ON STAGE IN LA: But before talking about theatre, we have a new arrival on the LA scene. That is our successor to Esa-Pekka Salonen, famed composer and music director of the LA Philharmonic. 28-year-old talented and charismatic Gustavo Dudamel takes over the chair as Music Director of the Phil. Venezuelan, dimpled, curly haired and deeply involved in assisting young musicians, Dudamel is a huge asset to our city. Bienvenido Gustavo!
We have such wonderful smaller theatres in town. The Rustin Group Theatre at the Santa Monica Airport has some very clever and innovative productions going always. Currently playing is ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION by John Patrick Shanley (DOUBT) with a fine cast in a light, fun comedy. Perfect for this season. Their last play was MUNITY AT PORT CHICAGO, a true story about an explosion in 1944 in the Bay area. Fifty navy men were imprisoned, charged with mutiny. Excellent play.
Ron Sossi’s Odyssey Theatre always has fine productions. MERCY WARREN’S TEA is currently playing. It deals with America’s first woman playwright and historian welcoming the daughters of the American Revolution, Abigail Adams and Peggy Arnold to a politically charged tea party. Megan Mullaly stars in a dark comedy, THE RECEPTIONIST. She is wonderful and the play has been extended by popular demand. NO MAN’S LAND, Pinter’s brilliant drawing-room comedy runs until the 19th.
LIFE COULD BE A DREAM (Sha-Boom), by the writer of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, continues on Hollywood’s Hudson Mainstage.
The Santa Monica Playhouse has LOVE IN BLOOM, and T. Rattigan’s THE BROWNING VERSION continues at the Pacific Resident. Edward Albee’s THREE TALL WOMEN is at Hollywood’s El Centro. Burbank’s Victory Theatre always presents good theatre. MOLLY has a love quadrangle gone awry. Their previous show, TEN CENT NIGHT, was outstanding. NOISES OFF, Frayne’s frenetic farce within a farce, is at A Noise Within in Glendale.
The charming Pico Playhouse has just finished a fascinating play, THE VALUE OF NAMES, dealing with the old Hollywood Blacklist. Beautifully directed by Howard Teichman and starring Peter Mark Richman, Malachi Throne and Stasha Surdyke. The play and the set were excellent and the new theatre is lovely.
Tim Robbins’ The Actors’ Gang is doing some interesting community/ecology work before the Holidays at the Ivy Substation in Culver City. Wish he would bring back THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE about the Pan Am crash in Scotland. Subject is so current again.
On larger stages, The Colony in the valley has ventriloquist Jay Johnson: THE TWO AND ONLY, back by popular demand. Their previous hit, BETTER ANGELS, on Abraham Lincoln’s First Innaugural address was great.
The second season at the beautiful new Broad Stage (at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center) had an exciting production of Shakespeare’s LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST by London’s famous Old Globe Theatre personnel. A marvelous production.
EQUIVOCATION featuring Harry Groener and Joe Spano is at the Geffen.
BABY IT’S YOU!, a fantastic musical of the ‘60s.is at the Pasadena Playhouse. The Dr.Seuss musical, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! starring the wonderful John Larroquette is at the Pantages in Hollywood. PALESTINE, NEW MEXICO, from the Culture Clash at the Mark Taper.
A Holiday Happening: IT’S YOUR TURN is the 50th Annual LA County Holiday celebration at the Pavilion of the Music Center downtown, Thursday, December 24, starting at 2:30pm. Music and dance from all nations. Free admission and parking. For the entire family to enjoy.
Guess what’s in store for us next year? THE COLOR PURPLE, THAT’S WHAT. Oprah Winfrey’s hit movie and the Broadway play with it’s star Fantasia will be coming to our Pantages Theatre in Hollywood in February for only three weeks. Let’s get our tickets as soon as they go on sale.
Happy Holidays to all with good wishes for a great New Year with peace and good health.
XOXO, Harriette
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
IN THE WINGS - December 2009 - FILMS
OMG!! It’s Winter and getting colder, darker earlier and the Summer Sillies are gone. Now it’s time for some grown-up movies at last. There are some really good ones already out and coming up.
