Stage Notes (and all that jazz) | Broadway, movies, books, music, and everything in between

January 31, 2008

Look Who Made It To Primetime!

[TOS] -- Here They Go Again!!!!!

January 29, 2008

January 28, 2008

The Savages is a sad, funny and unsentimental look at family dynamics. What happens when the children become the parent's caregiver? Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney play siblings forced to deal with their estranged father's declining health. Philip Bosco is their cantankerous and abusive father, Leonard Savage. Wendy is an aspiring playwright, a lying, pill-popping adulterer. Jon is a college theater (of social unrest---!) professor writing a book on Brecht. His girlfriend has to go back to Poland when her visa expires because he refuses to marry her.
The interaction between brother- sister/children-father is fascinating and painful to watch because the characters are so human. And the issues they are forced to deal with are real. The extremely well-written story hits close to home. No sappy deathbed scenes or emotional reconciliations here though. But the ending is most satisfactory. Excellent performances all around. Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman can do no wrong.

The only downside is the title brings up memories of a song from Pocahontas :(

January 27, 2008

Macau: East Meets West

said Pinky at 6:42 PM 0 comments

Here are some pics from my trip to Macau and Hong Kong over the holidays......

This is the Senado. At night. It's the Old Portuguese quarter of Macau and town center.

We had a celebrity sighting, Jay Cuenca (I don't really know him but they said he's an up and coming actor in the Philippines). That's Yaya (Nanny) Jona with him in the pic.

Check out the Disney Line of the Hongkong MTR system!!!!

The Ruins of St. Paul church which was built in the 1600's by the Japanese Christian exiles under the supervision of a Jesuit, Carlo Spinola. Only the facade remains from a fire in 1835. The backside of the church is now a museum and the facade has been the symbol of Macau

The Library

Take a look at the Portuguese tiles!!!!

The Senado square and it's old buildings

Tiles act as cobblestones in this quarter. I don't know why but this part reminds me of Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

Dinner and a show

Fierce! Fierce! Fierce!

Enter the Dragon

said Lani at 12:19 AM 0 comments

Theatre-loving martial artists, kiai! (Do I hear two or three people cheering?) A musical based on the life of Bruce Lee is in the works. Tony nominee David Yazbek is writing music and lyrics, with Tony nominated director Bartlett Sher at the helm. It will have an out of town engagement in, appropriately, Seattle. It is expected to open on Broadway during the 2009-2010 season. Producers may even bring it to China. This might be good for Asian-Americans on Broadway. Although Mr. Yazbek said the cast would be mostly dancers and acrobats. How about Paolo Montalban as Bruce?

(Photo from All Movie Portal)

January 26, 2008

Blink

said Lani at 12:00 AM 0 comments

I saw Julian Schnabel's Before Night Falls so of course I had to see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Based on the bestselling book, it stars Mathieu Amalric as Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French Elle magazine editor who suffered a stroke when he was in his 40s. He ended up with locked-in-syndrome, only able to move his left eyelid. Jean-Do's speech therapist devises a tedious but effective way for him to communicate. Amazingly, he eventually dictated the whole book to an assistant.
It is more harrowing than The Sea Inside, because we see things from Bauby's point of view for much of the film. The result is unnerving yet moving. When we're not watching life from his hospital bed or wheelchair, we are treated to gorgeous flights of fancy. His imagination is let loose by his affliction.

Aside from the beautiful cinematography, clever editing and sound, the supporting cast is solid. Most notably Emmanuelle Seigner who played loyal Celine, the mother of his children and Max Von Sydow as Jean-Do's father. Don't forget to bring tissues. This isn't your run-of-the-mill triumph of the human spirit movie. But it is not as grim as it sounds. Some of Bauby's internal dialogue: very funny, especially when surrounded by his beautiful therapists, secretary and hospital staff. The film is however, nothing like I've ever seen before. It will give you a whole new perspective.

January 25, 2008

Broadway Slang: The Eff-it Point

said Pinky at 5:16 PM 1 comments

I just like to point you guys out to this blog by the people behind Best Week Ever (which I love by the way). Best Week Ever is a VH1 show that recaps the weeks pop culture events and adds their very honest and funny commentary about it.

