Good Thing Going

It was indeed a good thing going to the concert of Julia Murney last Monday (Nov. 24) at Joe's Pub. It was part of the Joe's pub series from Ghostlight Records. And as in her previous concerts, the night (although quite late) turned out to be exhilarating. I've always enjoyed seeing her in this setting because it showcases the versatility of her rich full voice. She can sing any genre from rock to country to musical comedy and then suddenly kill you with a Sondheim medley. Speaking of medleys, she has this uncanny ability to hear 2 songs and join them together. It's amazing and musically very astute and effective. Aside from Sondheim's Good Thing Going and Not A Day Goes By she also meshed Dust in the Wind and Blackbird. It's one of my favorites of the night. The other one was Gravity by Sara Bareilles . She also brought out singer/songwriter Katie Thompson who played the piano for Do You (another highlight of the night) and You're Welcome - Song for the Other Woman (luckily I was able to get a peek at the music sheet to get the title!). Equally as impressing was the band who sounded great and for her back-up singer she had MAC awardee Scott Coulter (I've always loved his voice)! Imagine that!

It was a great night with a great set list, a revved up audience and always amusing banter between songs!

The set list included:

Girl on a Nervous Breakdown
Misery and Happiness
Right Hand Man
With Every Breath I Take (fr City of Angels)
Dust in the Wind/Blackbird
Gravity
A Musical Apology
Good Thing Going/Not A Day Goes By (Sondheim Medley)
Do You
You're Welcome - Song for the Other Woman
Something More
Rainbow Sleeves
Fancy

Here are some photos from the night:


Joe's Pub on Lafayette Street


we got good seats this time!

MAC awardee Scott Coulter (oops blurry!) as her back-up singer!

India's Ground Zero

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the Mumbai carnage. So far, 124 are dead, with 284 people wounded.
Condolences to those who lost their loved ones, and to all the people of Mumbai and India.

Longest-running show on Broadway

82 years and counting. Enjoy the parade! NBC's coverage will feature Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, the casts of In the Heights, South Pacific, The Little Mermaid, White Christmas, and the upcoming revival of Hair.

CBS will have Clay Aiken, Ace Young, and performances from the casts of Grease and Mary Poppins.

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks to all who visit our humble little site.

No Doubt about it

Less than a month to go before the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Doubt comes out! It stars Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hofffman and Viola Davis. I think I smell an Oscar! Limited release begins 12 December.

Goodbye to the King of Broadway

Gerald Schoenfeld, 84, passed away this morning at his Manhattan home. He was chairman of the Shubert Organization which owns and operates 17 theatres in Broadway, the Little Shubert off-Broadway, the Shubert Theater in Boston and the Forrest Theater in Philadelphia and also manages the National Theater in Washington.

Born to Boogie

Pinky was back in town for the weekend so we met Mike in the city and watched Billy Elliot again...thanks director Stephen Daldry for our complimentary do-over! (No technical difficulties this time, although everytime there was a set change, I involuntarily held my breath.)

