Travels to San Miguel de Allende

A “Magical” Paradise
By: Sandi "D"

A familiar place getting some recent media attention is San Miguel de Allende, a historical City in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. It’s a small town in the mountains sitting at an altitude of 6400 feet and whenever the name is mentioned everyone seems to have a relative, neighbor, friend, or friend of a friend, who has vacationed or perhaps even lives full time in this quaint little City. Founded in 1542 by a Spanish Franciscan missionary, Fray Juan de San Miguel, it is referred to by many as a ‘magical place.’

It was in the 18th Century that the heroes of the independence movement were born. Ignacio de Allende y Unzaga, a revolutionary, born on January 21, 1769, joined forces with Father Don Miguel Hidalgo leading the famous Cry of Independence speech in September 1810 and the resulting insurgency. But Spain was too strong and the patriots were defeated. Both Hidalgo and Allende, along with others, were executed, their heads hung in cages outside a Guanajuato granary. On March 8, 1826, in recognition of Allende’s heroism, the state government changed the name of the town to San Miguel de Allende.

In 1926 SMA was declared a National Monument, preserving the historical aspects of the town which is why the town is free of traffic lights today. With the opening of the Instituto Allende Art School in the late 1930’s, the foreign population began to grow and today retired Americans and Canadians make up much of the expat community, numbering between 2000-4000, depending upon season.

This was technically my first stay in the historical Mexican town. I say “technically” because it was almost ten years ago that a friend moved to San Miguel from New York full time and we visited. It was a short visit but I never forgot the charm of the area, keeping the thought I would return. And so it was, the opportunity arose and we spent the month of February learning about and participating in the magic.

San Miguel is a physical daily exercise in itself with its hilly cobble-stoned streets, narrow sidewalks and winding side streets. Every turn is a discovery of interesting little shops, boutiques, jewelers and artisans¸ art galleries and restaurants. The streets are very clean as each morning shop-keepers sweep and wash the stone pavements. It is rare to see a piece of paper strewn on the streets. However, there is major street work going on throughout San Miguel as streets are being ripped open to put power lines underground. The City is undergoing modernization all the time. Crossing the street becomes an artistic endeavor as traffic usually comes to a halt to allow pedestrians the right of way. All the near traffic misses as automobiles pull up to corners, sometimes passing each other with only inches to spare, quickens the heartbeat. Don’t forget, there are no traffic lights or stop signs in SMA!
Walking down and around the winding streets, we wondered what could be behind some of the large old wooden Hacienda doors. We were afforded the opportunity to find out on several occasions and each time our surprise was broadened by the spectacular gardens, fountains and beautiful homes within; many with three living levels, high 14 foot ceilings, skylights and roof top gardens. True architectural wonders.

The town is alive with the creativity of artists, writers, theatre people and musicians and includes a large population of Gringo public service groups who work tirelessly to benefit many Mexican charities. The weekly “Bible,” newspaper Atencion (written in Spanish and English), lists every conceivable activity and happening. One would need an excessive number of hours or a clone in order to participate in everything. The central focus of all cultural activities is the Biblioteca, where concerts, movies, lectures and theatre abound and where the intelligencia usually hang out engaged in serious discussions on all topics.

Depending on one’s lifestyle, choices are innumerable when it comes to accommodations: hotels, B &B’s, apartments, villas, condos, and private homes….all available for rent. To be in the heart of it all, one would probably prefer the area known as “El Centro” where most everything is within walking distance. And if it’s not, then a taxi ride can be had for 25 pesos (a little more than $2.00) to any location within the main city of San Miguel. We were quite content in our B & B Villa Mirasol Hotel on Pila Seca, recommended by a friend, well run with a courteous staff, good breakfasts, conveniently located a short 3 block walk to the Jardin, the town square, around which there are many restaurants, stores and street hawkers. At the Jardin in the Plaza Principal stands the beautiful 18th Century Parroquia (Church), constructed of rose colored quarry stone. The Church bells ring each morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. and if per chance you didn’t hear them, a repeat performance follows at 7:00 a.m. and during the evenings as well.

The Jardin is the place where everyone congregates (especially on weekends) to exchange information about who’s doing what, where and when and with who and what’s new and happening. It’s also a place to sit during the day to read, talk and people watch. It’s Peyton Place at its best, Mexican style! On any weekend evening there are three or four different kinds of musical groups playing and singing, people dancing in the streets, lovers holding hands and swaying to the romantic sounds, especially of the Mariachi. Valentine’s Day was celebrated with a variety of Mariachi Bands playing in front of the Parroquia in the Jardin to crowds of families.