In this week they discuss Broadway.....specifically The Eff-it Point. What is it you may ask.....well to quote the writer, Dan Hopper:

What is the Eff-It Point, you ask? Why, it’s the highly useful term I’ve just invented to refer to the point where a Broadway show that once sustained itself on its story, music, and buzz, finally just says “ahhhh, f*ck it” and starts casting mediocre celebrities in lead roles to bolster their marquee and grab the attention of easily impressed, money-having tourists. Or non-tourists. Pretty much anyone who’s stupid and has money, I guess.

Among those who follow the theatre world, that is what you call Stunt Casting. My favs are the comments about Tony Danza in the Producers and Young Frankenstein LOL! Although regarding his comment about Chicago (which is notorious for stunt casting).....well, he should have listed Melanie Griffith, Kelly Osbourne and Ashley Simpson instead of those guys!!!!! Oy!

Check out the link above!

Trainwrecks

said Lani at 12:04 AM 0 comments

Celebrity rehab might not be an oxymoron anymore. I was channel-surfing two weeks ago and stumbled upon my newest guilty pleasure, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. I watched my first whole episode this evening and saw his tough-talking yet sensible and compassionate ways of dealing with a group of celebrity addicts. I don't know the other people in the group except for Daniel Baldwin, Brigitte Nielsen, Chyna, and Jeff Conaway(so sad to see Grease's Kenickie like this). Assisting Dr. Drew is Shelly, a resident tech at the Pasadena Recovery Center with a take-no-prisoners approach. She is herself a recovering addict. Kudos to these healthcare workers. That's a tough gig.

I know it's reality TV and they always edit the shows for maximum entertainment value. And you wonder how people's behavior get altered by having cameras on them. But this seemed like a truly unscripted, unabashed and unblinking look at their efforts to heal themselves. Like a motorist passing the scene of a car accident, I watched with morbid fascination as Jeff struggled with his detox, listened as group members revealed histories of abuse and cheered as a co-dependent girlfriend got lectured. I never understood addiction but I found myself rooting for these people. I hope they win their battles.

January 23, 2008

A dark night

January 22, 2008

I got a package!

And the Oscar might go to...

January 21, 2008

It's Xanadu Baby!!!!!

January 20, 2008

Such wonderful things surround you, what more is you looking for?

said Lani at 5:15 PM 0 comments

Sierra Boggess in her Broadway debut as Ariel.

The Little Mermaid is pleasant enough but lacked a certain something. I can't quite place it. Perhaps I'm just getting too old and crotchety for Disney.

"I wanna be where the people are, I wanna see, wanna see them dancing..."

Maybe I was just too prepared to love the show. I had been eagerly anticipating it from the moment I heard they were bringing my beloved Disney film to the stage. The cast is great except I kept picturing Mary Testa as Ursula (I love Sherie Rene and I was surprised to find myself thinking this). There definitely wasn't enough Norm Lewis. Some of the new songs reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. Some of the jokes fell flat, and the ending felt rushed.

Ms. Boggess has a lovely singing voice and quite good at physical comedy in the second act.

There were genuine moments of awe and wonderment, like when someone floats to the surface or sinks to the bottom ( I even applauded) or the transformation scene. And using the heelys was inspired. Granted, the visuals and colors were stunning, even breath-taking, at times. But overall the set design and costumes bothered me. (Nothing will probably ever equal The Lion King's ground-breaking staging. The King has ruined me for other Disney productions!) The outfits varied from community theatre-like to tacky Vegas extravaganza. I know; they were only trying to be innovative.

The stage door

Tituss Burgess as Sebastian. I love the new arrangements of "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl". They were crowd-pleasers; also Chef Louis's 'Les Poissons.

Sean Palmer was Prince Eric.

Trevor Braun is one of the Flounders.

Despite its flaws, The Little Mermaid is still not a bad way to spend an evening on Broadway. The kids will love it.

(Thanks to Cecile for some of the photos!)

Time, goes by, so slowly..

said Lani at 8:33 AM 0 comments

Today is the 7th anniversary of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ascent to power after the people's revolt which came to be known as EDSA II . She served out ousted president Joseph Estrada's remaining three years then ran for president in 2004. She was re-elected amid allegations of electoral fraud (Hello Garci!). I read about this blog that is counting down to the end of her scandal-ridden term in 2010. Ang Tagal Naman ("That's a long time") was started by Roby Alampay, a Bangkok-based Filipino journalist and press freedom advocate on 01 December 2007. Who was it that said 'Patience is waiting, but not passively waiting. It's to keep going when the going is hard and slow.' As Mr. Alampay says in the blog, "ilang tulog na lang!"

