Pepperdine's WIND and JAZZ ENSEMBLE at Smothers Theater in Malibu

 "If I ever go looking for my heart's desire, I won't go further than my own back yard." Famous last words spoken by Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," along with "There's no place like home." In other words, my Malibu neighbors, and perhaps New York City (NYC) transplants looking for some NYC razzlel dazzle, look no further than our backyard - right here in Malibu at Pepperdine University's Smother Theater for dance, music, theater and more. Tuesday night's musical program was a clever melding of both wind and jazz ensembles comprised of Pepperdine students under the directions of Theo Schmitt and Vince Trombetta.  Schmitt is a Swiss composer and conductor. He's a winner of the Fritz Bach Prize for excellence and winner of the Swiss Nat'l Conduction Competition ('19). Schmitt conducted Pepperdine's Wind Ensemble for the first half of the program which featured two world premieres. Both composers were in-house and brought on stage to speak about their compositions. I was amazed to see that both Kelly Moss and Carlos Duran were in their early 30s.  I was particularly taken with Moss' "Pursuit" which incorporated strings, percussion, wind instruments in a pleasing and complex aesthetic which also featured a harp solo. Both composers came on stage to talk about their works  Unfortunately, they were not miked and I was not able to decipher what they wanted to share with the audience. Schmitt also included two of his own compositions , "La Kialo de Estero" and Born to be Groovy." "Born to be Groovy" was the final piece played by the wind ensemble. It was a lively piece which had Schmitt aloft rollicking to his own melodies. Conductor and alto saxophonist Vince Trombetta led the jazz ensemble.  Trombetta has toured with Tony winner Ben Vereen and Grammy winners Steve Lawrence and Eddie Gore.  He's also worked on live TV shows; "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol."  The jazz program ranged from big band numbers, "Blue Skies by Berlin" and "Minor Swing" to bluesy "Georgia on My Mind" and Sonny Rollins' classic jazz piece, "St. Thomas."  The jazz band brought on stage Cecilia McCormick on piano and guitarists Zachary Gamble and Micah Kim. A special treat were provided by vocalists Cokie Daniel who sang "Blue Skies" in a retro-style to early radio days and Jamison Rosales' interpretation of "Old Devil Moon." So, no need to look over the rainbow or past our own backyards for entertainment and excitement. Come out and enjoy camaraderie right here in Malibu.  Get out and support young talent ed artists studying at Pepperdine University.  This program was free to the public. There's no charge for parking and need to make reservations in advanced for most performances. 

Armenian Sisters Perform Classics and Contemporary Compositions on Cello and Piano

Saturday night, The 222 Art Gallery in Healdsburg transformed into an intimate night club hosting a piano/cello duet of featuring the Aznavoorian Sisters.  The two ladies representing the US and their Armenian heritage have been performing together since their childhood.  They were selected to perform when they were quite young with the Chicago Symphony and have gone on to tour internationally for decades. Pianist Marta Aznavoorian won the Cleveland Int'l Piano Competition and has earned multiple grammy nominations. In addition to her performance career, Marta serves on the faculty of the Music Institute of Chicago.  Cellist Ani Aznavoorian is a top prize winner at the Int'l Paulo Cello Competition and has performed as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic and Helsinki Philharmonic. Both sisters have garnered recognition for their virtuosity with classical masterworks and contemporary compositions. The evening's program featured a blend of composition from various nationalities of both classical works; Brahms' Sonata for Cello and Piano in E minor and Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor. Marta noted the different styles between Debussy's composition as being more tonal and moody in comparison with Manuel De Falla 's (b. Spain 1876-1946) Suite Popular Espagnol. The other two more contemporary works were by Komitas Vartabed (b. Turkey 1869-1935) and  Gregor Piatigorsky's (b. Russia 1903 -1976) Variations on a Paganini Theme which was a lively interpretation of a more classical composition. Both sisters played with artistry and great technical skill. The sisterly bond and enjoyment of playing together was apparent and added to the celebratory evening of expansive music. 

