A Victorian (Sort Of) Farewell To April!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                     As I have said, today is the end, but on a very sad note.  Two, to be exact.

                                   April is the month where there are so many death anniversaries in my family.  Going through this month is like reliving those losses all over again.

                                     But we also saw bunch of shows; some we did not like, such as "Becky Shaw," and "The Lost Boys."  And some we loved like "Bigfoot: A New Musical," and "Cats: The Jellicle Ball."

                                      Yesterday we went to the exhibit "Inside The Mind Of A Serial Killer: The Experience," and it was quite a fascinating experience.  I will post more on that another time.

                                          So, April now comes to an end, and then May flowers.  Not to mention what "Svengoolie" may have cooking up next month.

                                             Farewell, April.  I am so glad I have people, especially my David, to help me get through it.

                                               I will see you all next month, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is A Very Sad Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             It may be the end of April, girls, but, for me, even the end is not kind to me.

                            This day is sad for two specific reasons.  Today, if still alive, my father would have been 111!  Yes, this is/was his birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             The second reason is nine years ago today, in 2017, my childhood friend Doug died of complications from alcoholism, self-neglect and sepsis.  He was only 62, even younger than my mother who died at 64.

                                I remember so well the moment I heard he died.  There were grief and sadness, to be sure, but also a bit of anger.  "Why did he have to die on THIS day?" I asked myself.  I would rather he had passed on another, so this would always remain my father's birthday.

                                Alas, there are things beyond my control.  All I can do is remember and pray on this day, and then before I know it, April will be over and I can move on.

                                  I still wish the Easter Bunny would pay me a visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Corporation T-Shirt, Stupid Bloody Tuesday, Boy, You Were A Naughty Boy, You Let Your Knickers Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                         "I am the egg man,                                                                                                                                           "They are the egg man,                                                                                                                                     " I am the Walrus."                                                                                                                                            "Goo goo ga joob,                                                                                                                                              "Goo goo ga joob."                                                                                                                                            ---"I Am The Walrus," Lennon and McCartney                                                                                        

                                                 Why are these lyrics creeping through my head????????????

                                                  Maybe because the Beatles cheer me up, and, with Spring coming, and here, there is reason for cheer.

                                                    But the other reason is I hate those smug, arrogant corporation types.  Straight guys who think that just because they have achieved their parents dreams they are going to be happy and successful.  Boy, darlings, are they in for a surprise!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      So, these lyrics are a good reminder of that, as well.

                                                       They ought to let their knickers down and get spanked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              

"But When The Day's Hustle And Bustle Is Done..........."

                                         I never thought I would live to do it.  I told myself after seeing the original production, I would never return to it again.  But I think those who are not fans of "CATS" will enjoy this reimagining more than those who cling to the original show.

                                         For those, including myself, who constantly wonder what it would be like to be invited to The MET Gala that ANNA sponsors, this show will give one an entertaining glimpse of how it might be.

                                           Andre DeShields, at 80 gives a standout performance as Old Deuteronomy, and his is a true star presence, but the other stars of this show are  Oween Jeans' costume designs and Omari Wiles' and Arturo Lyons' choreography.  Not even "Buena Vista Social Club" can match the frenetic athleticism of this cast's dancers, and the entire combination of sets, costumes and music creates a galvanizing effect for the audience that was never present in the original.  Thankfully, that annoying pirate ship routine from the original second act has been cut, and the show has been trimmed, with the more familiar songs dominating.  I was so happy to hear "Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat."  Of course, "Tempress" Chastity Moore as Grizabella delivers a moving rendition of the classic "Memory" in a way Betty Buckley, with her shrillness, never was able to perfect in the original.  I know I could be shot for this last, but God help me!!!!!!!!!!  At least, I am honest!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I walked out of the Broadhurst Theatre feeling so good at having been entertained by a musical--something I have not experienced much this season.  I never expected this show to do it, but it did.  It will be interesting to see how the show fits into the rubric of TONY nominations!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            How I wish my late dear friend, Nicholas, a Gentleman Cat, could have seen the show with me.