January 19, 2008

Dayo

January 18, 2008

Fight the good fight

said Lani at 9:39 PM 0 comments

Master Yoda said, "Always two there are, no more, no less: a master and an apprentice."

Who's your Jedi Master? For Doug and Jimmy of the Discovery Channel's Fight Quest, they'll travel the world to answer that question. The first episode I saw they were in the Philippines to learn the ancient and deadly art of Kali. Part travelogue, part smackdown, they each take a crash course in a particular country's martial arts or fighting techniques. At the end of the episode, they show off what they learned as they square off with locals. I never know who to root for. Two globe-trotters looking for a fight...what could be better? It's on Friday nights.

Side By Side with Youtube

said Pinky at 4:26 PM 3 comments

Well, I love the "If you can't beat them, join them" attitude that PBS has!!! They posted this clip of Raul Esparza and the cast of COMPANY singing "Side By Side" on their own Youtube account! Imagine that! Might as well post it themselves and get everyone excited for the broadcast which will be on Feb 20 (check local listings). Lani and I saw it during my birthday trip to NYC and really enjoyed it…..on a more somber level. I can’t wait! My dvd recorder will be ready :)

According to PBS: Long before Sex and the City, the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical Company took an unconventional look at love and commitment in complex modern New York. The 1970 era-defining classic was - and is - an honest, funny and sophisticated portrayal of five married couples as seen through the eyes of their mutual friend Robert, a waffling, 35-year-old bachelor evaluating the pros and cons of wedded life. Raúl Esparza, who won Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his portrayal of leading man Robert, heads the cast of actor-musicians. John Doyle (Sweeney Todd) directs.

Bobby, Bobby

said Lani at 3:50 PM 1 comments

Controversial chess master Bobby Fischer passed away on Thursday from kidney failure. He died in Reykjavik, Iceland, site of his Cold War era showdown with Russian champion Boris Spassky. He was 64, as in the 64 squares of a chess board as one chess expert said. He was born in Chicago (on my birthday), grew up in Brooklyn, and later spent time in the Philippines. He became a citizen of Iceland to avoid deportation to the U. S. after playing a 1992 match in Yugoslavia despite sanctions against Slobodan Milosevic. His IQ was supposedly higher than Albert Einstein's. But his genius and talent were later overshadowed by bizarre behavior, anti-Semitic statements, criticism of the chess establishment, and outrageous comments directed at the United States. The American champion's personality in the musical Chess was loosely based on Mr. Fischer.

January 17, 2008

Dear God NO!!!!!!

said Pinky at 10:40 AM 0 comments

I almost fell off my chair when I saw this post on Playbill.com about casting for Legally Blonde:

Playbill.com previously reported Jan. 14, that MTV networks confirmed that casting is underway for an upcoming reality television series that will search for Legally Blonde's next Elle Woods via the same network that brought the musical to millions of television viewers in October 2007.

Full article here. I can just see the Hills Girls hosting this. Why don't you just stab me in the eye with a ballpoint pen!!!!!!!

January 16, 2008

No Other Road, No Other Way......

January 15, 2008

Guilty Pleasures

said Lani at 4:56 PM 0 comments

My sister Lynn sent us belated Christmas gifts from the Philippines. Aside from the Knorr Chicken Noodle Soup that we requested (reading the Sodium content alone clogs up my arteries), she gave me the Munchlax figure that you see on the right (the pre-evolved form of Snorlax that you see underneath) and the Spice Girls Greatest Hits CD. The CD is being released in the U.S. today.

I never watched Pokemon and never understood the whole phenomenon. But I saw Snorlax and found it irresistibly cute. It is a Pokemon after my own heart---very lazy, eats and sleeps all day. Just like Garfield, but more slothful.

Yes, I like the Spice Girls (gasp!). Probably because they bring back memories of my then 5 and 2 year old nieces singing and dancing to their music. (They might not admit it now---Hi girls!) Although some of their lyrics were not appropriate for children, their attitude, catchy songs and messages of Girl Power and friendship, took the world by storm. The sassy group became one of the most successful bands of all time. Say what you will about them, their music is pure pop. "Wannabe" is number 33 in VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s. So people of the world, spice up your life.

