My review of the Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night is in today's New York Post.
Yes, Anne Hathaway is pretty good. Now we can all go back to discussing Michael Jackson.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Netflix reads my mind
Checking my Netflix queue this morning, I noticed they had added suggestions in customized categories based on my "taste preferences." Yikes.
These categories were "Suspenseful independent dramas" (eg Lost Highway), "Critically acclaimed foreign sci-fi and fantasy" (eg Russian Ark), "Dark TV dramas" (eg Tour of Duty and... Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman?), "Imaginative movies of the 70s" (eg Performance), "Comedies featuring a strong female lead" (eg Juno) and the best: "Local favorites for Brooklyn, NY." This last category includes The Conformist and Andrei Rublev. I'm very proud of my fellow Brooklynites!
Still, I wonder why there was no sign of "Screwball comedies starring Irene Dunn" and "Endless, occasionally violent cable series set either in ancient Rome or in space."
Anybody got good customized suggestions lately?
These categories were "Suspenseful independent dramas" (eg Lost Highway), "Critically acclaimed foreign sci-fi and fantasy" (eg Russian Ark), "Dark TV dramas" (eg Tour of Duty and... Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman?), "Imaginative movies of the 70s" (eg Performance), "Comedies featuring a strong female lead" (eg Juno) and the best: "Local favorites for Brooklyn, NY." This last category includes The Conformist and Andrei Rublev. I'm very proud of my fellow Brooklynites!
Still, I wonder why there was no sign of "Screwball comedies starring Irene Dunn" and "Endless, occasionally violent cable series set either in ancient Rome or in space."
Anybody got good customized suggestions lately?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Countdown to ecstasy
My preview of tonight's installment of Our Hit Parade is in the New York Post.
Modelled after the old radio and TV show Your Hit Parade, this monthly cavalcade of stars performing current chart-toppers is a real hoot, and usually includes a countdown, games, dances, audience participation (willing or not) and a certain amount of nudity.
In addition to the core trio of Kenny Mellman, Bridget Everett and Neal Medlyn, tonight's guests include the Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt and Claudia Gonson, Randy Harrison, Jackie Hoffman and Molly Pope. See you at Joe's Pub!
Modelled after the old radio and TV show Your Hit Parade, this monthly cavalcade of stars performing current chart-toppers is a real hoot, and usually includes a countdown, games, dances, audience participation (willing or not) and a certain amount of nudity.
In addition to the core trio of Kenny Mellman, Bridget Everett and Neal Medlyn, tonight's guests include the Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt and Claudia Gonson, Randy Harrison, Jackie Hoffman and Molly Pope. See you at Joe's Pub!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Riding the carousel ot time
John Kelly's Paved Paradise Redux: The Art of Joni Mitchell at Abrons Arts Center, New York Post, June 22, 2009.
Every time I see John Kelly do his Joni Mitchell tribute, I rush back home afterwards and relisten to Joni's albums. And then I realize I'm not that big a fan--I like Kelly doing Mitchell a lot more. If I'm going to listen to a romantic, tortured singer-songwriter, I much prefer Laura Nyro and the perfect balance of pop, soul and Tin Pan Alley she achieved on her 60s albums.
Every time I see John Kelly do his Joni Mitchell tribute, I rush back home afterwards and relisten to Joni's albums. And then I realize I'm not that big a fan--I like Kelly doing Mitchell a lot more. If I'm going to listen to a romantic, tortured singer-songwriter, I much prefer Laura Nyro and the perfect balance of pop, soul and Tin Pan Alley she achieved on her 60s albums.
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Wiz and a bang
Double-barrel attack in today's New York Post.
First, I tackled the Encores! revival of The Wiz. I heard through the grapevine that it's one of their most expensive efforts ever. Okaaaay. At least it's a lot better than Sidney Lumet's movie, which I had rented last week for the sake of research.
Then I caught the new LCT3 production, Stunning, at the Duke on 42nd St. David Adjmi's play had been getting a lot of buzz and yes, it's really that good. Plus, direction and cast rival anything on Broadway.
First, I tackled the Encores! revival of The Wiz. I heard through the grapevine that it's one of their most expensive efforts ever. Okaaaay. At least it's a lot better than Sidney Lumet's movie, which I had rented last week for the sake of research.
Then I caught the new LCT3 production, Stunning, at the Duke on 42nd St. David Adjmi's play had been getting a lot of buzz and yes, it's really that good. Plus, direction and cast rival anything on Broadway.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Revisiting Osage County
I've never been a huge fan of Phylicia Rashad, but she brings interesting nuances to Tracy Letts's August: Osage County, which I revisited on Wednesday afternoon. (My re-review hit the Post today.)
I absolutely adored the play when I first saw it a year and a half ago, and found myself sucked into it all over again. It's very easy to get half-price tickets so by all means, get yourself to the Music Box.
I absolutely adored the play when I first saw it a year and a half ago, and found myself sucked into it all over again. It's very easy to get half-price tickets so by all means, get yourself to the Music Box.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
A lot of Machines
Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines at HERE, New York Post, June 8, 2009.
The first half hour of this show is as perfectly devised and executed as anything you'll see in NY right now. And even when the execution isn't perfect, the problems are part of the premise. A highly recommended way to spend $20.
The first half hour of this show is as perfectly devised and executed as anything you'll see in NY right now. And even when the execution isn't perfect, the problems are part of the premise. A highly recommended way to spend $20.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Coraline
Stephin Merritt and David Greenspan's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, New York Post, June 2.
This is one instance where I felt really frustrated by the lack of space in the paper, as the show is (spoiler warning!) a failure for very interesting reasons. I'm not sure they're interesting enough to warrant a trip to Christopher Street, but still: food for though there.
This is one instance where I felt really frustrated by the lack of space in the paper, as the show is (spoiler warning!) a failure for very interesting reasons. I'm not sure they're interesting enough to warrant a trip to Christopher Street, but still: food for though there.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Snakes eyes
Okay, not quite snake eyes but almost. I have two reviews in today's paper, rating one star and one and a half stars. It's an embarrassment of embarrassments.
Zakiyyah Alexander's 10 Things to Do Before I Die at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, New York Post, June 1
Leslie Ayvazian's Make Me at the Atlantic 2, New York Post, June 1.
Zakiyyah Alexander's 10 Things to Do Before I Die at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, New York Post, June 1
Leslie Ayvazian's Make Me at the Atlantic 2, New York Post, June 1.
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