A revival of Time and the
Conways, by J.
B. Priestley, at the American Airlines
Theatre, features an all star cast, headed by a
marvelous Elizabeth
McGovern. When she explodes in the second
act telling each of her children what she really
thinks of them, she steals the show. It's
a powerful performance. Another highlight was in
the third act, when Brooke
Bloom as the school mistress daughter Madge
jumps on the couch to persuade a young solicitor
(Alfred
Narciso) to join her in changing the world.
At the preview I attended, the audience burst
out with spontaneous applause for her acting in
that scene. The play itself is old fashioned,
and the first act, which takes place in 1919,
could bore the audience with
the six siblings dressing up to perform charades
at a party in their home, but have patience,
because the second (eighteen years later in
1937) and third (returns to 1919) acts have much
to say about families, and the destruction of
the world with war, violence and economic
injustice. The playwright was a brilliant
writer, and thank goodness, I did not have to
listen to vulgar language and profanity.
Frankenstein, book,
music and lyrics by Eric
B. Sirota, directed and choreographed by Clint
Hromsco, has a seven member cast, with Anessa
Marie as the musical director
accompanying them at the piano. The story of a
creature (Danny
Bristoll) brought to life by a doctor, and
the destruction he brings on him and his wife,
is based on the Mary
Shelley's classic novel. The music is
pleasant and easy on the ear. The singing by the
creature is fine, as is that by Charles
Baran in two roles. They have strong voices.
The rest of the cast did not impress, and the
production is slow moving.
The Home Place, by Brian
Friel, directed by Charlotte
Moore (photo below), at the Irish Repertory
Theatre, is a magnificent production with an
eleven member cast, all of whom are superb. It
takes place in 1878 in Ballybeg, County
Donegal, and we see a love triangle between a
beautiful young lady (Rachel
Pickup) and a father and son. Also the
tension that exists between native Irishmen and
intrusive English land owners is depicted
realistically. It is one of the best theatrical
experiences of the season. The opening party
took place at Jake's Saloon, 202 9th
Avenue, where we had the opportunity to
congratulate the brilliant cast.
I attended a photo op for School
Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, by Jocelyn
Bioh, at
Signature Theater Center. The
nine member cast is directed by Rebecca
Taichman. The
play opens on November 16 at the Lucille Lortel
Theater, 121 Christopher Street. I eagerly await
opening night.
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A wonderful food tasting was held at Bocaditos
Bistro and Expresso,
4863 Broadway at 204th Street. Executive Chef Alexis
Pimentel prepared
magnificent food for us to enjoy. It began with a
scrumptious hors d'oeuvres which was a cheese plate,
followed by a croquette sampler of Japanese
eggplant, smoked mozzaella, almond and goat cheese
and brie cheese bite. Next was seafood tartar of
yellowfin tuna, wild salmon, Maryland lump crabmeat,
guacamole, spicy chipotle dressing. Then pesto
risotto,with heirloom tomato, burrata and speck.
Beef Tagliata followed with herb crusted filet
mignon, wild mushroom couscous, arugula and Reggiano
salad. The dessert sampler consisting of three
specialties was delicious. All this with fine wines.
My Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was indescribable. I
urge everyone who loves to eat to visit this
charming restaurant.
I attended a glorious gala, produced by Larry
Scott (photo
below) of Lawrence Scott Events , the Global
Lyme Alliance 2017 3rd Annual New York Gala at
Cipriani 42nd Street. Marisol
Thomas and Joseph Abboud were
honored, with musical entertainment by Rob
Thomas and Chris
Daughtry, introduced by Master of Ceremonies Rosanna
Scotto. Among the guests at this wonderful event
was Ramona
Singer, Ally Hilfiger and Debbie
Siciliano, and my dear friends Co-Chairs Julian
Niccolini and Alex
von Bidder, former owners of the Four Seasons
Restaurant, where I spent many enjoyable evenings. I
look forward to their new restaurant at 280 Park
Avenue opening in March, 2018. It was lovely
evening.
Steven Colucci is
a magnificent painter, and it was a delight to
attend The Hudson York Group at Morgan Stanley
presentation of many of Colucci's paintings on the
walls at Angel Orensanz, 172 Norfolk St. Delicious
hors d'oeuvres were served and we sipped exotic
cocktails, with Milagro
Silver tequila
from Mexico, Hendrik's gin
from Scotland, Reyka vodka
from Iceland, Monkey Shoulder,
blended malt Scotch Whisky from, where else, but
Scotland. We went to the second floor to taste Piper-Heidsieck
Rara 2002 Champagne and
their brandy. We had an intoxicating evening. It was
memorable.
Squeamish, written and directed by Aaron
Mark, at the Beckett Theatre Theatre Row, is a
one person play, starring Alison
Fraser. It opens on October 16, and my comments
will be in my next column.
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