SF BALLET's "Don Quixote"-Enchanting Not to be Missed

SF (San Francisco) Ballet performed the full length ballet "Don Quixote" on Sunday at the War Memorial Opera House. The ballet based on Cervantes titular novel published in Spain in the early 17th C had its world premier in Russia in 1869. This internationally acclaimed ballet had its SF premiere in 2012 as a production under the company's previous Artistic Dir. Helgi Tomasson and in-house choreographer Yuri Possokhov. It's only fitting and fair to comment on the multi-national dancers represented from Russia, China, S Korea, Spain, France, Mexico, Japan, Australia, S Africa, Iceland, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, Canada, England, Brazil, Belgium and of course the US.  Furthermore, there can be no cynicism regarding a homogenous ethnicity amongst the dancers. The only fair generalization is only the creme de la creme artists and executives comprise to create SF's world class company. The ballet was performed to the delight and awe of a packed Opera House. My only gripes (which I have with most full-length ballets) is the drudgery in the beginnings waiting for elaborate dancing to commence, and secondly, the silliness often inherent in the storytelling along with clumsy, buffoonish characters.  Still, I  have one major complaint being a staunch animal lover which was the utilization of the magnificent stallion and demure donkey on stage. It's apparent how regal both animals were and how subdued they were in order to be brought on stage in the first and final acts. I don't believe this warrant the limited holding space for these animals backstage and probably the sedation administered to keep the animals calm.  I view this as animal cruelty and would like put an end to this practice.  These diatribes aside, I will bestow my unreserved praise for the exquisite dancers, magnificent orchestral accompaniment, breathtakingly beautiful costuming and sing the highest praise for incoroprating young dancers from the SF Ballet School who performed as lythe nymphs and cupids during Don Quixote's dream sequence.  One of the young dancers in the cast said, "It gave us all a unique first-hand experience at what it is to be a  professional ballerina".  Of course the highlight of this vivant production are the numerous iconic "kitri jumps" which are jaw dropping in their athleticism and grace. The dancers throw their arms backwards and jete' into the air  defying gravity. The snapping of the fans and orchestral plucking of strings resounded as castanets leaving little doubt as to the savory Spanish flair found in "Don Quixote."  There are still several performances remaining this month.  Make it your quest to capture one of the last performances before it departs.  

The BRIDE-Maggie Gyllenhaal Creates an Original Film Version of Mary Shelly's FRANKENSTEIN

The new release, THE BRIDE, is a pastiche of movies and disjointed genres including horror, romance. gangster, and black/white musicals stitched haphazardly together in an ingenious experiment by actress/director Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal pays homage to the 19th C writer Mary Shelly with a wink and a nod to specific movies, actors and writers. Set in the gritty, crime infested 1930s city Ida/Bride (Jessie Buckley, sure to get another Oscar nom if not win for this performance) plays the embodiment of a resurrected woman intended as carnal companionship is electrifying. Christian Bale (an Acad. Award winner for is equally terrifying and even more heart wrenching as Frankenstein. It is Frankenstein who seeks out the mad scientist. Dr. Cornelia (Acad. Award actress, Annette Bening) to allay his entrenched loneliness. Together the two dig up the recently deceased Ida whom we watched implode around a nightclub table with nefarious gangsters prodding her on and then pushing her to an early demise. Once Ida has been resurrected she rejects Frankenstein's overly eager overtures. A more subdued courtship ensues replete with movie dates that often feature one of two nepotistic castings with Jake Gyllenhaal playing a singing/dancing matinee idol on the screen. The other bit of familiar family casting comes with Peter Sarsgaard playing Detective Jake Wiles on the track to reign in Frankenstein and his bride and perhaps some Chicago crime bosses.  I'm more at a loss to describe storylines than I am to point out disjointed tributes to movies such as "Bonnie and Clyde" and most assuredly "Young Frankenstein." Gyllenhaal really tipped her hate to Mel Brooks "Young Frankenstein" especially when having Frankenstein prances and sings "Putting on the Ritz." Penelope Cruz plays Detective Wiles gal Friday whose the brain behind the operation and is breaking new ground in field. This has been quite a posthumous year for Mary Shelly with the Oscar nominated "Frankenstein" film.  However, it's an enigma what Gyllenhaal wants Buckley to emote as Shelly. What works best is the captured poignancy of Shelly's classic. Bale as Frankenstein is a murderous monster and a gentle lover who wants nothing more than Bride by his side. Bening delivers the ruthless distancing of her own doings and responsibilities. Shelly's 1818 novel will remain atop my favorite list; one of the few books I'll reread. Seeing this bizarre, and at times cringeworthy movie with A+ acting and stunning cinematography, "I prefer not to." BRIDE will not  have mass appeal in Kansas or Buffalo but should garner critical acclaim along with 2026 Oscar nominations for casting and several individuals in the cast.)

