quote of the weekend

"It's a goddamn beautiful day....SHUT UP!"

This weekend was amazing. My mother (lover of the Rock) came in on Thursday and stayed through until Monday morning. Much fun was had by all.

We started the trip by attending a voice lesson. My mother had not yet met my voice teacher, one of my favorite people in NYC, so she tagged along, met him, and then suffered through a lesson. It was fun...and she didn't seem too put out by the voice that she has spent literally hundreds of thousands of dollars on. Yeah!

On Friday, we had a very girly day in the city. We started on the Upper West Side, and gradually made our way down to Times Square for a performance of the A CHORUS LINE revival currently playing on Broadway. One of our first activities was getting a manicure. We both sat down, and the woman looking at my hands was absolutely horrified at how my skin looked. She promptly started a huge process of greasing me up and wrapping me in clear plastic wrap. It was not one of my prouder moments. My mother, bless her heart, just sat there and laughed openly. Anyway, the nails do look great, and I am now soft and smooth to the touch. We had dinner at a great place called the Southside Cafe on 47th between Broadway and 8th Ave. It was so yummy with this super crazy garlic bread. (It was probably best that I was sleeping on the floor on the inflatable bed.) A CHORUS LINE was okay. The dancing was phenomenal of course...but the singing was just okay. I have to say I was kind of disappointed...but still enjoyed the show overall.

Saturday morning, we both slept in until ten. It was fabulous. We finally got out of bed and got moving, and headed downtown for lunch. We then walked to our theatre (in a freaking downpour...) and took in GREY GARDENS starring Christine Ebersole. That is where the quote above is from. This show was amazing, different, powerful, and so interesting. It is based on the true story of Edith and Edie Beale, relatives of Jackie Kennedy. They were socialites who eventually turned into infamous recluses. Christine Ebersole is beyond incredible...it is worth going to the show for her performance alone. I loved it! After the show, we walked uptown and met my roommate for dinner at French Roast, this cute little bistro on 85th and Broadway. We noshed on burgers, and then headed home to pumpkin pie and the Ohio State game. (Go Bucks!)

Sunday led us to Bloomingdales where we had the famous frozen yogurt and window shopped. We headed down the East Side, stopping for a movie, DRIVING LESSONS, at the Paris Theatre, a visit to Rockefeller Center to watch the skaters fall, and continued window shopping along the way. It was lovely. The evening was capped by meeting my fabulous Aunt Anne at Becco on restaurant row, and indulging in another incredible Italian meal.

So, my mother is now once again in Ohio (tonight I think she is dodging the trick-or-treaters by having dinner at the mall) and I am back to the regular NYC routine. The roommate and I bought tickets to see MARY POPPINS on Broadway for December 13th...so I am very much looking forward to that. Now, all I can do is count the days until gobble-gobble day when I will make another triumphant return to the native land.

happy halloween!

I stopped on the way home from work at the fabulous gourmet deli/grocery store Balducci's on 66th Street and came away with this amazing CRUMBS cupcake. Wishing you lots of chocolate-y goodness on this day of Halloween!

kate winslet bonus

Continuing my unhealthy obsession....a new trailer for HOLIDAY starring Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz has hit the web. Check out the link below....

http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-holiday-2006/24704/trailer?date=20061017&ncid=AOLMOV00050000000012

poster credit: www.discoverkate.com

i heart youtube

Every once in a while, I find myself getting terribly upset over something silly and inconsequential. I found this happening as the third person asked me what I had thought of Kate Winslet's appearance on INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO which had been re-aired on Bravo last week. First, I don't have the Bravo network. I only have the cable package that is one up from the bottom. Second, I had never seen this. INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO is a great show, and usually so full of great information (straight from the horse's mouth), and the episodes aren't ever for sale. So, I started to get worked up about this, and youtube came to the rescue. Youtube is full of so much crap, it is hard to even explain. Basically, anyone can have an account and post what they want. This consists of everything from TV shows, to bootleg videos from concerts, to creepy people recreating their favorite moment from the Broadway musical WICKED. It is awesome. Anyway, I typed in Kate Winslet, and lo and behold, her episode had been posted in 14 parts. So, there I sat, happily watching them all. It was a great episode.

Youtube bonus....while I was in high school, I saw an amazing video which was the making of MISS SAIGON, and the search for the actress who would play Kim. It is an interesting video...which I had been unable to find since. Lo and behold, I did a search for Lea Salonga...and there it was in ten parts on youtube!!

photo credit: www.discoverkate.com
photo credit: www.youtube.com

quote of the day

"Let us all hope we are preceded in this world by a love story."

Today I saw a beautiful, simple Indie film called SWEET LAND. Set in flashbacks, this film tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant living in Minnesota and his mail-order bride from Germany. The quote above was the tag line (for lack of a better word) of the film. I don't know why, but it affects me profoundly. It makes me think of my parents, and their love story, which is still going on. I know that I am lucky. Not many people can say that their parents are the most inspirational love story they have known. But my parents...they are a beautiful thing to behold. I remember as a kid, I was horrified when they would do things like hold hands in public, or kiss each other in the morning. Now, I see those moments, and I pray to
G-d that I can have half of the passion, respect, and joy that they seem to have with one another. May we all be so lucky. So, this movie tells a simple story, about a simple time (the 1940's), in a farm community. This is not a movie for contemporary audiences. However, if you are a romantic, and don't mind returning to a simple, slower time, this movie is a real treat.