With the economy going further down the toilet, and we hear about people losing jobs, whole communities in danger of disappearing, the show has even more resonance. Carole Shelley is as funny as ever. Gregory Jbara has really settled nicely into his role as Billy's conflicted father. His performance this time was more comedic, more physical, especially in the second act. Haydn Gwynne as broken-down-by-life dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson is solid. Her scenes with Billy are always poignant.
I think this is Matthew Mindler, who played small boy. His mom said it was his birthday. He was holding some birthday money in his hand. Other kids kept coming up to him to give him more cash.
One of the ballet girls, I think this is Erin Whyland.
The other Michael, David Bologna
What the hell's wrong with expressing yourself...that number is always a crowd-pleaser.
The wonderful and talented David Alvarez. The more I thought it over, the more I liked Mr. Alvarez' overall performance better. There I said it! Maybe because there were no show interruptions this time. I don't know. Mr. Kiril Kulish is an amazing dancer and a slightly better singer. His ability to maintain his focus despite of the technical problems is a testament to his terrific talent and professionalism. But maybe it was David's acting that won me over, disappearing accent notwithstanding. Give the boy a break. It's hard enough to do any accent, much less a Geordie one. But Kiril's Billy is smiling and confident. David's is more tentative, more awkward, shy, even ambivalent about his talent. Perhaps afraid to get his hopes up. Or fear of the very real possibility of his leaving home. But everytime he danced (and he is an excellent dancer), he would come alive, his 'dancing boy' spirit soaring. In this Obama era, it's fitting that a Cuban-French-Canadian boy is a Billy Elliot.What a treat to see these superb boys and girls! The Swan Lake scene always makes me weep. It was great to see the finale this time, and that's one unique curtain call. Ben Brantley said the finale is overdone, but I say it's par for an Elton John course. It is a joyous end to an uplifting show. I was alternately laughing, crying, cheering during the show. This is probably one show you can keep watching over and over. (It would be nice to see Trent Kowalik's performance also.) Maybe this trio will get a three-way Tony for Best Actor next year. (*keeps fingers crossed*)

Love Sucks

Despite my reservations about the book, I went and saw the Twilight movie anyway. It's a pretty faithful adaptation of the book, with screenplay writer Melissa Rosenberg *bless her heart* toning down some of the cheesiness. (I was half-dreading/half-anticipating the moment when Edward Cullen asks Bella Swan if he dazzles her. The moment mercifully never came.) I might even go so far as to say I like the movie better than the book. You're almost near the end of the book before anything exciting really happens (other than the sexual tension between our teenage heroine and her 107 year old undead boyfriend.) At least in the movie, things move at a faster clip.

Robert Pattinson's Edward managed to make me smile a few times. He went from all broody all the time in the first act to actually happy in the second half of the film. (Seeing him climb trees with Kristen Stewart on his back almost made me laugh out loud though---what happened to vampiric cool? Aren't they supposed to be graceful and dignified?) But at least we get gorgeous views of the lush and green Pacific Northwest And instead of quidditch, the funky-haired Cullens play baseball during a thunderstorm. Kristen Stewart was a revelation in Into the Wild. Here she's all about teenage angst. She's all intense, deep-breathy ( no, that's not a word) and trembly. Her Bella doesn't have as much attitude as the book Bella.

If you're a tweener or a teen, then this movie is exactly your brand of heroin. Otherwise, you'll probably end up thinking like I did: they moved Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to next July for this?

Bond Goin' Rogue

I was never a fan of the James Bond franchise, but Daniel Craig made me a believer. Like LOTR The Two Towers, Quantum of Solace assumes you had seen the first film (Casino Royale) and drops you right in the middle of the action. Broken-hearted Bond is out for revenge, takes no prisoners and unapologetically kicks villain butt, giving M (Dame Judi Dench) much stiff-upper-lippy distress at the office. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly's Mathieu Amalric is his nemesis, supposedly eco-conscious-but-actually-ruthless-and-oily businessman Dominic Greene, a member of shady organization Quantum. Bond is helped along the way by Olga Kurylenko's Camille, also driven by revenge. And mind you, no love scenes! Is this progress for all Bond girls?

I'm not sure Mr. Bond found his quantum of solace by the end of the film. The plot twists had me confused at times, and it didn't have as much grit and heart as Casino Royale. Director Marc Forster seems to have learned a thing or two from the Bourne franchise with the jerky camera work and fast-paced editing. There's even a rooftop chase like in the last Bourne film, although this time it was in Siena, Italy. But the best part of this new generation of Bond films has got to be Mr. Craig. My 15 year old niece had taken to calling Edward Cullen of the Twilight book series "Sexy Beast". I say Daniel Craig is THE sexy beast.