YOUNG SHERLOCK-Is a Sure Hit and a Must See TV

YOUNG SHERLOCK is a brilliant new series airing on Amazon which offers a stellar cast (including Colin Firth), clever writing, beautiful costuming, charming cinematography and a myriad of murder mysteries. Some of the storytelling may seem convoluted but it is all cunningly unraveled by the a young Sherlock and his partner in crime a young Marietta (obviously before he becomes Sherlock's nemesis). Set in and around Oxford (and some globetrotting to China) this sumptuous and sensual series is seriously a contender for the best show to surface since Sir Conan Doyle gifted us with his unforgettable characters and insufferable albeit ingenious, criminal investigations.  The cast, in addition to Colin firth, includes Hero Tiffin in the titular role (he's also a doppelgänger for the late Paul Walker), an unrecognizable Joseph Fiennes as the patriach, Silas Holmes. The rapid fire banter and loving frustration between the two brothers is credible as is their remarkable sibling resemblance.  Donal Finn plays the young Moriarty Sherlock befriends early on in their dishonorable dismissals from Oxfard. I'm hard pressed to guess what riff will drive these two fast and furious friends into mortal nemeses as they mature.  Max Irons (son of actor Jeremy Irons) contrives a trifecta of terrific actors. In addition, there's the beguiling Zine Tseng as Princess Wei with a piercing vendetta of her own. And last if not first, the indomitable Colin Firth who will forever be revered as the epitome of Mr. Darcy.  The multiple gifted writers and directors include  British director Guy Ritchie best known in the US as Madonna's second husband. It doesn't take an Einstein to deduce that YOUNG SHERLOCK reveals a spellbinding detective series. It's elementary.  "How often have I aid to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." (Sir Conan Doyle)

Tennis Is Tempting to Watch Again - Check Out Indian Wells

Pickleball may the rage for especially for those of a (ahem - senior age) but for those who use to play tennis and stepped away, it's time to revisit the game if not as a player then a viewer. I have to admit my tennis days have melded into the pickle playing craze but I'm being drawn back into the luster of tennis that has acquired an elevated level of play by both the men and women. Let's put sexiness aside - no, let's not, the new crop of top male players are raising the bar for sexiness. Carlos Alcaraz is the world's #1 ranked tennis player in the world. I'd double that and name him sexiest man alive. And tennis fashions are breaking new grounds with monochrome dressing and neon colors of orange and yellow. The retro all-white dressing is making a welcome comeback being both classic and cool. Don't be a fool - check out the professional tennis circuit and you'll be amazed at both the elite power and athleticism tennis play proffers. Note the change in playing style; remaining back and not rushing the net as the ability to pass at the net with speed and more drop shots.  Tennis is not only an endurance game is a mind set. I've got my mind set to watch the elite men and women players who are not only at the top of their game but at the highest level ever. Finesse, fitness and fashion all add up to a winning match. I'm loving it! 

