Les Miserables, Les Oscars Contenders

Victor Hugo's classic Les Miserables set at the time of the French Revolution, is one the greatest novels of all time.  I have seen the Broadway show, twice.  My expectations for the movie was set with the  highest benchmark; a formidable task. Les Miseables, starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne & Amanda Seyfried has now reset the bar for great movie musicals and should sweep this year's Oscar race.  I have only praise for the great story telling set to music & song.  I intended to throw Crowe under the bus for his singing but all was forgiven after he threw himself off the bridge.  I must extol 2 standout performers who made me cry, stole my heart & almost stole the movie.  Samantha Barks as Eponine sang beautifully and was the epitome of pain of unrequited love.  Gavroche, played by the young Daniel Hultelstone was awarded Javert's medal for honor but if there is justice, he will be awarded an Oscar nomination for his winning performance.  There were other pleasant surprises, Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter as the thieving Thenardiers added pure comic genius.  Like the play, I will see this film again.  Rarely is there a movie of such eloguence where you feel hate turned to love, "You have warmed my heart like the sun."  I loved this movie but I'll loathe the Academy if this movie doesn't garner all the Oscar nominations it so richly deserves.

The movie, Life of Pie, Dead in the Water

Having read & loved the Man Booker Prize novel (2002,) Life of Pi, by Yan Martel, I was interested in seeing the film but was perplexed how it would transcend to film.  The story is of a 16 year old boy, Pi, the sole survivor of a shipwreck in the Pacific who manages to co-exist in a life boat with a Bengal tiger for weeks at sea.  The brilliant novel read as a swift adventure tale of survival and inner-strength with a mystifying ending.  The movie while beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted (including the computer generated tiger,) was a religious saga that stalled @ sea despite the terrifying storms and intriguing sea creatures.  More importantly, the movie's ending did not provide the poignant impact of Martel's novel by having a grown-up Pi recount his ordeal to a writer in search of a story. The power struggle between Pi & the tiger turned too soft & too much like Tom Hanks & "Wilson."  And, if I'm going to be hit over the head with religious messages, I'm going to duck for shelter.  For the Life of me, save yourself from seeing this film, it sank.  Read the novel instead.

The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre @ City Center

Sunday night, New York City's own, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, performed to a sold-out exuberant audience with standing ovations after every performance.  The Ailey Dancers are the most talented, exciting, versatile, artistic, beautiful dancers; barre none.   Artistic Director, Robert Battle, has recently taken over the helm from Ms. Judith Jamison.  He has brought in additional new choreography to his sovereign company.  "Petit Mort" was met with laughter & cheers for its humorous customing & elegant musicality.  The dancers used their graceful bodies as a clarion call, "Do not go gentle into that great night." "Strange Humors" is a captivating comedic & combative pas de duex for 2 male dancers.  "Another Night" is a piece inspired by Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia" which blends two of America's greatest indigienous art forms, jazz & The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.  The company is currently at home, in NYC @ City Center through the end of the year.  The Ailey company is revered througout the U.S. & hailed abroad for its unique artistry & American style.  Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy the jewel of crown in the world of dance in our backyard. The final piece on the program is a new piece for the company.  The dancers owned the piece with their energy, power & fluidity.  It took restraint not to join the dancers on stage but we were on our feet cheering on the dancers.  

Julliard Dance, The New Dances: Edition 2012

The Julliard Dance School under the Direction of Lawrence Rhodes, had their 2012 dance program Dec. 12-16 @ the Sharp Theatre.  All programs consisted of 4 world premiers by 4 of today's most talented choreographers created for each class.  "Stages" by Camille A. Brown & "In Pursuit of Falling" by Emery LeCrone were the first 2 pieces on the program and somewhat similar.  The dancers were all dressed in  shades of gray with dark lighting & somber music.  "Stages" evoked a tribalistic hunting atmosphere that pulsated to percussive music.  "In Pursuit of Falling" the female dancers wore  billowing dresses.  Benches were used as props.  While seated, the women's faces were turned away by the male dancers from the center stage dancers.  The benches were also used to lift a standing female by 2 male dancers.  Women fell backwards from the benches into the arms of their male partners.  The stage was backlit with flashing neon lights, the acoustics were those of an orchestral warm-up.  The dancers maintained somber expressions.   The overall impression was that of women being the submissive sex.  "Footholds" brought a ray of sunshine to the program with a brightly light stage & uniformly vivid green & silver leotards.  More balletic movements were apparent with uniform port de bras & formations in unison. The final piece "Footholds" had the dancers wearing individual jeans & T-shirts. The dance had a high energy, aggressive quality suggesting urban life-style & congestion.  All the dancers were technically strong, artistic and a joy to behold.  Raymond Pinto, a Princess Grace Awardee was a standout, with a promising career ahead in the world of dance.  I look forward to the Julliard New Dances:  Edition 2013.

