tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71105092024-03-14T06:16:57.683-07:00The SF Bay Area Theatre BlogAbout theatre around the SF Bay Area and beyond, including lots of focus on 42nd Street Moon theatre and its productions.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.comBlogger572125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-83015481453261847232013-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:002013-09-02T21:03:08.066-07:00Link: FlavorWire's 10 NYC theatre productions to look forward to this FallSome of <a href="http://flavorwire.com/412945/10-theatre-productions-to-look-forward-to-this-fall">these upcoming NYC productions</a> sound VERY interesting. I'm always up for Ian McKellen, and Betrayal is my favorite Harold Pinter play.<br />
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Which ones float your boat?ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-88106746185253563252013-08-17T10:22:00.001-07:002013-08-17T10:22:33.650-07:00The Fall Theatre Season In the South Bay/PeninsulaHere's a nice run down from San Jose Metroblogging on <a href="http://sanjose.metblogs.com/2013/08/16/excitement-growing-for-the-20132014-theatre-season/">upcoming shows</a>. Lots of theatres in San Jose and up the Peninsula are kicking off their seasons this and next month.<br />
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Since I'm a subscriber to the San Jose Rep I know I'll be seeing <a href="http://www.sjrep.com/plays/1314/one-night-w-janis-joplin/">One Night with Janis Joplin</a> next month.<br />
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What's on your calendar?ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-89123310566791901912012-08-18T10:41:00.003-07:002012-08-18T10:41:45.284-07:00Ray of Light Theatre Launches Cabaret Series<br />
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Ray of Light Theatre in San Francisco is doing a Cabaret Season (which was news to me, but I have just been out of touch).</div>
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They're opening with one of my wonderful colleagues from <a href="http://42ndstreetmoon.org/">42nd Street Moon</a>, Ms. Dyan McBride. Here are the deets:</div>
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<b>WHAT</b>: <strong>Dyan McBride in…</strong><strong><em>Liner Notes: Songs From a Rock N’ Roll Adolescence</em></strong></div>
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<strong>WHEN: August 26 @ 7pm<br />WHERE: Martuni’s Piano Bar, 4 Valencia St., San Francisco</strong></div>
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<b>DESCRIPTION</b>: </div>
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Dyan McBride will take audiences through her formative years using rock n’ roll and pop music as her primer, with songs ranging from Tom Waits to Motley Crue to Meatloaf. Special guests and awkward teenage stories will round out a rockin' evening, featuring David Dobrusky on piano.</div>
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“I think adolescence is the most intense period of one's life,” says McBride. “Everything seems epic, important and dramatic. At least it felt that way for me. I had a lot of major events happen to me during this time in my life and music basically kept me sane and told me what was important in life. And music was also a terrifically bad influence on me too, which was what made it so fun.” She continues, “I want [my audience] to, first and foremost, just laugh and have fun. I was totally obsessed, mildly delusional and crazy about pop music and how is that not funny? I also want them to understand that when you fall in love with something, it can change you, save you and determine the path your life takes. While I never became a rock star, I did transfer that passion for music into performing and to quote the Dead, ‘What a long, strange trip it's been.’”</div>
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<b>HOW TO BUY TICKETS</b>: Tickets and information are available at: <a href="http://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/" target="_blank">www.rayoflighttheatre.com</a></div>
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When I lived in NYC I did cabaret, and my NYC swan song was my show "Pop Goes Elisa!" It was an entire show of all the songs that moved me from the pop/rock/country sphere, and I was partly inspired to create it when I first saw kd lang sing Roy Orbison's "Crying" and found it to be a revelation. It reminded me of the power popular music really has. Not just the power to move you, but the power to help you articulate and express your deepest feelings...even when you're a muddled and confused teen.</div>
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Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to this!!<br /><br /><u>About the Artist</u><br />Dyan McBride is an actor, director, singer and teacher. As an actress and director she has worked with such companies as Center REP, 42nd Street Moon, Ray of Light, Marin Theatre Company, Solano College Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Golden State Productions, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Pacific Alliance Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Sonoma, Broadway By the Bay, Willows, Napa Rep, Mondavi Center, Utah Musical Theatre and Performance Riverside, to name a few. As a live performer, she has had the opportunity to perform all over the United States and in Europe. In the world of TV-Film-Voiceover she has done work for Comcast Sports Net, Yahoo! Progressive Auto Insurance, Nintendo, Intuit and many more. McBride has her BA from California State University at Fullerton (musical theatre) and her MFA from U.C. Davis (acting). She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors Equity Association and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.<br /><br /><u>About Ray of Light’s Cabaret Spotlight Series</u></div>
