India Adams and Lee Hartgrave tagged at the Rrazz Room. Photo by Desmond
BeyondExam
By Lee Hartgrave
INDIA ADAMS IS NEWLY DISCOVERED
Hey, if you are a movie lover of the classics – then you of
course love the musicals. And why should you love the music. Well-it’s because
what you are really hearing is the voice of the legendary India Adams who
ghosted for Cyd Charisse in “The Bandwagon” and Joan Crawford in “Torch Song”.
Now looking back at Crawford’s movies, especially where she
sings – Crawford herself looks terrifying on the screen. It’s campy – but so
much fun. If it weren’t for India Adams singing on the movie track, there
wouldn’t be any “Torch Song!”
Adams has a marvelous voice. And it is just great to have
her sing on the Rrazz Room stage. Her voice is still tremendous. She’s a
classic. The Studios hid the Ghost singers. They didn’t want you to see who is
singing. Most of the public had no idea that Crawford’s was someone else’s.
Crawford and Charisse just didn’t have a strong enough voice to carry a
musical.
Now we are so lucky to see the real deal behind the curtain.
India Adams (love the name) will stun you with her clear and wonderful singing.
What a voice. She recently thrilled the audience at the Catalina Jazz Club. By
the way Adams has several C.D’s on her website. In a recent interview Adams
said: “I love singing. My voice is still strong. Thank God I’m healthy.” She
started her singing career in High School. Later an MGM offer came to Adams and
asked her is she would do the singing for Cyd Charisse.
This is a “Do Not Miss” an opportunity to see the legendary
star. I’ll be there – I can’t wait. Opens tomorrow at 7Pm at the Rrazz Room.
India Adams has got the voice – all you have to do is go the
Rrazz Room for an amazing and terrific evening of music. And when she talks
about her career, she will tell stories between the songs. They are, Richly
Funny.
THE RRAZZ ROOM IS CURRENTLY AT THE HOTEL NIKKO. In January
the Rrazz will move to the AMC Complex on Van Ness Avenue to a new dramatic
club (which will be called “Live at The Rrazz Room”.
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook Section and he Produced and Hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
LESLIE JORDAN has a new show at the Rrazz Room – and guess
what? – It’s called “Fruit Fly”. The Emmy Award winner Jordan debuts his new
show at the Rrazz Room, and what a swell time it is. I'd say "Thrilling!". This genius has everything. The audience
laughs so much that they hardly had time to talk to each other. Jordan's dialogue has everything going for it.
Lets just say – “It’s all kinds of Crazy!” Yep – Jordan has it all. He’s been
on Broadway, Off Broadway, in Night Clubs, Movies, Television – and I wouldn’t
doubt that he may also some day play the Phantom on the Opera”. You never know
what he’s going to say next. On each side of him we are treated to stunning screen
visuals of his growing with his family. What a treat. And boy does Jordan take
advantage of his parents. Jordan never ceases to crackle with stunning visuals.
One of his hits was “Sordid Lives.” It was a big hit. Jordan
sez: - “Listen, I’m not a Bar Queen.” Here is another of his Gems – “I listen
to K-wfly – the best spot on your dial.” Here’s another crack. Not below guys –
but Jordan did say: "I get my back shaved. I don’t like hair on my back --that’s
a Gay man’s sin!” Jordan: - “There’s a Bar called Hoedown. Well – I was the
HOE!”
Jordan’s Grandmother said to her daughter. – “He’s going to
need some help.” Jordan also let us know, that he is not innocent – as he
blurts out this jewel: - “I was a Choir slut!” Innocent indeed. He also went on
with it: - “I hid behind my innocent face. But, I fooled around everyone in
that Choir. I always said yes – but one did have a big nasty Bush!”
Leslie Jordan will be at The Rrazz Room thru Dec. 22. You
really must see this spoof on his life. It brims with playful anarchy. This Guy
(Jordan) is Hot! He inspires me to check out the ‘Bushes’. Oh come on – you
know what bushes I’m talking about.
RATING: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) - trademarked-
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
Louis Parnell-Lauren English. Photo: Jessica Palopoli
BeyondExam
HEADLINES: “Bell Book and Candle” –
“The Book of Mormon”
BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE
Charming and Romantic
I know, you think that Witches live in a smelly cave where
witches stoop over a Cauldron to make a mess of other people’s lives.