Any Day Now, see this film Now

Alan Cummings stars in this poignant and relevant film as a gay drag queen, Rudy, who is trying to adopt a young Down syndrom teen with his gay atty. lover, Paul.  Paul is desperately trying to stay in the closet for fear of losing his job.  The film is set in W. Hollywd in the early 80's.  Rudy is a female impersonator in a gay bar where he first encounters Paul. They quickly develop a sexual relationship. Paul confides to Ruddy that after divorcing his wife & leaving his family's business, he moved to LA to study law thinking, "He'd change the world and fight the good fight."  The opportunity soon presents itself.   Ruddy's neighbor in his sleazy building, is arrested for drugs and he witnesses social services heartlessly come to take away her teenage son, Marco,who has Down syndrom.  Despite having a junkie for a mother, Marco escapes his foster home & returns to his mother's apartment where Ruddy takes him in.  Ruddy bonds with Marco who shouldn't "be punished anymore for stuff that's not his fault."  Ruddy turns to his lover, Paul to help him gain legal custody and provide a loving home for Marco.  Not an easy task with homophobia discriminating against them in the court of law & in Paul's workplace.  Isaac Leyva portrays Marco, a gentle soul who has been badly neglected & blossoms under the care provided by  Ruddy & Paul.  This movie never veers into melodrama, although it does portray bigotry, hatred, love & compassion in equal measure.  The performances are all deeply moving and convincing.  Despite having made great strides towards civil rights, gay marriage is still not legal in the majority of states.  This captivating film speaks to injustice and to the collateral fallout in the wake of prejudice.  We in the audience were treated to a special surprise after the film, Alan Cummings was there for a Q & A.

Stand Up Guys, A Total Crack Up Movie

The movie, Stand Up Guys, starring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken & Alan Arkins is a hybrid vigor film of Good Fellows,  In Bruges, The Bucket List, Scent of a Woman & all the best of the best buddy pics, "only ooh hah" better!  The movie begins the day Val (Al Pacino) is paroled & picked up by Doc (Christopher Walken) his long time friend.  Before geyting Val, we see Doc painting scenic sunsets, attending church & departing from his dingy apartment looking at an old black/white photo of  3 younger amigos, Val, Doc & Hirsch (Alan Arkin.)  Doc packs some heat on his way out.  The movie is directed with brutal & tender comic genius by Fisher Stevens.  Val has served 26 years for a shoot-out that went down leaving the boss' son dead from Val's "friendly fire."  There's real affection & humor between Doc & Val. Val thanks Doc for staying in touch & for sending him his paintings.  Doc makes it his mission to ensure Val checks off items from his bucket list. Being a "wise guy," Val asks Doc if the boss has taken a hit out on him & Doc confirms he is the do or die hit guy.  Along the way they "break-out" their buddy, Hirsch, (Alan Arking) their old get-away guy.  All Hell breaks loose: car chases, tough guy escapades & heart rendering moments ensue.  "Like old times," says Hirsch.  "Only better," answers Val, "Now we can appreciate it."  The other great take away line from the movie is "Are we going to chew gum or kiss ass?" ask Val.  "Kick ass cause I'm all out of gum." answers Doc.  Bring gum,  cause this is one kick ass movie!

