addy must be having far too much fun in Paris! Lucky gal!
Hello all. Anyone here this evening? I've been away for a bit, just got back this evening. What have I missed here? Anything wonderfully exciting?
Had Addy gone off to Paris? Is young Pip being well cared for by Mr. Grant? Has Boobs been keeping things lively ehre?
DG, did you get to the Actors Fund benefit this weekend at Cal State? I would love to hear your thoughts on the concert.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Random thoughts after the benefit concert for the Actor's Fund last night:
I love events like this. Everyone involved, from the performers to the audience, are there because of their interest in the cause at hand. So no matter what happens, the amount of 'good will' in the house is high - and that goes a LONG way in my book
These occasions are always interesting, as it really isn't a 'whole' experience that has an arc and takes you on a specific journey. It's just a series of commemorative performances that stand alone, grouped together to form one solid chuck of entertainment. To that end, there are of course stand-outs. There are always those performers whose glory days are somewhat in the past, but the mere fact of their volunteerism raises your spirits, and allows you to take it all in stride. In some instances, simply the fact of their appearance at all is reason for celebration - Rod McKuen comes to mind.
Starting the evening with Liz Calloway singing You There in the Back Row was special for me - I really do love this woman's voice. And then they went right into a rendition of Big Spender that featured Chita Rivera on stage for the first time in the evening - which, needless-to-say, brought the house down. Legends never really have to do anything but stand there, but Chita proved there's a REASON she's a legend by giving it her all - a true class act, on so many levels.
Other real highlights: Lucie Arnaz was, in a word, stunning. I saw her 25 years ago (or so) in They're Playing Our Song - and she has taken the promise I saw then and really worked it into a fine talent - absolutely in complete control of herself and the audience - beautiful to watch.
I have read about some of the current 'stars' of the NYC stage, but not had the priveledge of seeing them perform live. Alice Ripley, Marin Mazzie and ESPECIALLY Lilias White showed me exactly why they are so well regarded. I am now on a serious hunt for Ms. White's recordings!
I had read about Michelle Lee's performing career, but it was just enough before my time not to have registered. She was a revelation. Knott's Landing, indeed.
A special moment was Sally Struthers, because we had just recently brought her up her on the board. It was announced that she had laryngitis, but would perform anyway - only asking for our patience. And then she went out and gave it her ALL - a real trooper. We were duly impressed, and she deserved every bit of the ovation that she received.
John Schneider proved to be as engaging and talented as I had heard - and if he and Hugh Jackman ever appear together in chaps, I will need medical attention - or a good bail bondsman.
Brian Stokes Mitchell didn't get a 'showy' number, and yet it was perfection - what a gift. I actually got to watch him and chat for a moment afterwards, and he is truly a 'gentleman' - and I give no higher compliment. Marquise, I thought of you
Overall, a wonderfully fulfilling evening of good will and well-rounded entertainment.
EDIT - one additional thought. Jane Lanier did If My Friends Could See Me Now - and was spectacular. But I couldn't help thinking about Ms. Applegate while I watched this. As Ms. Lanier touched her knee to her nose in high kicks, belted away and executed perfectly precise comic timing, I wondered exactly how much preparation Christina was going to need. I have no doubt as to her dedication and intent, but these skills are not learned in a day, a week, or even many years.
Updated On: 11/8/04 at 01:06 AM
Happy Monday all !!! Coffee is brewing. I can use lots today !!!
I'll try to make my critique (sp?) on 'Night Mother simple.
First of all remember I saw the original with Kathy Bates. Looking at the characters this time I did a flip-flop. In this production it was the Mother that I cared about and felt sorry for NOT the daughter (Jessie). *Note...I love and respect Edie Falco as an actress*. Edie gave no substance to the character. I just didn't care about her...I couldn't wait until she shot herself. I mean I wanted to go on the stage and do it myself so that her poor Mother could go on with her life. Yes...I did sob like a baby. Brenda Blethyn is BRILLIANT in the role of the Mother...if she doesn't win a Tony for her performance the Tony voters should all be shot !!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/18/03
Morning BG2. If you have the chance to see 'Night Mother you really should...just so you can see "real acting" for a change on a Broadway stage....Brenda is well worth the price of admission...actually for that performance she's worth double the price of admission.
Morning BB! Thanks for the coffee (I also need it muchly today!) Night Mother is still on the maybe list Stll trying to find a second show for next weekend.
I thought weekends were a time to relax? This one was a bit busy.BUT we did get to see "The Incredibles" Edna the supersuit designer was my favorite! (a cross of Edith Head and Yoko Ono) So if it is a movie you want this is the one.
Happy Monday all!
DG, I have always loved that quote from Anne Frank. Thank you for reminding us all of that very poignant sentiment.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/18/03
I mean I wanted to go on the stage and do it myself so that her poor Mother could on with her life.
Hahahahahahahahaha!
LOL !!! Why do I have a feeling Pop that you and me would be the only ones who would find it funny??? The kids would all be like..."I don't get it. Is that supposed to be funny?"
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/31/04
Good morning all...
Bboobs...totally got the humor in your review. LOL!
And, glad Rath was on hand in case you got outa line...
Patrick Wilson Fans --New "UnOfficial Fan Site". Come check us out!
There were 3 other BWW there too. Actually Matt_G was sitting next to me. We were in the first row, talk about up close and personal. Rath and Fair to Middlin were on the other side somewhere. KissMyCookie was there too. After the show we all went out for a cup of coffee. It was nice to finally meet Matt and Cookie. Rath and Fair are old friends now.
K...I'll nurse you back to health my friend, but I could NEVER shoot you. I'd miss you too much. Hey...I made homemade chicken soup on Friday and I'm feeling so much better. Maybe I need to bring you some. I made so much it will take us about 2 weeks to finish it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/31/04
Bboobs...send me some of that soup. I'm going on week 3 of the same darn cold. Either my head is congested or my chest...
AAAARGH! If this lingers much longer I'm gonna have to name it.
Patrick Wilson Fans --New "UnOfficial Fan Site". Come check us out!
Yes, Boobs, of course I thought that was hilarious.
In bigger news - Bernadette, step aside!! The new lady of my dreams - my future wife - is the glorious Ms. Brenda Blethyn!
If you read my review on that Blethyn thread, you will all see that I agree with Boobs: Falco - ehhhh.
sounds good Boobs -- I made about 10 quarts a couple weeks ago - somehow it ain;t working for me, so perhaps yours will be better!
I'm simply NOT looking forward to getting on an airplane tonight with a sinus infection....
Fair -- Lauren B's voice is sexy -- just not on a 41 year old man!
Was Fair here today??? I didn't see her posting.did you Rath darling????
I'm glad we agree on "'Night Mother" Rath. I do LOVE your new icon. I'm glad you got a chuckle from my review.
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