me, and if I had been told where I would be today, back then, I would never have believed it.

                                Within a box of old pictures in our closet is a photo of my mother, father, and Aunt Kathleen (Katty) who was my godmother, on the lawn of the walkway between the library and student center. I know I did not take it, but someone did.  When my mother died, in April 1979, I could not bear to look at it.  Katty died in 2004, at 90, and my father in 2018 at 102.  I have vowed that on the fiftieth anniversary, which is just two years away, I will find this picture, frame it, and put it out on full display in our apartment, then.

                                   I recall the day clearly.  Had I known what the first five or six years were going to be like, I am not sure I would have been able to face them.  Sometimes it is better not to know.

                                   I received the best education I possibly could, at Seton Hall.  I may not have lived up to what I thought was my potential back then, but, hey, I made it to 70, with all the milestones along the way, including the best, marriage.

                                  Over twenty years ago, I made a day trip to Seton Hall with some friends who lived nearby.  I saw how much of it had changed, but how it was still familiar.  I wonder if any familiarity still exists, were I to set foot on that campus today.?

                                     Forty-eight years.  Time went faster than I thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Treasure each moment, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The 108th Anniversary Of Fatima!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          On this day, in 1917, in the small Portuguese village of Fatima, three shepherd children--Lucia dos Santos, and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Martos--beheld a vision of the Virgin Mary.  Like Bernadette, at Lourdes, she asked them to return to her several times, culminating in The Miracle Of The Sun, in which the sun seemed to fall and dance about the sky, causing chaos among the people privileged to witness this.  They must have thought the world was coming to an end.

                                             And it is eight years today that the Fatima children were canonized as Saints, something I feel fortunate to have witnessed myself on television.  It was a big deal.

                                              So, today is a day of reflection on the Virgin's message of peace and consecration to the Sacred Heart, and The Holy Heart Of Mary.  I know Sister Camille is probably our best Earthly example of what Fatima teaches.

                                                If one can gain access to it, today would be a good day to view the 2009 film, "The Thirteenth Day," which tells the Fatima story in an impressive and stylistic way that has not, in my opinion, been matched since "The Song Of Bernadette" in 1943.

                                                Recall the holiness and courage of these children, and what they have done for us.

                                                 I can only hope to follow their example the best I can.

A Pre-Saturday "Svengoolie" Post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                            This is necessary, dolls, because tomorrow David and I are taking a day bus trip to Cape May, NJ, and there will be no time for doing this tomorrow morning.

                            "Kingdom Of The Spiders" has not been shown on "Svengoolie" since 2023, which says much about its quality.  This was a 1977 made-for- television movie, with William Shatner, and a whole bunch of spiders.  The poor child pictured above is Natasha Ryan, who during the years 1976 and 1977 was Hollywood's most sought after abused child, appearing in 1976's "Sybil," and 1977's "Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night."  And look what she had to go through here.  Those spiders were REAL, not the computer-generated crap that would show up today.

                                  Even if you have never seen it, I do not recommend it.  And, hey Nostalgiaferatu was not on last week.

                                    There is better crap out there, darlings!

                                      Why not watch something fun, like 1957's "Daughter Of Dr. Jekyll?"

This Show Is A Live Wire, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I have to say something, outright.  "Dead Outlaw" is performed straight through, without an Intermission.  Dramatically, it is fine; some musicals, like "A Chorus Line," should be that way. But lately, it seems more shows are going this route when they do not need to.  Consider us senior audience members with bladder issues.  Am I going to have to be reduced to one of those guys wearing guy cup diapers, just to go to the theater????????????????

                                         The quality of "Dead Outlaw" is first rate.  A gruesome , and Gothic tale, set in Oklahoma, of  Elmer McCurdy, who ends up as a mummy on the sideshow circuit, may strike some as macabre, but with an original score by David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna that is high on originality, and a truly star turn by Andrew Durand as McCurdy, this show is fast moving, creepy and fascinating especially to those whose tastes cater to the morbid and unsolved mysteries.

                                          I am not certain I would vote this for Best Musical, but I would give it an "A" for originality.  David Cromer's direction and Ani Taj's choreography keep the story moving.  In some ways, it reminded me of "Water For Elephants, so, if you loved that one, darlings, this one is for all of you.