                                             I know he would have given it a praiseworthy "Meow!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Does Lea Michele Talk To Anyone??????????????????????

                                    Girls, I just found out The TONY Nominations will be announced a week from today, and I am very curious about the "Best Musical" category.  Will there be enough shows to fit into this category????????   Time will tell.

                                      But you can be sure, darlings, that already Miss Lea Michele is sharpening her vampire fingers and fangs, ready to draw blood if she fails to get a TONY nomination, and hell to everyone backstage at that show.

                                        I have suspicion that backstage with Michele is a living hell.  I bet she does not even speak to her co-stars Aaron Tveit, he being the hottest thing in the show and the most vocally adept, or Nicholas Christopher, whose voice is glorious but his acting lacks characterization.

                                         Oh, I have seen them making the rounds of talk shows, both on TV and YouTube, and there is a chemistry generated between them, which is all for publicity.  But I am certain that when Miss Michele arrives at the theater, her attitude announces her presence, and everyone clears out of her way.  What a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!  And to not be nice to a hot thing like Aaron Tveit!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           This may sound like pure speculation, but at a party several months ago, I heard from someone in the know who stated she is "not a very nice person."  I believe it.  I pity the cast and crew of "CHESS."

                                               Mark my words--if she is not nominated, she will pull a Beanie Feldstein- like tantrum.  If she is, and does not win, she will be pissed on national television.  If she wins, her arrogance will show through; no thanks, but a feeling of entitlement that she deserves the award.

                                                Lea loves only Lea. But lacks the talent to pull this off, like BARBRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Had No Idea This Actress Had Passed, Until I Saw The Photograph Below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                              

                           I knew Sixties folk/rock singer Melanie Safka had passed years before, but when I saw the first photograph, I thought it was her.  

                            To my sadness and surprise, I found out the person was hard working character actress Mariclaire Costello.  Not much had been heard from her, so I thought she had already passed.  But God bless her, she made it to 90.

                              I had known her for three things, one of which was very important.

                             The first was the family drama, "The Fitzpatricks," which featured Kristy McNichol's brother, Jimmy, and a very young Helen Hunt, who looked snippy and mean girl-ish even then.   It ran from 1977 to 1978.

                              The second was a moment in the 1980 Oscar winning drama "Ordinary People."  It takes place on a golf course, where Beth (the villain, played by Mary Tyler Moore) abandons her family and visits her brother.  She has a meltdown and says "I don't know what anyone wants from me, anymore." To which Mariclaire answers, comfortingly "Beth, no one wants anything from you."  Her reading was spot on, but because of the opinion I hold of Beth I always found this line double-edged, and it still makes me laugh.

                                 Had none of the above happened, Mariclaire Costello would have been remembered for one thing alone.  She became an icon in the 1971 horror film, "Let's Scare Jessica To Death," starring Zohra Lampert.  Once the moment is seen where she rises out of the lake, like a water ghost /vampire, and walks to land, where she menaces Lampert.  The moment is seared into the viewer's head.  You have to see it for yourselves, girls, which is why I just had to include it in the post covering her passing.

                                 I urge you to watch the film or find this moment on YouTube.

                                Mariclaire Costello did many things, but this is how I will remember her.

                                  Rest In Peace, Mariclaire.  You may not have known at the time, but you made an important contribution to horror film history.

                                    As one of my friends says, "May your memory be a blessing.'

                                     

Girls, I Just Found Out A Designer To Be Mentioned In "The Devil Wears Prada 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                       I am talking about Belgian designer Dries Van Noten.  Oh, my God, he really knows the concept of color.  That sweater in the middle is for me!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, he designs for both and women, and while there is nothing more beautiful than a woman in an elegant designer dress, I think it is time the men had their turn at high fashion.  It is for everyone, after all, isn't it, darlings????????????

                                       I would love to wear any of these items pictured.  Or, if Van Noten has a store in NYC, I want to go there directly and purchase some of these garments.  What they could do for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        And this is just the tip of the iceberg.  There will be so many new designers mentioned in this film, I am going in with a note pad.  I may have to see it more than once; I am certain I will.