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Since its debut in December 2011, Ray of Light’s Cabaret Spotlight Series has partnered with Martuni’s Piano Bar to create a stage for new cabaret talent to reinvent and revitalize the form with a focus on intimacy and, above all, fun. The first Spotlight Series included Ellyn Marie Marsh, Jessica Coker and Alyssa Stone & Eliza Leoni.</div>
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The Fall 2012 series will feature Dyan McBride (<em>Liner Notes: Songs From a Rock n’ Roll Adolescence</em>, August 26, 7pm), Kit [formerly Sarah Kathleen] Farrell (<em>Eat Your Heart Out</em>, September 30, 7pm) and Emily Wade (<em>Love Is Blind</em>, October 28, 7pm).</div>
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ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-2733767351303000342012-06-11T07:36:00.004-07:002012-06-11T07:36:48.273-07:00Stanford's Summer Festival tackles Sam Shepard<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">You don't see a Sam Shepard Festival every day, so happy to share this update from the folks over at Stanford:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHAT: Stanford Summer Theater's 2011 Sam Shepard Festival from July 9-August 12, 2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><br />
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<li>Curse of the Staving Class July 19 - August 12</li>
<li>Free Monday Night Film Screenings July 9 - August 6<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></li>
<li>Symposium: "Sam Shepard and the Eclectic American West" July 28</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHERE: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Stanford University Campus (see site for details)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">HOW MUCH:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Show tickets $15-$25; Symposium $90 (includes lunch)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">MORE INFO:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://sst.stanford.edu/">http://sst.stanford.edu</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="mailto:summertheater@stanford.edu">summertheater@stanford.edu</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">, (650) 798-4072</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Now, the big question is: Will the enigmatic Shepard show up? I have no idea, but that would be super-cool, don't you think?</span>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-81294371599601779822012-05-11T15:37:00.000-07:002012-05-11T15:37:37.219-07:00A Different Kind of Mother's Day OutingHonor your mom by honoring the fight for women's rights. This Sunday one of my buddies is the producer behind a unique experience:<br />
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<a href="http://voicesofmosaic.com/mothers-day-tea/">Mosaic: Voices of Women's Suffrage</a><br />
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There's tea, a light lunch and a performance of this work honoring the women who fought for our basic rights last century.<br />
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Learn more, and buy tickets, <a href="http://mosaicmothersdaytea.eventbrite.com/">here</a>.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-49493230353650835192012-03-26T13:33:00.002-07:002012-03-26T13:36:17.404-07:00Review: Cirque du Soleil's Latest Touring Show, TOTEMI saw TOTEM under the big top in San Jose a couple of weeks ago, and reviewed it <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20120326131644/index.html">here</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Spoiler Alert: OMFG, I LOVED IT.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, best one since 1990's Nouvelle Experience. Let's face it, you can never outshine your first!)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20120326131644/index.html">Read the review</a>, or just head online to get your tickets with a 25% discount! Here's the info from the horse's mouth:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:Lucida Grande;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; "><i></i></span></span></span></span><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:Lucida Grande;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; "><i>Cirque du Soleil’s</i> latest touring production <b>TOTEM</b> has hit San Jose, and friends of The SF Bay Area Theatre Blog can now receive 25% off select performances in seating categories 1-3!<br /><br /><i>Cirque du Soleil</i> is pleased to announce that it has returned to San Jose with its latest big top touring production, <b>TOTEM</b>. <b>TOTEM</b> will perform for a limited engagement under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Taylor Street Bridge.<br /><br /><b>TOTEM</b> traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. <b>TOTEM</b> illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend <b>TOTEM</b> explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.<br /><br />Fun for the whole family!