January 14, 2008

Bennifer's gone, baby

said Lani at 6:24 PM 0 comments

I'm sorry I didn't see Gone Baby Gone when it was out in theaters last year. I figured it was another whodunit with an unfortunate title. After seeing it yesterday at my local $2 movie house, I left thinking it's probably one of the best films of 2007. Showing us that Good Will Hunting wasn't a fluke, Ben Affleck co-wrote the profanity-laced screenplay and made his directorial debut in Gone. It is almost a love letter to his hometown of Boston.
Brother Casey Affleck plays Patrick Kenzie, a private detective living in Beantown's working-class section of Dorchester. He and his girlfriend Angela Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan)investigate the disappearance of 4 year old Amanda McCready from the same neighborhood. Amanda's mother Helene, fiercely portrayed by Tony and Golden Globe nominee Amy Ryan, is a druggie. (Probably one of the most unfit and unsympathetic screen mothers ever.) Ed Harris, John Ashton and Morgan Freeman play members of Boston's Finest who are leading the investigation. Mrs. Ed Harris (Amy Madigan) plays Bea, and Titus Welliver is Lionel, the girl's aunt and uncle who hire the PIs.

Based on an earlier novel written by "Mystic River" author Dennis Lehane, this is "Mystic River" lite. In Kenzie and Gennaro's search for the little girl, they encounter drug dealers, pedophiles (this sub-plot is so unsavory but important) and dirty cops. (I wonder why Boston's police force are never good guys in movies.) The revelations near the end of the movie just made me want to shout "Oh the moral ambiguity!" and ask the eternal question: What Would I Do?
This movie is enough to erase the memories of Gigli or Jersey Girl . I await Mr. Affleck's sophomore effort. Brother Casey is definitely a must-watch actor and star.

The DVD will be released on 12 February 2008. (Photo from Yahoo!)

January 13, 2008

Post Golden Globes

said Lani at 10:36 PM 0 comments

Well the Golden Globe announcement show was anticlimactic. I don't particularly care for Nancy O'Dell or Billy Bush. I'm not familiar with all of the nominated shows and movies. But am happy for the following wins: Johnny Depp, Julie Christie, Atonement's musical score, Tina Fey, Sweeney Todd. I don't agree that Atonement is the best picture though. I had high expectations when I went to see it. It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.

Here's the complete list of winners.

Moving to Santa Fe...Back in New York starting a rock band

said Lani at 10:18 PM 0 comments

I am not a gamer, having no hand-eye coordination at all. But I had such a blast playing Rock Band with my sister and her husband this weekend, I had to sing its praises. You can play the guitar or bass, the drums, or be the vocalist. You can even do a solo tour. Guitar Hero is fun, but this was even better . But that's probably because I've always had a secret desire to be a drummer. Although I wasn't that good, the game brought out my inner rock star. Rock on Broadwaynistas! (That's an Ate term)

January 12, 2008

Under The Sea

Part Of Your World

January 11, 2008

Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?

said Lani at 9:12 PM 4 comments

Curtain call on THE LITTLE MERMAID's opening night. Poor unfortunate souls though; Ben Brantley of the New York Times said he loathed the show.

At the after-party: Tituss Burgess (Sebastian), Sierra Boggess (Ariel); Sean Palmer (Prince Eric); Sherie Rene Scott (Ursula) and Norm Lewis (King Triton---apparently underused and barechested according to Mr. Brantley)

Ariel 2008 with Ariel 1989, Jodi Benson

Thanks to Playbill and Broadwayworld for the photos! (How awesome that you made them right-clickable!)

January 10, 2008

All AUSTEN All The Time....

said Pinky at 11:41 AM 2 comments

Heads up Austen fans! PBS will launch a series of Jane Austen adaptations starting this Sunday Jan 13, 2008 at 9PM ET. This includes all 6 novels and 4 new adaptations (how exciting!!!!) Of course they are running the gold standard: the 1996 BBC/A & E production of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth (my favourite one). The new adaptations were written by Andrew Davies who wrote the beloved Ehle/Firth Pride and Prejudice......as Ate would say.....I am tingling with anticipation!!!!!

The Austen schedule:

Jan 13 - Persuasion

Jan 20 - Northanger Abbey

Jan 27 - Mansfield Park

Feb 3 - Miss Austen Regrets --> this is new! It's a more personal look at the life of Jane Austen

Feb 10 and 24 - Pride and Prejudice (P&P as we like to call it)

Mar 23 - Emma

Mar 23 and Apr 6 - Sense and Sensibility

Full article about the broadcast on Entertainment Today.