                                         Dries, darlings, I simply have to talk to you about color and patterns.  And while you are at it, get me some coffee and get Rihanna on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Darlings, At This Moment This Is THE Bookstore In Town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Yesterday afternoon, before attending, of all things, a screening of "The Silence Of The Lambs," David and I stopped in at the Wild Sorrel Cookbooks Store.  Located at 332 East 13th Street, just several buildings down from CSC Theatre, this impressively curated establishment has been put together, by an obliging young man named Troy Chatterton.  Troy may be recognizable to some through his former capacity at Three Lives in the West Village.  Now, he has moved east (Of Eden?) and his store is a marvel of information on cooking of all varieties, catering both to aficionados and amateurs.  Even to those such as I whose ability in the kitchen is limited to making a cup of coffee!  But I do make FABULOUS coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Troy is such a fine young man, and he showed us around the store, whose selections impressed me.  Of course, there were titles I never would have heard of, and some even I was familiar with.  His boyfriend, Sam, was on hand to greet customers as a good host should, and he was charming.  I mean, girls, for those of you who are single, this could be the next best place in town to meet men!!!!!!!!!!  None of those sleazy gay bars--that is so retro '80's!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Interestingly, Troy offered me a piece of Sees chocolates.  My cousin Maureen happens to be married to their CEO, and lives on the West Coast.  And David, who is the kitchen master in this house, purchased two books from Troy's store.  I also noticed some luscious cookies placed out for all to enjoy, but I did not want anything in my stomach while viewing "The Silence Of The Lambs."

                                          Still, we had a lovely time, and I recommend a visit to Wild Sorrel.

                                          Congratulations, Troy, and may your tenancy there be a long one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Cooking will now become the new Pickle Ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Girls. At Last!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lilly Pulitzer For Men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I have always loved the color and patterns of Lilly Pulitzer's designs.  But I always thought they were exclusively for women.

                           Either I was wrong--which may be possible--or Lilly has gotten with it and expanded her line.  And a good thing too, what with "The Devil Wears Prada 2" coming out this week.  I need to look my best when going to see it, and these outfits would do the trick.  My favorite is the suit in the middle, but I would wear shoes instead of sandals.  What they do to my sensitive feet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Really, I am so happy Lilly Pulitzer has given men options; if new, she is long overdue for this.  As I am for these beautiful and elegant jackets.  Perfect for an afternoon or early evening.

                             Girls, go wild!  Find the nearest Lilly Pulitzer to you (there is one on Court Street in Brooklyn) and find the outfit of your dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Remember, ANNA once said Brooklyn is "the new Silicon Valley," so you cannot go wrong.

                               I can't wait to march into the theater looking so elegant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              And, of course, to stand out, with such luscious colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hooray, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Mermaid Parade Has Been Saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Would you believe, girls, that this event was on the verge of not happening due to financial problems????????? Well, something or someone saved it, and now The Coney Island Mermaid Parade will take place on Saturday, June 20.

                             I am not sure I will be there, but I remember my first one, the eighth, back in 1990.  I went by myself, and, over the years a group of us evolved, including my David, who would go every year.   We would usually have lunch at Carolina's, a great Italian restaurant, until it folded.  Then we tried Gargiulo's which is still there but has an insufferable attitude toward patrons.  One is not allowed to wear shorts there.  OK, but on Mermaid Parade Day??????????????  The year we ate there, I marched with my gym bag into the bathroom, and changed into a pair of shorts, The staff was livid, but we were leaving, we had paid, so what could they do????????????????

                              I would hope things are better today, but I bet they are not.  And Gargiulo's has competition, not only from Nathan's, but the restaurant beneath the Parachute Jump, which I am anxious to try.

                               I am just happy this event is occurring for what will be its 44th year.  The time is slowly creeping up to 50 years.  Maybe I will attend, then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Have a wonderful time, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How Can An Allegedly Gay Organization Turn On Its Own Community.