But we are wrong. This witch is charming and beguiling. And
you would not ever believe that a witch lives in a sophisticated high style
apartment. Yep, we are definitely in New York in the 50’s. The apartment wows
you – there are some clever tricks going on all the time. The Witch casts a
spell over a good-looking guy that happens to live in the same building. He
works at a prominent N.Y. Office. The Witch finds out that a former snooty
girlfriend of hers - is dating the handsome and sexy man. She’s not amused. The
Witch’s revenge is on the way. Watch out for flying objects.
The ultra glamorous and mysterious witch brings out memories
of the T.V. show “Bewitched”. This is one of those fun romantic stories that
crackle with good humor and wry wit. A lot of her trouble comes from her
“Warlock” brother who kinda messes everything up. And the sister is a total
Witch Nut Job. She upsets everything. She’s a dingbat -- but fun. Oh, and there
are some very strange things going on with the telephone. Scary, and spooky. And I love it! " The show is highly entertaining from start to finish." SF Playhouse creates miracles -- They are always ready 'For their Closeup!'
Here is the perfect Stars (not Starlets) No - these are big
time Actors. They are: Zehra Berkman, William Connell, Scott Cox, Lauren
English and Louis Parnell.
Written by: John Van Druten. Directed by the Wizard – Bill
English. Producer Director: Susi Damilano. THE SF PLAYHOUSE IS STILL NUMBER ONE
IN TALENT!
Bill English’s set is stunning. Manhattan never looked so
fabulous. I wanna buy the set. When can you deliver it?
(((RATING: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating)
–trademarked-
THE BOOK OF MORMON
An over-hyped hit by South Park creators
When a show gets more praise than it deserves, many of the
people who bought over-priced tickets may feel misled when they leave the Theater.
The musical is a mixture of mockery and sentimentality that gives a
depiction of Mormon missionaries in a hellish part of Uganda. Yes, it’s a
satire, and it is tuneful and funny, but I’m sorry – it’s just not funny enough
to be spending that kind of money. But it appears that “Mormon will run for
years.” However, one thing that I did like was the absurdity of militant Islamism.
If Mormon-mania does anything for the public – it might be that those scenes
are truly laughable. If you’ve got the bucks, spend it freely. If not – wait
for the movie. It’s right around the corner soon. Then watch the pricey tickets
go down in value. A Plus, is the acting - couldn’t be better. Oh Yes, and there
are the ‘dirty’ words. But, I assume that you are all adults.
‘Starlet” – “North Star Texas” (movies) – “Slugs and Kicks”
and “Pal Joey” – Live Theatre
(movie)
FIRST OFF – LETS START WITH
THIS: “Starlet” is not what you might think – it’s a cute little doggie. That’s
who the Star really is.
The beginning of the movie is rather boring story about
drugged out girls who live together. Oh, and there is also a souped up guy –
who plans to make some bucks off the girls. They are already connected with a
big Daddy that puts the girls in Porno movies. Oh hum—it’s basically the same
old thing.
But, like magic – one of the girl’s wrangles herself in an
old ladies house. She hangs around the poor old soul – who is barely holding on
to her house. But Lo and behold – they seem to be attracted to each other like
magnets. Except for this- the Girl takes money away from the sweet old women.
If it were not for the super acting – I would have left the Theater.
Just keep in mind that the film is really for Adults only.
There is much nudity as the men do everything possible to the girls during the
filming. Everything shows – and everyone is bouncing around with everybody.
The ending of the film is rather strange. It involves the
older woman. She wants to see her husband’s grave before leaving for Paris with
the young girl. Something strange goes on between the Blonde girl and two
gravesites. Now, I don’t know what that means, but it looks to me like the girl
who is alive, may actually be the daughter of the deceased girl.
The movie does take off near the end – but bores in the
beginning. The Actors are good –
They do a great job of looking and sounding good, but some
moviegoers may avoid it – however - right now it is playing in San Francisco.
You won’t be able to forget the Doggie (Starlet) – that’s the actor that should
win an academy award.
RATING: Three Boxes of Popcorn!!! – trademarked-
(movie)
NORTH STAR TEXAS
THIS IS A NON-VIOLENT STORY ABOUT TWO BOYS AND THEIR FIRST
CRUSH. What the wonder is that neither boy gets bullied or bashed. That’s
unique!