<br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/BayAreaTheat25">http://tinyurl.com/BayAreaTheat25</a></b></span></span></span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/BayAreaTheat25"></a></b></span></span></span></span></div>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-56364992006830543412012-02-03T17:42:00.000-08:002012-02-03T17:45:45.396-08:00Cirque du Soleil San Jose discount...expires tomorrow night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1stFLdx1z5mL5zWsh8VCAtX6M2UiLt06x2HRd0pHJjnVOEmoBpiYbt4M1k9f-L-oMT_7QJxcbByBky75TbtalDPNizR-xcW4BvITCfZrwZWKkxxWeIqGlEHScY_DP5F8ceXw/s1600/250x250-totem-stvalentin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1stFLdx1z5mL5zWsh8VCAtX6M2UiLt06x2HRd0pHJjnVOEmoBpiYbt4M1k9f-L-oMT_7QJxcbByBky75TbtalDPNizR-xcW4BvITCfZrwZWKkxxWeIqGlEHScY_DP5F8ceXw/s320/250x250-totem-stvalentin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705090605336922642" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">I love Cirque du Soleil, so here's a special Valentine's Day offer from them that apparently expires tomorrow.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Buy one you ticket for TOTEM in San Jose and get another ticket for free*!<br /><br />TOTEM opens on March 2 at the Taylor Street Bridge in San Jose. I am going to a preview on the 1st and am very excited about it!<br /><br />Claim this offer, which ends at 11:59PM tomorrow, at the following link (no additional promo codes needed):<br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/BATheatBlogVday" class="ot-anchor" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; ">http://tinyurl.com/BATheatBlogVday</a><br /><br />*Some restrictions apply. Must become a Cirque Club member, with free subscription, to take advantage of offer. Service and delivery fees apply to all tickets during the purchase process.</span>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-77700946515973910222012-01-22T08:16:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:21:57.445-08:00The Jerry Herman Salon at 42nd Street Moon, starring Faith Prince!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">This coming week may I suggest a little entertainment for your calendar?<br /><br /><a href="http://42ndstreetmoon.org">42nd Street Moon</a> is the theatre on whose board I serve, and they are doing one of their <a href="http://www.42ndstmoon.org/best-of-times">composer salons</a> this Thursday night. Jerry Herman is the man behind Mame, Hello Dolly, and Mack and Mabel among others.<br /><br />Faith Prince is a Tony-winning actress who burst on the Broadway scene with her Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, opposite Nathan Lane.<br /><br />These salons are both full of lovely singing from talented performers, but also come with a bit of history and story-telling around the featured composer. Herman is still alive and both Faith and her co-star Jason Graae have worked with Herman, so we should expect some good insider info on the great composer who was a staple on the Broadway stage in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.42ndstmoon.org/best-of-times">Check it out!</a></span>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-8476720346221745772012-01-20T18:29:00.001-08:002012-01-20T18:38:32.580-08:00Woodminster Theatre announces their seasonAnd here it is, their 46th season at the outdoor amphitheater in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park:<div><br /></div><div>Fiddler on the Roof, July 13-22, 2012</div><div>What else is there to say? This is a perennial favorite for most musical theatre companies.</div><div><br /></div><div>A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, August 10-10, 2012</div><div>Sondheim's first Broadway show as lyricist *and* composer</div><div><br /></div><div>Cats, September 7-16, 2012</div><div>The first time they've gotten the rights to perform this one.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Season ticket sales are open now, with individual ticket sales starting on March 1st.</div><div><br /></div><div>And by the way: They haven't held auditions yet, so if you're interest they're taking place on March 31st-April 1st. If you're Equity, you can call 510-531-9597 to make an appointment after March 20th.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><span style="font-size: 16px; font-size:85%;"><span>Woodminster has lots of ticket deals...children, seniors, groups...and also opens the final dress rehearsal of each show as a preview performance costing only $12, which is pretty cool. Also cool is the "Kids Come Free" program, where kids 16 or younger may be able to come free when accompanied by a paying adult. They give away about 3,000 tickets per summer this way (so it's understandable they're seeking sponsorship for the program).</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><span style="font-size: 16px; font-size:85%;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><span style="font-size: 16px; font-size:85%;"><span>I've been to Woodminster many times...outdoor summer theatre is always a lovely outing...especially when you go with a group. Woodminster sort of reminds me of the summer stock theatre where I got my own Equity Card, the Barn Theatre in August, MI. These theaters are a labor of love, so I hope you support them!<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><i></i><br /><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br /></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-size:85%;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-18771663545562861512011-11-11T20:14:00.000-08:002011-11-11T20:18:52.949-08:00Lengthy Sondheim article upon "Look, I Made a Hat" releaseIn <a href="http://www.tabletmag.com">The Tablet</a>, tagline: A New Read on Jewish Life<br /><br />Article headline: <a href="http://www.tabletmag.com/arts-and-culture/books/82786/the-art-of-making-art/">The Art of Making Art</a><br /><br />Some interesting stuff.<br /><br />Some stuff with which i don't agree. (Sorry, love Sunday in the Park, don't see it as the start of his decline NOT AT ALL!)