B'wy Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDINGS Definitely a Sappy Robot Love Story

The Broadway musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDINGS has some things going for it. It has a talented cast, clever staging and a diverting but forgettable score. It's set in the not too futuristic city of Seoul. Basically it is a love story between two android servants left abandoned in the same building. Claire (think Ishiguro's novel "Klara and the Sun") knocks on the door of Oliver (think Dickens' abandoned orphan) for assistance in getting charged. Both androids have become obsolete and discarded by their owners. This is the melancholy plot to Ishiguro's novel which evokes memes of selfless dedication that is met by eventual disregard not unlike  Klara or Woody in Disney's "Toy Story." Whereas these fictional characters all elicit our sympathies for their becoming obsolete despite their steadfast devotions, "ENDINGS" fails to compute similar emotional resolutions. Claire and Oliver are different models. Claire is by far the more worldly wise android aware of the nature of their similar situation whereas Oliver is irrepressibly optimistic of being reunited with his benevolent owner. Claire convinces Oliver to take a road trip with her to track down his benevolent benefactor whom Claire realizes is not returning to reclaim him. Oliver is protective of his plant and brings it along on their road trip. (Think ET's connection to plant life.) Their delight in their exposure outside their monotonous quarters is mildly amusing. There are delightful interludes of jazz vocals that represent the music Oliver listened to and grew fond of under his owner's tutelage. This Broadway musical illicit comparisons to other entertainments which fare far better. Overall,  HAPPY ENDINGS is pedantic and predictable and only mildly amusing. Are human failings embedded with codings to enable callous dismissal of one another? Will Androids evolve to develop human emotions? Does MAYBE HAPPY ENDINGS  have broad appeal. The answers are: yes, no and not outside the Wednesday, matinee crowd. 

Jazz TRIO M at 222 Explosive/Hypnotic Enjoyed by this Critic

Saturday night, the 222 in Healdsburg brought a seasoned trio of jazz musicians; TRIO M: Myra Melford, piano, Matt Wilson, drums and Mark Dresser, bass. TRIO M have been performing together for 20 years. Their effusive enjoyment of jazz and performing with one another was palpable from the 222 Art Gallery turned intimate night club. The trio came on stage and broke into their first number which actually included a second piece without any intro. Although the relaxed atmosphere was infectious, a little more info would've benefitted listeners attempting to be attuned to contemporary improvisational works. The divergent, definitive idioms of jazz are still breaking inroads into meandering measures of jazz innovations. The first number sound like a subtle warmup on a diminutive scale from that of an orchestral tuning prior to the conductor's raised baton. Wilson on drums shook hand held "castanets" that resembled shells. This produced a pleasing clacking. He also used them to strike cymbals which he then grabbed to cut off the reverberations. Meanwhile, Melford struck several keys in a randomly seeming manner. Melford's playing style reminded me at times of Monk's; seemingly random but landing with resonate intention. As the number progressed, her solo notes morphed into multiple keys then bleed into a more complex composition. Her keyboard playing overpowered Wilson's drumming and Dresser's underlying bass playing. Major take aways for me from the evening were several unique methods each of the artists incorporated when playing their instruments. Melford used the edge of her right hand to strike 5 keys in unison while trilling on the notes with her left between each strike on the keys. Wilson also under the back of his fingers to strike cymbols and drums as if knocking on a door for a hallowed sound. Dresser's arco at a 45 degree angle downward was a unique strumming technique that resulted in more of a wind instrument aesthetic than string. Wilson spoke on behalf of the trio. Several times he was corrected by Melford or Dresser for incorrectly naming the piece or crediting the composer. "Well, as you can tell, we've done a lot or traveling and recording together," he joked to the audience. I was most intrigued with the inventive techniques and surprising flourishes of the musicians. As a pianist myself, I was most impressed with Melford's playing. The SF Chronicle described her playing as "explosive, a virtuoso who shocks and soothes, and who can make the piano stand up and do things it doesn't seem to have been designed for." With the advent of new and blending jazz styles, I'd like to be led by performers, particularly  within intimate settings, to serve audiences as informers as to what genre or style we're listening to. 

