December 24, 2014

'OUR TOWN' IS A STORY OF LIFE AND DEATH IN A SMALL TOWN






OUT OF TOWN - PUFFING A PIPE
Courtesy Photo Shotgun


WALK'N BROADWAY 


AN ENGAGING FASCINATING EVENING


OUR FAME IS OUR TOWN' S THREE-ACT PLAY BY PLAYWRIGHT - THORNTON WILDER


As you know - Wilder used metatheatrical devices on the stage - and it will continue forever. A main character is the stage manager of the theater who directly addresses the audiences. He and her plays many roles.  The young and old bring out the marvelous cast. They field the questions from the audience and bring in guests, lecturers and questions from the audience as they fill in playing of the roles.

 The Stage Manager - is the narrator and commentator. In the action in the play very different characters pop-up. They join the action of the play periodically, as a reverend is at a wedding, and a shop owner is having fun with a local townsmen that speaks directly to Emily after her death. 

Among the characters on the stage are Doc Gibbs, Howie Newsome (delivers the Milk), and the Webb and Gibbs households happily send off their children off to school. But soon - there is 'Death and Dying.' Eternity brings to us seem to be what everyone wants. But, Emily just got married. However - Emily will only return to Earth to re-live for just one more day. George kneels weeping at her graveside. And we all cry. 

"Our Town" is a fantastic theatrical piece that celebrates theater. Sure we love movies - but being alive on the stage is truly magical. It's an incredible feat for both Stage and Screen. 

There have been many, many revivals of "Our Town". It has resonated for many, many years for this universal message to all of us. 

"I don't expect a man what a man should be ...I expect a Man to be perfect". Then there is the Minister's wedding - pushing and contriving - plus as they say..."no curtain, no scenery." And that is certainly perfect. There's completely little on the stage to see. Yes, they move around - but they don't even use dishes and forks and knifes. Quaint - but a little strange. 

Of course we valued every moment on the stage and the actors. There is some gorgeous singing along with the actors. With it - all the actors and audience tell us the world removes all barriers. 

HERE IS THE MASTERFUL CAST & CREW
________________________________________

El Beh (Emily Webb) - Madeline H.D. Brown* (Stage Manager - Sam Jackson (Mrs. Soames, Ensemble) - Tin Kniffin* (Dr. Gibbs) - Christine Macomber (Professor Willard, Ensemble) - 
Wiley Maman Strasser (Howie Newsome, Ensemble) = Molly Noble* (Mrs. Gibbs) - Karen Offereins (Rebecca Gibbs, Ensemble) - Valerie Fachman (Constable Warren, Ensemble) - 
Josh Schell (George Gibbs) - Michelle Talgarow (Mrs Myrtle)-
Christopher W. White (Simon Stimson, Ensemble) - Eli Wirtschafter (Joe/Si Crowell, Sam Craig) - Don Wood (Mr. Webb)  

AS WE KNOW "OUR TOWN" IS REFRESHING CHEERS! 
(The play deals with big questions in life in a powerful way that has gained a well deserved Pulitzer Prize) 

CITY NEWS SERVICE 

SIX STARS****** PLUS SIX GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE******

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December 16, 2014

WALK'N BROADWAY -- THIS BROADWAY SHOW IS HIGH SPIRITED




WALK'N BROADWAY


COURTESY PHOTO 












directed by Dennis Lickteig
Music Direction by Ben Prince 
Puppet Direction by Allison Daniel 
Orchestrations & Arrangements 
by Stephen Oremus  


AVENUE - Q-AWESOME - 
WOW/WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST 


Having seen Avenue Q before with the Broadway cast, I must say that this group is every bit as good as the original. Perhaps better.  The puppets (hand held and manipulated by humans) - are totally impressive. If you can't laugh out loud, as most every one does - you will at least have a smile on your face during the outrageous fast paced show. 

It's Spiky-Drowsy-Chaperone- Dazzling- O.K. to be Gay during the fast paced evening. You'll love songs like "The Internet is for Porn" - it will certainly make you sit up in your seat. But if sex and race jokes bother you, then this show is NOT for you. 

This happy go lucky cast does two or more vocal parts. They are so irresistible, that you will find yourself humming and singing the tunes during intermission. Even when I left - people were humming the songs on the street. Yea - it's catchy, hip, wicked and amazingly funny. All the songs are wicked and beyond parodies. Here is a sample lyric: "You Can Be as Loud when you're making Love". Keep in mind this isn't Sesame Street - it's Avenue "Q".

Every song has a message. Here's one that everyone loved: - "It's O.K. to be Gay." Most musicals have pointless contrived words - not so with Avenue Q. All the songs have great meaning important to the individuals on the stage. And believe me - they're never dull moments - but, of course there are some gross-out moments. Even puppets has simulated sex on stage. And the centerpiece of the show is the hilarious Gary Coleman.

The score is groundbreaking gleefully bawdy Earl pop rock music  One of the most fantastic puppets is "Lucy the Slut" who turns to religion. Yes - she does a complete turn-a-round - so to speak and big tits. 

This play fast enough thinks that everyone on the stage is really crazy on a charming roller-coaster ride! Best tart and terrific musical that I've seen in years. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. 

