Sometimes it is easiest to use a shortcut hand symbol to react to something. The good old thumbs down or thumbs up sign is reputed to go all the way back to the Roman Empire in gladiator contests. Thus it is recognized universally. After Trump used it reflexively during his campaign it became inextricably tied … Continue reading I want my symbols back
Politics
Rare Political Commentary
This blog is focused on theatrical experiences, personal notes, food adventures and celebrations of National Days. I seldom lapse into political commentary, but will make a brief exception today. President Trump and various members of his administration are currently embroiled in an impeachment fight that I have followed closely. I'm not predicting what the outcome … Continue reading Rare Political Commentary
Review – Hillary and Clinton
Playwright Lucas Hnath is on a bit of a "what if" kick lately, following his recent "A Doll's House, Part 2" with a look into two of our most famous political figures. While I shied from his multiple universe framing device, he nails the insight inside one of the most famous marriages of all time. … Continue reading Review – Hillary and Clinton
Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
Last Wednesday I attended a live taping of KCRW's Left, Right & Center post election special edition at The Town Hall here in New York. It is a radio show but I consume it as a podcast. It was up within 12 hours and is on their feed now if you wanted to listen to … Continue reading Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
VOTE
In the United States we have federal elections every two years and today is that day for 2018. I work hard to keep my political beliefs out of this blog. I respect every belief that is based on careful consideration of the facts. It can seem daunting to be a single citizen with a single … Continue reading VOTE
Review – Pound
Playwright Sean O'Leary has weighed in on a fascinating historical puzzle. Acclaimed poet and literary influencer Ezra Pound disgraced himself with anti-Semitic broadcasts in favor of Italy's fascist government during World War II. Returned to the US in 1945 he was committed to an asylum under threat of treason charges. With the support of one … Continue reading Review – Pound
Korean War Armistice Remembrance
Sixty five years ago this morning at 10 AM the Korean War Armistice went into effect. Technically we are still at war with North Korea and I am certain much will be made of that anniversary attendant with the recent theatrics surrounding the conflict. Maybe something will actually be accomplished. It is called America's Forgotten … Continue reading Korean War Armistice Remembrance
Independence Day
For a very long time the colonies were content to work as subjects of the King. When he tried to extract money to pay for the cost of defending them from the French and various native groups a growing number of colonists fought back to either have full representation in their governing bodies or, failing … Continue reading Independence Day
Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day. Today is many things, the artificial start of summer, a long three day weekend, a traditional grilling out holiday, and a day to celebrate troops serving our country. Being an old hippie pacifist I still respect those who choose to protect our nation in uniform and under arms. But we are all … Continue reading Happy Memorial Day
Presidents Day
Today is Presidents Day, a day off for many, and an opportunity to salute the Presidents who have made this country great. Though timed for the birthdays of George Washington (who demonstrated restraint with power) and Abraham Lincoln (who brought civility to our nation's greatest challenge), it is intended to salute all presidents. This post … Continue reading Presidents Day
Review – Hello Dolly!
Thorton Wilder's play THE MATCHMAKER is the foundation for the musical HELLO DOLLY! Mr. Wilder's work is wonderful and the musical adapted from it was a big hit right from its premiere in the 1960's. The current re-incarnation features the very talented Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber. I've seen each of them previously on Broadway … Continue reading Review – Hello Dolly!
Review – Hillbilly Elegy
It has been a while since I finished reading Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance but I needed time to reflect on it before I commented on it. Surprising to me, much in it was familiar. I too spent some of my life growing up between Dayton and Cincinnati and had neighbors (very nice people) who … Continue reading Review – Hillbilly Elegy
Terrorist Attack
Thanks for those who have reached out to check on me after yesterday's terrorist attack in Manhattan. I am fine. Yes, that is a tunnel I have walked many times and in my previous job I passed through that station every day. Where I am working now I don't travel through that station. We are … Continue reading Terrorist Attack
Review – The Parisian Woman
Uma Thurman is a luminous presence on stage who draws your interest without fail and without limit. She is an amazing performer who should return to Broadway on a regular basis. Sorry, that's all the good news. I had looked forward to this production because the playwright is Beau Willimon. He is the originator of … Continue reading Review – The Parisian Woman
Election Day 2017
I often prep blog entries in advance and then edit up until the morning posting. This version I have completely re-written at least a dozen times with various quotes, facts and observations. I steer clear of political postings as there is enough bloviating in this environment. This blog is intended to highlight the theatre I … Continue reading Election Day 2017
Review of MICHAEL MOORE ON BROADWAY: The Terms of My Surrender
Michael Moore's show is a liberal rant, history lesson and all around entertaining performance. It is also a story of his background and involvement in the causes he supports. He makes very good points and is preaching to the choir here in New York. You know by now whether you agree with him or not. … Continue reading Review of MICHAEL MOORE ON BROADWAY: The Terms of My Surrender
Hobbit Day
September 22 was named Hobbit Day by the American Tolkien Society as it is the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien. Nowadays most people know of the excellent Peter Jackson movies. When I was in high school and college I read the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings … Continue reading Hobbit Day
September 11 Anniversary
That Tuesday in 2001 was a clear and beautiful day. I had voted in the mayoral primary and was at my desk as Managing Director of the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center. My assistant let me know that a plane had hit one of the towers of … Continue reading September 11 Anniversary
Bonus post: Springtime for our Little Hitlers
Had to add a quick note. Just read a great piece in the flailing New York Times. I subscribe but think they allow visitors to read several articles each month. Give it a read: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/opinion/comedy-protest-taxes-nazis.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region Hope the link works. It helps me explain why I am both anti-White-Power and anti-Antifa. Non violence and humor always … Continue reading Bonus post: Springtime for our Little Hitlers
Confederate Monuments
The recent uproar regarding Confederate Monuments resulting from the ugly display in Charlottesville, VA is long overdue. I am an ardent fan of studying history and have always been astounded that a traitorous uprising is so broadly celebrated in so many places. The facts are so simple and yet an entire segment of our population … Continue reading Confederate Monuments
Time to wipe the sun from the sky – for a minute or two anyway
Ah, finally here. The much heralded, much hyped total eclipse of the sun running through a big chunk of America. Of course total eclipses happen on Earth about every two years or so, but seldom just traverse America. Because of this America is paying a lot of attention. It will be quite the event that … Continue reading Time to wipe the sun from the sky – for a minute or two anyway
A surprising Oslo
Hmmmm. Let's write a three hour play about Middle East peace negotiations that sounded good at the time but have since unwound before our very eyes. For a policy wonk like me that sounds interesting but it is amazingly good theater. Who knew? I am admittedly a political junkie who was fascinated at the time … Continue reading A surprising Oslo
Just One Political Note
OK, just this once. This blog was set up to chat about the plays I write and that are produced, the theater I see from time to time, the food I eat out and the food I love to cook. It was not intended to be political in any way, but the last election was … Continue reading Just One Political Note
