Still Magical! Still Enchanting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          When the film version of "Oliver!" was first released in December 1968, the critics went crazy over it.  One said it was the best musical they had ever seen; "TIME Magazine" did s big story on it, stating it was the Best Picture Of The Year.  And it won that at the Oscars and five other awards!!!!!!!!!!!

                           But time has not been kind to "Oliver!"  I tired watching it on television, and it just does not work.  Like "The Sound Of Music " and "My Fair Lady"--also Best Picture winners--"Oliver!" cannot work anywhere but on the big screen.

                              At 14, I was so consumed with the film's hype that I pleaded with my parents to take me to see the film in New York City.  This was in the days when big films played reserved seat engagements and did not get out to the suburban hinterlands for two years.  So, my parents took me to see "Oliver!" in early 1969, and I was awestruck by its beauty, as well as the darkness of Dickens, which I was already familiar with.

                               The film finally reached the Albany Theatre in New Brunswick in 1970, and I saw it again, and was awed by its magic.  But when "Oliver!" began turning up on television, I could not watch it, because it did not work, which is why I think the film courted disfavor over time.  The other thing was having no genuine stars, because this film was exceptionally cast for character's sake, rather than star name value, and so much the better.

                                  Now, if you look closely at the poster, notice something.  The two characters most prominently displayed are Nancy and Oliver.  They were played by Shani Wallis and Mark Lester, respectively, and, ironically, they are the only cast members still alive.  Wallis is 91, Lester may be in his sixties, but they are all that survive.

                                 On June 21 of this year, I saw "Oliver!" on the screen for the first time in 56 years.  And I was right; the screen is where it belongs.  You MUST see this on the screen, darlings!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Ron Moody was Oscar nominated as Best Actor for his role as Fagin.  As was Jack Wild as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable portrayal of The Artful Dodge.  But it is Shani Wallis who should have received a Supporting Actress nomination for her Nancy.  She is the greatest of all Nancys.  Also, Oliver Reed's performance as Bill Sikes is chilling, not just because he was a good actor, not because he was director Carol Reed's nephew, but because, to this day, I remain convinced he was not acting.  What is on screen is not only Bill Skikes, but the real Oliver Reed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       The film has two of the most exquisite musical numbers ever filmed, and they both come in the second half It opens with the lyrical "Who Will Buy?" which begins softly, poetically and lyrically, with exquisite camerawork, and builds to a crescendo of musical bliss.  Onna White's choreography is some of the best I have seen captured on film.   The other number is "Ooom-Pah-Pah," which Carol Reed made a brilliant decision with.  On stage, the number opens the second act and is used as a showcase for Nancy and the ensemble.  But Reed had the brilliant sense to switch this number to near the end--the last in the film--where Nancy creates a commotion in the bar, distracting everyone with the song, so she can escape with Oliver to Mr. Brownlow, waiting atop London Bridge. Every time I see the escape sequence in this version, and it is because of Wallis' performance, I always wish Nancy here would have gotten away.  She too could have had a better life than what was dealt.

                                        Nevertheless, "Oliver!" is a better film than is sometimes recognized today.  Should the opportunity arise, darlings, I cannot urge you enough to see this on the screen.

                                         And would you believe this?  It was not until I had reached my twenties, I realized Nancy was a prostitute.

Announcing My Film Project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                          As this cataract thing looms, darlings, and I get older, while I have seen many movies--more than some in their lifetimes--and have sat through multiple viewings of film I cherish, after seeing celebrities visit The Criterion Closet, I thought it time to create one of my own.  So many important movies I have NEVER seen.

                         But it won't be easy.  Because I am listing different categories and some films may be on more than one list.  I can tell you one film that well; most of you on here will know what that film is.

                           I have two definitive categories.  Gay Films and Art Films.  Not everyone's choice will be on here; in fact, if readers would like to share their picks you are welcome to comment.

                            I am also pondering two other categories--New York Films and Hitchcock.

                            And I am limiting the list to ten, because, well, this could go on forever.

                            This will take some time because I have to acquire certain films, watch them, and then write about them.   I would like to do it in sequence, but since some of the films are already in my collection, I may have to do it as I go along and then list everything in the last post.

                              Let me know what you think of this, girls, and any suggestions you may have.  

                              I may write about those suggestions separately.

                                

                          

Welcome To July, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         The seventh month is almost always the most exciting, as it is the peak of the summer.  And this year proves to be more exciting than the rest.