If course we loved JULIE & JULIA. Meryl Streep as Julia Child can do no wrong-ever. She not only sounded like Julia Child but even looked like her and that’s a stretch. Another award-winning actress playing a well known figure is Hilary Swank as the first female aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. She was wonderful but, unfortunately, her material wasn’t. Another amazing actress is Carrie Mulligan in the British film AN EDUCATION, where a young girl is smitten with a fast-living older man in ‘60s London. Two more lovely British films featuring women in the leads which, unfortunately didn’t last long, are Jane Campion’s BRIGHT STAR with beautiful Abbie Cornish as the young girl who falls in love with her neighbor. Poet John Keats, in this beautiful period piece; and Audrey Tautau in COCO BEFORE CHANEL.
PRECIOUS is an Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced film about a severely obese pregnant Harlem teenager who tries to overcome impossible odds to find a chance to live a new life. Good heartwrenching, uplifting story with a cast of stars playing unbelievably unrecognizable roles. Sandra Bullock stars in and produces THE BLIND SIDE, about befriending a poor, young African American kid and helping him with school and becoming a football star; it’s from a true story. So much for women’s films.
More adult films: BROKEN EMBRACES, a Pedro Almodovar film starring Penelope Cruz is a beauty and a must-see. Just to say that this is in flashback doesn’t do this beautifully sensitive film justice. It deals with jealousy and revenge and is excellent. Cruz is gorgeous, and watch for Jose Luis Gomez, her leading man. Fine actor, good looking Spaniard we should see more of. A SINGLE MAN with Colin Firth and Julianne Moore during the Cuban missile crisis. In BROTHERS, another film for adults, a missing Marine in Afghanistan is believed dead, and his brother cares for his wife and children. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire. INVICTUS is a true story of how Nelson Mandela gets involved in South Africa’s rugby team. Morgan Freeman stars in this Clint Eastwood-directed movie.
Now for the extremely popular scary ones- even the animated kid films, the Christmas ones, are scary. The Disney classic, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG; PLANET 51, about alien invasions (for kiddies?); FANTASTIC MR. FOX, with George Clooney and Meryl Streep; A CHRISTMAS CAROL, in which Jim Carrey plays multiple roles. It’s in 3-D animation. Then we have ALVIN AND THE CHIPMONKS, THE SEQUEL, more animation. Hold on to your seats, kiddies or your Mom’s arm.
Ready for more? Blood-sucker, spine curdling, alien vampire films are: THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON is already a box-office blockbuster with hunky Taylor Lautner giving Robert Pattinson some competition; PLANET 51 with little green people; James Cameron’s AVATAR has humanoids in this sci-fi epic; THE FOURTH KIND has more aliens; 2012 is another disaster picture starring John Cusack, where the world ends! THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS is Heath Ledger’s last film about a deal with the devil. Also stars Colin Farrell, Jude Law and Christopher Plummer. Had enough? The original DRACULA was the best of ‘em all.
Now, I’m waiting for two films to come out before the year ends and the hubbub for Academy Awards hoopla starts. They are SHERLOCK HOLMES with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law and the Broadway hit musical NINE (which starred Antonio Banderas on stage) and now stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a world-famous film director as he tries to balance the numerous women in his life. They are a bevy of stars; Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren. It’s inspired by Fellini’s 8 ½.
Wow! Enough movies? Are you ready for legit stage?
See my next post. Have a wonderful Holiday and a very Happy New Year.
XOXO Harriette
If course we loved JULIE & JULIA. Meryl Streep as Julia Child can do no wrong-ever. She not only sounded like Julia Child but even looked like her and that’s a stretch. Another award-winning actress playing a well known figure is Hilary Swank as the first female aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. She was wonderful but, unfortunately, her material wasn’t. Another amazing actress is Carrie Mulligan in the British film AN EDUCATION, where a young girl is smitten with a fast-living older man in ‘60s London. Two more lovely British films featuring women in the leads which, unfortunately didn’t last long, are Jane Campion’s BRIGHT STAR with beautiful Abbie Cornish as the young girl who falls in love with her neighbor. Poet John Keats, in this beautiful period piece; and Audrey Tautau in COCO BEFORE CHANEL.
PRECIOUS is an Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced film about a severely obese pregnant Harlem teenager who tries to overcome impossible odds to find a chance to live a new life. Good heartwrenching, uplifting story with a cast of stars playing unbelievably unrecognizable roles. Sandra Bullock stars in and produces THE BLIND SIDE, about befriending a poor, young African American kid and helping him with school and becoming a football star; it’s from a true story. So much for women’s films.