                                            How did I manage to miss this Off-Broadway?  Nevertheless, "Dead Outlaw" is on Broadway, and audiences should have a bang-up time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             And, girls, you won't get robbed, like at "Othello!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Girls, Wouldn't We All Want To Look Like This???????????????

                            Imagine being a Thirties chorine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   What a dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That outfit!  How I would love to wear it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Well, seeing The Narrow Community Players production of "42nd Street," on the Fort Hamilton Army Base, at the end of Bay Ridge, almost makes that dream come true.

                             The Players have done a remarkable job of giving lavishness to a musical on a budget unlike David Merrick's.  Yet all the big moments are there--the entire company singing "Lullaby Of Broadway," tenor Erech Holder-Hetmyer's extraordinary take on "Dames," and the famous "We're In The Money," with the dancers on giant coins! --not to mention a score the likes of which is virtually perfect.  How many times can one say that?????????????

                            Seeing this production of "42nd Street" was pure pleasure.  And I love the way the title song is performed, like a variation on "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue," with dancer Emma Kaufman, who plays fresh-faced ingenue Peggy Sawyer, doing some very Donna McKechnie moves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Narrows always puts care into its productions, but this one, with its score and lavishness, only raises the bar higher.

                              Could they be capable of doing "FOLLIES?????????????"

                               I would love to see them try!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Redwood" Is Dead Wood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I know, girls, I know, that headline could have been the entire post.

                                        There is an urban legend, popular among gay men, that every one of us has a friend who has a friend who knows Idina Menzel.  I don't know who that friend is among my circle, darlings, but after seeing Idina in this, I don't think she will be spending much time on the Broadway stage.  Her era has come to a screeching halt.

                                           Could "Redwood" have been a salvageable show?  Maybe, if it was just Idina.  Unfortunately, the score,, by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Diaz and Tina Landau, who also wrote the book and directed the production, is sub-par on all accounts.  I have seen my share of turkeys over the years, but never before have I wanted to fall asleep so soon in the first act.  I literally had to fight back sleep, and I was not on medication.  I hoped the rest of the show would improve, but, for me, it did not, so I saw the whole thing.  I should have trusted my instincts and just gone off.

                                              Idina Menzel plays this character named Jesse, a lesbian, whose son, Finn, died from presumably an accidental drug overdose.  She thinks leaving her life and convening with nature will solve her problems, but all it does is show what an uncaring, unsympathetic character she is. If the writers intended to make Jesse sympathetic, they failed miserably.  These two other characters, Mel and Becca, should have been eliminated; they are so uninteresiting.  Short of Jesse twirling from a tree, like some ersatz version of Mary Martin getting ready to play "Peter Pan," there is no genuine musical theater choreography.  Maybe because this isn't a genuine musical.

                                                   Oh, I know I sound like a bitch, but then, girls, you did not sit through this, I did.   It closes on Sunday, May 18, if you want to check it out.  Be my guest.

                                                      I have only two final words for this show--

                                                       Chop!  Chop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, How About Those Other TONY Snubs????????????????

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                           These three, of course, are the most prominent.  Kieran Culkin should have been nominated for his novel take on Ricky Roma in "Glengarry Glen Ross."  I would love to have seen this actor, who has shown such promise for over two decades, take home a TONY the same year he took home his well-deserved Oscar.  Alas, it was not to be.

                            Could price gouging have had something to do with these snubs?  'Glengarry' tickets are not cheap but come nowhere near the top price of "Othello" at $900.  Just think, a night on the town for two, and tickets at almost $2,000.  Are you crazy?  Then Denzel, an arrogant prick who can always be counted to put his foot in his mouth, says that he is worth it.  Well, I am glad you think so, Denzel.  You pay the way for some impoverished theater novices who might really want to see the play, and you.  I don't see you digging in those deep pockets, yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Then, Audra McDonald, nominated for "Gypsy," simply because she is Audra McDonald, not that she was Mama Rose, has the nerve to tell Jake Gyllenhaal that she cannot afford to see him in "Othello."  Come on, Audra, you must get a day off where you could take in the show, and with that hefty paycheck you are pulling in, I know damn well you can afford it!  And why did you tell this to Jake; didn't you have the nerve enough to tell this to Denzel?  And why????????????