<br /><br />but anything that delves into Sondheim, his lyrics and his life is always worth a read from me. And you, if you're like me :)<br /><br />Enjoy. And you're welcome.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-10239121209133771442011-11-02T10:42:00.000-07:002011-11-02T11:56:34.544-07:0050th anniversary of West Side Story, wow!One of the best musicals of all time, wouldn't you agree?<br /><br />Someone sent me the full opening dance sequence, and I thought it was well worth sharing. To me this is 9 minutes of joy. :)<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bxoC5Oyf_ss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-11521940956408473132011-10-06T14:39:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:00:37.148-07:00More on Cirque du Soleil's tour to the Bay Area<a href="http://fmtcurrent.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-cirque-du-soleil-show-coming-to-bay.html">As I wrote back in June, a new Cirque du Soleil is coming to town</a>.<br /><br />Back then I only had ticket/discount info for the San Francisco leg of the tour, but now I have a discount code for San Jose too. So here are the deets:<br /><br />WHAT: Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring production is called TOTEM<br />WHEN: TOTEM starts in San Francisco Friday, October 28th, 2011 and then opens on March 2, 2012 in San Jose. <br />WHERE: TOTEM will perform at AT&T Park in SF and at the Taylor Street Bridge in San Jose.<br /><br />WHAT IS IT ABOUT?: Well, straight from the horse's mouth: "TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential."<br /><br />So, all I want to know is: Will there be shirtless flying men. Because that's been a much -loved staple of prior Cirque shows!!<br /><br />And here is the discount info:<br /><br /><a href="https://tickets.cirquedusoleil.com/zope/webshop/walkin?channel=8&seriesCode=TOTSFO&language=en&lfMix=CDSGP&promoCode=20HAD&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_source=blogspot.com&utm_campaign=100711%5Ehad%5E_sanfran-sfbayareatheatreblog&utm_content=text-link&utm_term=blog2&cid=tot_som_bpt_txt_tks_had_100711_sanfran-sfbayareatheatreblog_blog2">San Francisco Discount Link</a> (20%)<br /><br /><a href="https://tickets.cirquedusoleil.com/zope/webshop/walkin?channel=8&seriesCode=TOTSJO&language=en&lfMix=CDSGP&promoCode=HAD15&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_source=blogspot.com&utm_campaign=100711%5Ehad%5E_sanjos-sfbayareatheatreblog&utm_content=text-link&utm_term=blog1&cid=tot_som_bpt_txt_tks_had_100711_sanjos-sfbayareatheatreblog_blog1">San Jose Discount Link</a> (15%)<br /><br />Who's excited?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Disclosure: Cirque provided these discounts for me, and I may be able to go see the SF premier at no charge...but probably not because I will likely be traveling :( Maybe they'll let me go to San Jose instead.</span>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-27444678179419041112011-06-22T12:56:00.000-07:002011-06-22T14:32:31.925-07:00New Cirque du Soleil show coming to the Bay Area, and I have discountsI have a lot of strong opinions, and I'm not shy to share them. (Hence the seven blogs, I guess.) One thing I don't opine about regularly, but feel very strongly about is Cirque du Soleil. When I saw Nouvelle Experience in San Jose way back in 1990, it was indeed a new experience, and I haven't missed a Bay Area tour since then. I've also seen Mystere, O and Love in Vegas.<br /><br />Let's just say I'm a fan. <br /><br />So, I'm pretty excited to learn that a new show is coming to the Bay Area this Fall. I'm going to get to go to a press preview and review it, and I'll share a couple of discounts for you here, as I hear about them.<br /><br />WHAT: <span style="font-weight:bold;">TOTEM</span> by <span style="font-style:italic;">Cirque du Soleil</span><br />WHEN: Opens in San Francisco October 28, 2011, Opens in San Jose on March 2, 2012<br />WHERE: At AT&T Park in San Francisco and at the Taylor Street Bridge in San Jose<br /><br />HOW TO GET TICKETS NOW: <br />San Francisco: Until June 25, ONLY Cirque Club members can purchase advance presale tickets for the San Francisco opening. You can join and take advantage of that <a href="http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/san-francisco.aspx?cid=hadley/totem/sf/presale/sftheatreblog">here</a>.<br />San Jose: You have a more time for early access (until September 17th), also by being a Cirque Club member and by using <a href="http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/san-jose.aspx?cid=hadley/totem/sj/presale/sftheatreblog">this link</a>.<br /><br />I've been a Circque Club member for some time now (it's free) and while there are a variety of offers and products available by being a member, the one thing I've always used it for is to get early access to tickets to impending shows.<br /><br />IN addition to the pre-sale access, members will get $10 off Level 1, 2 or 3 tickets by using the above links.<br /><br />WHAT WILL THE SHOW BE ABOUT?: I think it's generally pretty hard to describe what Cirque shows are about, so here's the official description from Cirque:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.</span><br /><br /><br />So, I'm kind of hoping for a Julie Taymor's Lion King-ish Cirque du Soleil mash-up...wouldn't that be cool?<br /><br />OK, there you go. You can look for a review from me of the show in October, so if you're in San Jose and are waiting for my "expert" opinion before investing, look for it then :)ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-37521964739421694042011-05-30T10:37:00.000-07:002011-05-30T10:53:53.853-07:00Two openings this coming weekThe summer season in the Bay Area is heating up, so I wanted to share two openings coming up this week form theatre companies that reached out to me. (Did you know that? If you send me your info, I am happy to post about various Bay Area shows going on.