Did you say you’re looking for a variety of activities? How about brushing up on your Spanish at one of the many Spanish schools. Perhaps you’re a Bridge player or would like to be…try the San Miguel Bridge Club (http://www.smabridge.com/) located at the Hotel Real d’Minas. Many evenings can be spent attending gallery art show openings that include cocktails and more. It’s also a great way to meet people.

Never having taken an art lesson, I knew this was my opportunity. Classes in Expressionist Life Drawing in Charcoal seemed a good place to begin. I had a ball and even discovered there’s a little talent submerged (the operative word being little). My teacher was artist, Henry Vermillion, who has a gallery in town and is also an actor, director and set designer. The norm in SMA is the wearing of multi-creative hats! There are numerous art classes and teachers in every medium – painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making. The Instituto Allende is a popular place for art and Spanish lessons, along with monthly Art Fairs. Lest I forget, there are cooking schools, yoga classes, zumba classes…you name it and it probably is happening in San Miguel. Even Arthur Murray has opened a studio with classes in Latin and Ballroom instruction! By the time I was finished going from class to class, day to day, vacation time was nearly over!

Let’s talk about the plethora of restaurants that fill the tiny streets. Aside from the obvious Mexican cuisine, ethnic foods prevail at every turn featuring menus sprinkled with Mexican flavorings. Some of the sought after Italian restaurants include MiVida, Vivoli, Socialitte (try to have Jorge wait on you as he’s extremely friendly), Toscana and more. An extremely popular and well priced restaurant is Hecho en Mexico where an international menu of well prepared foods prevails. A sweet little luncheon place run by an Argentinean is El Tomato billed as a natural food cocina. Many of the restaurants feature outdoor dining in magical gardens of flowers, plants and fountains while the sounds of guitar or piano and romantic songs in Espanol and English enhance the flavors.

Bugambilia is a long time authentic Mexican dining experience where Chile Rellenos are the specialty. Good jazz and food can be found at Tio Lucas where owner Max meets and greets his guests. It’s the place for carne and the sounds of Ken Bassman, Robert Kaplan and occasionally Doc Severinsen as well. Berlin is a newcomer with an international menu and a busy bar scene. Upscale second floor restaurant, with elevator, is the glamorous Jackie’s, all in white with outdoor dining overlooking the City. It’s a bit on the pricey side for San Miguel, but a nice special occasion evening. Woolie’s Kaban has good food, atmosphere and on weekends is a hot spot for music and dancing. It goes without saying, that, yes, there is a Starbucks!

Food is plentiful and delicious at Planta Baja where manager Juan is always smiling and attentive to customer needs. It is also home to three Brits called “The Literary Cabaret” who, for 16 years, have performed their brand of satirical humor of clever skits, poetry and songs featuring anything from Shakespeare to naughty Noel Coward and rock n’ roll. They write their own shows which change regularly. The group includes Rick Davey (who also plays guitar), Marilyn Bullivant and Reesha Browning.

St. Paul’s Church is a place for concert music with its ProMusica Series, bringing wonderful classical concerts to San Miguel. The Baroque Festival was about to begin just as we were leaving and fills many churches and other spaces with music for several days. There is also opera¸ folk and flamenco.

Curious to see theatre in SMA, we got tickets to “My Old Lady” a comedy/drama by Israel Horovitz presented at the Teatro Santa Ana at the Biblioteca. It had been getting good reviews both in print and word of mouth. It was directed by Lola Smith, a professional actress and an active member of the SMA theatre community. This show was delightfully performed by Michael Gottlieb, Siobhan Bryne and Bea Aaronson and provided many laughs along with the pathos it deserved. The Play Readers are part of the theatre scene that performs at St. Paul’s Church where rotating directors choose a play or plays that are read on book by a cast of actors, accessorized with some scenery and costuming. The evening I attended included short works by playwrights Ethan Coen from ”Almost An Evening” and Will Eno, “Enter the Spokeswoman Sideways” and others. Some were funny, and I do mean laugh out loud ha-ha, others clever and somewhat silly, but all provided a good evening’s entertainment. Next up is Mamet’s “Speed the Plow” directed by none other than my art teacher and actor, Henry Vermilliion!

