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Mostly Mozart presented
an all-Beethoven concert, at
David Geffen Hall. It began with the a rousing Overture
to Egmont. The orchestra never sounded better,
especially the brass section. It proceeded to Piano
Concerto No. 1 in C major, with a 24 years old Beatrice
Rana. She gave an astonishing performance. Her
dexterity in the rapid first and third movements was
simply amazing. I have heard the concerto played
over many, many years by the most famous pianists, but I
was overwhelmed by this young soloist's virtuosity. It
was a memorable performance. The orchestra concluded the
wonderful program with Symphony No. 7 in A major. Again,
the orchestra gave a splendid performance, under the
baton of the brilliant conductor Louis
Langree.
Musicals in Mufti presented Jerry's
Girls, music and lyrics by Jerry
Herman, at the Theater at Saint Peter's Church. 619
Lexington Avenue, with three wonderful singers, Christine
Pedi, Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Stephanie
Umoh, (photo below) directed by Pamela
Hunt, accompanied by a magnificent pianist Eric
Svejcar. The composer wrote lovely melodies with
fine lyrics from his many Broadway shows, which the
three singers performed to the delight of the audience.
We congratulated the cast at the opening night party in
the Music Room with wine and delicious food.
In 40 years of reviewing Broadway, I have never seen a
political rally on stage. Michael
Moore (photo below),in his The Terms of My
Surrender, at the Belasco Theatre, is certainly not
the typical Broadway show that people pay money to see.
For almost two hours without an intermission, we are
forced to hear his many accomplishments, plus his desire
to become President of the United States in 2020. |
He spends most of the time, spewing anti
Trump remarks, using vulgar language, such as the f...
word. He also interviews a guest. On opening night, it
was Gloria Steinem.
She spoke beautifully without using any vulgar language.
He sings a song. He dances with a female dancer Kylie
Shea Lewallen. In both cases, he reveals that he
should not be cast in a musical. A pointless quiz show
is included with a Canadian and and American picked out
of the audience. I could give more examples, but again
there is no point to it. Michael
Mayer directed. Michael has directed many fine shows
on Broadway, unfortunately, this was not one of them.A
slew of celebrities attended opening night, and many of
them enjoyed the opening night party at Bryant Park
Grill. I enjoyed a Bacardi Rum. As I mentioned in my
review of a recent Off-Broadway play, shows like
this could drive a normal person to drink.
A Parallelogram,
by Bruce Norris, at
the Second Stage Theater, begins with a young woman (Celia
Keenan-Bolger) sitting on a bed in her apartment.
She begins to whine, and, unfortunately, never stops.
Every cliche about life is uttered. It is excruciating.
Scenes are repeated over and over again for no purpose.
Plays like this one can drive a normal person to drink.
Lili Marlene,
book, music and lyrics by Michael
Antin, at St. Luke's Theatre,
is about a Jewish cabaret singer in Berlin as the Nazis
begin their climb to power. The head of the
passport office helps her and his family to escape to
Switzerland.
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