Final thoughts: A simple love story that speaks to the heart.

photo credit: www.sweetlandmovie.com

cool people

As many of you know, I am so not a "cool person". Truthfully, if you have met my parents, you knew there was never really a chance. However, that is neither here nor there. My point is, the great thing about NYC is that you can run into cool, interesting people anywhere. Today, while I was scrounging through the Tower Records on 66th street (which is closing!!), I was in line behind this very cool actor called Josh Hamilton. He is an indie actor, appearing in tons of stuff, but also an interesting guy on the NY theatre scene. I saw him in the revival of HURLYBURLY last year, and he was quite good. He is currently appearing in THE COAST OF UTOPIA at Lincoln Center. Anyway, he was really nice, and was just a fun person to see on the streets (or stores) of NYC.

photo credit: www.imdb.com

why i love my mother

A couple of weeks ago, I was home for a lovely weekend with my family, and it looked like there might be a window when my mom and I would go and see a movie. There was much discussion about what we might see. At one point in the conversation, she brought up that her favorite "guilty pleasure" actor had a new movie coming out, and that might be fun. I was thinking...oh maybe it's Pierce Brosnan or Dennis Quaid. Do they have movies coming out? She says...yeah, she loves The Rock. The Rock!?
That is why I love my mother.

photo credit: www.islandconnections.com

fun for the whole family

Tim Burton rocks. Not only did he give us the fabulous first two BATMAN movies, but he also gave us THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. If you haven't ever seen this amazing - musical - claymation film, you should run (do not walk) to the theatres this weekend and check it out as it is being re-released in 3-D! Yes friends, it is true. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is coming out in 3-D. Poor Richard. I am dragging him there this weekend, and he never got the chance to say no.

Enjoy!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

what happened?

How does it happen that a great book is written, adored by many, and then turned into the biggest piece of crap movie ever? As you may have noticed, I see a lot of movies. I love them...what can I say? A few weeks ago, I received a package from my best friend from High School containing the book "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood". At first, I thought it was a total joke...considering we had seen the film together, and with no reservations I can say it is the WORST movie I have ever seen. The movie-going experience itself was lovely...I went with said BFF from HS (along with her charming and hilarious boyfriend), plus my BFF from college was there. It was the ultimate night out combining many of my favorite people in the whole wide world, and going to a movie. Anyway, I have started reading the book, and I am enjoying it so much. It is an incredible story about mothers and daughters, and true love, and the devastation of life. I can't put it down. (It is making my lenghthy commute to NJ a total breeze!) What went wrong? How can we go from such an amazing, compelling book to the awful, awful movie? The actors are all good actors. It just kills me. In so many ways, I am glad that I didn't read the book first because I think it would have been so much worse to go into the movie with the book in my head. The truth is, I now remember so little of the film that the book is an entirely new entity.

Right now, there is a film being made of the book "P.S., I Love You". I love this book, and it stars Gerard Butler whom I adore. I am terrified that Ya-Ya syndrome (new term for great book/crap movie) is going to ruin it. Urgh.

*On another note, I did meet someone at my master class who is going to appear in the movie. That totally takes me to two (or three...if he doesn't meet him) degrees from Gerry. That totally makes me giggle like a little girl!

why I am a lousy person and don't write on my blog

Hi all. I apologize for not writing on the blog for a while...the weird thing is I don't exactly know why I haven't been. The last couple of weeks have been really good. I sang in a master class last weekend that went unbelievably well. I am really pleased, and I have found that inner drive once again to go back to performing. My job ends the end of November, so I am hoping to make some big changes. All I know is I MUST be a singer...and at the end of the day, I am not happy doing anything else. So, back to the drawing board. It is scary as hell, but feels really right to get out there again. I will let everyone know how it goes. Wish me luck!

LA LA LA LA!

revisiting childhood

This weekend, I decided to do something fun, different, and venture back to the joys of being a youth. A friend from work and I headed out to the Bronx Zoo. It was such an amazing day. I love the zoo. I know that many think it is cruel to cage the animals...and I don't want to jump into that discussion...it was just amazing to see creatures that are bizarre, fascinating, scary, and beautiful. My favorite "see" of the day was the polar bear. Polar bears are my favorite animal in the whole wide world. I like them for many reasons...including that they are cute, and they are the only known predator of man. I think that is freaky! You're like looking at the bear...oh, it's cute...and then it will eat you for no reason. I know morbid....but frankly, I have never claimed to be susie sunshine. (Just saying.) They had a HUGE gorilla exhibit in which there were two babies and many adults. It was fascinating to watch them interact with one another, sit and watch the humans watching them, and see how the mothers interact with the babies. I know that I am a Christian and stuff....but sometimes, those gorillas are just a little TOO people-like...or maybe we are all a little gorilla-like? I liked this picture that I took. What is he/she(?) thinking about? Is it an escape plan...or wondering how far his poop would go if he/she(?) threw it? Who knows....wait...I wonder how far my...oh, never mind.