                                           First, there is the 250th Anniversary of the United States.  Hey, I remember the Bicentennial back in 1976.  At that time, I never thought about 250; it was in a vast, faraway time.  And yet here we are.

                                             I have so much reading and writing to do I can barely think straight.  And I have something to share with you all, which may impact my July.

                                               Late last November, I got a letter from my current eye doctor, saying he would be giving up his practice in Manhattan, and operating out of his hometown in Teaneck, NJ.  He offered me that option, but face it, girls, Bay Ridge to Teaneck by public transit would take a whole day!  Instead, though originally scheduled for February of this year, he offered me the option of a visit in December.  I chose that, because it would give me one last visit with him, and that went fine.

                                                   This meant six months later, in June, I would have to find a new eye doctor.  So, I went to my PCP, who always gives great referrals, and he gave me one, connected to NYU Langone, which I am a part of, as a patient.   Well, I went, and all I will say is it reminded me of what my dear reader, Mistress Maddie, said to me about Tory Burch--"Run for the hills!"  Cold, opinionated and giving me mixed messages--do I need cataract surgery? do I not? --till my mind was exploding, and I wanted to get out of there instantly, because I did not feel at all comfortable with this woman.

                                                           Here is the kicker.  Last weekend, we stayed at The Algonquin, which I will get to chronicling, and we saw our friends, Dan and Norma.  I recounted my experience to Norma, and she said she had a similar experience with an eye doctor.  When she got home, she emailed us.  It turned out her doctor was the same as mine.  We are on the same page when it comes to medical treatment, so, if this wasn't a sign to avoid this woman, I don't know what is.

                                                             Needless to say, after Norma's confirmation, I am not going back to this woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                   I see my PCP on July 7, and I will tell him this, and ask for another referral.  Should that not work out, I will go to David's eye doctor, here in Bay Ridge.

                                                                     Did you ever see "The Twilight Zone" episode, "Time Enough At Last?"  Burgess Meredith plays a bank clerk who is an omnivorous reader.  He survives a nuclear explosion by hiding in the bank vault, so he can read.  He emerges into a world where he has every book at his disposal and time to read them.  He begins, but at some point, his glasses fall off, and break.  He cannot read without them, and now he is trapped in a world where he cannot read.

                                                                           This story represents my greatest fear about cataract surgery.  For all that this woman seemed to say I needed it, I can honestly say in the last several years my vision has been as good as back in grade school.  I read without my glasses, and I wear glasses for distance--movies and shows and such.  I have no overt symptoms.  My father did not have it till he was in his eighties.

                                                                   I am afraid the cataract surgery will render me like Burgess Meredith, which would traumatize me if I could never read again.  And don't try to tell me about audio books; much of the stuff I read is not on there, and the experience just is not the same.

                                                                        So yes, girls, July is an exciting but fraught filled month.  Added to that on the 22nd I am having a colonoscopy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                          Anyone out there who has or knows about cataract surgery, please feel free to comment.

                                                                            The eyes are the windows of the soul.  But I do not want the shades lowered on my windows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                      

Girls, Can You Believe It? It Is The End Of June, And We Are Halfway Through 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             I am more amazed, darlings, that we have reached the first half of the year.  The time has gone so fast!

                                              June was Pride Month, and we celebrated Pride by seeing three shows this month--"The Rocky Horror Show," which I have posted, and, most recently, "Hadestown," and "Ragtime," which I will just say now is going to get a rave from me for the first time having seen two previous productions, which failed to impress me.

                                                 Will wonders never cease, girls!

                                                 This month, after a period of 53 days, I completed the Larry McMurtry "Lonesome Dove Tetralogy."  It is so far my most enthralling read of the year.  I was also surprisingly impressed with Ocean Vuong's second novel, "The Emperor Of Gladness," not having been impressed with his earlier first novel, "On Earth, We Are Briefly Gorgeous."

                                                    Because of my dedication to this, I have not read as many books total for this time period. I should be at least on 50, but I so far have only read 32 books.  Poor me!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     After over 50 years, and I will write more on this, I finally got to see the 1968 musical film of "Oliver!," which has undeservedly been forgotten over the years.  I will have more on that in coming posts.  Also, we saw Steven Spielberg's film, "Disclosure Day."  Sci fi mavens will love it; for the rest of us, stick with 'Close Encounters.'

                                                       Yes, a lot happened in June.  Including some stuff I will reveal in tomorrow's--next month--post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          Hope everyone had a Happy Pride and join me for the second half of the year.