Shut the Pie Hole

Despite critical acclaim, ABC has cancelled Pushing Daisies. The network will air all 13 episodes this season before the Pie Hole is shut down forever. Maybe its title proved too prophetic.

How about a feature film version? A musical perhaps?

Sassy Jackson

I happened to catch Cheyenne Jackson calling Kathie Lee Gifford a b*%#@ on the Today Show the other day. So funny! He also performed this song. I guess KLG is the Today Show's Rosie O'Donnell, featuring Broadway stars in the Everyone has a Story segment.

Forever. Begins. Now.

Twilight hits theaters today!

Broadway's Dark Tonight

Clive Barnes, New York Post's arts critic, passed away on 19 November after battling cancer. He was 81. Broadway dimmed its lights for one minute tonight at 8 PM. Rest in peace Mr. Barnes.

Papa, can you hear me?

I love this PSA from Fatherhood.Gov!

Down with the Paw-parazzi!

OK I just had to post this because people have written such funny things about it: On 06 November, Barney the First Dog bit White House correspondent for Reuters TV Jon Decker. The incident has been described as Barney Goin' Rogue, Shock and Paw, Barney giving the press the finger, Barney's bad 'Scottitude' about having to leave the White House, "Fangs for the Memory" and a 'biting critique' of the liberal media. Fellow First Dog and roommate Miss Beazley had no comment.




White House physician Dr. Richard Tubb bandaged Mr. Decker's finger, gave him antibiotics and told to get a tetanus shot. We wish Mr. Decker well.

The Stewart-Colbert Rapport

I still have post-election coverage withdrawal. At least I have this footage from Comedy Central's Indecision 2008 when Jon Stewart called the election for Obama to cheer me up. I probably will never tire of watching these two funny guys get teary-eyed and emotional.

Watch A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All, this Sunday 23 November at 10 PM. Mr. Stephen Colbert is raising funds for Feeding America. Click here for details.

It's Bean Time

Shoshana Bean (Wicked, Hairspray) appears at the Ryan O'Connor Show to talk about her upcoming cd!

What would Cheyenne Jackson Do?

Avenue Q in South Park! Playbill reports that Cheyenne Jackson will star in the workshop of Mormon Musical by the unholy trio of Matt Stone, Trey Parker and Bobby Lopez.

I hope this will be controversial, cringe-inducing funny and totally offensive. I expect nothing less from these gentlemen. It should be easy, mmmkay?!

Mind The Gap

My Gap holiday catalog came in the mail the other day. Check out the stage and tv folks appearing in the new ad.......


Mary-Louise Parker (tv's Weeds and Broadway's Proof and soon to be Hedda Gabler)


The SNL men Jason Sudekis, Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers (love him!) and Will Forte

I've also seen Jennifer Hudson, John Hamm (Mad Men) and Jennifer Westfeld (remember her from Kissing Jessica Stein and Broadway's Wonderful Town revival), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) in magazines......

9 to 5

They've been running television ads for the Broadway musical version of the hit movie 9 to 5. Tickets are now available for AMEX cardholders. The general public can begin purchasing tickets on 01 December 2008. Previews start 07 April 2009 with an opening date of 30 April at the Marquis Theatre.

Hallelujah!

Whoopi Goldberg announced on The View yesterday that she will be producing a stage version of her hit film Sister Act. Previews start 06 May 2009 with an opening date of 02 June 2009 at the London Palladium. The musical is directed by Peter Schneider with a score by Alan Menken (music) and lyrics by Glen Slater. (The duo collaborated on Broadway's "Little Mermaid" last season.) The book was penned by Cherie and Bill Steinkellner, veteran television writers for such shows as "Cheers." The choreography is by Anthony Van Laast, who did the dances for Mamma Mia! on stage and on screen.

AH-mahzing!

Just watch the clip........pure brilliance of the counterpoint and the meshing of song lyrics (around 3:00) featuring Josh Henry, Andrea Burns, Seth Rudetsky with Julia Murney doing a cameo.