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Playfest 2011, produced by Woman's Will at the Phoenix Theatre<br /></span><br />WHO: Woman's Will, the area's all-female Shakespeare Company<br />WHAT: Playfest 2011<br />WHERE: Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street in San Francisco<br />WHEN: June 3rd and 4th only, 8PM<br />HOW MUCH: $30 VIP/$20 regular <span style="font-weight:bold;">***This is a Fundraiser event for the theatre***</span><br />WHERE TO PURCHASE: Online <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/178602">here</a><br />MORE INFO: <a href="http://www.womanswill.org/playfest-2010">Woman's Will website</a><br /><br />DESCRIPTION: Woman's Will selected the best plays submitted from across the country. From serious plays contemplating the sacrifices and choices that a young woman must make when considering an abortion to playful plays summarizing what women truly want, Playfest 2011 celebrates subject matter that explores the range and depth of women’s experiences, throws light on the muscular talent of our overlooked female playwrights.<br /><br />THE LINE-UP:<br />740 is Blue Ribbon by Nancy Gall Clayton<br />Blood Sisters by Robin Rice Lustig<br />1960 by Marilyn Hughes<br />After the Prologue by Carol S. Lashof<br />It's Good to Know by Megan Cohen<br />Counting the Minutes by Evelyn Jean Pine<br />The Suffrage Play by Woman’s Will<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Assassins, produced by Ray of Light theatre at the Eureka Theatre<br /></span><br />WHO: Ray of Light Theatre<br />WHAT: Assassins, by Stephen Sondheim<br />WHERE: Eureka Theatre, 215 jackson Street in San Francisco<br />WHEN: June 2nd-25th (8PM Thursdays, Fridays, 2PM/8PM Saturdays, 2PM Sundays)<br />HOW MUCH: $20-$36<br />WHERE TO PURCHASE: Online <a href="http://rolt.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn">here</a><br />MORE INFO: <a href="http://www.roltheatre.com/season/assassins.html">Ray of Light website</a><br /><br />DESCRIPTION: Well, if you've seen Assassins then you know it's sharp, dark, unexpectedly funny and full of Sondheim's usual haunting music and exquisite lyrics. If you haven't seen it, you may know of it as one of Sondheim's more controversial pieces. In this day and age of heightened political rhetoric and increasing gulf between the haves and have-nots, it's only more relevant and resonant than it was in its debut 20 years ago.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-26752907724513570622011-05-08T07:15:00.000-07:002011-05-08T07:27:48.334-07:00San Francisco Special: The Countess Katya Smirnoff-SkyySan Francisco is the absolute epicenter of the drag theatre universe. (OK, NYC might argue, but I don't have to listen to them.) Taking it to a higher level of theatre and performance art, one such show is opening this coming week and plays for two weeks only. <br /><br />J. Conrad Frank has been evolving Countess Katya for six years, including monthly stints at Martuni's (every 3rd Sunday at 7 PM), but this show represents a big leap, as a full-length, stand-alone piece.<br /><br />Here are the details:<br /><br />WHAT: Katya Takes You Home: Songs and Stories for the Gypsy, Vamp and Vodka Drinker in Your Soul<br />WHEN: May 12-22, 2011<br />WHERE: <br />The Jewish Theatre<br />470 Florida Street,<br />San Francisco<br />WHAT TIME: May 12-14, May 17, May 19-21 @ 8pm, May 22 @ 4pm<br />HOW MUCH: $30 general admission, $20 students / seniors<br />HOW TO GET TICKETS: Tickets – starting at $20 – are available now via <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/171153">Brown Paper Tickets</a> and <a href="http://www.russianoperadiva.com">Katyaʼs Web site</a><br /><br />THE STORY: Katya tells tales of her well-travelled life, including struggling in Moscow as the daughter of a ballet prima dona, partying down in Ibiza with Ashton Kutcher, and giving show tips in Las Vegas to Tina Turner. It ends, of course, in San Francisco, where the now-fallen Countess has made her home as a Macy's cosmetics counter lady.<br /><br />MORE INFO: <a href="http://www.russianoperadiva.com">The Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy</a><br /><br />I'm in Detroit, NYC and Atlanta over the next two weeks (ah, the glamourous life) so unable to attend myself. If you go, enjoy! And come back and tell us all about it.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-13578957859994870612011-03-27T16:49:00.000-07:002011-03-27T16:57:09.420-07:00Who doesn't like Forever Plaid? And for $10 off?No one, that's who. <br /><br />[I now fully expect to bring the Secret Society of FPHs (Forever Plaid Haters) out to tell me how wrong I am, and why there are SO MANY REASONS to hate it!]<br /><br />I digress (and hallucinate).<br /><br />If you're among the wise majority who think Forever Plaid is nothing but adorable simple good times, then you'll be glad to know it's being produced on the Peninsula, starting this week. It has played in the South Bay pretty frequently, but I'm not thinking of a recent production further North. <br /><br />Until now, thanks to Broadway By the Bay.<br /><br />The Deets:<br /><br />WHAT: Forever Plaid<br />WHEN: MARCH 31—APRIL 17, 2011, 12 Performances only!<br />WHO: Broadway By The Bay<br />WHERE: Fox Theatre, Redwood City, 2223 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063-1641 (CalTrain accessible)<br />HOW TO SAVE $10: Click <a href="https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=7391ad6f02353c67edd3fc89e87202a3">here</a> and enter offer code: YELLOW <br />FINE PRINT: Restrictions may apply. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Excludes balcony and student tickets. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $2 Service Fee applies. Not valid on Target Family Matinee Series.<br /> <br />IN CASE YOU'VE BEEN LIVING UNDER A PLAID-LESS ROCK: Forever Plaid is a tuneful, clean-cut musical revue features 50s-style crooning by a foursome of (usually) adorable males. It features well-known songs, such as: “Sixteen Tons,” “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” “Three Coins in the Fountain” and more!<br /><br />Enjoy!ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-47165518971488844422011-03-19T08:45:00.000-07:002011-03-19T09:25:17.566-07:00Memphis on Broadway, by way of Palo Alto, coming to a (movie) theatre near you!Did you get all that from the headline?<br /><br />That's right: <a href="http://www.MemphistheMusical.com/">Memphis</a>, the Tony-Award-winning musical, got its start right here in the Bay Area at <a href="http://theatreworks.org">Theatreworks</a>. It went on to acclaim in NYC, and now it's participating in an interesting phenomenon that has popped up over the last few years.<br /><br />A taped performance of Memphis is going to be shown in select movie theatres over a four-day period in late April/early May, produced by <a href="http://www.fathomevents.com/about/">Fathom Events</a>, which is part of National CineMedia. This has been going on with concerts and other live events for a while, but I'm not sure they've ever done it with a Broadway musical before, and certainly not with the reigning "Best Musical" on Broadway.<br /><br />Another local tidbit: James Monroe Iglehart, a longtime local performer here in the Bay Area, traveled to NYC with Memphis and is still one of the featured performers.<br /><br />There are <a href="http://www.fathomevents.com/upcoming/locations/95117/04/28/2011/PerformingArts/event/Memphis.aspx">lots of local showings</a>.<br /><br />So, my questions for you are: Have you ever gone to one of these kind of events before? Did you see Memphis when it was at Theatreworks? Or have you seen it on Broadway? And finally, of course, would you go see it in a movie theatre?ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-19107955280416703252011-02-19T10:20:00.000-08:002011-02-19T10:27:13.996-08:00Opening this Weekend: Working at Foothill Music TheatreI've had the music for the musical "Working" for years and sung many a song (and heard others sing many a song) from it. But unbelievably: I've never actually seen it performed.<br /><br />I have the chance to change that over the next 3 weeks because Foothill Music Theatre is performing it now through March 6th.<br /><br />It's a show about working people and I have a feeling it's going to resonate pretty strongly during these difficult economic times. <br />And seriously, if you don't know the music? Great music by the likes of Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor, Craig Carnelia and more.<br /><br />Here are the deets:<br /><br />WHAT: Working, the Stud Terkel musical<br />WHERE: Foothill Music Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA<br />WHEN: 2/18-3/6. 8PM Thursdays/Fridays, 2PM and 8PM Saturdays, 2PM Sundays<br />HOW MUCH: $26 General Admission, with discounts for students, seniors and staff<br />HOW TO BUY TICKETS:<br />Phone: 650-949-7414<br /><a href="https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?m=ff3ead499e579e8dbe68333f87af1b50&t=tix">Online Here</a><br /><br />MORE INFO: <a href="http://FoothillMusicals.com">FoothillMusicals.com</a>ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-88828329755167588462011-02-06T13:16:00.000-08:002011-02-06T13:24:36.453-08:00Local theatre accepting applications for $1,000 theatre scholarshipIf you are or know a young theatre student, there's a local scholarship available from the <a href="http://www.WVLO.ORG">West Valley Light Opera</a>.<br /><br />Here are the details:<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">The Board of Directors of the West Valley Light Opera Association has announced the 9th. Annual Gene and Cele Pincus Memorial Theater Arts Scholarship for 2011. For 2011 the award has been increased to $1,000. <br /> <br />The Gene and Cele Pincus scholarship will award, on a competitive basis, an amount of $1,000 to a Santa Clara County graduating high school senior who intends to pursue a career in Theater Arts and who has demonstrated a high degree of involvement in the performing arts throughout his/her high school career.<br /> <br />The applicant must be a graduating high school senior going on to a 2 or 4 year college; his/her intended college major must be in the Theater Arts; this includes Acting, Music (vocal), Dance, or Stage Production. Applicants must be a Santa Clara County resident.<br /> <br />Application details are on <a href="http://www.WVLO.ORG">www.WVLO.ORG</a> <br /> <br />Note, application materials must be postmarked no later than Tuesday March 15, 2011. <br /> <br />Email questions to <a href="mailto:WVLO@WVLO.org">WVLO@WVLO.org</a></span><br /> </blockquote><br /><br />$1,000 is pretty sweet, so let your young thespians know...they have just a little over a month to apply!ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-28847050898854175552011-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-19T08:38:02.087-08:00Karen Ziemba, a personal favorite...and I have to miss it!What are you doing next Thursday night?<br /><br />Because Karen Ziemba, one of my favorite musical theatre performers, is coming to town to do <a href="http://42ndstmoon.org/and-all-jazz-john-kander-salon-evening">a tribute to John Kander for 42d Street Moon</a>, and I'm going to be in NYC that week.