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

Gay Pride Horror??????????? Look No Further Than Studio 54!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Let's start with it was where LIZA got strung out on drugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         But, really, girls, if you want a theatrical event for Gay Pride Sunday, or even the days before, look no further than Sam Pinkleton's wonderful and fun production of "The Rocky Horror Show."

                                          Of course, Juliette Lewis was out, which was no surprise for me, especially as I have always wanted to play Magenta.   Anania did a superb job.  As did Rachel Dratch as The Narrator, though I wish she could have worked a bit of Debbie Downer into her performance Would you also believe the two Brads were out ill, so an unknown was plucked from the company and put through rehearsal paces so he could do the role.  Which necessitated delaying the show's start by an hour.  As it turned out the actor was wonderful, and had we not known anything, one could not tell he was winging it.  He did Brad superbly.

                                            Stephanie Hsu is a charming and vocally strong Janet.  But it is Luke Evans as Dr. Frank N. Furter, who steals the show.  He is hot, so is his costume, he has strong vocals, and I would not be surprised if on some nights panties are thrown at him on the stage.  Is this now a new Broadway trend?  Sex up the male lead so you can throw panties?  I am all for it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Everyone on stage looks like they are having fun, especially we and the actors doing the "Time Warp" together.  And the call outs are hilarious.  But I never realized until now what strong vocal voices this show demands.  It is not just about being cutesy, it is about maintaining resonance and projection in a score that pushes the voice beyond conventional Broadway standards. 

                                                 Speaking of resonance, readers this show is alive with color and technology.  dots did an excellent job with the Set Design, David I. Reynosa scores with the costumes, and Ani Taj's choreography fits the piece superbly.  I am not sure who created the special effects, but credit is deserved there too.

                                                   Gay Pride Sunday's performance will be especially up. but I suspect any show the audience catches will lift them right out of their seats.

                                                     Horror has never been this much fun, darlings!!!!!!!!!  See it soon!

                                                        

                                           

Gojira Wishes Everyone A Happy Gay Pride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Darlings, it would not be Gay Pride without our lovable, humanitarian reptile friend Gojira sending his best wishes to all.

                             Gojira wishes everyone on here a happy and healthy gay pride!

                              He is so sweet and helpful to all, especially during this time.  He knows how it feels to sometimes be on the outside of things, so he is a big supporter of the LGBQT community.  The biggest, in fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Thank you, Gojira for your support this month and all year!

                                Happy Gay Pride to you, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speaking Of Old Commercials, How About Games????????? Remember "Mouse Trap?????????????????????"

                                                                                      

                             Looking back at this game--and who did not have it? --one can see through the interaction it requires the foreshadowing of video games.  But who could have known back then.

                            "Mouse Trap" was Ideal's greatest hit.  Its success led to the creation of "Crazy Clock," but I fount that one difficult to work. After "Crazy Clock," they ceased these kinds of games.

                             This game was fun to construct, and fun to see the results.  Playing it, alone or with others, I must have enacted the trap numerous times, just to enjoy seeing the mouse get caught..

                                Where is the fun today?  Color, creativity, and interaction of a very different kind have all vanished with time.

                                    Let's bring it back, darlings!  Before we all turn into stooges!

WHO DARES TO BETRAY THE OUEEN??????????????????????????????

                                     This Pride Week, hons, and let me tell you NO ONE betrays the Queen!

                                      That is because the Wicked Queen in Disney's 1937 "Snow White" could arguably be labeled the screen's first gold standard bitch!  And this week, the bitches are in town by the droves.  See what kind of mischief they can get into!  And who they can get into it with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I just love Pride Week, girls, because it ups the inner bitch in all of us!!!!!!!!!  Such delicious fun!  If you need help, screen either 1939's "The Women," or 1967's "Valley Of The Dolls!"  After that, you are all set.

                                         You will be queen of your domain, like me!  And no one will DARE betray you!

                                           Just try it, hons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next To Grace Slick, No One Could Throw Her Voice As Well As Linda Ronstadt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           When Grace did it, the voice was strong and defiant.  With Linda Ronstadt, young and pretty, there was something poignant and heartbreaking about it, something no singer since has been able to match.

                            Sure, it is on her early hit, "Different Drum," but, oh, my God, when it is really heard is in her heart-rending rendition of "Long, Long Time."  If anyone else has covered this song, I cannot imagine a better job than that of Linda Ronstadt.

                           Age and Parkinson's have sadly caught up with her, but music creates memories and those memories will forever stay.  Whether the early stuff, or the Gershwin-esque standards she transitioned to on her album, "What's New?," her voice will always be a gold standard for future female singers.