George Bellows exhibit @ MET

George Bellows is an American artist (1882-1925) from OH.  As a student at Ohio St., Bellows was a collegiate athlete & did illustrations for the school's yearbook on sporting events.  After graduation he moved to NYC, played semi-pro baseball while studying art @ the NY School of Art under the tutelage of Robert Henri.  Henri was recognized for his oil paintings depicting urban life and for teaching other painters such as Edward Hopper & Joseph Stella.  It was Henri who steered Bellows to pursue oil paintings in lieu of illustrations.  Bellow's began painting scenes of the underbelly of NYC life; industrial squalor & urban riffraff.  Though best known for his realistic paintings the variety of colors and subject matters merged into a modernistic style.  Bellow covered a plethora of subject matters: sporting events, landscapes & portraits.  Bellows also did a series of political drawings entitled, "Law Is Too Slow," depicting lynchings & executions.  I found his portrait of a street urchins as in, "Paddy Flannigan" to be provacative while the portraits of family & friends were tame & less arresting.  Bellows was constantly experiementing with the use of color.  Some paintings were in rich dark tones while others dazzled with beautiful, vivid color schemes.  Bellows' untimely death at the age of 43 from an appendicitis ended a promising career for an artist constantly in search of inspiration.  "There is nothing I do not want to know that has to do with life or art."  This is the 1st major retrospective of Bellows work is more than 50 years.  I suggest seeing his work now rather than putting it off.    

Knicks wash out Lakers @ MSG

Last night the Knicks were unstoppable through the 1st half, leaving the floor with a 27 point lead.  Carmello Anthony was on fire until he took a bad fall in the 3rd quarter.  He never came back from the locker room.  Anthony suffered a bad sprain to his ankle.  It is not clear if he will be in the Knicks line-up on Saturday.  Things started to go downhill from there.  The 20+ point spread dwindled to less than 10 and Kobe, the Laker's one man team was unstoppable.  Too bad for the Laker's Paul Gasol was out with an injury & Dwight Howard didn't hold back the Knicks.  However, the Knicks F/T % was an embarrassment.  I bet the New York City Dancers could have shot better than 60% from the line.  Meanwhile, the Lakers F/T shooting was over 90% the entire game.  Special shout out to Patrick Ewing who got a rousing ovation in the Garden and 2 of our Giants were also in the house.  The Knicks held on to beat the Lakers 116-107.  In the Knicks locker room Coach Mike Woodson (former Laker coach) is sure to send the Knicks to overtime @ the free thrown line.  Meanwhile, Laker's coach, Mike D'Antoni, I mean Kobe Bryant, is sure to have some words for his team.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

I admit to being biased in my praise for The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.  However, I guarantee you too will become a huge fan when you see them perform @ City Center (through Dec.)  The Ailey company is an American Art form which started in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, in NYC @ the 92ndY.  Mr. Ailey formed a company of African American modern dancers, creating an entirely new & innovative art form that changed American dance forever.  The company has had only 2 artistic directors since the passing of Mr. Ailey in 1989;  Ms. Judith Jamison, an original member of Mr. Ailey's co. & most recently, Mr. Robert Battle, an accomplished dancer & talented choreographer.  The company's repetoire has evolved from Ailey's works reflecting the African American experience during his lifetime  to reflect prescient issues and contemporary dance styles.  Revelations & Home are seminal pieces that established the company for its unique style and remarkable, versatile dancers.  I am particularily fond of the dances, "Petite Mort" and "Grace" which infuse both modern dance & West African idioms.  Both pieces are incorporated from other dance companies.  Mr. Battle is to be lauded for his artistic vision which lead him to enhance the Ailey repetoire from inside & outside the company.  Of course, once the Ailey dancers perform the work, they seem to own it.  New Yorkers, we should be proud to claim The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre as indigineous to America and to have its origin in our city. I urge you to support the Company that is revered national & internationally.  See the dancers while they're here; at home.

Poetry Slam, Staten Island High School Students

Last night concluded the competition for the 5 New York burroughs held @ the David Rubenstein Atrium.  The Poet-Linc, Poetry Slam, "I have a voice," is free & open to the public.  The students were from Staten Island & there were represented by 3 young ladies & 2 very talented young men.  Tonight is the final competition @ 7:30PM for the 10 finalists representing the 5 burroughs. The 2 finalists go on to compete against the winning high school students from, Chicago, the birthplace to poetry slam, & San Francisco, home to Alan Ginsberg, the beat poet of HOWL.  I am disappointed to miss tonights finals.  But, don't cry for me, I'll be at the Knicks/Lakers game.  Having been to 2 previous poetry slam competitions, I've loved all the student's works.  I will say that the student's from Staten Island showed  the strongest performances.  Their works were mostly memorized and the rhythm & syncopation of their poems were totally engaging.  One young lady began by singing her poem, then gave a bombastic litany and ended whispering her final verses.  Yes, this lady was one of the finalists.  Her performance and her poetry were both unique & creative.  Her poem, Marie Antoinette, I found particularily amusing & acerbic.  "I am the Queen.  I will arrest you for treason or for no reason."  Had I been the judge (which I find too difficult to do,) I would have chosen Mohamed for his heartfelt rap  & rhythm, as well as his incisive prose. "Everyone has the same dream.  Nobody cheated out of nothing."  I applaud all these amazing young poets who will not be going into the night quietly.  Go NYC!