                                       This reminds me of Eve Arden's speech in the 1945 "Mildred Pierce" where she says Veda is justification for animals eating their young.  I feel that Heritage Pride is doing the same thing by excluding members of GOAL (Gay Officers Action League) from marching in the Pride parade, which will take place this year on Sunday, June 28!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          These gentlemen and women put their lives on the line same as any other member of the NYPD.  I can understand a right-wing organization stating such blatant prejudice, but a gay service agency???????????

                                             They should be ashamed of themselves, and you know what?   I say to all the GOAL members out there, find your own spot in the parade and march proudly, even if it is at the end.  You have every right to be there as your straight colleagues.

                                                 I do not think I have gone to a parade since before COVID, and I am certainly not going to this one.  But I support the members of GOAL, and I say declare hell on Heritage Pride, and march anyway??????????????

                                                 How can they be so stupid to betray their own!????????????????

Girls, Hope You Enjoyed Last Night's "Svengoolie" Screening Of The AIP 1958 Cult Classic, "How To Make A Monster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                           Having been at the theater most of yesterday, darlings, I had no time to write this before the screening.  It is a gem with Robert H. Harris (who was married to Louise Lewis, who played the sympathetic principal in 1957's "I Was A Teenage Werewolf," and the repressed lesbian chemistry teacher in 1958's "Blood Of Dracula") giving a sincere and earnest acting performance for a genre of this type.

                                           Harris and Paul Brinegar give sympathetic performances as a cast-off makeup man and his assistant.  That is, I was sympathetic with Harris' character, until he stabbed his assistant Rivero, played by Brinegar,

                                             But the subtextual homosexuality is a riot.  It is clear Harris and Brinegar's characters are in some sort of Master-Slave relationship, even though Rivero says he lives alone.  And it is obvious from the get-go that Harris' character is hot for the werewolf and Frankenstein actors!!!!!!!!!!!   A little party at his place?  Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Dumb straight guys too ignorant to catch on.  But the film's climax is livened by its transfer to color and cameo appearances by replicas of former AIP monsters, including our personal favorite in our house, Cucumbo,, from "It Conquered The World."  The Cucumbo we own was very pleased with his cameo role.

                                                   Still, it is riotous fun, and always a joy to see.  It has not been shown in quite some time, so you may have to wait for Sven to show it again.

                                                   However, if compelled, I believe it is on YouTube for free.  At least it was.

                                                   Make sure the only monsters you create are yourselves, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally! A Broadway Show That Is Actually Entertaining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         It has been a bad season on Broadway, darlings, so it has gotten to the point where I have no expectations when going into the theater.

                            I certainly was not expecting anything from a show entitled "Bigfoot: A New Musical."

                           Actually, what I expected was a show, minus Bigfoot, where people living nearby sing and talk about him.

                           Things turned out to be better than that.  While not a classic of the American Musical Theater, "Bigfoot: A New Musical," was an impressively simple but exquisitely performed show about the town and the creature himself.  Bigfoot is played delightfully by Grey Henson, an alum of "The Book Of Mormon," and when he came out in a replica of Bert Lahr's Cowardly Lion costume from "The Wizard Of Oz," dancing and prancing about, I knew we were in for an evening of talent and camp.

                            Grey and SNL alum Alex Moffatt give the show's outstanding performances.  I was quite impressed with Moffat's athleticism and his dancing ability; hey, if there is a "Chorus Line" revival in the near future, I think he should be seen for Mike or Mark.  I never saw the extent of his talent on SNL.

                                  Danny Mefford directs and choreographs, and his is a talent to watch.  The dancing is of a kind rarely seen anymore, right out of a Fifties musical like "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers."

                                   The score is no world beater; no standards here, but they have a melodic musicality that other, more prestigious shows this season, were sorely lacking.

                                   The rest of the cast is as impressive, and, at a fast paced ninety minutes (no Intermission) they give their all.  "Bigfoot: A New Musical" give its audience just enough to send them out of the theater happy.  I also sympathize with Grey Henson.  How hot it must be inside that Bigfoot costume.

                                       No wonder the show is only ninety minutes!  But worth every one!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    

How Could I Dare To Forget???????????? Guess Whose Birthday Is Today, Girls??????????????????????????