A highlight evening was spent at the Biblioteca watching an award winning documentary “In a Dream.” Although a “Sold Out” sign was posted, I started speaking with a woman who, as it turned out, was the lady who curates this series called “Reel Docs.” Her name is Caren Cross and with partner Jennifer Posner, have brought some remarkable documentaries to the Biblioteca. Caren advised waiting until the last minute to see if seats would become available. Luckily, more chairs were added and we sat in the first row which made the film even more engaging. The story is about mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar and his wife Julia, from Philadelphia. In the bohemian neighborhood of South Philly, 50,000 square feet of concrete have been covered with tile and mirrors, all created by Zagar who shares his torture, torment and unusual lifestyle and family with audiences around the world. Having allowed his younger son to film their day to day existence, Isaiah and Julia’s love story and subsequent betrayals, including an older son’s drug problems, are all captured and documented for the thousands who have viewed this remarkable film. The story can cause great discomfort at times, but we all know that’s what makes great art. The realities were even clearer when Isaiah and Julia came on stage post showing, submitting themselves to audience questions and participating in a cocktail reception afterwards. It is a not-to-be missed film should one have the opportunity.

Speaking of films, there is a place called The Market Café where, approximately 15 years ago, a Frenchman named Daniel cleverly started showing films of all sorts; foreign and classics. The small room seats around 22 people who watch film DVDs on a large screen in comfortable seating and for the price of 60 pesos also receive a drink of choice (including wine, beer and margaritas) and a bag of popcorn. What a deal!

Continuing excitement seemed to fill most of February as the San Miguel Writer’s Conference, scheduled for five days at the Hotel Real de Minas, began on February 19th featuring keynote speaker and respected writer Barbara Kingsolver. I had ordered tickets prior and was part of the packed ballroom of 800 to hear her gentle voice explain how she found her way into writing her latest bestseller “The Lacuna.” An auction preceded her speech intended to raise funds for this organization to which many local artists and shopkeepers donated their talents.

Having never experienced a bull fight, the opportunity presented a couple of days before our scheduled departure. We already had tickets to a benefit performance for Haiti, but decided to make it a donation and forego the concert for a chance to see a famous Portugal rejoneadore (a bullfighter on horseback) namely, Pablo Hermosa de Mendoza, renowned for his skill, grace, genius and beautiful horses. Rejoneo means using a lance and is the oldest form of bullfighting and was an activity for the nobility - the Arabs in North Africa and later the Moorish in Spain. Matadors, using capes and swords, became prominent in the early 19th century.

We made our way to the small ring, arriving on the early side to secure seats as close as we could get. Our general admission tickets entitled us to seats above the first four rows, all seats being on concrete slabs. We wound up in the 5th row and watched as the ring filled and excitement mounted. The Corrida de Toros is a happening as rejoneadores appear perhaps every three years in San Miguel. Cigarette and cigar smoke filled the air, along with cries of hawkers selling chips and hot sauce, foods of all kinds, beer, tequila, margaritas and more. People were jammed together, some on cushions others on the hard concrete. The three ladies in front of us shared some tequila, cap by cap, brought in a vitamin bottle passed between then.

Bullfighting is a gory business and not for the faint of heart. The poor bull doesn’t have a chance. But it is traditional pomp and circumstance and part of a cultural harmony. After seeing three animals slaughtered, we’d had enough and left early as the crowd continued to yell “oh lay.”

Throughout our stay in SMA, I continued playing my favorite sport, tennis, at Weber’s Tennis Club (red clay courts). My game of choice was mixed doubles with a lovely lady from Hungary and Texas, along with two gentlemen, one from Montreal, the other from Ottawa. We all really liked each other and made sure we played 2-3 times every week. Playing at 6400 ft. above sea level with pressurized tennis balls surely added a new spin to the game, creating interesting challenges.

The world is small as we met people who live within a five mile radius of us in the heart of Manhattan. However, the great majority of visitors and expats are from Canada, Texas, Washington State, Oregon, California with sprinklings from all over the USA.

SMA is the kind of town where total strangers stop and talk on the streets as everyone is anxious to get to know others, especially if you’re a newcomer. One evening we were making our way to a restaurant when a couple (from Minnesota) started talking to us and we spent the next half hour getting to know each other, exchanging names and numbers so we’d be sure to stay in contact. Of course, this episode repeated itself several times during our stay.

