i love the "jersey boys"!

Ah, another amazing night on Broadway!

Last night, the parents, godmother, and I took in "Jersey Boys" on 52nd street. This fabulous musical is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons...their rise and fall of fame and glory. It was so great. First, it is an interesting, compelling story about four kids who make it big in show business. Show business is an ugly world....and this show doesn't shy away from showing some of that ugliness. The actors are amazing....with many worthy Tony noms among them. It was so great to see how the songs came about...and this show seems to take pleasure in teasing you with what song they are talking about, and then jumping into the familiar, great numbers. If you have the chance...you should definitely check this show out. Make sure to think ahead though...this is a popular show, and getting tickets can be a challenge. Rock on, Jersey Boys!

photo credit: www.playbill.com

the things you see in nyc...

As we made our way to MOMA today, we happened upon a film being made on 53rd and 6th. That film? It was "Spiderman 3". It was quite exciting. They were dropping/lowering a camera down a building (we can only assume to simulate Spiderman's view???). The only actor I recognized was James Cromwell who has been in every movie ever made. I snapped a photo with my new digital camera, and I am posting it here! You never know what's going to happen in NYC!!

the slacks are descending!

At second viewing...I think my title sounds a little dirty. Oh well, I guess the secret is out that I am a perv. What I am trying to imply is that my parents are coming to NYC this weekend! I am beyond excited, and have an incredible weekend planned. First though, I have to add that my fabulous Godmother Connie is coming to the city as well, so it will be a weekend of hijinks. (he he) We are doing two Broadway shows, a trip to MOMA, seeing "The Da Vinci Code" and eating lots of red meat. That is really a thing for me. I find that most of my dinners consist of a bowl of cereal....so the thought of eating in a restaurant with cloth napkins and steak puts me in an absolute tizzie. :) So, I will start posting reviews when I can. Of course, the big thing this weekend is that "X-Men III: The Last Stand" opens. I am still trying to find a way to fit it into the weekend. We don't really need to sleep....

when did i become a crotchety old lady?

It is a sad day when you realize that you relate more to your mother than you do a teenager. I had one of those moments this weekend. I took in two movies this weekend that I would classify as "kids" movies. First, on Friday night, Richard and I took in "Over the Hedge", the new CGI film from Pixar. It was actually pretty funny, and I did enjoy it. I would say check it out...when it comes out on video. However, I was really disturbed that this "PG" rated film used language that I didn't think was at all appropriate. In the opening sequence, a raccoon named RJ tries to steal a bear's food. It all goes terribly wrong...and the bear grabs the raccoon and says that he is going to kill him if he doesn't replace the food. He flat out threatens murder. I just found this a little too much for a film aimed at kids. Yes, I realize that he is a bear, but how does a kid understand and differentiate that a bear is a natural predator and it is in his nature to eat the raccoon, but you don't threaten to kill someone if they steal something from you. It just really bothered me, especially because the theatre was full of younger kids...like 5 to 8 year-olds. Anyway, on Saturday afternoon I took in the wonderful "Akeelah and the Bee". I actually really liked this movie, and loved the story and message it got across. Akeelah is an 11 year-old girl who lives in South LA who finds herself competing in spelling bees. The film includes an incredible supporting cast of Angela Bassett (who has hosted one of our events - see her with my co-worker Robert!) and Laurence Fishburne. My only caveat with this film was the language. Also rated "PG", some of the kids used the word ass. It was just quite startling considering I was sitting next to a little girl who was maybe seven or eight (and she actually covered her eyes during "The Monster House" preview.) I understand that kids use that kind of language, but in a PG film, I didn't expect to hear it. I can't believe that I am such a crotchety old woman!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

hugh is lovely....

After watching Hugh Laurie filming "Inside the Actor's Studio" last night, I like him even more than before. He is truly a fascinating guy who has had an interesting career, and is absolutely hilarious. I find it so interesting that great comedians tend to have incredible depression, and Mr. Laurie does indeed suffer from that. The session was quite illuminating, and he spoke at some length about the relationship he had with his parents and his depression. His parents were quite religious, and were people who lived without frills, and indeed had much guilt and suspicion about happiness and good things happening. He still carries that with him, and said that he has a hard time accepting pleasure....basically he lives by the code that good things must be earned. He spoke about his time at Oxford and Cambridge, and about how he used to date Emma Thompson in school. (Yeah!) He also talked about "Blackadder", "Jeeves and Wooster", "Stuart Little", "Flight of the Phoenix", and of course he spoke at great length about "House, M.D." currently playing on the Fox network. I think that I have waxed poetic about this show before, but it is worth talking about again. It is brilliant, and he is brilliant in it. One thing that was covered (which I of course had never noticed) was the similarities between the character of House and Sherlock Holmes. They have the same street address, the drug addiction, their sidekicks Watson/Wilson, and the list goes on. They showed several clips from the show (none of which Mr. Laurie watched)and he spoke about the "high-wire" act that is this character. How do you make an un-likeable sometimes cruel character the hero of a show? The evening closed with Mr. Laurie playing the piano and singing a song that he wrote several years ago called "Mystery". He is in fact a brilliant pianist. It was a real treat. This is definitely going on the short list as one of my favorite NYC memories. I hope that you will check out this brilliant show (first season is out on DVD) and maybe watch the airing of Inside the Actor's Studio" which I think is on June 4th.

photo credit: www.tv.com

congratulations

A very hearty congrats to Brandon Victor Dixon who plays Harpo in "The Color Purple" for his Tony nomination for his performance of a featured actor in a musical. He just so happens to study in my voice studio...and it couldn't be more exciting to see a peer doing so well. Just goes to prove how much my voice teacher totally rocks. I feel like I have gone up like 10 cool points because of this!!

oh dear, my dork flag is showing....