                            Poor Idina Menzel.  After almost 30 years after the show that made her a star, "RENT," and performing in the same theater, not to get a TONY nomination for "Redwood."  Well, Idina, let me tell you, your voice is great, but it needed better material to get on the roster of nominees.  For those interested in "Redwood," stay tuned for my post review of it.

                           Joy Woods, who I have been saying all season, is the revelation of this season's "Gypsy," deserved the nomination she got.  But three members of the "Gypsy" cast were neglected, and I think they should either be given nominations, or special awards.  They are Chowsie, the dog, the Little Lamb, and Caroline,The Cow!!!!!!!!!!!!  Without them the show could not operate, and I for one think Chowsie steals every moment onstage from Audra, and deservedly so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            So, darlings, Hollywood A-listers were not the only ones snubbed.   I am just so happy for Celia and The Performing Arts Library.

                               It should be an interesting TONY Awards this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             May the best bitch win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After 50 Years, Still The "Citizen Kane" Of Our Generation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Over a month ago, David and I went to the Paris Theater to take in a 50th Anniversary screening of Robert Altman's masterpiece "Nashville."  I cannot believe fifty years have gone by, because I remember when it came out, and how it floored me.  It was as groundbreaking then as "Citizen Kane" was in 1941, and it still is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        I have to tell you, darlings, even with my bladder issues, I sat unmoving for the entire two hours and forty minutes.  I wouldn't miss a frame.  And "Nashville" is one of those films that has to be seen on the big screen.

                        Now, for those who have never seen the film, I say stop reading right here, as I will continue with references that should surprise you when seeing it for the first time.

                           Can enough things be said about "Nashville?"  No, though it is oddly prescient how it holds up in today's times.

                            Most seeing "Nashville," initially or repeatedly come away with just two words--Ronee Blakley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Miss Blakley, as Barbara Jean, with her heartbreaking realness and a voice to equal it, is the eye of the hurricane around which the remaining characters of "Nashville" revolve.  Not to say that pros like Karen Black and Barbara Harris do not make stupendous musical contributions.  But "Nashville" would not have the gravitas it has without Blakley, who is also the film's sacrifical lamb.

                               While everyone else is screaming out their belief in the goodness of America, Barbara Jean is not a hypocrite, but a genuine believer.  Which is why she is the inevitable choice for the horrendous tragedy that happens near the end.

                                   I could see "Nashville" any number of times and still enjoy it.  I have it on DVD, which will help if my bladder worsens--I can sit for two hours, but not much more.

                                   Still, I would risk an accident not to miss any frame in "Nashville."

                                   It still remains America's explanation to itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She May Be The Bitch That Killed Florence Ballard, But She Was A Standout At The MET Gala!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             If ANNA approved, who am I to say otherwise?????????????????????

                            The person in question is Diana Ross, or "Miss Ross" as she arrogantly prefers to be called.  Well, she can take that and shove it!!!!!!!!!!!!  "Miss Ross," my ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             But, girls, what a dress!  And the flowing train!!!!!!!!!!  I don't care if a bitch is wearing it, the dress still stands out.  I only wish I could see how it looks on me.

                               Again, the mail managed to lose my invitation to this event, which, otherwise, you know I would be at, hons!!!!!!!!!!!!  ANNA, your staff is slipping up.  You need to have me there, to keep things running and organized.  It would be an honor to work for ANNA!

                                 Let's face it, ANNA runs New York City!!!!!!!!!!!  What?  You think that silly thing Eric Adams does?????????  He's just some closet case without a beard!  At least Ed Koch has Bess Myerson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    No doubt, Diana is still looking good, and will continue to.

                                     But when will she fess up about Florence Ballard???????????????

Congratulations To Jonathan Groff On His Current TONY Nomination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Oh, girls, isn't he just dreamy???????????

                                    After performing the impossible task of humanizing Franklin Shepard in "Merrily We Roll Along," Mr. Groff is having audiences swoon with his take on Bobby Darin in "Just In Time."

                                    We snapped up tickets to "Just In Time" three weeks from today, and I am telling you; I am going to faint.  Not to mention all the Theater Queens jamming the Circle In The Square stage door, adoring, pawing, and trying to ger their hands on Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       He may need a bodyguard for this project, but, oh, girls, HIS body--WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      And the talent to match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Let's all march over to the Circle In The Square and visit Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Congratulations, Mr. Groff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!