In case you haven’t heard, SMA attracts many ladies from the States seeking beauty ala plastic surgery and such, at a third of the cost or less. There are a few fine surgeons (trained in the best USA hospitals) but do your research and get recommendations.

A not to be missed visit is to the historic Fabrica Aurora, an old cotton mill, on the outskirts of town turned into gallery and studio space, where home furnishings, jewelry and antiques are plentiful. There are multi shops and spaces to visit, along with two delightful cafes when you get hungry.

Day trips or overnights are plentiful. We spent a wonderful day in the City of Guanajuato (it means the mountain place of frogs), a charming European style City and the capital of the State. It is a multi-colored, twisting cobblestoned wonder with a subterranean through which to drive and where visits to the Diego Rivera Museum and the Museum of Mummies can be highly enlightening. It houses the prestigious University of Guanajuato, considered Mexico’s finest school for music and theater. A ride on the finicular to the very top (about 6600 ft.) is a must for 360 degree views of this beautiful and colorful City which, in 1988, was declared a World Heritage Zone by UNESCO.

San Miguel is a favorite with retirees on fixed incomes as it provides a wonderful lifestyle at approximately one-half or less the cost of living in the States. It’s not for everyone as walking and getting around can be difficult. Don’t forget the altitude and the uneven terrain. Many of the locals speak English which is a plus for those who know little to no Spanish. The bottom line, however, is that if one is active, a little on the rugged, adventurous side and loves a cultured, artistic environment….this is the place for you.

Here’s a quote I’ve heard repeated many times: “people go to Florida to die, but they come to San Miguel to live! Hasta luego amigos.

TIME STANDS STILL

TIME STANDS STILL

How far do moral obligations reach in humanity and love?

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"

When Sarah Goodwin (Laura Linney) returns home to her Brooklyn loft injured and scarred from shrapnel as a photojournalist in the Iraqi warzone, her significant other James Dodd (Brian d’Arcy James), with whom she’s been living for the past eight years, appears overly attentive. She is a bitter and complex person not used to being pampered and eager to return to the action. Jamie, a war correspondent himself, is anxious and feeling guilty for leaving the chaos and Sarah, having suffered a breakdown when people blew up around him.

Donald Margulies’ latest drama, that sometimes appears as more of a comedy, is a brilliant conflict of morality and deterioration of relationships. Does the person behind the camera have a moral obligation to step away from it in the face of horror and cruelty and come to the aid of the subjects? According to Sarah “the camera reports life, it doesn’t change it.” Can an eight year relationship survive when two people have suffered unbearable hurts and no longer share common goals?

Tensions grow as long-time, middle-aged friend, Richard (Eric Bogosian) who is also Sarah’s former lover, mentor and the photo editor at a magazine that publishes her photos, shows up with a girl half his age. Mandy (Alicia Silverstone), an event planner, has brought balloons and it’s evident she isn’t exactly a ‘deep’ thinker. Emotions and words pour forth as whatever is in her brain is on her tongue, allowing Sarah to remark to Richard “you always wanted a little girl.” However, Mandy’s shallow appearance is overshadowed, at times, by stunning outbursts of endearing qualities and words of wisdom. As friendships grow and personalities become apparent, Mandy emphatically remarks to Sarah “there’s so much beauty; all you see is misery.”

As the story continues, Mandy, who is pregnant, and Richard marry while the stress between Sarah and Jamie to follow the same path reach greater proportions. Sarah reveals a love affair with her now deceased interpreter in Iraq, as Jamie divulges that all he wants is to marry Sarah and lead a comfortable life. Sarah, needing the adrenaline of her profession, thinks she can change things by continuing to take pictures of war. Marriage, babies…are just not part of her life’s plan.

The opposing needs of Sarah and Jamie along with past events result in the emergence of true feelings of rage, disloyalty and anger and a love that can never be.

Stars Laura Linney and Brian d’Arcy James are consummate actors who approach their roles with sympathy and understanding unearthing the underlying feelings of the complicated characters they portray. Alternatively, Bogosian and Silverstone’s characters are easier and fluffier and a good contrast.

