The fourth production I saw of
Soulpepper Theatre Company at the Pershing
Square Signature Center was Spoon
River, adapted from Edgar
Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology,
by Mike Ross and Albert
Schultz, composed by Mike Ross and directed
by Albert Schultz. It is a graveyard musical.
That may sound sad, but it is a life affirming
show, which makes one want to live one's life to
the fullest. At the burial of one who died too
young, the dead come forth and remind us that
one must enjoy every precious minute we have on
earth. Nineteen superb singers and musicians
sing the poems, which are exquisite. It is a
lovely, impressive production.
I attended a Meet & Greet for Curvy
Widow, book by Bobby
Goldman, music and lyrics by Drew
Brody, directed by Peter
Flynn, starring Nancy
Opel in a seven member cast, at The Westside
Theater.
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Three
selections were presented. The musical opens
Thursday August 3, and I eagerly await the opening
night.
The Columbus Library, 742
10th Avenue, presented De-Lovely, by Irwin
Winkler, USA, 2004, starring Kevin
Kline as Cole
Porter and Ashley
Judd as his wife, Linda
Lee Porter. It is the story told in flashbacks
for he is facing death. We see their meeting in
Paris, their wedding, living the glamorous life in
Venice, and the complicated relationship between
them, as he was attracted to men. The film shows
wonderful scenes from his Broadway shows and life in
Hollywood, and all his magnificent songs are
represented. I enjoyed every minute of the film,
with superb acting by both leading actors. Cole
Porter composed glorious, melodic music, and
wrote lovely, witty lyrics, and today he is sorely
missed. This film is a tribute to his genius. |