More adult films: BROKEN EMBRACES, a Pedro Almodovar film starring Penelope Cruz is a beauty and a must-see. Just to say that this is in flashback doesn’t do this beautifully sensitive film justice. It deals with jealousy and revenge and is excellent. Cruz is gorgeous, and watch for Jose Luis Gomez, her leading man. Fine actor, good looking Spaniard we should see more of. A SINGLE MAN with Colin Firth and Julianne Moore during the Cuban missile crisis. In BROTHERS, another film for adults, a missing Marine in Afghanistan is believed dead, and his brother cares for his wife and children. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire. INVICTUS is a true story of how Nelson Mandela gets involved in South Africa’s rugby team. Morgan Freeman stars in this Clint Eastwood-directed movie.
Now for the extremely popular scary ones- even the animated kid films, the Christmas ones, are scary. The Disney classic, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG; PLANET 51, about alien invasions (for kiddies?); FANTASTIC MR. FOX, with George Clooney and Meryl Streep; A CHRISTMAS CAROL, in which Jim Carrey plays multiple roles. It’s in 3-D animation. Then we have ALVIN AND THE CHIPMONKS, THE SEQUEL, more animation. Hold on to your seats, kiddies or your Mom’s arm.
Ready for more? Blood-sucker, spine curdling, alien vampire films are: THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON is already a box-office blockbuster with hunky Taylor Lautner giving Robert Pattinson some competition; PLANET 51 with little green people; James Cameron’s AVATAR has humanoids in this sci-fi epic; THE FOURTH KIND has more aliens; 2012 is another disaster picture starring John Cusack, where the world ends! THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS is Heath Ledger’s last film about a deal with the devil. Also stars Colin Farrell, Jude Law and Christopher Plummer. Had enough? The original DRACULA was the best of ‘em all.
Now, I’m waiting for two films to come out before the year ends and the hubbub for Academy Awards hoopla starts. They are SHERLOCK HOLMES with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law and the Broadway hit musical NINE (which starred Antonio Banderas on stage) and now stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a world-famous film director as he tries to balance the numerous women in his life. They are a bevy of stars; Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren. It’s inspired by Fellini’s 8 ½.
Wow! Enough movies? Are you ready for legit stage?
See my next post. Have a wonderful Holiday and a very Happy New Year.
XOXO Harriette
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
IN THE WINGS - August 2009
SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY, with apologies to George Gershwin. Just step into a cool air-conditioned theatre and get a good rush of entertaining respite. Tittilation, relaxation and a good rush of adrenaline filled action and High school Disney kiddie and Monster films, along with porn-like films such as BRUNO, HUMPDAY, HUNG will be yours for the high price of a ticket. Enjoy, if you can for now, and we’ll wait till fall for the more adult movies to come our way.
Out now to fill those emotions are: JULIE & JULIA with Meryl Strep playing Julia Child, and beautifully, I might say, along with Amy Adams as she captures the Queen of the French culinary world.. I also saw funny man Larry David capturing Woody Allen as no one can in WHATEVER WORKS. Pictures I also enjoyed were:
FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN, an Irish political thriller with stirring performances by Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt; WEATHER GIRL has producer Tricia O’Kelley in the lead as her biological clock is ticking loudly; FLAME & CITRON is a World War II thriller of two legendary Danish patriots, Flame & Citron, who work undercover when Copenhagen is occupied by Nazi forces.
TWO MORE THAT I’VE SEEN ARE: PAPER HEART, a documentary about a love skeptic who embarks on a cross country journey to interview people on love. And, TAKING WOODSTOCK, directed by Ang Lee, which takes us back forty years to reveal how the history-making musical event concert came about. Demetri Martin, who played the pivotal role, is a comer. Watch for him. A film that I’m looking forward to seing soon is INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino--- another World War II epic in Nazi-occupied France. Brad Pitt stars as a group of American Jewish soldiers are picked to spread fear throughout the Third Reich with acts of retribution against the Nazis.
Enough movies? Now, read on for what’s around in the theatuh:
WE ARE SO LUCKY here in L.A. to have such good theatre in the smaller equity-waiver houses and the larger venues. Especially now that summer is here and open-air fare such as The Hollywood Bowl with amazing performances for all ages, The Greek Theatre as well. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum does spectacular work, particularly Shakespearian, often adding stylish updates.