Okay, please don't judge me. As you have probably figured out from reading my blog, I am a total movie slut. I see everything....sometimes even seeing them twice even if they aren't good. I have found a new movie to obsess over, and obsessed I am! It is called "Goal! The Dream Begins". The funny thing about this movie is that it is apparently an international phenomenon with two sequels already in the works. Well, it just opened in the US of A, and I am now a card-carrying groupie. The movie centers on an illegal immigrant named Santiago who lives in LA and loves soccer (football). One day while he is playing, a British man who used to be a soccer/football scout arranges it so if Santiago can get himself to England, he will arrange a tryout for him with this really famous team. (The scout is played by Stephen Dillane who I actually met after a performance of "The Real Thing" on Broadway. He is very cool.) So, against all odds, he finally makes it to England and faces hardship, tragedy, and much dramatics on his quest to become a great footballer. I love this crap! First of all, the actor who plays Santiago is gorgeous...and incredibly charming. Apparently he was a huge Mexican soap star and this is his big movie debut. He is great. Secondly, any movie filled with sweaty athletic men running around is okay by me. (he he) I don't know, it's not the greatest movie ever made, but there was just something about it that really pulled me in. I am not a big soccer/football fan, but I am actually going to go and try to buy a ticket for the New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew (who to root for?!?!) when they play each other here in June.

Final thoughts: This movie is super cheesy, but it was a great sports flick with heart! Leading man is gorgeous, and I thought it was the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

cinema therapy

As I began my cinema therapy after my event, I had two interesting NYC sightings. At Gracious Home I saw Amy Adams, recently Oscar nominee of "Junebug". Then, walking in front of the 68th Street Loews I saw Rene Auberjonois of "Boston Legal" (a new show in my roster). That's the fun of New York...you never know who you will see.

photo credit: www.imdb.com

i love hugh!

What I really love about NYC is the way that you can stumble into amazing things. Today, I was thrilled because I was going to have my first voice lesson in G-d knows how long....but I had to cancel. The reason is that I have acquired a ticket to a taping of "Inside the Actors Studio" featuring the actor Hugh Laurie. I LOVE Hugh Laurie!! Not only am I a devoted fan to "House" (which everyone should watch, it is true genius), but he was in my favorite movie of all time "Sense and Sensibility"!!! The taping is way downtown by the Brooklyn Bridge, and actually is scheduled from 8pm until 11:55pm. I am going to be one tired duck tomorrow. I will fill you all in on the gory details.....I love Hugh!!!

photo credit: www.smugmug.com

back in action!

Sorry all for my little break. I am pleased to say that the Luncheon I was planning (for 1100 to boot) went off well, and I am now mostly recovered. I have much to catch you up with....so let the games begin!!

photo credit: www.sweetricks.com

impossible....i loved it!

Okay...I have to say that I was going into "Mission Impossible III" a little prejudiced because I think that Tom Cruise has become really creepy, and I don't want to become a Scientologist! Anyway, all I have to say is that I LOVED this movie! Directed by J.J. Abrahms, this film is like the ultimate episode of "Alias". I was exhausted by the time it was over.....and totally revved up from all the action! I guess I have to say that it was a "perfect" NYC night for me. My partner-in-crime and I met up at the theatre (it was the most gorgeous Saturday) and saw a 5pm flick. It was sold out, and had an excited audience that wanted to be entertained. Tom Cruise is fabulous! He is charming, adorable, and can run like a mad man. He is Tom Cruise "Top Gun" style. The supporting cast is full of interesting and good actors. It includes recent Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffmann being creepy and fabulous, the adorable Billy Crudup ("Almost Famous" anyone? anyone?), Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Ving Rhames, and Keri Russell (sniff....I miss "Felicity"!). The tension is crazy....and I found myself so invested in the story...but that is what J.J. Abrahms does best. An interesting story with amazing stunts, funny moments, and really disturbing torture. As a long-time "Alias" fan and "Lost" fan, I knew he would pull it off....but it was better than I ever imagined. Then, after the movie, Richard and I went to Chipotle and picked up burritos. Plus, while we were there, we got coupons for a free burrito!! The day just got better and better!

Final thoughts: The perfect way to start off summer movie season. Grab a popcorn, ice-cold coke, and make a night of it!!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

even i think this is weird....

One of the perks of living in NYC is that you see really random, bizarre, extraordinary, and just plain weird stuff on the street. This weekend, I saw a man in a bubble full of water set up in front of the Metropolitan Opera house. Honestly, I think it is just plain weird what he is doing...and I am a water person! I actually wanted to be a marine biologist until I decided to become a singer! Anyway, it is just bizarre. He is set up right in front of the fountain, and he is just there. There was a huge crowd of people...and randomly while I was there Chris Rock was there with his children up on the VIP platform waving at David Blaine. I would just hate to think how dirty that water is after a week....There had to have been a crowd of 300 people, and he was floating around and would face one way and then wave at the people, and the people would wave back...and then he would turn to the other side and wave, and the people would wave back. It was like seeing an interactive gold fish. I think tonight he is going to try to hold his breath and try to break the world record. I wonder how wrinkly and prune-like he's going to be when he finally gets out?