                              There was nothing quite like the early BARBRA, and there never will be again.

                              Yes, today is Barbra Streisand's birthday.  She is 84!  Can you believe it???????????

                               This should be declared a national holiday for all gay men and Theater Queens!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 We all know how BARBRA celebrates her birthday.  She eats a tub full of coffee ice cream and then makes hubby James Brolin do EVERYTHING she wants!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And he still looks pretty good himself.

                                     As for us fans, well one can always listen to the Original Cast Album of "Funny Girl," or see the movie on DVD.  Oh, my God, that ending with "My Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      Go all out today, dolls!  If you have all of the BARBRA oeuvre, then play it all!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        A Happy 84th birthday to BARBRA.  May she continue to go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        

Quentin Tarantino And "The Golden Girls?????????????" It Is True, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Never would I have associated this rather outrageous director with this charming situation comedy.  But it seems that in 1988, in part one of the episodes entitled "Sophia's Wedding," Tarantino appeared in the above scene as one of the Elvis impersonators.  In fact, he used the money and royalties from this episode to make "Reservoir Dogs."

                            You have got to see it for yourself, girls!  There is no way you can spot Tarantino in this photograph, but when the credits roll at the end, his name stands out.  So, there can be no question he did this.  How he got involved is a story I would like to know.

                             Every night, before bed, David and I watch "The Golden Girls."  It is wonderfully comforting, and the writing and acting is of a level not seen anymore.  And of course, my favorite is Blanche, played by Rue McClanahan.  She reminds me of my young, wilder self, and she dresses the best on the show.  I want to wear all of Blanche's outfits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Really, it is the perfect bedtime relaxant.

                              But Quentin Tarantino?  Who would have believed it??????????????????

If Emily Blunt Can Wear A DIOR Shirt, Then Why Can't I Wear A Balenciaga????????????????????????

                            And it comes in red, darlings, so it is just perfect.  Too bad there is not one in pink.

                          Starting with Balenciaga, wouldn't it be great to have a collection of T-shirts of all the reputable designers???????????  I am sure that somewhere out there I can find one designer shirt in pink!  Even if it is Lauren Collins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           But, really, isn't this just fabulous, darlings?   Imagine walking into Balthazar, wearing a jacket over this?  I would be the hit of the room!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Honestly, girls, I think the 'Prada' sequel is going to show us the way to go in fashion. And this would be a start!

                             I cannot wait to wear my Balenciaga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Guide For Burgeoning Young Gay Men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                I recently heard the true story of a young (22) gay man, who was having trouble with his sexuality, or accepting it.  Or wanting to be it.  Or not knowing what he wanted to be.

                                                  These are common experiences for most young gay men, to some extent.  I maintain one's sexuality is with them at birth, so when it emerges, it may be hard to accept.

                                                  The young man in question is coming to terms with it, but his thinking is somewhat skewered.

                                                    He calls himself a dancer, and has the body for it, but wants to go into acting instead.  I think he suffers from youth, having the idea he would just walk into an audition, get the part, and that would be it.  Of course, that is not how it happens.

                                                     Recently, he revealed another course of action, one which would make the above seem acceptable.

                                                      His dream, his goal, is to find himself a "sugar daddy" who will take care of him. Yet I don't see him taking actions.

                                                       The place to find "sugar daddies," darlings, is the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  So, he has to go there, first.  Second, even if he is lucky enough to find someone, we are not talking about the most gorgeous of men.  They are old, fat, bloated, and desperate for someone young.  Now, if you are into this type of man, fine.  But if not, how can one lower oneself to have sex with someone one is not attracted to?  And another thing, these relationships never work out.  Oh, they are fine for a while, but as things are going on, both partners are aging, and when the young thing gets too old, as the sugar daddy eventually feels, out he goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  To what future?  Finding another sugar daddy?  Because, the older one gets, the more difficult they are to find, until becoming one yourself.

                                                           This is not a course of action I would advise any burgeoning young gay man.  Get a copy of "VOGUE," and study it carefully, read up on ANNA, dress appropriately, and hang out at Balthazar.