THE MAIN TREAT FOR ME WAS SEEING & HEARING TOPOL (again) in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He stars as Tevye the milkman in the farewell touring company. Chaim Topol has performed this role more than 2500 times in the past 40 years. His magnificent voice still holds up. The entire cast, especially Susan Cella, who plays Golde, Tevye’s wife, is extraordinary. Just a few days left to rush to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to see FIDDLER twice, if you’ve already seen it there. By the way, following FIDDLER, is the charming LEGALLY BLONDE , the musical, opening at the Pantages August 12. I really can’t wait to see this adorable play.
THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE has been playing CROWNS featuring a stage set with beautiful hanging hats for different moods, from a pillbox to an Aretha Franklin bird cage. Regina Taylor’s CROWNS celebrates African American women and their proud tradition of hats, especially in church. Lots of cultural studies, evangelical preaching, lots of music, including gospel and lots of fun. Remember Paula Kelly? She’s great as she teaches her non-believing granddaughter about tradition and hat finery. Charming theatre. Coming the end of this month is THE NIGHT IS A CHILD starring Jo-Beth Williams, bringing us the cultural pulse of the samba and Brazil. It’s to be directed by Sheldon Epps. Should be terrific.
TRY NOT TO MISS MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. It’s hilarious. I saw it in New York and I laugh just thinking about it. At the Ahmanson Theatre, downtown.
ANOTHER marvelous musical, LOUIS & KEELY LIVE AT THE SAHARA is here, live in Westwood, at the Geffen Playhouse until the 30th. See it! Coming next month is MATHEW MODINE SAVES THE ALPACAS, the world premiere of a rollicking satire that parodies celebrity humanitarianism. Sounds like fun.
OUR SMALLER STAGES: Exquisite theatre to be found here: The Fountain always does fine shows and the current COMING HOME, Athol Fugard’s sensitive story deals with change. Set in South Africa 2005 where Veronica (Deidrie Henry) returns to her grandfather’s farm and her village after ten years of pursuing a career, determined to give her young son a new and better life. A tear or two was shed at this achingly beautiful story exposing contemporary life in South Africa. Wonderfully acted and beautifully directed by Stephen Sachs.
THE ODYSSEY in West L.A. also does excellent works under the tutelage of artistic director Ron Sossi. BACH AT LEIPZIG is a hilarious period farce as seven rival musicians compete to fill the most sought after musical post in Europe.
JULIA MIGENES, the beautiful opera star with the most magnificent voice, stars in FRANZ SCHUBERT: HIS LETTERS & MUSIC revealing the genius of the Austrian composer through his songs and writings. She is assisted by actor Jeff Marlow as Schubert and pianist Victoria Kirsch. Marvelous show.
A CHARMING LITTLE THEATRE is at the Santa Monica Airport, The Ruskin Group Theatre, Now playing, MUTINY AT PORT CHICAGO, a powerful true event that took place in 1944 when a catastrophic explosion in northern California destroyed an entire town and two ships. Fifty survivors (Navy men) were imprisoned for mutiny. Incredible performances and story.
A NOISE WITHIN, the wonderful production company housed in Glendale is moving to a new and beautiful Pasadena venue in 2010. While still at their own Glendale home, at 234 Brand Blvd., they are presenting Shakespeare’s RICHARD THE III, followed by CRIME & PUNISHMENT and NOISES OFF. Good luck!
GOOD THEATRE is also seen at the Pacific Resident in Venice. You just have a short time to see Bertolt Brecht’s comedy SAINT JOAN OF THE SLAUGHTERHOUSES, unless it’s extended again. It’s about a naïve social worker’s attempts to bring down a meat-packing titan.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: Two wonderful plays I’ve seen: 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS at the Colony in Burbank. At the piano with very fresh repartee are talented Roy Abramsohn and Jeffrey Rockwell portraying the originators Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt.: TEN CENT NIGHT, at the Victory Theatre in Burbank, was a delightful night of original theatre. After a famous country singer shoots himself dead, his musician daughter heads for home. With a guitar case full of stolen cash and a penchant for finding trouble, Roby returns home. (Tara Buck is great). Action takes place on the Texas porch. It’s great as is Maria Gobetti’s direction.