<br /><br />So, I really think all of you should attend in my absence, and then come leave comments on how it was.<br /><br />And your answer will be "stellar", I am sure.<br /><br />I first remember seeing Ziemba in a Sondheim Celebration televised on PBS. She sang "Sonner or Later" from Dick Tracy, to a flummoxed Bill Irwin. She was hot hot hot.<br /><br />She may not be singing Sondheim at "And All that Jazz" next week, but hey, it's Kander, as in Kander & Ebb. I think it's safe to expect other hot, hot, hot numbers :)<br /><br />WHAT: And All That Jazz, a tribute to John Kander<br />WHO: 42nd Street Moon, featuring Karen Ziemba and Noah Racey<br />WHEN: Thursday, January 27th, 7PM<br />WHERE: The Alcazar Theatre, San Francisco<br />HOW MUCH: $70<br /><br /><a href="http://42ndstmoon.org/and-all-jazz-john-kander-salon-evening">Check it out</a>.<br /><br />And make me green with envy.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-30916100506246943212011-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:45:03.703-08:00Spiderman delayed againGiven I wrote about my concerns about the Broadway production of the new Spiderman musical, I thought I'd keep you posted that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/14/spider-man-delayed-again-_n_809068.html">they've delayed their opening yet again</a>. Another month.<br /><br />It's kind of ridiculous. By the time they open (if they open) they will have had more previews than any other show in history.<br /><br />But meanwhile they're charging full price for every ticket.<br /><br />I'm going to NYC in a couple of weeks, but I'm not planning to try to see it. I'll let it run for some time without injury first!ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-86403303601984982772010-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:002010-12-29T11:07:38.490-08:00Ah, the "What's Wrong with Broadway?" memeIt rears its ugly head about as often as we hear "Where are the women in...[fill in the blank]?" meme here in Silicon Valley. It's the "What's wrong with Broadway?" meme, and having lived in NYC in the late 80s, you can imagine I've heard that question a time or two.<br /><br /><a href="http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/arts/matter-with-broadway">Kimberly Kaye tackles the issue</a> for, of all things, The Economist. I didn't even know they had more of a lifestyle outlet entitled "<a href="http://moreintelligentlife.com/">Intelligent Life</a>".<br /><br />A factor Kaye brings up that I really hadn't thought about was the economy's impact not on Broadway, but on significant Off-Broadway houses...many have closed, apparently. And that leaves certain shows with more quirk, less sure-fire spectacle, with nowhere else to go but to attempt Broadway. Sometimes it works; often it doesn't.<br /><br />It's a good read, and as she points out: Nothing new is wrong, specifically, with Broadway. Broadway has long been the most commercial of enterprises, vs. purely an artistic enterprise, and therefore it lives and dies by tourists and their dollars. <br /><br />Could producers examine the model of lowering prices to bring in a higher volume of audience member? I think they should. It's part of a vicious cycle that's been going for decades...spectacle begets cost. Cost begets higher ticket prices. Higher ticket prices begets expectations of something "spectacular" is going to happen. Expectations beget spectacle. And so on. And this all also begets more dependence on tourists vs. theatre-loving locals. <br /><br />Vicious circle, as I mentioned.<br /><br />Here in the Bay Area, over the last few years my theatre-going habits have changed dramatically as I've had less time...but also due to that expectations cycle.<br /><br />Of course, <a href="http://42ndstreetmoon.org">42nd Street Moon</a> is always on my list, since I'm on their board. And one of the things I like most about their productions is the intimate space and unamplified voices.<br /><br />But my other theatre-going has shifted from a brief subscription with TheatreWorks and a very long-term subscription to American Musical Theatre of San Jose (AMT) to the more recent 3 years my S.O. and I have been subscribers to San Jose Rep. <br /><br />With TheatreWorks, I felt like the prices (and local media hype) begat expectations they couldn't live up to for me. I wanted a level of quality I didn't feel I was getting for the price.<br /><br />With AMT, I felt like they were resorting to more and more old and tired fare...to fill a 3,000 seat theatre they couldn't really be too out there...not too dissimilar from Broadway I suppose. When it became clear that our subscription was always going to include way more <span style="font-style:italic;">Camelot</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Music Man</span> than <span style="font-style:italic;">Spring Awakening</span> or <span style="font-style:italic;">Assassins</span>, we moved on from that subscription too.<br /><br />Now, with <a href="http://www.sjrep.com/">San Jose Rep</a>, we're seeing way fewer musicals, more straight plays.We're seeing more new works. We're seeing things we haven't see (a hundred times) before. And we really like it. And think we're getting our money's worth.<br /><br />But it is not a big, commercial, for-profit theatre. And it likely never could be.<br /><br />What's wrong with Broadway: The same thing that was always wrong with it. <br /><br />But what's right with Broadway also remains: Amazing talent. Beauty, not just spectacle. The shared, live experience of something you can't get anywhere else.<br /><br />I'm heading to NYC in late January, and I'll be saving an evening for Broadway, no doubt about it.