Final thoughts: Zoos are fun.

photo credit: ME!!

my roommate is the COOLEST person I know...

Richard, my partner-in-crime and roommate has found himself at the top of the cool list. As you all know, I LOVE Kate Winslet with an unnatural passion. Anyway, we went to see LITTLE CHILDREN last weekend to scope out if Richard (as an extra) made the cut of the film. I'll be damned if he didn't run across the scene!! He has been in a major motion picture, and with Kate Winslet to boot! I am so happy for him, and I hope that this is the beginning of a long, successful career!

The movie itself was really interesting, and so well-made. Kate is of course perfect, and Patrick Wilson is fabulous as the "prom-king". What surprised me the most about the movie was it was actually quite funny. I found myself laughing out loud several times, and you don't expect that in a film about a pedophile and two people having an affair outside of their marriage. I am not sure that Kate will get the Oscar nomination, but she gives a compelling, layered, interesting performance, and I found myself incredibly moved by her, and the film. This movie is not for everyone....but if you like a psychological drama, and like Todd Field (director of IN THE BEDROOM), you should definitely check it out.

Final Thoughts: Kate once again proves that she is one of the best working actors today...plus, don't miss Richard running by the pool!!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

the most wonderful time of the year....

Ah...the leaves are changing, the children are returning to school, and the new TV season is up and running. I have to admit that this year's crop of shows is FABULOUS! It is totally interfering in me trying to lead a normal life. This is because my DVR only holds 30 hours of programming, and then it starts deleting itself. That is a lot of pressure. Right now, I am obsessed with three shows. First, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip starring Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry, created by Aaron Sorkin. Need I say more? Second, Men in Trees starring Anne Heche about a woman who goes to Alaska and starts over after her fiancee cheats on her. (This show will always make me think about a dear friend from HS who always wanted to move to Alaska for a year. After watching this show, I am more open to that for her...although, she has pretty much moved on.) And third, Ugly Betty about an ugly (people...putting someone in glasses and a ponytail does not make them UGLY!!!) girl who works as the assistant to a gorgeous, young editor at a fashion magazine. It is so much fun!
Honestly, there are like eight-hundred and fifty-seven other shows that I adore. I hope that you are enjoying the new TV season as much as I am...and I must now go and try to get the DVR down to twenty hours of unwatched shows.

photo credit: www.tvguide.com

movie redux....

So, I have seen several movies, some of which were very good, one that was okay...and one that starred my fave actress in the whole wide world. Last weekend, the roommate and I went and saw All the King's Men starring Jude Law, Sean Penn, and Kate Winslet. It had gotten pretty universally panned, and pretty much all I can say is that it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. What stuck out to me the most was the accents weren't great across the board, and this was a cast of first-class actors. Also, the film was kind of confusing. I don't want to presume to call myself brilliant...I mean, I do only have a degree in music, but there were definitely points where I just had to sit there and mutter uh...what's happening? Kate was lovely in the few scenes that she was in, and Jude Law did a good job. (I like him, I just wish he didn't disgust me as a person.) Sean Penn was brilliant, and moving. He is just an interesting guy...who is crazy talented.

Final Thoughts: Put it on your NetFlix list and watch it on a rainy Sunday.

The Last Kiss was an interesting flick, that goes to prove that you can think someone is darling, even as they do scummy things. (See Jude Law.) Zach Braff is charming. I love him on SCRUBS, and I thought he did a great job in this movie. The best part though was the awesome previews. They showed both Holiday and Little Children, plus We are Marshall. It was the perfect set.

Final Thoughts: Go with some girlfriends, grab some chocolate and commiserate on how much men really suck.

Helen Mirren is a goddess. I took in The Queen today which is a film that follows Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth II during the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. It was a vivid and powerful portrait of a monarch trying to find her way in the contemporary world. I also continue to find myself so moved by Princess Di, and the absolutely devastating circumstances of her death. I found tears running down my face as they showed footage of Di and her humanitarian work. An engrossing film that British enthusiasts should definitely check out.

Final Thoughts: Is Ms. Mirren putting her bet in for the Oscar nice and early in the movie season?

Calling all movie lovers! If you are a fan of films, then you MUST see This Film is Not Yet Rated. This documentary takes a look at the ratings system, and who runs this organization. It is compelling, frustrating, and fascinating what the filmmaker uncovers and looks at. I found it most interesting the stigma that heterosexual sex scenes are always less severely rated than homosexual sex scenes. Is our ratings system an openly accepted form of restricting the freedom of speech? Check this movie out...but be aware that it is rated NC-17, and some scenes wouldn't be appropriate for kids. (Is that sentence me buying into the system?)

Final Thoughts: Brilliant film that helps you ask interesting and important questions if you are an artist (or not). If movies are an active part of your life, definitely check this one out!