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING the opening of BREAKING AND ENTERING, Colin Mitchell’s intriguing mystery at Theatre 40 on the campus of Beverly Hills High School.
Whew! That was a lot of info. More coming next month.
Until then, adios & adieu. xoxo Harriette
Out now to fill those emotions are: JULIE & JULIA with Meryl Strep playing Julia Child, and beautifully, I might say, along with Amy Adams as she captures the Queen of the French culinary world.. I also saw funny man Larry David capturing Woody Allen as no one can in WHATEVER WORKS. Pictures I also enjoyed were:
FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN, an Irish political thriller with stirring performances by Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt; WEATHER GIRL has producer Tricia O’Kelley in the lead as her biological clock is ticking loudly; FLAME & CITRON is a World War II thriller of two legendary Danish patriots, Flame & Citron, who work undercover when Copenhagen is occupied by Nazi forces.
TWO MORE THAT I’VE SEEN ARE: PAPER HEART, a documentary about a love skeptic who embarks on a cross country journey to interview people on love. And, TAKING WOODSTOCK, directed by Ang Lee, which takes us back forty years to reveal how the history-making musical event concert came about. Demetri Martin, who played the pivotal role, is a comer. Watch for him. A film that I’m looking forward to seing soon is INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino--- another World War II epic in Nazi-occupied France. Brad Pitt stars as a group of American Jewish soldiers are picked to spread fear throughout the Third Reich with acts of retribution against the Nazis.
Enough movies? Now, read on for what’s around in the theatuh:
WE ARE SO LUCKY here in L.A. to have such good theatre in the smaller equity-waiver houses and the larger venues. Especially now that summer is here and open-air fare such as The Hollywood Bowl with amazing performances for all ages, The Greek Theatre as well. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum does spectacular work, particularly Shakespearian, often adding stylish updates.
THE MAIN TREAT FOR ME WAS SEEING & HEARING TOPOL (again) in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He stars as Tevye the milkman in the farewell touring company. Chaim Topol has performed this role more than 2500 times in the past 40 years. His magnificent voice still holds up. The entire cast, especially Susan Cella, who plays Golde, Tevye’s wife, is extraordinary. Just a few days left to rush to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to see FIDDLER twice, if you’ve already seen it there. By the way, following FIDDLER, is the charming LEGALLY BLONDE , the musical, opening at the Pantages August 12. I really can’t wait to see this adorable play.
THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE has been playing CROWNS featuring a stage set with beautiful hanging hats for different moods, from a pillbox to an Aretha Franklin bird cage. Regina Taylor’s CROWNS celebrates African American women and their proud tradition of hats, especially in church. Lots of cultural studies, evangelical preaching, lots of music, including gospel and lots of fun. Remember Paula Kelly? She’s great as she teaches her non-believing granddaughter about tradition and hat finery. Charming theatre. Coming the end of this month is THE NIGHT IS A CHILD starring Jo-Beth Williams, bringing us the cultural pulse of the samba and Brazil. It’s to be directed by Sheldon Epps. Should be terrific.
TRY NOT TO MISS MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. It’s hilarious. I saw it in New York and I laugh just thinking about it. At the Ahmanson Theatre, downtown.
ANOTHER marvelous musical, LOUIS & KEELY LIVE AT THE SAHARA is here, live in Westwood, at the Geffen Playhouse until the 30th. See it! Coming next month is MATHEW MODINE SAVES THE ALPACAS, the world premiere of a rollicking satire that parodies celebrity humanitarianism. Sounds like fun.
OUR SMALLER STAGES: Exquisite theatre to be found here: The Fountain always does fine shows and the current COMING HOME, Athol Fugard’s sensitive story deals with change. Set in South Africa 2005 where Veronica (Deidrie Henry) returns to her grandfather’s farm and her village after ten years of pursuing a career, determined to give her young son a new and better life. A tear or two was shed at this achingly beautiful story exposing contemporary life in South Africa. Wonderfully acted and beautifully directed by Stephen Sachs.
THE ODYSSEY in West L.A. also does excellent works under the tutelage of artistic director Ron Sossi. BACH AT LEIPZIG is a hilarious period farce as seven rival musicians compete to fill the most sought after musical post in Europe.