This Manhattan Theatre Club production at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, is efficiently directed by Daniel Sullivan with scenic design by John Lee Beatty and lighting by Peter Kaczorowski. The two-hours zip by in scenes that include confrontations, secrets revealed, and a push-pull look at the roads people take in search of happiness and fulfillment.

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Tragedy in the life of a longshoreman, Greek style!

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"

Was it time for another revival of Arthur Miller’s “A View From The Bridge” after the spectacular 1997 production, directed by Michael Mayer, starring Anthony LaPaglia, Allison Janney and the now deceased Brittany Murphy? The answer is an emphatic “YES!” This latest production is by far the finest interpretation to come to the stage, made viable by the understated, intimate direction of Gregory Mosher.It is the story of a 1950’s blue collar Italian family, Eddie Carbone (Liev Schreiber), his wife Beatrice (Jessica Hecht) and her orphaned17 year old niece, Catherine (Scarlett Johansson), all living in a sparsely furnished, shabby apartment in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. However, family life isn’t exactly normal. Eddie is unduly protective of Catherine in more than a paternal manner, as he dotes on her, his face registering a troubled expression that subtlety grows and changes throughout the play, projecting his conflict as he becomes more obsessed. Adding to the tension and tragedy is the neighborhood lawyer Alfieri (Michael Cristofer) who acts as a moderator or one-man Greek Chorus, giving lofty explanations of Eddie’s downward spiraling direction.

When Beatrice’s two illegal immigrant cousins Marco (Corey Stoll) and Rodolpho (Morgan Spector) arrive from Italy to seek a better life, they move into the small, cramped apartment, the threat of expulsion from the country ever-present, as the jealous Eddie’s passionate fury and fixation on Catherine grow to epic and tragic consequences.

Meanwhile, the sheltered Catherine falls in love with the charming, blond Rodolpho whom Eddie complains is “not right” because of his effeminate qualities, i.e. singing, cooking and dress making and whom he says wants Catherine only because it means a green card. Eddie’s counsel with Alfieri to see if he has any legal rights is useless as the lawyer tells him the truth, trying to convince Eddie to let Catherine go. It all falls on deaf ears to the emotionally ravaged Eddie.

Schreiber embodies the essence of Carbone’s character and because he is such a great actor, every feeling and nuance is written on his face and physicality as the tension grows. Hecht is totally convincing as the wife who is frustrated by the lack of physical contact with her husband in the bedroom, understanding all too well his obsession with Catherine as she tries, unsuccessfully, to bring this awareness to Eddie.

Screen star Scarlett Johansson easily personifies the young, unglamorous Catherine, exhibiting the quality of her stardom as an actor as she makes an easy transition from screen to stage. She is perfect in the role.

This fast-paced two hour production of Arthur Miller’s 1956 drama is a gem that soars on the strength of the leading performances. The sets and lighting are dark and cramped, echoing the characters’ anxiety, as the second act builds to the climactic crisis. John Lee Beatty’s enhancing revolving set changes from Brooklyn street tenements to interior apartment in easy transition, aided by Peter Kaczorowski’s fine lighting. Jane Greenwood has designed the costumes. The production is running at Broadway’s Cort Theatre.

"RACE" - Mamet at it again

RACE

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"
January 2010

David Mamet is at it again, as writer and director of what was slated to be another provocative and disturbing commentary on racial issues and political correctness. Ooh, all those ethnic slurs and four letter words that are supposed to make our blood boil as barely a sentence goes by without what is supposed to be shocking dialogue. We must all be thoroughly desensitized by now so that rather than gasps and outrage, the result is giggles and some chuckles. Well, with our first African-American President in office, things they are a changin’!

The story is about a rich, married white man Charles Strickland (Richard Thomas) who is accused of raping a young black girl wearing a red sequin dress. The dress is an important piece of information as its essence is more than just an object of clothing. We never see this girl whom Strickland says was his mistress and the sex consensual. However, when she accuses him, then sues him for rape, he chooses a law firm to represent him comprised of one white lawyer and one black.

Jack Lawson (James Spader) is the fast-talking, cynical know-it-all white lawyer, and Henry Brown (David Alan Grier) (is that name Brown a racial slur?) is his black partner equally adept. It’s unclear whether Susan (Kerry Washington) is a new fledgling lawyer or an assistant who was recently hired because, as Jack puts it, “I hired you because you’ve got talent.” Regardless of her position, she endures verbal abuse by both her bosses until she reveals her own agenda.