                                                              Because, darlings, if you want the classy, you have to have class yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       

                                                     

Girls, I Have GOT To Warn You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         As the phrase goes, darlings, this is epic.  Three weeks from Saturday, which would be May 16, The Sven Squad is hosting.  Nothing wrong with that, but what they are going to host is a screening of what many arguably consider the greatest horror film ever made--Roman Polanski's 1968 classic "Rosemary's Baby."

                                           "Svengoolie" was overreaching when he hosted "The Bad Seed."  To his credit, he began the show an hour earlier, so that the film would be shown in its entirety.  Good for him.  But his constant warning about how disturbing the film would be to sensitive viewers got to be annoying, because more sensitive viewers likely would not get all the cinematic qualities of "The Bad Seed," including its camp theatricality.  An "A" list film on "Svengoolie?"  It was a nice try, but it did not work.

                                                But turning The Sven Squad over to something as iconic as "Rosemary's Baby?"  This is a mistake, and a disaster in the making.  There are people out there, like me, who take this film seriously, and so the squad will show no respect for us.  Their jokes will be annoying, surrounding the film, and commercials will probably be inserted during or right before iconic moments.

                                                    Showing "Rosemary's Baby", this way is questionable.  The film runs two hours and sixteen minutes, so will the show start an hour earlier, as it did with "The Bad Seed.?"  Will it still cut out iconic moments?  Because if so, those like me will know every single one, and will resent it.

                                                        I just found out about a 1995 horror film called "Ice Cream Man," with a cast including Clint Howard, Jan Michael Vincent, David Warner, and David Naughton.  This is exactly the kind of film The Sven Squad should show, something we can all have fun with and laugh at. But to show "Rosemary's Baby" this way is to disrespect it.

                                                            The Devil will get you, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         

How Much Crap Can A Theater Critic Stand????????????????????

                                        The ones who get paid six figures and up have to stand for a lot more, so perhaps I, who am not paid, should be grateful for small favors.  I do this out of love and passion.  When young, it was my sole ambition to be a theater or film critic.  You see, I was--or so, I thought--destined to walk into "The New York Times," and say, "Here I am!  Not unlike Joyce Maynard at 18.  Well, life intervened in my case, and so here I am, still writing, and not intending to stop.  Am I trying to procrastinate writing about "The Lost Boys?"  Is it that bad?  You bet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I never saw the movie, and, even after viewing the musical, I do not care to.  Forget the Peter Pan metaphor of the title--those wanting the real thing had best go to J.M. Barrie, Mary Martin, or even Cathy Rigby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          There are two impressive performances in the show--Shoshana Bean, playing, yet again, another put upon mother, and Benjamin Pajak as young Sam Emerson, a burgeoning gay young man, and, with Bean, one of the best voices in the company.  Pajak has proved himself twice in the recent revival of "The Music Man," where he played Winthrop, and in "Oliver!" at ENCORES, where he played the title role giving one of the most plaintive renderings of "Where Is Love?" I have ever heard.  The entire cast is filled with wonderful voices, but having to sing The Rescues' (?) lackluster score, where one song sounds just like the other, being the case today in most modern musicals that the audience walks out not caring one bit about the show or the characters in it.

                                         And the book, by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, derived from the 1987 movie, is simplistic at best.  A single parent family moves to a new town to start over--and becomes involved with vampires?  Are you kidding me?  Who cares?  And, for connoisseurs of vampire literature, if you think Anne Rice played fast and lose with vampire methodology, wait till you see what is done here!

                                          The show runs over two hours but seems longer.  There are technical effects, and flying to tease the audience, but really, why should Michael Arden get a credit?  From the results, it looks like he has directed nothing, that the actors are all just doing this themselves.  Better to have had Eve Arden, if that was possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             I am sorry, but if more shows like "The Lost Boys" keep coming in to Broadway, then Broadway is going to lose.  And if that happens, thus begins the cultural decline that some are avidly hoping for.

                                               Well, not on my beat, darlings!  I still hold out for art, charm and entertainment, not to mention quality music.