(P&P photo from BBC.co.uk; Persuasion photo from Entertainmenttoday.net)

January 9, 2008

Which Marty Thomas?

said Jon at 7:39 PM 2 comments

All the 4 contributing authors of this blog went to the same University (which happens to be celebrating its centennial this year) and we were classmates in all the subjects for the last 2 years of our schooling. So we pretty much know the details of our classmates lives. One of our classmate's brother happens to be named Marty Thomas. So when Ta Pinky, Ta Lani and I first encountered the Broadway performer/singer also named Marty Thomas, we all thought or commented "Isn't that Gary's brother?" But I am not here to talk about our classmate's brother but the other very accomplished Marty Thomas who happens to be part of the Xanadu cast at the moment. He is the featured skater at the end of the show and is also part of the male swing. Besides Xanadu, Marty Thomas' broadway credits include Wicked and The Secret Garden. He was one of Ed McMahon Star search champion. Upon my honor, I say that he has a wonderful voice. I saw him perform during an Atlantis Cruise to Mexico. My friend and I were not intending to watch him but we ended up staying for the whole concert after we heard him sing his first song. We were awe struck by his voice. I even bought his CD. Ta Pinky already heard this CD and she was impressed as well. To hear several samples of his songs, go to his website www.martythomas.com or click here. Tell me what you think after you have heard him sing...

(pic above taken from his website)

January 8, 2008

Adam and The Backyardigans

said Lani at 9:56 PM 3 comments

TheaterMania reports that Adam Pascal (AKA Rent's Roger Davis and Aida's Radames) will be participating in three projects related to Nickelodeon Television's "The Backyardigans". The animated children's show is a favorite of my co-workers' kids. He will be the Narrator in a new TV movie, "Tale of the Mighty Knights". This will premiere on 14 January at 7 pm. Adam is also among the featured artists -- along with Cyndi Lauper and Alicia Keyes -- on the CD "Born to Play", to be released on 22 January. Mr. Pascal will also perform the ballad "Not An Egg" in Backyardigans Live!, a live theatrical presentation that will kick off a 50-city national tour in York, Pennsylvania on 28 March. Pity no child!

a mermaid sings

Because it is my name!

said Lani at 9:37 AM 0 comments

"How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" said John Proctor.
If you're like me, I just mumble incoherently and taper off when I try to name some Broadway folk. Charlotte D'Amboise, Michael La Chiusa anyone? I found this helpful thread on Broadway world's message board. It discusses how names of Broadway actors and actresses are pronounced. Very enlightening indeed.

09 January ADDENDUM: See? Just quote something from Arthur Miller's The Crucible and the universe cooperates. The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play is returning to the stage on 09 February. The off-Broadway Arclight Theatre will be home to the popular drama until 02 March. I saw the most recent revival in 2002, starring Liam Neeson and Laura Linney. Very intense.

January 7, 2008

In other news...

said Lani at 8:57 PM 1 comments

The Hollywood Foreign Press has announced that this year's Golden Globe Awards ceremony, scheduled for this Sunday 13 January, has been cancelled. Another casualty of the ongoing writers' strike. In solidarity with the Writers Guild of America, members of the Screen Actors Guild refused to cross the picket line. The winners will be announced in a press conference instead.

BBC reports that a musical based on The Diary of Anne Frank will premiere in Madrid's Calderon Theatre next month. The Anne Frank Museum is reportedly endorsing the project and even gave a tour of the Amsterdam attic apartment to cast members last week. 13-year-old Isabella Castillo plays Anne Frank. Strange subject for a musical. Show could be very good or very bad.

And last but not the least...Idina Menzel and Josh Groban have been rumored to star in the 21st anniversary concert performance of Chess at London's Royal Albert Hall on the 12th and the 13th of May. Why not Julia Murney as Svetlana if she can't be Florence?

09 January ADDENDUM: It is confirmed! Idina Menzel and Josh Groban will play Florence and the Russian, respectively at the two concerts. Go to the Royal Albert Hall website for ticket information.

Train of thought

said Lani at 8:14 PM 0 comments

Jill Paice is leaving Broadway's Curtains on 03 February to play Scarlett O' Hara in London's Gone with the Wind. The musical version of Margaret Mitchell's novel will open in the West End at the New London Theatre on April 22, following previews that begin April 2. Trevor Nunn is directing.