                            Something to aspire to, but I do not think will ever match.

                             You don't believe me?  Here is Linda on "Long, Long Time."

                                   Who can sing like this today?  No one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are You Ready For The Summer, Girls?????????? You Better Be , Or Else You Could Look Like This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 We all remember the sun and fun of our youth, darlings.  But that youth has, to quote Blanche Du Bois, "gone up the waterspout!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   It is important for all my girls to use sunscreen for protection.  I have had two minor bouts with skin cancer, which turned out all right, but it was from what I did in my youth, and now, once the Summer rolls around, I carefully apply the skin that shows with both sunscreen and moisturizer.

                                    Summer, and how it can vary, is one reason you will not see me moving to Florida or New Orleans; the latter city I love.  Too hot, not to mention too filled with creepy crawlies, snakes and such.  

                                   So, take it from me, girls!  Take care of your skin and as you age you could end up looking not like our friend above, but like this--

                                  Have a great Summer, girls, and let us usher it in with the season's theme song!

                                     Take it away, Freddy Cannon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Can't Today's Children's TV Commercials Be As Creative And Macabre, Like When I Was A Child????????????????????????????

                           This is the Sugar Rice Krinkles clown for Post Cereals.  How fun and scary he is, just like the commercials of my childhood.

                             When every child was visually perfect.  When every little girl looked like Morgan Brittany, even if she wasn't.  When advertisers weren't afraid to be daring with children, unlike today's media promoters who condescend to them.  Let me tell you, back then, and especially now, if anyone was to condescend to me, they would have to deal with me, pronto.  You want to see a bitch?  You would, should you ever condescend.

                                But I know my girls would never do that.  I am talking about the working nuts out there who think a career promotion is going to define their lives.  It will not.  In the end, it could ruin them.

                                   I am getting off the track here; I was talking about creative TV children's commercials.  We need more innovation like back in my childhood, with scary clowns, talking animals-real ones, not animated--and sophisticated material directed at children who are more perceptive than the adults behind the crap being merchandised out think they are.

                                     I just love the Sugar Krinkles Clown.  I don't know who played him but hats off to that actor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Get with it, Madison Avenue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Pride Week, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I know it is busy and I have a busy schedule this week, but I wanted to wish everyone on here a Happy Pride Week.

                          Get out those gay CDs and DVDs and watch and listen to some classics.  Bring a sailor home for a home cooked meal, but remember who is going to be the dessert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          This is the week of all weeks when you step outside, girls, and be your true selves.  For example, if I could get it custom made, I would wear the green dress Vivien Leigh wore as Scarlett to the Twelve Oaks picnic.  That is one of my favorite dresses.

                          Or higher couture, if preferred.  Whatever, this week, this sky's the limit.

                          Just make sure it is nothing from a clearance bin!

                        But even if it is, darlings, Happy Pride Week!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The Longest Day Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I have a busy schedule this week, girls, so this will have to be a quick one.

                          Yes, as I was taught, today is the day we have been building toward, the longest day of 2026.  Starting tomorrow, the days start winding backwards, till it starts getting dark at 4:30PM, and, well it is just downright depressing.

                         Today is also the 57th Anniversary of the death of Judy Garland.

                        And it is the birthday of the Divine MERYL STREEP.  She turns 77, as will ANNA in November.

                       So, this is a day to remember, darlings!  Enjoy the length!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farewell To Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     The next several days, darlings, are full of importance.  Today, according to how I was taught, is the last day of Spring.  Tomorrow, June 21 is not only Father's Day but the first day of Summer.  Sadly, it marks the halfway point for Proserpina's visit to Earth, so we know that sooner than we expect, she will be returning to Hell.

                                         However, June 22, as I was taught is not only the longest day of the year, but also the Divine MERYL'S--that is right Meryl Streep! --birthday.  I believe she will be 77 and going strong.  Actually, the same age as ANNA who will turn such in November, the month I will turn 72!

                                             Sadly, beginning June 23, the days will gradually grow shorter; I really don't notice it till sometime in late August and then we gradually slide into Autumn and then Winter.  When Proserpina is below.

                                             So, celebrate this precious time given, girls!

                                             It just may be the Summer of your lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take The Night Off, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Well, we are, for a very particular reason; we are going to a party and may not be home in time to watch "Svengoolie.

But even if we were we would not watch tonight's showing--Abott and Costello in the 1946 film "The Time Of Their Lives."  Yes, it has ghosts, but who cares?  Their schtick get tiring after a while.