JULIA MIGENES, the beautiful opera star with the most magnificent voice, stars in FRANZ SCHUBERT: HIS LETTERS & MUSIC revealing the genius of the Austrian composer through his songs and writings. She is assisted by actor Jeff Marlow as Schubert and pianist Victoria Kirsch. Marvelous show.
A CHARMING LITTLE THEATRE is at the Santa Monica Airport, The Ruskin Group Theatre, Now playing, MUTINY AT PORT CHICAGO, a powerful true event that took place in 1944 when a catastrophic explosion in northern California destroyed an entire town and two ships. Fifty survivors (Navy men) were imprisoned for mutiny. Incredible performances and story.
A NOISE WITHIN, the wonderful production company housed in Glendale is moving to a new and beautiful Pasadena venue in 2010. While still at their own Glendale home, at 234 Brand Blvd., they are presenting Shakespeare’s RICHARD THE III, followed by CRIME & PUNISHMENT and NOISES OFF. Good luck!
GOOD THEATRE is also seen at the Pacific Resident in Venice. You just have a short time to see Bertolt Brecht’s comedy SAINT JOAN OF THE SLAUGHTERHOUSES, unless it’s extended again. It’s about a naïve social worker’s attempts to bring down a meat-packing titan.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: Two wonderful plays I’ve seen: 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS at the Colony in Burbank. At the piano with very fresh repartee are talented Roy Abramsohn and Jeffrey Rockwell portraying the originators Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt.: TEN CENT NIGHT, at the Victory Theatre in Burbank, was a delightful night of original theatre. After a famous country singer shoots himself dead, his musician daughter heads for home. With a guitar case full of stolen cash and a penchant for finding trouble, Roby returns home. (Tara Buck is great). Action takes place on the Texas porch. It’s great as is Maria Gobetti’s direction.
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING the opening of BREAKING AND ENTERING, Colin Mitchell’s intriguing mystery at Theatre 40 on the campus of Beverly Hills High School.
Whew! That was a lot of info. More coming next month.
Until then, adios & adieu. xoxo Harriette
Sunday, June 7, 2009
An Addendum to the Last Post
THE LITTLE FOXES at the Pasadena Playhouse was worth the long drive to Pasadena from the Westside on a Friday night. No matter how dated this play is, Lillian Hellman’s words are wonderful to hear and hear rightly by this magnificent cast headed by the lovely Kelly McGillis, Julia Duffy and the men, too numerous to mention in this small space were all great as were the African American household couple,Yvette Cason and Cleavant Derricks.
This greedy, “aristocratic” Southern family with their machinations to “get more” could be part of our own contemporary world. Things don’t change much, do they?
Back to THE LITTLE FOXES, please try to see this at the Playhouse in Pasadena before the 28th of June. You will be amazed at the gorgeous set in this opulent Southern 1900 home and Damaso Rodriguez’s direction is perfecto.
Gosh, this was long. I don’t write reviews, just a short couple of lines. What came over me? I guess I liked it.
Hugs, Harriette
This greedy, “aristocratic” Southern family with their machinations to “get more” could be part of our own contemporary world. Things don’t change much, do they?
Back to THE LITTLE FOXES, please try to see this at the Playhouse in Pasadena before the 28th of June. You will be amazed at the gorgeous set in this opulent Southern 1900 home and Damaso Rodriguez’s direction is perfecto.
Gosh, this was long. I don’t write reviews, just a short couple of lines. What came over me? I guess I liked it.
Hugs, Harriette
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
IN THE WINGS - May 2009 - Theatre
WHEW! NOW FOR LEGITIMATE THEATRE: Some excellent work done in Equity Waiver small theatres are at: The Ivy Substation in
The Actors’ Gang, Tim Robbins company. I recently saw a revival of the powerful THE CATONSVILLE NINE there. In 1968 two brothers,Catholic priests, and seven activists, protesting US’s involvement in
HALF OF PLENTY, at Rogue Machine in Theatre Theatre on Pico, deals with a young married couple taking care of an aging parent with dementia. The three main characters are great. I also saw the wonderful FATA MORGANA, a delightfully sensuous comedy at the Pacific Resident in
THE ACCOMPLICES, a Fountain Theatre production, is presented at the Odyssey. Deals with one Israeli man coming to the
Playwright, screenwriter, director and drag legend Charles Busch takes on the role of Lady Bracknell in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST June 17-21 in L.A. Theatre Works production at the Skirball Cultural Center.