LOOK BACK-Japanese Anime Drama Worth a Look/Dir Oshiyama

I was taken aback by the simplistic animation that belies a quiet beauty and a homily on friendship, artistic integrity and society that is deeply moving. Kyomoto Oshiyama's feature debut features two adolescent girls Fujino and Kyomoto who are both avid cartoonists. Fujino is popular at school, with well rounded interests and an avid illustrator/comic strip creator who is celebrated by her classmates. Kyomoto is the same age as Fujino and shares the same passion for creating comic strips and the pages and their strips are included their school's papers. Sadly, Kyomoto suffers from agoraphobia and is home schooled. Fujino is enlisted by a school official to bring Kyomoto's 6th grade diploma to her at home. Begrudgingly Fujino walks to deliver the other girl her diploma. The basic character illustrations are enhanced by the lush background artwork that imbue a sombre sense of isolation. The scenery becomes a main character as it serves to illustrate the four seasons in their majestic beauty and provides an ambiance of both solitude and jubilation. Fujino enters Kyomoto's home and leaves the diploma and a quickly drawn strip that slides under Kyomoto's bedroom door. As Fujino is leaving Kyomoto runs to catch up with her. Despite her nervousness, she tells Kyomoto how much she admires her work. A symbiotic friendship ensues between the two girls and each draws the other more out into the world. They collaborate on their crafts and create a prolific body of work that gets purchased and published. Their flourishing friendship is joyful and rewarding to behold. After high school graduation, Fujino decides to pursue a professional career. Kyomoto decides to further her art education. Instead of encouragement from Fujino, she receives a hurtful barrage of warnings that Kyomoto will be unable to manage without Fujino by her side. But, it is precisely what Kyomoto wants to accomplish: less dependence upon her friend and improve her scenic illustrations. LOOK BACK is told in flashback by Fujino after tragedy strikes as she tries to recreate a harsh world into a serene haven. Neither living in isolation or outside in a senselessly violent world without foibles. But the best in life comes from finding fellowship and passions. Take a good look at this disarming anime film on Prime Video dubbed in English. LOOK BACK  resonates with surprisingly strong emotions and illustrious artistry. 

YOUR FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS-Not For Everyone with Too Much Going On/Jon Hamm/Amanda Peet Star

Jon Hamm is the central character in a convoluted cast of characters starring as Andrew Cooper "Coop." Coop brings up to speed  quickly taking us through his predictably plodding pathway leading to Princeton and a fast paced financial career that careens into a plush lifestyle in an affluent suburb with a sexy wife (Amanda Peet) and son and daughter. Just as quickly this house of cards comes crashing down. His wife is caught au flagranet with his ex-best friend which results in divorce, she gets the mansion and major custody.  His conniving boss Jack, played convincingly by Corbin Bernsen ("LA LAW") fires him (while they're in a jacuzzi after racquetball) for his sexual indiscretions with a co-worker. Jack takes his client roster, reminds him of his no compete clause and freezes his lucrative earnings with the firm (whether Coop has a legal case grounds to sue is not clear for now). What result is a cataclysmic financial fallout that still has him driving his Ferrari and responsible for the mortgage on his ex's mansion, two private education tuitions and the care for his beloved but mentally unstable sister. We're lead to believe, although it's not clear, how destitute Coop is although he's desperate enough to commit felonious burglaries on his apparent "friends and neighbors" who retain their residences in his former hood. There's ambiguity as to whether to feel empathy for Coop as a victim and vindicate him of his sticky fingered findings from his filthy rich former neighbors. Whether these upper crust elites are still friends to trust is in doubt. Ham is one handsome hunk and he's having himself a lot of sex while still lusting for his ex. If Ham is your jam, there's plenty here to savor. There's also some interesting characters with his male best friend who is also his money manager, a former neighbor also in the throes of divorce and a willing sex partner. His teenage daughter brings her tennis game and sexual escapades into the fold. And, a tough wizened pawnbroker whose wise to shady customers adds a little "Breaking Badass" to the mix. You get a lot for your buck in this dark comedy. However, I want to see a smart parody on the rich especially with epiphanies from Coop. Coop has figured out how to navigates his way around cops and inside the wealthy homes left unlocked. I'm curious but not totally convinced that despite the lush lifestyles, good looking cast and illicit loot is worth spending more time with.