"Kill Her, Mommy! Kill Her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                     Yes, girls, it is that time again.  It is Friday, the 13th, and who do we think of on this day?  Why, Betsy Palmer as Mrs. Voorhees, of course!  So, you can guess what will be watched tonight in our home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       You have to feel sorry for Mrs. Voorhees.  Even if Jason had not drowned, due to the sexual negligence of that horndog Barry and slut Claudette, Mrs. Voorhees was in a no-win situation.  And I am not sure she realized it.

                                            She knew something was wrong with Jason, and he had to be protected.  But I am not sure if she realized that Jason had hydrocephalus.   If untreated, as the film seems to indicate, by the time Jason reached age 11, it can shorten a person's life span, or cause serious physical breakdowns in the body.  Jason would have been doomed, no matter what.  Mrs. Voorhees would have lost him anyway, or, worse, upon reaching old age, she might have been obligated to institutionalize Jason, among strangers who had no real regard for him.

                                              So, you have to feel a little sorry for Mrs. V.  If Jason had not drowned, she would have been driven to grief by Jason's inevitable demise.  Which makes me wonder if she would have turned that grief on the caretakers, like she did with the campers.

                                               But, anyway, let us remember the fun aspects of this day--Betsy Palmer acting with her teeth, in what turned out to be the signature role of her career, those witty lines, Crazy Ralph, and Sandy at the diner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Have a fun Friday the 13th, however you celebrate it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kudos For Patti--And Not Just For "COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                       Patti always stops the show onstage, darlings, but, occasionally she stop it offstage as well.  The latter happened after a Tuesday evening performance of "COMPANY,' when audience members and cast remained for a Q and A session.

                                         Now, girls, Patti tried to be nice.  Spotting two members not properly wearing their masks--one a woman--the actress politely asked them to put the masks over their noses, which is the right way to wear the mask.  As Patti pointed out, how about consideration for others around them?  When they did not comply, she deservedly read them the riot act, and one of the members--a woman--had the NERVE to spew back at Patti, "I pay your salary!"  To which Patti fired back, "You don't pay my salary! Producer Chris Harper pays my salary!"  She also used the f-word  and "bull---t!!!!!!!!!!!"  The two were rightfully asked to leave the theater, and did.

                                             I would like to know who these two were.  The woman is probably a Karen from NJ or Florida--home to many White Trash residents.  As for the other individual, I would like to know more, and these two should be outed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Now, I can relate to Patti, having worked with the public for over three decades myself.  I cannot tell you how many times disgruntled patrons said to me, "I pay your salary!"  When I got tired of hearing this, I would fire back, "Really?  Well, then, you don't pay me enough!"  That usually shut them up.

                                                   I do not suffer fools gladly, and, thankfully, neither does Patti.  I applaud what she did, and David and I have every intention of masking up at our next Broadway excursion, which should be "The Music Man" in July.

                                                      That will be Summer, then.  And, as my readers know on here, the Summer smiles three times, and the second smile is for the fools, who know too little.  There are many more out there than just those two at "COMPANY." 

                                                         Thanks, Patti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

"Who's The Dummy Now???????????????????"

                                      This line, borrowed from 2007's "Dead Silence," is equally applicable to 1953's "House Of Wax."  If this shot were extended, the viewer would see a row of dummy heads, but only one is real.  That is right, darlings, it is the one pictured, who happens to be Charles Bronson, as Vincent Price's deaf mute assistant, Igor.

                                          Shades of wit permeate this film, which is one reason it is such fun.  For example, the giant vat of boiling wax, which Vincent Price, as all villains must, falls into, looks like a steaming bowl of lobster bisque.  Imagine falling into that.  What a horrid option--death by scalding or drowning.   Maybe both simultaneously.

                                            Now, about Phyllis Kirk and Carolyn Jones.  What kind of women are these?

Living in some boarding house, not having jobs; I mean they are just one step up from prostitutes.  Or aren't they?  Phyllis' Sue Allen has a boyfriend, Scott, whom she can stay with, along with his mother, but how does she support herself?   She has to borrow from  Cathy to make the rent, so what is the deal with these gals?   Having seen this film numerous times, one starts asking oneself questions.

                                             But the color, atmosphere, and wit make up for it all.

                                               Speaking of wit, "Sventoonie" repeated the deconstruction of "Night Of The Living Dead," and this time around I noticed little Karen Cooper--I LOVE her!!!!!!!!--nibbling on a piece of flesh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But the best is the cemetery opening, with the coming of the first zombie, and Johnny's joking around at first, and then getting killed.  And his sister, Barbara, played by the great Judith O' Dea!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You have to see this hair style, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      I mean, how do you top this???????????  Who wears this style today?????????

                                       But it was fun seeing Johnny and Barbara again.  I must visit this cemetery while it is still standing.  I am sure Pittsburgh has its own "Night Of The Living Dead" tour.

