4 Shows/3 Days

[nmartin]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 5:13pm

Biggest Disappointment: Death Becomes Her: I really disliked this. The two leads gave relentlessly exhausting performances, especially Hilty. The songs were instantly forgettable. The choreography, what there was of it, was bland. At times the orchestra was so loud it made some lyrics indecipherable. The costumes were good (except for the immortals). However, the vast majority of the audience loved it...loudly.

Biggest Shrug: Ava: The Secret Conversations: I am a huge Ava Gardner fan and was really looking forward to this; however, Elizabeth McGovern is NOT Ava Gardner. The play's humor fell flat and elicited hardly a chuckle from anyone. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. It was just sort of there.

Biggest Surprise: Chicago: I was in the New York Historical Society Museum to see the exhibition Blacklisted: An American Story when I had an overwhelming urge to see the "Hot Honey Rag." I bought a ticket on my phone and went. I expected the show to be lifeless; however, it is in incredible shape. The two leads are excellent. Max von Essen and  Mama Morton are also wonderful. The show had tons of energy and, of course, the "Hot Honey Rag" was great!!

Biggest Winner: The Weir: I chose this play for the title alone and purposefully did not read anything about it. I went in totally blind. I was genuinely moved by this beautiful play. I have been thinking about it ever since. The theme of the power that storytelling has to bond people to each other spoke to me on a very personal level. I am extremely grateful that a single seat popped up for what was a Sold Out performance. 

Other Things: I highly recommend that exhibition about blacklisting that I mentioned earlier. I loved it so much that I went back the next day. Also, the main reason for my trip was to go to the recently renovated/reopened Frick. It is spectacular!

 

[Mike66]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 6:33pm

A BIG thumbs up to the Blacklisted exhibit at the Historical Society.  I usually have a short attention span in museums -- but I read every panel and watched every video.  Such a fabulous expose of a terrible time in America.  And, of course, it so very much resembles what we are living through now.    So many reasons to be hopeful for the future.  So many reasons to be fearful.  Go see it.

 

A YES, the Frick is spectacular -- although I have to admit that after decades of wondering 'what is upstaits' i was somewhat disappointed.  But the new spaces are excellent and do not intrude on the original.

 

[nmartin]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 6:48pm

Mike, because of the current climate in the country, I also found the blacklisting exhibition timely and scary. 
I also read everything and watched/listened to all videos. I’m very glad to know someone else enjoyed it as much as I. 

[Esther2]

Posted: 8/11/25 at 9:57pm

I thought it was a fantastic exhibit and I wish it was still going to be on view when I'm next in the city in November.  One of the many fine exhibits there that made me join even though I don't live in NY. 

The Dining in Transit exhibit was also interesting and fun.