This is not to be confused with William Saroyan's 1939 Pulitzer Prize winning play, "The Time Of Your Life."  Which was made into a movie in 1948, starring James Cagney, and produced by the actor's brother William.   Now, if this movie were showing, I would watch that, but that would never show on "Svengoolie."  

So, I am afraid we will just have to skip it, girls, and I advise you to, as well.

Come on, "Svengoolie;" you can do better than this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What Is Going On At "The Rocky Horror Show?????????????????"

                          David and I saw this production yesterday.  Don't worry, girls, a review is soon to follow.  But something is, if not rotten, then askew backstage at this show.

                            The show was scheduled for a 3PM starting time; a Thursday matinee.  Why not Wednesday, like most Broadway shows?  When we got to the theater to get in line, we were told we could not go in, because there were some "problems" with the show they were fixing, and that the show would not start until 4PM!!!!!!!!!!!  In my over fifty years of theatergoing, this was a FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I mean, really????????????  The Raving Queen???????????

                              So, David and I hightailed it across the street to The Grizzly Pear Bar, to wait out the time.

                              When we finally entered the theater, we discovered two things.  First, Juliette Lewis, who plays Magenta (the role I want!) would not be in that day.  Which was no surprise to me, and I called it, because, let's face it, what the hell is Lewis doing in this show?  The last thing I saw her in was the film version of "August: Osage County." in 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!  What has she been doing since?  Drugs?  I wouldn't be surprised, as she has not aged well.

                                Perhaps they were trying to dry her out.  Or, narcoticized, she called in sick.  I am sure this is not the first time for Lewis, who is leaving at the end of the month anyway.  I am sure she has been a production problem.  Whose dumb idea was it to cast her, anyway?

                               When we were finally seated, a Roundabout official appeared before the show started, telling the audience that the actor and understudy they have playing Brad were both out ill, and the only actor they had on hand had never done the role before, so they had to get him up to speed!!!!!!!!  In just an hour?  Well, these things do happen, so I guess it is plausible.

                                   But why did the show cancel its entire performance on June 13?  No source I have researched has been able to give an answer.  This was more than Juliette Lewis, though I am she was a problematic contribution.  And what about the techs on this show?  Does anyone do a check on things before each show?  Where is the stage manager?  He should show up two hours before a show--so should everyone--to prepare, because there are people waiting to see your product.

                                    So that is my take on the horror surrounding 'Rocky Horror.'  A review will soon follow.

                                    But yes, girls, I did do the "Time Warp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

She Left Us Far Too Soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                  

                       I will always remember Daveigh Chase for two extraordinary performances.  The first was in 2002, when she played Samara Morgan, the haunting ghost child in "The Ring."  Two years later, in 2004, on the classic "Cold Case" episode, "The Sleepover," she played Ariel Shuman, who murdered her former best friend, Rita Baxter, over being kicked out of a mean girls clique she wanted desperately to be a part of.

                          If you have not seen these performances, girls, watch them.  They are iconic and demonstrated much promise in Daveigh Chase.  She was attractive and had a compelling presence.

                         She was born on July 24, 1990, and died June 16, 2026, just one month short of her 36th birthday.

                        Now, Daveigh has entered the pantheon of tragic child actors, who came to a bad end.

                        From her early teens, maybe as far back as "The Sleepover," Daveigh Chase struggled with drug use. As she grew older, so grew her addiction, to the point where she had been arrested and was dealing with other legal issues.  At the time of her death, she was homeless, living near the L.A. hospital where she died, and suffering from malnutrition.  She had hit rock bottom.  Had she lived, maybe she would have had a chance to turn around.

                        It wasn't like she was alone; though, with her addiction, she was, in a sense.  Yet her parents were still alive, and she had a sister.  Who knows, maybe they tried, but she would not listen.

                        Maybe she was more like Ariel Shuman than one thought.  Both let other forces--in Ariel's case, a girls clique, in Daveigh's case drugs--dictate their lives.  And now Daveigh is dead.

                         Rest In Peace, Daveigh Chase.  You will forever be remembered for the brightness of the promise you were able to show.

Vincente Minnelli And The Pool Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        It has been disputed among historians for many years, but those purists and cultists who know Jacqueline Susann's work "Valley Of The Dolls," and its film version, understand that the pool scene where Neely catches husband Ted Casablanca(!) in the pool, naked, with contracted Janie Lord was based on Judy Garland catching husband Vincente Minnelli in their swimming pool with the pool boy.