Break A Leg!

Tonight is opening night for Billy Elliot The Musical on Broadway. We don't know who among the boys will be Billy (although the buzz is it's going to be Trent.....so we'll see) but break a leg!

So check out the video above. It's an interview from the Today Show with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford last Oct. 20. The boys talk about auditions, learning the Geordie accent and pirouettes. Incidentally, there is a Caduet commercial included in the video which has Greg Jbara who in turns plays Billy's dad. What are the chances??!!

Edit (11/14): Opening night pictures of the curtain call can be seen here while red carpet pics are here. From the red carpet scenes, it looks like a British invasion! Natasha Richardson's sons got their good looks from mom and dad!

The Broadway Billies

With Billy Elliot The Musical gearing up for it's opening night tomorrow, Nov. 13, 2008, here are some videos from The View:

Interview with Elton John with the Billies of Broadway: Trent Kowalik, David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish:



This second part is Kiril Kulish performing Electricity:

Daniel Radcliffe on Baring It All

Awww-inspiring

Things that make you go AWWW:

• The first African-American President in U.S. history visiting the outgoing commander-in-chief in a house that slaves lived, worked in and helped build.
  
• Michelle Obama is the first descendant of slaves to live in the White House in an official capacity.
• President and Mrs. Bush being gracious hosts to his successor, who had criticized his administration and its failed policies.

America has come a long way.


(photos from Reuters)

Postcards from Chicago

This is part 2 from yesterday's post. Again some scenes from the city.


The Chicago River with the Wabash Bridge up. On the left with the 2 spires is the Hancock Building. The shiny building right behind the bridge is the new Trump Building. Straight ahead is the Wrigley Building


Veteran's Plaza by the river with the Marina Towers (aka corn on the cob buildings)


Chicago remembers




Wrigley Building (with the clock) with the Chicago Tribune Tower behind (with the flag)

Well, the next few photos are from the theatre district in the loop:

The alley behind the Oriental Theatre.....aka The Wicked Alley but it's actually officially known as Nederlander Way

Wicked's stagedoor

The new Joffrey Ballet Tower on Randolph and State Street. It's actually right next to the Ford Oriental Theatre

The entrance on Randolph


dancers at the studio

Reaching new Heights

In the Heights will be making its way to the silver screen. After seeing Mamma Mia become the highest-grossing movie musical in history, Universal Pictures will be producing the film adaptation of this year's Tony-winning Best Musical.
The musical's creator and star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, is expected to reprise his leading role. Book writer Quiara Alegria Hudes will also write the screenplay.

Variety also reports that the studio and producer Marc Platt are in the very early stages of turning another Broadway box-office smash, Wicked, into a feature film.

Barack In The City

As America made history last Tuesday night by electing President Elect Barack Obama, Chicago, the Second City, was the epicenter of festivities. And as of today, it is also the seat of the transition government as President Elect Obama continues to stay here, more specifically in the Hyde Park neighborhood until he moves to Washington. So today, still basking in the glow of the recent events, I went around MY city with Abbi capturing some Obama-mania. Check out the pictures below:


The banners at the Cook County Office across from the Daley Center


Here's a close-up


the top of the lamp posts -- very detailed I must say!


more Obama banners on Washington Street


This is Randolph Street, Chicago's theatre district. Beyond is the Palace Theatre which currently houses Dirty Dancing before it comes to Broadway.


The Chicago Tribune Building




Again, the Tribune Building


The lobby of the Tribune Building where they were selling copies of the November 5 newspaper


Poster outside


The November 5 Tribune cover

The Tribune storefront

More Obama books.....

Again the Tribune window......it's funny because Pres. Elect Obama is a Sox fan but hmmmm no White Sox paraphernalia can be seen

Obama poster wall inside the Tribune Store. On the left is the cover of Red Eye Paper and the right is the Tribune