                                         And maybe I could dress as Karen Cooper!  Or at least wear a T-shirt having her on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Ryan Murphy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why Should I Do Your Work For You???????????? Shouldn't I Get Paid???????????????

                                                  Girls, you have heard me say on here how my dream job was to be in casting.  Just because it did not come true does not mean I practice it, now and then.  Back in the day, when the rights to "Sophie's Choice" had been sold to the movies, I predicted that if Meryl Streep were cast as Sophie, she would win the Academy Award.  And look what happened.

                                                    Ryan Murphy is planning a mini-series about Truman Capote's Swans.  The only one he has cast is Naomi Watts--as Babe Paley, a choice I question.

                                                      Now, Ryan, take a look at Blake Lively in this pants suit.  Here is the perfect choice to play Slim Keith.  Blake practically looks like her!  And what a coup it would be for you to pull off getting Blake for your series.

                                                        Blake, this role would be perfect for you.  I would take it in a minute, if I could.

                                                          But I cannot, because, as also previously stated, I want to read for the role of Baroness Paulie De Rothschild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The TONY Award Nominations Are In--And Beanie Is Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Girls, I am really not surprised.  The failure of Beanie Feldstein to land a Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Musical Role for "Funny Girl" sends out several clear messages.

                                           The first being that hers was not an exceptional enough performance to gain a nod.   The second that Broadway forever loves BARBRA, and would not think of disgracing her by even giving Beanie a chance to win the award.  Had she been selected, I don't think she would have won, but I know Miss This-Is-My-Broadway Dream thought she would just come to town and swoop up a TONY Award.  Wrong again, Beanie!  Not only has your parade been rained on, but this is telling you in no uncertain terms you are not wanted on Broadway.  So get out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             But there are selections of special interest.

                                             Like "Hangmen,"  "The Lehman Trilogy," and "The Minutes" for Best Play.

                                              And ""Girl From The North Country,"  "Paradise Square," "SIX: The Musical," and "A Strange Loop," for Best Musical.  I have seen none, would not mind seeing all, and, in these highly politicized times, my bet is on "A Strange Loop" to win the prize. But, from what I hear, it has much merit.

                                                With the exception of "Trouble In Mind," by Alice Childress, all the Best Revival Of A Play nominees are classics--"American Buffalo," "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf," How I Learned To Drive," and "Take Me Out."  This is one of the strongest categories and toughest to choose.  I have a feeling "How I Learned To Drive" will take it.  Like the previous category, I am happy for all!

                                                    Now, as to Best Revival Of A Musical--"Caroline Or Change," "COMPANY" and "The Music Man."  Notice something missing, darlings?  That's right!  Not only was Beanie left out, but so was "Funny Girl," except in one case, which I shall get to, later.  My money is on "COMPANY."  Which should also have landed a nomination for Katrina Lenk!!!!!!!!!!! 

                                              As you can see, I am ecstatic over this decision.   But there are others I am equally ecstatic about.

                                              Best Performance By A Leading Actor In A Musical--No one interesting here, except he who is a shoo-in--Hugh Jackman, in "The Music Man."  

                                                Best Performance By A Leading Actress In A Musical--Sharon D. Clarke in "Caroline, Or Change," Carmen Cusack in "Flying Over Sunset," Sutton Foster, in "The Music Man," Joaquina Kalukango in "Paradise Square," and Mare Winningham in "Girl From The North Country."  My money is either on Carmen or Sutton.  But this is a strong category and the other two ladies may be strong enough to upset these Broadway favorites.

                                                 Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical--This is where "Funny Girl" landed its only nomination, with its only Broadway level performer, and that was Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan.   My money is on him, but not to overlook Matt Doyle's showstopping delivery of one of musical theater's most difficult songs--"Getting Married Today"--in "COMPANY." Again, this is a strong category, and "Paradise Square" and "A Strange Loop" could be dark horses in their respective categories, so don't yet count out John-Andrew Morrison in "A Strange Loop," and A.J. Shively in "Paradise Square."

                                                  Best Performance By A Leading Actress In A Play--Gabby Beans, "The Skin Of Our Teeth," LaChanze, "Trouble In Mind," Rutha Nega, "Macbeth," Deirdre O'Connell in "Dana H.,"  Mary-Louise Parker in "How I Learned To Drive."--Again, Dana who?  And after Frances McDormand's Lady M on film, Nega does not stand a chance.  I don't see how Mary-Louise Parker can be overlooked, the rest do not even approach her level.  I could be wrong, but I am going with the always reliable Mary-Louise Parker.

                                                 Best Performance By A Leading Actor In A Play--Three of these gentlemen--Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley, and Adrian Lester--are from "The Lehman Trilogy," so they should be a shutout.  That leaves David Morse in "How I Learned To Drive," Sam Rockwell in "American Buffalo," Ruben Santiago-Hudson in "Lackawanna Blues," and David Threlfall in "Hangmen."  My money is on either Morse or Rockwell. But anyone who saw "The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby" back in the day, are unlikely to forget David Threlfall's performance as Smike.  And that just might land him a TONY for "Hangmen."