                                         On film, this translated into that fabulous moment when Ted Casablanca, or the actor playing him, Alexander Davion, says with a straight face, "That little whore makes me feel nine feet tall!"

                                         Can you believe it, girls?????????  It is SO hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am sure Vincente Minnelli did not say that to Judy Garland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Now, Vincente Minnelli will always be one of Hollywood's greatest directors, and I shall prove with my film project, but let's face it, he was nothing to look at.  I mean, even David O. Selznick was more attractive.

                                                 I wish that pool boy was still alive, which he probably is not, because I would love to hear his side of the story.  I can believe Vincente had the hots for him, but I cannot believe the pool boy gave it to him for free!  Even Alexander Davion in "Valley Of The Dolls" was better, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am sure Vincente did not get his favors for free; one look at him and the pool boy saw a chance to make some money, which I am sure he did!

                                                      How in the world did they manage to have Liza?  Sperm donation was not common yet, if at all.  I bet Judy pulled a paper bag over Minnelli's head during!!!!!!!!!!!  I sure would have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         Even if this legend is not true, it certainly has a degree of plausibility! 

                                                        Be careful whom you invite into your swimming pool, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Happy Bloomsday, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              How can I forget, girls?  Besides being my niece's birthday, this is also Bloomsday.

                               The legend of this day has two stories.  The first is it is the day on which Joyce's entire novel, "Ulysses," takes place, back in 1904.  The second is that on this day, presumably in 1904, he met the woman, Nora, who became his wife.

                                 Each story is beautiful in its own way.  For those who know I am literary, it is embarrassing for me to say that I have not yet read "Ulysses."  I have a copy in the house and still have full intention to read it; but there is so much to get through before it.  Originally, I had the idea of re-reading Homer's "The Odyssey," and then "Ulysses" to see how the two are entwined.  But, outside of Shakespeare and Emily Bronte, I was not one to handle verse.  So, if I do "Ulysses" it will be a stand-alone reading.

                                  Alas, on this day, I should have stood in the living room and read Molly Bloom's Soliloquy aloud.  I have often done that in past years, but we were busy today, so that is that.

                                    All I can do is wish everyone on here a Happy Bloomsday!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 "...and I said yes, I said yes, yes Yes YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                 We should all be so lucky, like Molly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"RAGS" VS. "RAGTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                               

                          If you really must know, darlings, it all began with E. L. Doctorow, who published what turned out to be his masterpiece novel, "Ragtime," back in 1975.

                          That was also the year Robert Altman came out with his cinematic masterpiece, "Nashville."  I was in college, then, and read everything about this film, and in an article on it in "Film Quarterly," back then, I read that Joan Tewksbury and Altman were collaborating on a film version of "Ragtime."  What a perfect combination to create this film from that novel, I thought.  Unfortunately, it never came to pass, and Milos Forman went on to direct the film version of "Ragtime."  Released first on November 20, 1981 and then nationwide on Christmas Day of that year, the film garnered fairly good reviews, but to this day I refuse to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         About a year later, several years after Doctorow published his novel, and I was working at Lincoln Center, I heard word of Joan Micklin Silver, the creator of "Hester Street," also released in 1975, working on a project called "RAGS," dealing with the Jewish immigrant experience on the Lower East Side.

                        Silence for a long time after that.  Next, I heard Silver had dropped out of the project and it was now being conceived as a musical, with Joseph Stein, of 'Fiddler' fame, writing the book, Charles Strouse the music, and Stephen Schwartz, the lyrics.

                         One of the best songs in the "RAGS" score is "Blame It On The Summer Night."  And that is how it happened for me on an August night in 1986.

                           I was then dating a guy who was a company manager for Broadway shows, and "RAGS" was one of his shows.  He called me at work one day and wanted to know if I wanted a free ticket to "RAGS" that night.  Of course, I said yes.  The show had this glorious cast--Teresa Stratas, Larry Kert, Lonny Price, Judy Kuhn, Marica Lewis and Dick Latessa.  Rex Everhart also had a small role in it.  This sounded like Broadway gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         It turned out it was.  Halfway through the opening number, I was swept away.  And the songs just kept getting better and better.  I still get chills remembering the first time I heard Teresa Statas (yes, she was there!!!!!!!!!) sing "Children Of The Wind."  Not to mention then newcomer Judy Kuhn, who stopped the show with her highly impassioned and dramatic rendition of the title song.