As the story twists and turns and the second act develops, Susan is illuminated as more than just a new hire with talent. Eventually, her underlying mission as an advocate to right the wrongs inflicted on black women result in a pivotal moment in the story.

The play is filled with Jack’s brand of sarcastic knowledge: black people are inclined to commit adultery, black people are fragile because they deal with shame, Strickland wants to confess because he’s white, all black people hate white people, and the usual lawyer conventions ‘we get paid either way’ along with accepted references to the theatrical nature of the practice of law. One-liner insults fly steadily between Strickland and Brown on the issues of race, their new client (is he innocent or guilty), their new hire Susan and the legal profession as a business. It all comes off as a big scam. . .who’s doing what to whom, when and how.

All four performers are well suited for their rolls, with Spader and Grier seeming more self-assured and Thomas a bit stiff until the play heats up in the second act allowing for more dynamics. Washington, too, grows exponentially in the second act.

“Race” has an open run at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre, also the home of former Mamet productions “Speed the Plow” and “November.” The scenic design is by Santo Loquasto.

Finian's Rainbow - delightful

FINIAN’S RAINBOW
Everything Old is New Again!

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"
November 2009

The original Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow, with book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, lyrics by Harburg and music by Burton Lane, opened in 1947, running for 725 performances. It had 3 revivals: 1955 starring Helen Gallagher, Merv Griffin and Will Mahoney; 1960 starring Jeannie Carson, Howard Morris, Robert Guillaume and again in 1967. After a New York City Center Encores! Series concert version earlier this year, it is happily back on Broadway.

It’s a charming jewel that twinkles brightly and one reason is that just about every song is a knock out. Does anyone not know “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” or “Old Devil Moon” or “Look to the Rainbow”? Beautiful melodic tunes like these are hard to find nowadays.

Finian’s Rainbow is a whimsical, romantic story with political racism that is old hat but relevant even today. Finian McLonergan, the twinkly eyed Jim Norton, leaves his Irish town of singing skylarks and emigrates to Rainbow Valley in the mythical State of Missitucky, which bears a resemblance to Glocca Morra from whence he comes. With him is his beautiful daughter Sharon (Kate Baldwin). He is intent upon burying a stolen pot of gold close to Fort Knox where he thinks it will grow, multiply and make them rich. Og (Christopher Fitzgerald) is the leprechaun- in -pursuit trying to recover the stolen pot before he turns completely mortal.

Ms. Baldwin’s classic soprano is warm with radiant color as she sings the legendary and yearning “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” gleefully reprised twice more throughout the show. Local boy Woody Mahoney (Cheyenne Jackson) immediately falls for her as they unite in the romantic harmonies of “Old Devil Moon.” Jackson is a perfect romantic lead with his glorious dreamy vocals and good looks. Hilarious Leprechaun Og has also fallen for Sharon where love is more comically presented in “Something Sort of Grandish.” Woody has a mute sister, Susan (Alina Faye), who dances her language in classical ballet style to which Og is drawn, creating another romantic liason.

Implications of racial divide are ever present as big, brawny and boisterous Senator Rawkins ( David Schramm) tries to take over the land at a tax auction where the poor sharecroppers eke out a living growing tobacco resulting in the gospel showstopper “Necessity” featuring powerful performer Terri White as Dottie. Sharon, without realizing the mystical properties of the pot of gold, unknowingly makes one of the three wishes it holds, accidentally turning the Senator black. This counterpart is played to perfection by Tony Award winner Chuck Cooper who becomes part of a quartet in the song & dance “The Begat.”

Relevant topics include “When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich,” a satirical pronouncement of the seduction of a line of credit from the Sheers and Robust catalog, along with topics of foreclosure and the “misbegotten G.O.P.” Og is deliciously impish as he flits around in “When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love” eventually falling for Susan as he realizes that turning human is not so bad.

Yes, it’s a complicated theme of love, romance, fantasy, wishes, satire, racial bigotry and it all comes together in this delightful big ole’ fashioned Broadway musical where every song is a hit and audience members walk out singing and humming the wonderful music.

Everything old is new and delightful again!

Memories: On the Red Carpet at the 63rd Annual Tony Awards

63rd ANNUAL TONY AWARDS

By: Sandi "D"
June 7, 2009


THE NOMINEES ARE. . .AND THE WINNER IS . . .

