If you are a fan of the incorrigible Charles Busch, then you will appreciate his latest production, The Divine Sister, although it is not one of his best. If you are not familiar with Mr. Busch, don’t enjoy men in drag, Bette Davis, or references to movies featuring nuns, then not so much! I thought it was a hoot, but not for everyone!
Archive for the ‘NYC’ Category
The Divine Sister
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
This musical based on the film of the same name by Pedro Almodovar is not bad, but neither is it very good. And the great talents of Patti LuPone and darling Brian Stokes Mitchell are completely wasted. Save yourself the $200+ and rent the movie instead.
La Bete by David Hirson
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010This comedy by playwright David Hirson which recently opened at the Music Box Theatre in NYC explores the conflict between high and low art. The theme may be well-worn, but in Hirson’s hands the result is truly audacious.
Local princess and patron of the arts (Joanna Lumley), introduces a street clown Valere (Mark Rylance) to her very high art acting troupe led by the proud and erudite Elomire (David Hyde Pierce). To say that Valere doesn’t “fit in” is like saying the Grand Canyon is a small depression in the earth. To convince Elomire of his worthiness, Valere gleefully delivers a 20 minute monologue, in verse no less, full of vulgarities, malapropisms, and historical inaccuracies. It is an hysterical performance and alone is worth the price of a ticket.
Predictably things go from bad to worse for poor Elomire. Valere’s rather bizarre 18th C garb may not be familiar to 21st C audiences, but his antics most certainly are.
A Free Man of Color by John Guare
Sunday, October 31st, 2010What a hot mess! Can’t wait to see the reviews!
NYC Report: Danny Meyer’s New Restaurant
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a fab meal at Mr. Meyer’s new restaurant, Maialino. There is a reason Danny Meyer’s empire keeps growing –good food, elegant but unpretentious decor,and truly professional service.
And the contrast between the decor of Maialino and the gloomy (Victorian Gothic?!), and to my mind, already dated Gramercy Park Hotel couldn’t be more striking. I predict that the restaurant will outlive the current management/owners of the hotel. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you call (or book on OpenTable) 28 days in advance (no more, no less), you’ll have a good shot at obtaining a reservation.
Merry, Merry Theater
Sunday, December 27th, 2009Earlier this month, I enjoyed a rejuvenating trip to NYC & saw three terrific plays, Superior Donuts(by Tracy Letts), My Wonderful Day(by Alan Ayckbourn)& The Understudy (by Theresa Rebeck.)
Sadly, Superior Donuts, has already announced a January closing. The critics complained that it wasn’t as good as Letts’ Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award winning August: Osage County; well, what is?! I thought it was wonderful with a fine cast including one of Christopher Guest’s favorite actors, Michael McKean (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind), in the lead.
My Wonderful Day was one of the selections in the sixth annual Brits Off Broadway Program which had a limited engagement at the 59E59 Theater. Do check it out if you are in NYC in the late Fall. www.britsoffbroadway.com
Alan Ayckbourn, author of more than 70 plays, is a master of what I call the slamming door comedy. My Wonderful Day was fast paced & funny. The brilliant all British cast included Ayesha Antoine a 20- something actress who very convincingly plays the nine year old girl who observes a wonderful, if surprising, day.
The Understudy, a Roundabout Theater Company production, is likely to run for some time. It has received excellent reviews especially for Julie White’s performance. Ms. White plays a beleaguered stage manager who supervises a unintentionally hilarious rehearsal of a Kafka play.