                         When the Intermission came, I knew two things.  I had to run to a pay phone--remember this was 40 years ago; hey, "RAGS" turns 40 this year! --and tell friends to hurry down to the Mark Hellinger and see it, because, I knew, being a dark show, it was not destined for a long run.  This was a show Theater Queens and cultists had to see, which they did, and which subsequent productions of this show have drawn new audiences to bask in its musical glory.

                         I was right.  My next contact with "RAGS" was five years later, in 1991, when the Original Broadway Cast recording, with Julia Migenes Johnson, instead of Teresa Statas as Rebecca, was released, and it was a joy to finally hear the score.  That same year, the American Jewish Theater did a steam lined version of the show, preserving the important content, with then Broadway veterans Ann Crumb and Crista Moore as Rebecca and Bella.  Moore's equally compelling rendition of the title song ended Act One, and I thought, what a way to end the first half!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            My two recent contacts with "RAGS" were several years ago, when I saw a beautiful production of the show downtown at the Connelly Theatre on East 4th it, and trying to get into a reading of it with Ted Chapin and Jessie Mueller presumably reading and singing the role of Rebecca.  Hey, Ted and Jess, how about it???????????

                          I still say not enough attention has been paid to "RAGS."  Now, let us go to "Ragtime." 

                          The musical adaptation of "Ragtime" opened in 1998 with a starry-eyed cast including Marin Maizie, Peter Friedman, Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell.  It was a  hot ticket, and I had reservations about it anyway.  I caught the show finally nearing its run's end, and the performers seemed to be walking through it.  The starry-eyed cast was gone.  I will say that Terrence McNally's book did justice to Doctorow's novel, but the score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty simply did not do it for me.  Two songs--the opening number and "The Wheel Of Dreams" do not a show make.

                            I was certainly in the minority.  The original production of "Ragtime" did itself proud at that season's TONYS and became a revived classic.  Unlike poor little "RAGS."

                            "Ragtime" was revived on Broadway in November of 2009.  Maybe I saw it as my birthday show.  I recall liking the staging--it was conceptual within the family house--and McNally's book still had its strength but the music, save for the two aforementioned songs, did nothing for me.  The outstanding cast member was Christiane Noll, who played Mother.  She is the daughter of director Ron Noll, with whom I had worked eight years before on VLOG's production of "The Pajama Game."

                              And now there is this present version of "Ragtime," playing to crowds at the Vivian Beatmont.  It dominated the TONYS, and I was thrilled for Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy, though I wish they had won for other shows!  What is it about "Ragtime" that draws people to it?  And the score, which people seem to love?  Why do I find "RAGS" the better score?  Is it taste, sophistication, or are those drawn to "Ragtime" attracted because it is less a darker show than "RAGS?"   But that is exactly why I am drawn to it.  Also, Lear DeBessonet, now the head of Lincoln Center Theater, and who directed this current version of "Ragtime," was cited by NY Post critic Johnny Oleksinskias not being able to stage anything, and I have to agree, after seeing what she did to "Oliver!" at ENCORES several years ago, I have to agree.  How come ENCORES! has never done "RAGS?"

                                   I have to say Lear DeBessonet bears a disturbing resemblance to Bari Weiss, and I bet is just like her.  I hope she does not ruin LCT.  They should have hired Bartlett Sher.  I may not agree with him, but he knows how to stage a show.

                                For those who are interested, the original production of "RAGS," in its entirety is currently on YouTube.  I urge you to take a look.  Like 'Merrily' it is a dark, problematic musical but with a great score.  I would like to live to see "RAGS" get it right, as Maria Friedman did with 'Merrily.'

                              As for those who champion "Ragtime," for God's sake please tell me why!!!!!!!!!!

                            For those who truly want to experience "Ragtime," here is my suggestion--

                                           Read the E. L. Doctorow book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Oh, and one last thing.  Note how the logos of both shows are rather similar.

                                            Stop copying "RAGS" and not giving it credit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Timothee Chalamet Has Put His Foot In His Mouth Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                           The question has to be asked, darlings.  Is Timothee Chalamet a great big closet case?  Remember I have always said they are the most dangerous breed of gay men.

                                            Recently, I read, with all the nutty stuff going on in NYC, between FIFA and the near riots caused by the excitement of the Knicks, that Chalamet stated the Knicks victory was "better than the Oscars."

                                               Are you kidding???????????????

                                             First of all, darlings, the only thing the two have in common is that they are both competitive events.  