THE PANTAGES in
I’M anxiously awaiting the arrival of Lillian Hellman’s classic play, THE LITTLE FOXES at the Pasadena Playhouse. Kelly McGillis and Julia Duffy head the cast . It’s about a wealthy and greedy Southern family. Will be playing
LA TRAVIATA, Verdi’s popular opera was done beautifully at the Chandler Pavilion downtown , sung in Italian with English subtitles.
ENOUGH SAID FOR NOW. More later. Continue to be entertained. I’ll be back soon. XOXO HarrietteIN THE WINGS - May 2009 - Films
THE OSCARS® are long over, the gowns and jewels have been returned to their rightful owners (I hope) and the praise for the amazing show still continues. Hugh Jackman deserves all the praise he can get. What a talent he is and the two new producers for the Academy truly did an extraordinary job. If I wore a hat, it would be off to Comden and Mark. The Cannes Festival, in France, is also over, with its not so splendiferous activities this year due to the economy.
NOW, let’s see what’s around in films for this year. I did see an extraordinary Swedish film called EVERLASTING MOMENTS directed by Jan Troell. Takes place at the turn of the 20th century Sweden where a woman lives with her children and her womanizing and alcoholic husband. She finds comfort in a camera her errant husband won in a lottery and in the kindly camera-store owner who encourages her photographic talents. Done with such sensitivity. Truly the best film so far. I hope it is recognized come Oscar® time. Also, a lovely Noel Coward-ish (actually based on his play) EASY VIRTUE with a tremendous cast consisting of Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes as the young English gentleman who impetuously marries a glamorous American woman. It all starts when they return to his cold and stately mansion. Typically Coward in the ‘20s. A sweet Norwegian film, O’HORTEN, is about a train engineer’s retirement that brings about a life-changing event. RUDOY CURSI starring the two Latin hunks, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, as two Mexican laborer brothers who become huge soccer stars and then take a fall.
I haven’t seen many American films yet except for STATE OF PLAY, which was really taken from the British mini series and, despite the critics’ pans, I liked it a lot. Ben Afleck was excellent and a very large Russell Crowe as the news reporter was also good. Lots of action and excitement and the innards of the New York Times was a treat to see. BROTHERS AT WAR is a documentary of several brothers fighting in Iraq. Saw ANGELS AND DEMONS starring Tom Hanks. This was the book written before THE DA VINCI CODE. I found the film very frenetic, with the last 40 minutes very exciting, The photography was amazing and beautifully scenic.
Oh, by the way, TREKKIES are back! – with the latest STAR TREK (Duh).
Until next time,
XOXO Harriette
NOW, let’s see what’s around in films for this year. I did see an extraordinary Swedish film called EVERLASTING MOMENTS directed by Jan Troell. Takes place at the turn of the 20th century Sweden where a woman lives with her children and her womanizing and alcoholic husband. She finds comfort in a camera her errant husband won in a lottery and in the kindly camera-store owner who encourages her photographic talents. Done with such sensitivity. Truly the best film so far. I hope it is recognized come Oscar® time. Also, a lovely Noel Coward-ish (actually based on his play) EASY VIRTUE with a tremendous cast consisting of Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes as the young English gentleman who impetuously marries a glamorous American woman. It all starts when they return to his cold and stately mansion. Typically Coward in the ‘20s. A sweet Norwegian film, O’HORTEN, is about a train engineer’s retirement that brings about a life-changing event. RUDOY CURSI starring the two Latin hunks, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, as two Mexican laborer brothers who become huge soccer stars and then take a fall.
I haven’t seen many American films yet except for STATE OF PLAY, which was really taken from the British mini series and, despite the critics’ pans, I liked it a lot. Ben Afleck was excellent and a very large Russell Crowe as the news reporter was also good. Lots of action and excitement and the innards of the New York Times was a treat to see. BROTHERS AT WAR is a documentary of several brothers fighting in Iraq. Saw ANGELS AND DEMONS starring Tom Hanks. This was the book written before THE DA VINCI CODE. I found the film very frenetic, with the last 40 minutes very exciting, The photography was amazing and beautifully scenic.
Oh, by the way, TREKKIES are back! – with the latest STAR TREK (Duh).
Until next time,
XOXO Harriette
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