                                                   To shows like "The Lost Boys" I can only say--Get Lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  

                                                 

Darlings, You Can Still Have Your Daily Fun And Watch These Twisted Bitches On YouTube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I think "Twisted Bitches" would have been a better title, but I have to admit "Deadly Women" sounds more sinister.  It can be seen on YouTube, with Candace De Long, she of the many wigs and alopecia, in all its lurid glory.

                           These pieces of trash are so bad some will want to throw something thorough their television screens.  I am going through episodes, and while they all meet my standards for sickness, there is not one who has stood out for me yet.  And of course I am waiting for them to do Sante and Kenneth Kimes.

                           And why do so many of these women look like Tyne Daly????????????

                          Girls, you have to know what is out there.  And, straight guys, you have to know what to avoid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           "Deadly Women" teaches all that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           If you are living with a "Deadly Woman," get out of there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          And if you are the neighbor of one--MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Here Is To Another Kind Of Birthday Celebration, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Forty-nine years ago--and you know what comes after that! --tonight, darlings, "ANNIE" opened at the then Alvin Theatre, which is now the Neil Simon.   How well I recall the hoopla surrounding this show.  When I finally got to see an excerpt presented on the TONY Awards that year, I was so excited, I bussed into the city from New Jersey and stood two hours in line for a ticket.  I had never done that before.  But I was so impressed.

                          To think when this happened Andrea McArdle, the original Annie, was all of 13.  Now, she must be 62!!!!!!!!!!  As for me, I was all of 22, and now I am 71!!!!!!!!!!!  Where has the time gone?

                          There are, of course, some Annies I have not seen.  I would love to play the part, but most of all, I would love to see Leslie Jones do Black ANNIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How about Liza?  Or Christine Pedi?  Or BARBRA as Miss Hannigan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            This was one of the last shows when musical theater was really musical theater.

                             Because of that, and its classics stature, when it turns 50 next year, there should special celebrations!

                               Maybe even a Broadway revival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Patti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           She kept her promise, darlings!  Now, let's not keep our distance!!!

                          Theater Queens in the tri-state area, if this is not a holiday, then pop out those champagne corks and let us celebrate.  Today is Patti LuPone's birthday, and, as one saw her do "Evita" back in 1980. I cannot believe Patti is 77.  Hell, I cannot believe that in November I am going to be 72!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Patti has done so much with the gifts she has been given.  She is the Rose of "Gypsy" for my generation, who were not old enough to see Ethel Merman.  She is THE "Evita!!!!!!!!!!!!"  And she redefined Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes."

                        I have seen at least half a dozen, if not more, shows with Patti.  Thank you, dear, for each and every one.

                        Now, go out and celebrate--"a matinee, a Pinter Play, another Vodka Stinger!"

                       Or whatever tickles your fancy!  "I'll drink to that!"

                      Have a Happy Birthday, Patti!  The theater community on here salute you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Can't There Be A Toddlerville For Us Adults????????????????????????

                              The idea came to me the other night, girls, while driving home from a birthday party dinner.   Alongside the highway we were driving on back to Bay Ridge, appeared a colorful logo that read "Toddlerland."  I started to wonder why there could not be such a place for adults.

                                Don't we need exercise?  Don't we need colorful and alluring ways to get us to do it? This works with children; what makes people think it will not work with adults?

                               I propose building places like the one pictured above, and other examples, but big and strong enough for adults to crawl through, climb on, and use.  Wouldn't it be fun to go down a slide again?  And think what it could do for those back muscles, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Yes, I think it is high time there was a Toddlerland for adults!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 It could be called "Teetersville."

                                For those having problems with balance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should I Try This??????????????????

                               I read recently that Bay Ridge has fifty coffee shops within it.

                                Our neighborhood, which roughly runs 38 bocks, from 65th to 103rd Street, is cherished by all who live here.

                                 When I heard the above, an idea, straight out of the late Julie Powell, crossed my mind.

                                  What if I were to visit all 50 coffee shops, over a period of time, posting about each one on here, and saying what I think?  No, I am not going to turn this into a book like "Julie And Julia," but I will share my posts.