The 63rd Annual Antoinette Perry Awards took place on Sunday June 7, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall. At the Red Carpet, this writer was given the golden opportunity of up close and personal chats and overhearing tidbits from many nominees and celebs passing through on their way inside Radio City Music Hall. The women be-jeweled and be-gowned, many in designer frock, were all smiles. Martha Plimpton, nominee for Featured Actress in a Musical (Pal Joey) revealed “I was terrified and got through because Graciella Daniele is a mammy choreographer.” Nominee for Leading Actor in a Play Hope Davis looked glamorous in a more simplified Peter Soronen dress (he dresses Michele Obama) as she met up to chat with God of Carnage co-actors Jeff Daniels and James Gandolfini.

Stage mates Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter (Mary Stuart) walked arm in arm, a friendly pair of competitors, as nominees for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. Young, talkative Mark Indelicato told me he was the official Twitterer for the evening while Tovah Feldshuh (in strapless Christian Lacroix) and currently appearing on Broadway in “Irena’s Vow” was off to co-host the event at Duffy Square. Lin-Manuel Miranda of In The Heights fame, when asked what he said when Sondheim called him to rewrite lyrics in Spanish for West Side Story….”I said yes, yes!” Lovely Sutton Foster, swathed in orange gown, said that by age 14 she knew that Broadway was for her. Rock of Ages Constantine Maroulis confided that he feels surreal and is looking forward to going on the road with the show.

Red Carpet photo ops gave sponsor Audemars Piguet (maker of distinguished Swiss watches) the opportunity to showcase specially designed clocks where many celebs posed. Is that Dolly Parton being ushered through? Yes! Darn, she still has an 18” waist!

Before I knew it, everyone was safely tucked into their seats inside Radio City as I made my way up to the 64th Floor Rainbow Room’s Media Room to watch the Tony Awards simulcast. While Doogie Houser, M.D. was hosting the Awards, I mean Neil Patrick Harris, and making with the funnies, I was about to have some downtime, relaxation and food; the perfect solution for tired feet and brain.

It didn’t take long, however, before the first winners were announced and escorted to the Media Room for interviews and photos. The writing was on the wall as Martin Koch arrived for Best Orchestrations followed by Paul Arditti for Best Sound Design , both for “Billy Elliot.” Here comes Angela Lansbury hugging her Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play (Blithe Spirit) while Roger Robinson took the Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (Joe Turner’s Come and Gone). Karen Olivio won Best Featured Actress in a Musical for West Side Story saying she feels transported when she performs finding it very liberating to sing lyrics in Spanish, while acknowledging that Arthur Laurents gives notes in the best way he can to get what he needs and doesn’t coddle his performers. Her influence: Rita Moreno.

Leading Actor in a Play went to Geoffrey Rush who said he was thrilled to be performing in such an obscure Ionesco play; “It’s like eating spinach.” He’d love to come back to Broadway if the right role comes along. Harvey Firestein was already announcing Best Revival of a Play to The Norman Conquests and soon the entire cast and creative team were busily answering questions in the Media Room. They are a lively bunch!

Gregory Jbara, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, (Billy Elliot) says he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the sacrifices his wife made stating he was a bit intimidated going into rehearsals, finding it hard maintaining the accent, and stating that it’s like ‘electricity inside me….I’m free, I’m free!”

Special Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre Award went to composer Jerry Herman who is now 77 years young and responsible for Hello Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles. Jerry said he was born right near Radio City and he’s here because his Mother and Frank Loesser believed he had the talent to make it big. What does he look forward to now? Enjoying my houses in Palm Springs and Beverly Hills!

Best Revival of a Musical went to Hair, along with Best Direction to Diane Paulus who said she worked closely with Jim Rado on this revival and that he did write some new lines about the draft card. She said the musical speaks to all generations; it’s about the rebirth of idealism.

Best Direction of a Play went to Matthew Warchus for God of Carnage. He was also up for the same award for The Norman Conquests. Pretty good odds.

The three young “Billy Elliots” won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kirl Kulish were all adorable and somewhat tongue-tied trying to answer questions saying it’s like a dream. But they all had some advice: to all the kids out there who want to dance. . .never give up! No surprise that the announcement soon came that Billy Elliot had just won the Tony for Best Musical, making a total of ten Tonys!

Marcia Gay Harden took home her Tony as Leading Actor in a Play for God of Carnage looking stunning in a long green gown.

