"Liberation" Was Not Liberating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I don't wish to violate the anonymity of anyone, let alone myself, but "Liberation," by Bess Wohl is less a play than attending a twelve- step meeting.

                                        Oh, the dialogue and staging are carefully scripted.  But they go nowhere.  

                                          For baby boomers, remember a phrase we never hear anymore called "Consciousness Raising?"  That is the play's construct.  Act One is a woman of 1970 as she starts an activist group in a gym in a school basement.  The second act has her daughter taking over, questioning the choices her mother made.  It is ponderous, non-groundbreaking, and haven't we all heard this before?

                                                It even makes reference to Betty Friedan.  As I heard this, I looked about me, wondering how many post-Boomer women even knew who Betty Friedan was?????????

                                                 Lizzie, the lead, is played a bit too stridently by Susannah Flood, and she is backed by a company that is able, but because of the flatness of the writing, does not lift the play to any heights.  I thought at one point that, had it been cast with the likes of Lily Rabe, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Cynthia Nixon and others it might have given the work a boost. But the writing by Bess Wohl is less a play, and, like I said before, a recording of a twelve-step meeting.

                                                   Can I blame the director, Whitney White?  Darlings, even if this play had been directed by Whiteney Cummings, it would have not worked because there is nothing for the director to direct or the actors to play against.

                                                      The set and costume designs are so pedestrian, I hate to embarass David Zwenn and Qween Jean.  Think back to the original 1981 production of "Merrily We Roll Aong," especially now that the success of that musical is in the public eye.  That setting got more criticism than this one, and for one reason only.  The material was noticeably better and people had expectations.  Girls, for this one, leave your expectations at the door.  This play wants to say something, but succeeds in saying nothing.

                                                        However, there are two moments, one planned, one not that gave the performance a glimmer of interest.

                                                         At the top of Act Two, the performers come on, with the lights dimmed low, and are seen doing something.  When the lights come up, and the actresses are seated in their places, they are completely nude.  Well, darlings, I almost fainted!!!!!!!!!!!!  Not a peep from the audience, though, but, as David said, it was a "New York audience."  They go on to play an extended scene, unsheathed, and I could not understand what the point was.  And, lest some think I am being sexist here, I felt exactly the same way about the nude scene in "Take Me Out," back in 2003.

                                                          Because of the above, something new was implemented for patrons.  We were required to take these locked pocketbooks and put our cell phones into them.  The staff would lock the small cases until the performance was over, when they would be unlocked for us.  This was to prevent anyone from taking a photo of the nude women on stage.  Hey, would they have done the same thing today, with men?  I mean, I could care less.  And I hear they are doing the same thing, over at "CHESS."  Now, I am really scared!  I do not want to see that grotesque creature named Lea Michele in the nude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                               The real, almost tragic event, came fifteen minutes into the show.  As Susannah Flood was delivering one of her rambling monologues, someone in the orchestra (we were seated in the mezzanine) called out "Medical emergency!"  Several people in the front rows began to move about, and I could see a man with a stethoscope, listening to the chest of an elderly male audience member.  Someone called 911, and I imagine an ambulance was summoned, but, remarkably, the man was escorted out of the theater on foot.  After a bit of time to settle down, the performance resumed from where it had left off.

                                                               My heart goes out to that man and his family.  I hope all is OK.  Never, in my 50 plus years of theatergoing has this ever happened to me.  I hope never again.

                                                              And I bet Frank DiLella (really Delilah!) wouldn't know what to do.  Can't wait to see him shill this crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       

                                                

Did Flaco's Spirit Really Come To Visit Us Yesterday?????????????????????

                      It was a routine Friday morning, and we were getting ready to eat breakfast, when David looks out the window, and says, incredulously, "There is an owl!  In a tree branch aligned with our apartment."  I could not believe it!  What would an owl be doing in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn??????????

                        Until I thought of Flaco.  The creature sat on its perch for several minutes, staring at us.  David went and got a sect of binoculars, so I could see the owl for myself.  Sure enough, it was there.  Shortly after I had my look, it flew away, to who knows where??????????

                          Girls I am convinced the spirit of Flaco paid us a visit.  Maybe to thank me for all the kind words I have written about him over time, maybe to wish us a Happy Holiday, or maybe because this is the Season Of Belief.  Whatever, I feel honored to have been visited by Flaco.  I loved him so and still miss him dearly.  And he knew it and came to comfort me.

                             You can think what you want, darlings, but remember what it says at the opening of "The Song Of Bernadette"--For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.  For those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible."

                                  I am telling you, that was Flaco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us At 8PM Tonight, As "Svengoolie" Kicks Off December With "The Mummy's Tomb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                I have to confess, darlings, December is not a promising month as "Svengoolie" ends his year.  Frankly, this is the best of the lot.

                                Universal made a lot of 'Mummy' movies.  There was the Karloff classic original in 1932, still the gold standard of them all.  Then there was "The Mummy's Hand," in 1940, this one in 1942 "The Mummy's Ghost," in 1944, and then "The Mummy's Curse" in 1945, the final one in the series What a shame Universal never made a movie out of "The Mummy Finds Poppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

                                   Lon Chaney, Jr. famous for "The Wolf Man," but having the distinction of playing all the Universal monsters over time plays Kharis tonight.  The beauty he pursues is played by Elyse Knox, who never went anywhere.  Where was Evelyn Ankers, when she was needed?????????????

                                    Still, I am looking forward to an evening of entertaining, campy fun.  My only complaint is to the Sven Squad--You are entertaining of a kind, but can't you all take it down a notch??????????

                                       Let's hope "Svengoolie" offers a better batch next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                   

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

                                                                         

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

                                                                           

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

                                                                             

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

                                                                                

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

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

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

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

                                                                         

                                                                          

                                                                           

                                                                          

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

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

                                         OK?  Let's go--

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

                                                                           

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

                                                                             

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

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

                                                                              

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

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

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

                                                Meanwhile, here I come with my list!

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

                                                                                     

                                                                        

 

                                                                              
                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                     

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

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

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

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

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

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

                           

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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