It’s 1970’s and Pim, a fourteen-year old boy, lives with his
mother on the Belgian coast. Pim falls in love with a seventeen-year-old. He is
Gino. Both boys develop a sexual relationship. Most don’t last very long.
Gino’s mother tells Pim that Gino has found a girlfriend.
Pim is crushed. Gino and the girl move to Dunkirk. There was much pain and
angst in between time – but Gino still has deep feeling for Pim. And they do
get back together.
EXCELLENT MOVIE ABOUT YOUNG LOVE.
Now Playing in San Francisco and other Landmark Theatres.
RATING: Four Boxes of Popcorn: - (highest rating)
–trademarked-
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San
Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook – and he produced a long running Arts
Segment on PBS KQED)))
A NEW PLAY BY JOHN FISHER
(Live Performance – Slugs and Kicks)
It’s the 1980’s. They are all young and they all want to
learn all about acting. Rory, one of the College students is not sure of his
sexual identity. He really is emotionally twisted. Then there is the over
stated flamboyant (Zachary Isen) who is gay, is a Bitch, and drinks too much.
This director of the play is way over the top. Zachary’s role in this twisted
story is almost taken from the pages of La Gage Aux Follies. The performers are
really quite good though – it’s the material that doesn’t stick to the frying
pan.
The Good part is the tidbits of music throughout the play.
The Actors even sing a little. The
Group sing” Edelweiss” in the play, and they have great talents to show. It’s
Gay and the story has a good backbone – but unfortunately the meat doesn’t
stick to the ribs. I was looking forward to a story that would knock us out.
But hold on. There are definitely remarkable moments in the show. I think that
with some tinkering “Slugs and Kicks” would be a certifiable crowd-pleaser.
Altogether the show is tangled, but it does wave over the
stage with an authentic atmosphere. Here are a few words to remember – Rory
says: “I don’t touch my Penis!” O.K. – we’ll accept that. This is nice also:
“I’m a person who likes your knee!” Now you can figure that out when you see
the play at the Thick House on 18th Street and Arkansas.
The Great Actors are: Ben Calabrese (Rory) – Assail Echols
(Cynthia) – John Fisher (Writer/Director) – Zachary Isen (Jerry) – Alexandra
Izdebski (Anis) and Robert Kittler (Marty).
RATING: Three Glasses of Champagne!!!
42nd STREET MOON PRESENTS ‘PAL JOEY’
MUSICAL ‘PAL JOEY’ AT 42nd Street Moon
Pal Joey the Stage Play is bright and charming in this
revival. And it’s the feel good stage play right now. It’s humorous and Funny’
- and it sure as heck is laugh-out-loud charming.
At the beginning the play may have had some slow moments in
the beginning, but the Rodgers and Hart Musical has become a world-wild
entertainment that is still brilliant. It sure is great fun to hear the old
songs again – especially with the talented cast now playing at the Eureka
Theatre.
Here are a few of some of the wonderful songs from Pal Joey:
“I Could Write a Book!’” – “Bewitched”. Love this little Ditty – “”Plant You
Now, Dig You Later” and this cute one - “In Our Little Den of Iniquity”. There
are plenty more to keep you interested in this perfect fall production.
Right from the beginning, you get the thrill of live
theatre. This show is so cool to watch and absorb, and is lovingly
constructed. The music continues
to teem with authentic atmosphere. I became thoroughly enchanted.
The Actors are perfectly wonderful. Would love to sing along
with the show - but, we can’t.
It’s almost cinematic. They sure are ready for their Close-Up!
The Phenomenal actors are: Michelle Cabinian – Chloe Condon
– Deborah Del Mastro – Ryan Drummond – Courtney Hatcher – Bryn Laux – Ashley
Rae – Brendon North – Johny Grenberg – Tony Panighetti – Becky Saunders and
Alex Shafer. So much is going on that you think that you are watching “A cast
of thousands.”
MORE APPLAUSE TO: Greg MacKellan (Artistic Director) and
Stephanie Rhoads (Producing Director)
RATING: Three Glasses of Champagne!!!
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has produced and hosted a long running Arts Segement on PBS KQED)))