                                             Chalamet has done it again and bitten the hand that feeds him.   I am still recovering from his ballet and opera comments, and now he knocks the Oscars?  This guy may be a quality actor, but does he have a brain?  Doesn't he realize his ballet and opera comments cost him the Oscar he should have won, and would have, for "Marty Supreme?"   And now this statement, which, if he gives an award caliber performance in the film year, might sabotage his chances for another nomination?

                                                  David and I were discussing this one morning, and David maintains it is Chalamet trying to prove his heterosexuality!!!!!!!!!!!!  Why the need, Timothee????????  Is there something you have not yet told us??????????  Darling, we have suspected it for years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    Wise up, butter cup!  Otherwise, you will not have a career.

                                                     You may end up being the only one who gives a damn about it, if you do or don't wise up!!!!!!!!!!!  Me, I don't care one bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         Enough with this heterosexist nonsense!!!!!!!!!!!  And during Pride month, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          Maybe Timothee needs some duct tape for him mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Want A German Shepherd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            I like dogs of all sorts--large and small.  I have interacted with some loving German Shepherds in the neighborhood, and my friend Indy, who recently passed, had a lot of that breed in him, and he was so fun to play with.  So was Bova, who loves playing catch with me, but only so far with his owner around, so she can moderate.  Never go near a dog, girls, until it gets to know you.

                           Again, I have to explain.  A German Shepherd 24/7 in our apartment would not work, due to its size, need, for exercise, and its dander affecting my allergies.

                            So, here is my idea.

                           I know there are service dogs who visit hospital patients and people in nursing homes.  What I would like is a service that brings a dog to the home of someone like me--I suffer from anxiety--so I can spend some limited quality time with him or her.  Like when Dexter, who used to live here, would come to visit.  I would love a German Shepherd, as I find them comforting and loving, but the last two qualities are more important than the type of dog.  Dexter was a mixed beagle and pointer.

                          So, girls, if there is any info you can provide on this topic, please let me know.

                          Meantime, Baby Gojira is always and will always be our own baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Girls, I Just Discovered We Have A New Reader!!!!!!!!!!! So, Time For A Warm Welcome From All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     It has been a while since I have done this, but I am so happy to do so.

                                   The reader's name is Marjorie, and I want, on behalf of my other readers, to welcome her to this blog.

                                    The Raving Queen goes great with coffee, which fuses me with energy to write here every morning.  On this blog can be found information, entertainment, flights of pithiness, outright bitchery, but most of all fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Let us all give Marjorie a big round of applause, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      And usher her in with this blog's unofficial theme song--Deborah Harry singing "Call Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                     Enjoy, Marjorie, as well as everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I Feel Stormy Weather Moving In.......With The Thunder Don't I Lose My Head????????????????????????????????"

                                        Oh, girls, isn't "It's Raining Men" just the perfect song for Pride and this month, but not when it involves my body.

                                             Yes, this new protein diet or whatever I am supposed to be on is wreaking havoc.  I often feel like I will have an accident when there is nothing there, and last night I pushed so hard I bled.  It's like being Rosemary without the pregnancy.

                                                  I don't know what kind of diet--or not!--The Weather Girls were on when they did "It's Raining Men," but they look like they had the energy to get out there!  Lately, I am not so sure.  I thought I was on the right track until Sunday morning when we each had an apple turnover for breakfast.  It was luscious, but, afterward, I am not sure.  Which is where I am at now.

                                                     Unless the place is super clean and private, I cannot go to the bathroom--I am not talking about urinating--any place but home.  Yes, girls!!!!!!!!!  A girl needs her own powder room to be minty fresh.  Even more crucial now, as I am unsure of what is going to happen, or when!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         So, here I sit, ready to write, and read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        Raise up the roof and shout it out, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Here is the song, dolls!  Go to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When Will I See The Buttercups?????????????????

                                    Summer is fast approaching, darlings, and I know some may disagree with me, but I love seeing a green lawn filled with yellow dandelions.  I know it is a weed, but it makes the lawn look pretty.  And when the dandelions go gray, I always loved blowing on them, so they would blow and bloom more yellow.

                                         Now, the buttercup is a plant, but they pop up in the strangest places, I recall them all through my childhood.  I love shining them under someone's neck, which indicated that person was fond of butter.  Aren't we all, girls????????????????

                                              Alas, I have not seen a single buttercup this year.  As Pete Seeger said, "Where have all the flowers gone?"

                                              If anyone out there has seen any buttercups or has an idea of where in the Bay Ridge area I can find any, please let me know.

                                                  They are a summer treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!