                                                   Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Play--Here there is another Triple Crown, from "Take Me Out--" Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Michael Oberholtzer, and Jesse Williams.  That leaves Alfine Allen in "Hangmen," Ron Cephas Jones in "Clyde's," and Chuck Cooper, "Trouble In Mind."  My money is on Jesse Tyler Ferguson, whom, if I am correct, will win for playing the same role Denis O'Hare, in the original production.  Time will tell, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    Best Performance By An Actress In A Featured Role In A Play--Two sets of actresses from two different plays--Rachel Dratch and Julie White in "POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven More Trying To Keep Him Alive," and Uzo Abula and Karin Young in "Clyde's." Not to forget Kenita R. Miller in "For Colored Girls...."  Which leaves Phylicia Rashad in "Skeleton Crew."  She and the play are another dark horse, and may just win, though I personally would love to see Rachel Dratch get it.

                                                      Best Performance By An Actress In A Featured Role In A Musical--Patti LuPone in what is essentially a SUPPORTING role?  How dare they?  And Jennifer Simard can't hold a candle to Patti in "COMPANY," so why is she even nominated?  Her Jenny wasn't much.  Shoshanna Bean is in a crappy show, so she is out,  no one has heard of Jeanette Bayardell for "Girl From The North Country," so this is a tough category.  Everything shouts PATTI, but if Jayne Houdyshell were to sneak in for "The Music Man" I wouldn't be as upset as PATTI!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think these two Broadway favorites will battle it out.

                                                           Best Direction Of A Play--Lilena Blain-Cruuz, "The Skin Of Our Teeth," Camille A. Brown, "For Colored Girls....," Sam Mendes "The Lehman Trilogy," Neil Pepe, "American Buffalo," Les Waters, "Dana H."  Dana who?  Really, the only possible choice I can see here is Sam Mendes.  Which just might tip "The Lehman Trilogy" to other awards, namely Best Play.  This is a category to watch.

                                                              Best Direction Of A Musical--I am so happy Michael Mayer is missing; he's to blame for putting disastrous Beanie Feldstein on stage in "Funny Girl."  But I am appalled that Broadway veteran Jerry Zaks was not nominated for "The Music Man."  You can just forget Lucy Mass and Jamie Armitage for "SIX, The Musical," and Christopher Wheelen, for "M.J."  I mean, who cares?  By the way, M.J. were my father's first initials, and he would have made for a more interesting show than Michael Jackson.  Especially the parts when I arrived onto the scene!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My money is on Marianne Elliot, who found some interesting ways to stage "COMPANY," but Stephen Brackett is a dark horse for "A Strange Loop," as is that show.  As for Conor McPherson, and "Girl From The North Country," Conor, hon, it's just not your time!

                                                                So that is my take on the TONY Awards.  Of course, we will all be tuning in on June 12--even Baby Gojira, Pippin, and Kerwyn--to see the outcome.

                                                                  Now, since this post began with Beanie Feldstein, it is fitting that it end with her.

                               Pay no attention to dyed Jonah in the upper left.  Now, you have to admit this IS cute.  But if what happened today does not tell Beanie she is unwanted on Broadway, nor that what was cute a quarter century ago need not be now, especially when one has no vocal chops, then she is more of a spoiled brat than I thought she was.

                                       Happy TONYS, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       An addendum:  Jennifer Simard, nominated for "COMPANY," does not play Jenny. She plays the part of Sarah, originated by Barbara Barrie in 1970--who also got a TONY nod for the part--and then Martha Plimpton in the 2011 concert version.

                                          Daniel Craig was also left out for this titular turn as "Macbeth."

Casting Directors, Attention--Find This Guy And Give Him More Work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      It was my dream to be a casting director.  It never came to pass, but I have no regrets.  Nevertheless, I still have my casting mentality.  So, every so often, I spot someone, in a show, on a commercial, who I think has it, and deserves more work.  And thus, it is with the guy on the Taltz commercial, a medication for psoriasis.  

                                        This young man is fresh, cute, personable--all the things I wish I had been when I was his age. Well, time has made up for it, with me.  But who is this guy?  And why isn't he getting more work?  I want to know who he is, and I am urging all casting directors out there to give him work!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Talent is out there, if you know how to look for it!

                                            Which Michael Mayer certainly did not, when he cast Beanie Feldstein!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Just Look At This Dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No Wonder Blake Lively Was One Of The Hosts At The Met Gala!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     You know I wanted to be there, darlings!  And you know I want to wear this dress.

                                                      Not only was my invite misplaced again, but you know how much they wanted for admittance?  Thirty-five thousand dollars a person!  How do Ryan and Blake do it; let alone David and I?  That is seventy-thousand for a couple.  How do these people have so much money? And how much is actually floating around out there?  And why doesn't some of it spill my way??????

                                                         But isn't Blake breathtaking, girls?  We all want to wear that dress!

                                                          You can bet it did not come from Kohl's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!