                                     So, what do you think, girls?  Let me know, so I can make a decision whether or not I should do this.

                                      Of course, all coffee consumed, would have to be decaff.  And it could be fun discovering new places.  Or learning which ones to avoid.

                                        So, let me know if I should commence on this great coffee expedition.

                                         It could be the most adventurous reading since "King Solomon's Mines!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As The Sven Squad--Yes, The Sven Squad---Presents The 1989 Domestic Horror Comedy, "Parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                            I had really never heard of this film, when it was announced.  I was around in 1989; how could I have missed it?  Anyway, with the recent passing of Mary Beth Hurt, it is almost a fitting tribute to this wonderful actress that this film will be shown.

                                               The Sven Squad--Gwengoolie, Nostalgiaferatu, and The Imp!--are running the show tonight, though I am sure "Svengoolie" will make a cameo appearance.  I am glad, because, over the past several weeks, the Squad has not been seen, and I was afraid they had unceremoniously retired.  So, I am glad the show is being turned over to them this week, for their monthly appearance.

                                                   As for the film, girls, it is rare, but I am at a loss.  There is nothing I can tell you about this film except that its mixture makes me recall "Killer Klowns From Outer Space,' with its blend of horror and humor.  I have a feeling, especially with this cast, which also includes Randy Quaid and Sandy Dennis, that this could be fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     No plans tonight, dolls!  Then tune in to this special showing of "Parents" by The Sven Squad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          You just might discover a new horror favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Hayley Mills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          And not just a birthday, darlings, but a milestone one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Today, Hayley Mills turns 80!  80!  That makes me feel old!

                                         Because I went through a phase, in childhood, where I wanted to be Hayley Mills!!!!!!!!!!!!  But then, didn't we all?????????????????????

                                            I am telling you, darlings, she looks fabulous. Same hair and eyes, and were she to speak, that same Hayley Mills voice.

                                              Not only am I glad seeing Hayley Mills live till eighty, but I am also glad I did, too.

                                               Happy Birthday To You, Hayley Mills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               I can't think of a better song to celebrate

this day with.  So, here it is!

                                            Hayley Mills' classic rendition of "Cobbler, Cobbler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                                      

                                              

New Designers I Want To Hear Mentioned In "The Devil Wears Prada 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                             I am just counting the day, girls, which I am sure many are, but right now I would like to talk about designers.  I have heard that one of the red dresses MERYL wears in the film is by Balenciaga.  We already know that Emily Blum has Dior emblazoned on a shirt, and I am sure at some point Chanel will be mentioned.

                                But what about some new designers?  Here are some I would like to hear mentioned.

                                                                           

                            The first is someone I have been promoting for a long time on here--Chales De Vilmorin.  Look at that display of color.  Is there some way we can get him from Maison Du Savoir to the States?   How about a mention in the upcoming film?  Surely, that would help!

                                                                              

                                          Now, here is a classic creation from The Row.  They really do go in for some wonderful black and white creations, darlings, and I would not hesitate to recommend any one of them.  But, for me, you know, it is all about color.  The Row turns out some remarkable pieces and deserves a mention in the film!  Let's hope it gets one!

                                                                            

                               Oh, my God!  Darlings, look at this creation by Diotima!!!!!!!!!!! Classic and simple, but elegant, with just a touch of Cecil Beaton!  Who would not love wearing this?  I would buy it, sight unseen!  Hons, let's hope Diotima gets recognized in the film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                               

                                    Look at this creation by Altuzarra, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Who needs Lily Pulitzer with this?  I doubt Lily will get a mention in this film, but with this dress alone Altuzarra should get noted.  This is called a Lydia dress.  I call it simply exquisite, and Altuzarra is one name I want to hear mentioned in the film.

                                         Finally, a bright pastel color--orange or pink? --to liven things up.  This is by Gabriela Hearst, and with my hair color and skin tones, it is just perfect for me.  I can't wait to wear it this Summer, but I hope it is recognized in the fashion film of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          These are only a few of the designers that caught my eye.  I am sure there are others out there as worthy.

                                           May one of your favorites be mentioned, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!