The New York Gilbert &
Sullivan Players presented The
Mikado, libretto by William
S. Gilbert, music by Sir
Arthur Sullivan, at the Kaye Playhouse, is
an updated version of one of the most popular
works of the two famous English geniuses of the
nineteenth century. In these days of political
correctness, it was felt necessary to add a
prologue by David
Auxier set
in the offices of the D'Oyle Carte Opera Company
in 1884. It adds nothing to the performance,
except it makes the evening 15-minutes longer.
The production also gives us the worst costume
design ever for the cast. I cannot imagine what
it is supposed to represent. The women wear
Victorian costumes with their open bustles shown
behind them. The men wear an assortment of
clothing, that make them look ridiculous. Three
Little Maids From School Are We is
usually sung by three ladies in kimonos, showing
that it takes place in Japan. In Victorian
clothes, it could take place on another planet.
Thankfully, the music is glorious, the libretto
is funny, and the cast, especially Chris
White as
The Mikado, Daniel
Greenwood as
Nanki-Poo and David
Macaluso as
Ko-Ko, performed the words and music admirably.
Thank goodness.
The
62nd International Debutante Ball took place
at The Pierre, 2 East 61st St. It is one of the
finest events of the year. 42 gorgeous young
ladies from the United States and other parts of
the world are presented to society. Among them
were Camila
Mendoza Echavarria the granddaughter of Anne
Eisenhower and great-great-granddaughter of President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, and from Florida my
favorite twins, Connor
Alexandra Catellano and Diana
Ashley Castellano, daughters of Mr. and
Mrs. Robert
Castellano.
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Their proud mother Brenda was
accompanied by her two sisters, Peggy
Nestor and Marianne
Cassini, whose late husband was Oleg
Cassini, their uncle. After posing
for photographs, the lovely ladies, with handsome
escorts in white tie and tails, attended a cocktail
reception, and a delicious dinner, followed by
dancing, to conclude a memorable night.
The Riverside Branch
Library, 127 Amsterdam Avenue, presented Pretty
Woman, by Garry
Marshall, USA, 1990, a typical Hollywood
fantasy, about a tough, wealthy businessman (Richard Gere),
who, accidentally, meets a prostitute (Julia
Roberts) and invites her to work for him for a
week, and stay with him in his rented penthouse in a
luxury hotel. She is sweet and honest, and,
naturally, as in all fairy tales, he becomes a
changed person, and they live happily ever after.
The film turned Julia Roberts into a film superstar.
Although it is nonsense. it is highly entertaining,
and beautifully photographed.
The Columbus
Library, 741 Tenth Ave, presented When
Harry Met Sally... by Rob
Reiner, USA,
1989, a wonderful film about two friends Harry (Billy
Crystal) and Sally (Meg
Ryan) who drive to New York upon graduating from
college in 1977, and what happens to them over the
next dozen years. It has intelligent dialogue by Nora
Ephron, and is funny and true. The photography
makes New York City look marvelous. The music is
popular songs, many sung by Louis
Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank
Sinatra, that reflect the good life in the city.
It is a feel good film, that everyone can enjoy.
The Columbus
Library, 741 Tenth Ave, presented Genius,
by Michael
Grandage, UK, 2016, a film, based on a true
story, about the relationship of the book editor
Maxwell Perkins (Colin
Firth) with the novelist Thomas Wolfe (Jude
Law). It is an intelligent film, showing the
collaboration necessary between an editor and a
writer to produce a literary masterpiece. The two
actors give brilliant performances. I recommend this
film to every book lover I enjoyed every minute of
it. |