HERE ARE THE BEST TALENTED ACTORS AND PUPPETEERS IN THE THE CITY

CAST: Teresa Attridge - Will Giammona - Paige Mayes - Christopher Morrell - Hayley Nystrom - Zac Schuman and Stephanie Temple   

BEST CREATIVE TEAM: Rory David - Emilio Racinez - Kuo-Hao Lo - Christian V. Mejia - Wes Crain - Davin Kasper and Lori Fowler. THE SETS - THE THEATER - AND THE HEARTFELT AND IMAGINATIVE FUN SHOW- WOW! 

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NOW PLAYING AT NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE
- MARKET STREET AND VAN NESS 

PRIZED THIS SHOW: SIX STARS****** or SIX GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE******




December 9, 2014

ST. VINCENT IS A SUCCESS!

ST. VINCENT - WALKIN' BROADWAY 






HERE IS A MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE ANY OLD MAN'S HEART BEAT THAT HAS BEEN USED MANY TIMES



The theme is about a wimpy kid that melts a grumpy old man's heart. His heart has been used many, many times. This time the boy is really wimpy. He gets beat up at school - but begins to learn how to take over a taller boy. He learned to stand up for himself at school. The boy learns that the old man in the neighborhood is really, really grumpy. Yeh - he fights with everyone but the older guy has shed more than one tear. Its real - at least on the screen.  

Acting on the screen is not always easy. And Bill Murray is the one that brings a strong cast. He is the core of the movie as Murray brings the contrived plot to life. 

The location filming also helps to give a feeling of reality. The young boy (Oliver) is extremely smart. He's smaller than the rest, but Oliver knows how to take it on the chin. 

This is a truly touching story about the young boy. He is one of the best actors he flushes out the magnificent story.  It's easy to grab his heart. This movie is full of heartbreaks. On one hand it a comedy - but on the other hand - Murray drinks too much.The real world is in our minds. Saints show up everywhere. 

The filmmaker Theodore Melfi has given the world a wonderful comedy and on the other hand it's has somber moments that are heart breaking. However in this film -- you will be touched - even if Vincent (Murray) is more than gambler and a drunk. Melissa McCarthy has a force to probe. She works at a hospital as she tries to keep her son Oliver den Lieberher. By the the way he is one of the best at all the Silver Screens. But don't forget Naomi Watts is one of the nature's most elegant creations. She's a real treasure.  

RATING: SIX STARS ****** or SIX ******GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE

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December 5, 2014

HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS Xlll








STAR-STUDDED AIDS BENEFIT HOLIDAY 
CONCERT & GALA 


FEATURING: The Broadway Touring Cast of 
KINKY BOOTS 

Also Broadway performers Jai Rodriquez, LaToya London, Davis Gaines and Jason Brock will bring happiness to us all over this colorful Holiday. 

This delivers. The staging is as gorgeous as the cinematography along with the electrifying performances. Dancers, singers and comedy weave a grand spell. What can I say - it's a sensuous spell to all. 

Come for the singing and dance - the staging captures the jaw dropping beauty and power. The music will thrill you, and some of the songs will bend over with much laughter. I have seen and heard many performers that you'll love this colorful and imaginative staging. 

It's a Glittering Super colossal Heart Warming delightful musical extravaganza. Some of the cast are funzies and others sing on ballads that are colourful and imaginative. 

We see this wonderful evening. Heck - we are all stage buffs. It's a must see. It's like Busby Berkeley in Hollywood. Everyone is wonderful. It's A Glittering Super Colossal Delightful Musical Extravaganza. It's like the dream a dream that glitters. 

THE STAR-STUDDED HOLIDAYS XIII

Just enjoy - at the Marines Memorial in San Francisco 
Mairi Compassionate Care and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 











December 3, 2014

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SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS 


42ND St. Moon's production of "Something For The Boys" has something for everyone...Male and female. Gay or straight. With a handsome leading man Tyler McKenna, a Mermanesque leading lady Heather Orth, and a clever comedy duo newcomer Brian Herndon - and veteran Dyan McBride. 

The plot is paper thin - but director Daniel Witzke keeps things moving and adds his own campy touches. The Cole Porter songs are as always witty and tuneful. The addition of woodwinds to the music ensemble give a hint of the big band sound. The revolving set works well, but not a thing of beauty. 

This is a successful recipe for this play. No half baked ideas here. It is lots of fun and well sustained for both of the acts. You'll bend over with tons of laughter. This Hollywood musical is Super Colossal Heart warming. The precision dancing is my favorite. This is the most delightful stage show that I have seen in years. 

EVERYONE IS PERFECTLY CAST: TOTALLY AMAZING!
IT'S A MUSICAL THAT'S STEPS BEYOND!

HERE ARE THE STARS: Abby Sammons - Eliza Leoni - Victoria Stewart Davis - Dyan McBride* - Nikita Burshsteyn - Brian Herndon* - Heather Orth - Tyler McKenna* - Andrew Perez* - Stephen Vaught - Samuel Rabinowitz - AeJay Mitchell - Abby Sammons - Eliza Leoni and Victoria Stewart Davis

Dance Captain - Dyan McBride* 

RATING: SIX STARS ****** or SIX GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE ******

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