Best Actress in a Musical was given to Alice Ripley in Next To Normal. Ms. Ripley was explicit in saying that she channels her character Diana everyday and is happy she has a patient husband. It takes a lot of energy to stay focused and deliver her on stage. How did she feel winning the Tony? I feel complete; it feels natural and makes sense I have this Award. It’s other-worldly and a dream come true!

Before I could finish taking notes, I looked up and there was Elton John eager to speak to everyone. He was a little worried opening Billy Elliot in these tough times and admitted he’d never been to the Tonys before but found it more enjoyable than the Oscars because you’re being entertained from start to finish. Do you feel the need to control the performance of your music? Having done four musicals Elton remarked, you have to check your ego at the door and be part of a team. No immediate stage plans at the moment but he is working on a Disney film.

Lest I forget, Liza won Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza’s at the Palace. And the audience cheered and cheered both at Radio City and in the Media Room.

Other awards presented included: Regional Theatre Award to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.; a first time Isabelle Stevenson Award presented to Phyllis Newman and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre to Shirley Herz.

The evening was now complete or almost as Neil Patrick Harris sang the 11:00 o’clock song, a parodied “Tonight” as the credits rolled, featuring lyrics such as “this show could not be gayer if Liza was named Mayor and Elton John took flight. . .” Oh well, it’s the Tonys. See you next year!

BYE BYE BIRDIE . . . bye bye

BYE BYE BIRDIE
“Bye Bye”

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"


After nearly 50 years, musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie made its way back to the Great White Way. It’s an imploding tongue-in-cheek rendering of silly and sillier. That’s not to say, that it isn’t an audience pleaser in some ways! One can’t help but laugh at the over-wrought vaudevillian antics of loveable mime Bill Irwin (Harry MacAfee), the role originally played by Paul Lynde, or the smothering Jewish mother syndrome of Jayne Houdyshell (Mrs. Mae Peterson) who would rather lay down on the tracks and divide her mink coat into three’s than see her sonny boy John Stamos (Albert Peterson) marry his secretary-girlfriend Gina Gershon (Rose Alvarez).

If you recall, Albert was originally played by Dick Van Dyke and although Mr. Stamos gives it his best shot, it appears as if he may have watched the original version too many times and absorbed too much of Van Dyke characteristics that he hoped he could channel but instead comes out looking rather clownish. He plays the showbiz agent who manages teen heart-throb Conrad Birdie. Albeit, he does a pretty good singing job on “Put On a Happy Face” considering this isn’t his prime talent.

Gina Gershon, a fine actress, is miscast as Rose Alvarez, and although she stays on pitch it’s a frail attempt. It was Chita Rivera who originally played this part. Both she and Mr. Stamos have neither the singing nor dancing skills needed for the roles. Bill Irwin makes up for his singing by clowning. Mrs. McAfee (Dee Hoty) and son played by Neil McCaffrey are fine.

The story line is simple but one feels a comic book has come to life on stage. Nolan Gerard Funk as Conrad Birdie, is underplayed and needs a shot of adrenaline most of the time, but at least can sing and gyrate as needed for the screaming teenies who adore him in Sweet Apple, Ohio. He’s been drafted and his send off is a kiss from fan club admirer Kim McAfee (originally played by sex kitten Ann-Margaret) who is more realistically portrayed by Allie Trimm who can sing, a 15 year old whose steady, Hugo, played by Matt Doyle becomes extremely jealous. Does this sound familiar? Think Elvis Presley.

Color coordinated families in bright colored 50’s costumes (by Gregg Barnes) are eye appealing, and the set including moving train car on tracks (by Andrew Jackness) works well. Some of the production numbers are more than likeable; “The Telephone Hour” performed on a jungle gym, “One Last Kiss” fun and campy; nice harmonic arrangements by the Bar Quartet (John Treacy Egan, David McDonald, JC Montgomery, Timothy Shew) on “Baby Talk To Me.” But, alas, the basic choreographic and directorial skills of Robert Longbottom seemed to be lacking in totality giving a disconnected feeling to the production.

Bye Bye Birdie is produced by the Roundabout Theater Company. It debuted at the newly renovated Henry Miller Theatre on West 43rd Street, a comfortable and well designed theatre that will make future audiences very happy.

Unfortunately, this show has had an abbreviated life span and so it’s bye bye to Birdie!