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-50398754566721451392010-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:002010-12-22T11:21:24.197-08:00Thoughts on Spiderman, safety and a union's obligationIf you're in theatre at all, you might be aware of the impending opening of the most expensive and complicated Broadway musical ever: <a href="http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com/">Spiderman</a>.<br /><br />It certainly sounds uber-cool. U2's Bono and Edge provide the music and lyrics, and it's directed by Julie Taymor. She of the visionary Broadway version of <span style="font-style:italic;">The Lion King</span>.<br /><br />Broadway roles are hard to come by. Paying acting gigs are hard to come by. The percentage of Equity actors who actually <span style="font-style:italic;">make a living</span> with their acting is horribly small. The actors who got that call that they had been cast in this show must have been over the moon happy about it.<br /><br />But is it worth dying for?<br /><br />And what s the duty of our union, as actors, to step in and shut something down when it is clear things are going horribly awry?<br /><br />I'd say it's a pretty unmistakable moral duty.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/22/spiderman-actor-injured-i_n_800205.html#s213754">The most recent of several serious accidents</a> happened Monday night. An actor's cable snapped, and he fell 20-30 feet. They're not being incredibly transparent about his injuries, but latest reports cite broken ribs, internal bleeding and have him in serious but stable condition. Apparently undergoing back surgery. Nothing mentioned about head injury.<br /><br />I'm prone to wonder about that, especially since one of the musicals lead actresses only recently returned form two weeks off due to concussion.She was hit in the head by a heavy rope and knocked out. Another actor broke two wrists during an aerial stunt.<br /><br />A quite comprehensive look at the injuries and issues is <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101222/ap_on_en_ot/us_spider_man_fall">here</a>.<br /><br />This show has been in development for years, rehearsal for months, and suffering technical setbacks, difficulties and these injuries since the very first preview (which is when the above-mentioned concussion happened). I don't mean to sound frivolous about the $65 million investment that's been made, but oh my God!<br /><br />There are obvious safety issues. What else needs to happen to prove that? Sure, they can blame human error, and they are, but perhaps then they are asking the humans to do too much.<br /><br />I think Equity (and OSHA) have an obligation to keep this show dark until every stunt and every set piece and every piece of machinery and equipment and every procedure and every failsafe and every fallback option has been thoroughly vetted...by experts. Not the same people who are already working on it. No, a new and fresh set of eyes and ears and hands.<br /><br />Because a Broadway role...not worth head injury, not worth a broken back, not worth paralysis, and not worth dying for.<br /><br />(PS-I think the same thing about sports, including cheerleading, in case you were wondering.)<br /><br />What do you think?ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-32566923970604315372010-12-05T17:24:00.000-08:002010-12-05T17:37:52.773-08:00Next up at 42nd Street Moon: Babes in Arms, a true classicIf you haven't seen <em>Babes in Arms</em> by Rodgers & Hart, you may wonder how that possibly could be once I list all the hit songs. Try this list on for size:<br /><br />My Funny Valentine<br />The Lady is a Tramp<br />Johnny One-Note<br />Where or When?<br />I Wish I Were in Love Again<br />All at Once<br /><br />Yes. All in one very hit-packed 1937 show. And one that is rarely produced anymore. You may have seen <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babes_in_Arms_(film)">the movie</a>...it's a classic Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney "Let's put on a show" affair, but I'm betting you haven't seen it on stage.<br /><br /><a href="http://42ndstmoon.org/babes-in-arms">That's where 42nd Street Moon comes in</a>. This is what they were created to do: Let you hear songs like those in their original context. And it's always fascinating.<br /><br />The show opened this weekend at the Moon and plays for three weekends.<br /><br /><a href="http://42ndstmoon.org/babes-in-arms">I wouldn't miss it, how about you</a>?ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110509.post-32276696859788020552010-11-07T17:10:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:13:26.142-08:00Guess i won't be seeing *this* on my next NYC tripMy last two trips to NYC have produced two wonderful theatre-going experiences: Bernadette Peters in A Little Night Music and Marin Mazzie in Next to Normal.<br /><br />If I want to keep my streak going, according to my entertainment bible, <span style="font-style:italic;">Entertainment Weekly</span>, I guess I betetr not see the new musical version of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Their review is, um, <a href="http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20364394_20439725,00.html">negative doesn't cover it</a>, let me just put it that way.<br /><br />As the reviewer himself points out there's a ton of amazing talent on the stage...not least being Patti LuPone and Brian Stokes Mitchell (I've missed him). But that's insufficient to save the show, I guess.<br /><br />Shame.<br /><br />And I guess I'll be checking out something else. I just have no idea what.ElisaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089769928274740436noreply@blogger.com1