Kristin Chenoweth is also crossing the pond to make her English National Opera debut. She is reprising her role as Cunegonde in the New York Philharmonic production of Candide. It will open at the London Coliseum 23 June and will run for 13 performances.

Ms. Chenoweth's Pushing Daisies co-star, Lee Pace, is in the film Miss Pettigrew lives for a day. I saw the trailer this weekend. By the way, if you're not watching "Daisies", you're missing out. Lots of Broadway actors in guest appearances. Thanks to my sister Cecile for encouraging me to keep watching. I wasn't completely sold after the first episode.

Maybe the post should be titled "London Calling" instead.

January 6, 2008

Lay-ah, not Lee-ah

said Lani at 10:18 PM 2 comments

One of my patients asked me what nationality I was. When I told her I'm from the Philippines, she said her favorite singer is Filipino. I asked her who it was, and sure enough, it was Lea Salonga. She said she's watched all of Ms. Salonga's shows, even sat next to Lea's family at the Carnegie Hall concert. Before Christmas, I thought I'd copy these 2 CDs for her. She came in last week and was thanking me profusely. She said it's her favorite CD now and plays it in her car all the time. She even downloaded it to her Mom's computer so she can also listen to it when she's there.

January 5, 2008

Summer 2008

January 4, 2008

Roxane

January 3, 2008

Do you Fathom?

January 1, 2008

Fanadu tingling all over...

said Jon at 9:27 PM 6 comments

Ta Pinky, Ta Lani, Tom and Mike all liked Xanadu very much. I was tingling in anticipation to see it this past new years weekend in NYC. I was afraid that it will not reach the height of my expectations after all the rave reviews from my friends. But upon my word, I was animated to an equal pitch by the praises of my friends. It was just a fun and enjoyable show. I am now a Fanadu myself. And to cap my evening after the show, Ta Lani and I did my first stage door ever!!! It was exciting waiting for the stars to come out not knowing how I should behave. My hands were trembling taking their pictures. They were indeed friendly with no false dignity at all. They signed all the playbills we had with pleasure. Here are some pictures we took and I am glad they are not at all blurry.

Tony Roberts who played Danny Maguire and Zeus.

Mary Testa who played Melpomene and Medusa. Who is the cute guy in the background?

Kerry Butler who played Clio/Kira. Si be pretty...

And Cheyenne Jackson who played Sonny. May I say that Ta Lani and I could drown in those eyes of his.

Free Nessie

said Lani at 6:21 PM 0 comments

Ate was here in NYC for his birthday and New Year's holiday. We watched "Xanadu" and "Legally Blonde", spent half a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After dropping him off at the airport today, I realized I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to the holiday season so for some feel-good family entertainment, I went to see "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep". It is your typical tale of a boy and his dog bestfriend...if your dog has a long neck, horns and flippers. The movie, based on a book, calls the magical creature a water horse instead of the Loch Ness Monster. (Years ago, Lynn sent me this great website for Nessie watchers, complete with Nessie cam!)

It is a predictable but sweet and whimsical film. The star is a very realistic lake creature named Crusoe who is "raised" by a lonely boy named Angus. (Weta Workshop did the special effects so it's obviously very good.) I loved hearing the little kids in the theatre bursting out laughing and giggling throughout the movie. Although towards the end as Crusoe was being pursued by townsfolk and soldiers, there were some frightening scenes for little ones. The scenery is beautiful and the ending gives hope for people like me who want to believe there may be room in this world for creatures like Champ (from Lake Champlain here in the U. S.) and Nessie.

(photo from Yahoo!)

A Look Back @ 2007.....

said Pinky at 5:47 AM 2 comments

It's the first day of the year and I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! As a retrospect to the theatre year of 2007, I'd like to list my top 5 most enjoyable and thrilling moments on stage (in order):

1) Wicked with Julia Murney as Elphaba from the first row
2) Grey Gardens with Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson
3) August: Osage County with the Chicago Ensemble at Steppenwolf
4) XANADU !!!!!!! ---> a place that I would dare go.......several times
5) Curtains --> this was a total surprise to me when I first saw it because I wasn't really expecting anything BUT I really enjoyed the show and the energy of the cast; I would love to see it again

For this coming year I am really looking forward to the following:

1) Billy Elliot
2) Equus
3) Gypsy

I urge Lani, Ate and Mike.....and maybe some of you guys who read this blog to list their Top 5 too....be it in movies, theatre or even events of 2007..........Cheers!!!!!!!