The Julliard Jazz Ensembles, Just Jazz!

Last night was the finale to the fantastic Jazz Ensemble Fall Semester.  It was a great sign off for the year 2012.  The program's title was Just Jazz and it was just fantastic. Two separate ensembles performed classic jazz standards with arrangement's by the band's members.  Frank Kimbrough's Ensemble was a trio consisting of a bass player, drummer & jazz pianist phenomenon, 16 year old Beka Gochiashvili; a name to remember.  Gochiashvili did the arrangements for Coltrane's Giant Steps & Dizzy Gillespie's Groovin' High.  Matthew Jordrell's Ensemble performed the 2nd half of the program.  Jordrell's musical group consisted of a pianist, drummer, bass player & 3 spirited winds: tenor sax, trumpet & trombone.  The cool jazz classics were arranged by 5 different band members.  I particularily enjoyed the way Wayne Shorter's Lost segued way into Sonny Rollins' St. Thomas.  The Julliard Jazz Department has grown and matured under the steady guidance of Artistic Director, Carl Allen.  I'm not sure who was enjoyed the evening more, the audience or the young, talented artists performing on stage.  Tickets for the Jazz concerts are free but they are the hot ticket to get.  Be forewarned, people start to queue for tickets at the Julliard box office which opens @ 11AM by 9:30AM, lest you miss out.  

The film, Hyde Park on the Hudson

Hyde Park on the Hudson refers to  FDR's family vacation home and sanctuary.  The movie takes place the  weekend the Royal Couple of England spent with the Pres. and his family there.  The visit was significant for several reasons.  This was the first time any British Monarch had stepped foot on American soil since 1776.  The invitation came from FDR (Bill Murray) to the Royal couple in June 1939,  just  prior to Britain going to war with Germany.  FDR's motivation was to mitigate America's  strong anti-British & isolationist attitudes.  King George VI was cognizant of the gravity of the visit.  The King hoped to garner U.S. suppot with its impending war.  Upon arriving, Queen Elizabeth wanted to know why they call it Hyde Park, "We have a Hyde Park and it is all too confusing."  I was  confused that this seminal interaction was narrated by Daisy, (Laura Linney) one of FDR's mistresses.   Daisy, a distant cousin of FDR had an intimate and complicit relationship with FDR.  I was charmed by the bond forged between the two world figures.  FDR made the droll comment "I didn't know the British people voted for their King."  The movie was at its best when the King & President were in each other's company.  I didn't care for the sister wives storyline between Daisy & Missy, FDR's secretary.  The nostaglic look back showed a time when the press could be reigned in and the only the wife & mother could yell at the President.  The film captured a folcrum in U.S. history and I was greatly entertained. Unfortunately, the camera's focus came from one of FDR's secrets best left hidden.

Anna Karenina Film is a Masterpiece Classic

The British Drama, Anna Karenina, based on Leo Tolstoy's 1877 classic novel, is sure to become the ultimate classic representation on film.  Director, Joe Wright, (Atonement, and Pride & Prejudice) is reunited with the beautiful and talented, Keira Knightly as the love besotted & disgraced, Anna Karenina.  Jude Law plays her steadfast husband, Karenin. Vronsky is played with with devilish sex appeal & self-indulgence by Aaron Taylor-Johnson.  One can only sympathize with Anna when she forsakes all for her unabashed love affair with Vronsky.  The film takes place in late 19th C Imperalistic Russia.  It is pertinent today with its themes of forgiveness, righteousness and the folly of love.  Never has a movie blended choreography, theatre and cinematography to such incredible effect & beauty.  The ball scene where Anna & Vronsky have their 1st waltz was breathtaking.  The hand movements were choreographed with elegance.  The freeze framing of the other dancers is a harbinger of the ostracism Anna will be subjected to in the future.  The costumes should go on display @ the Met's Fashion Instit.  Perhaps we've come along way from planting a scarlett letter but the double standards for men & women still persist.  Why the passage of gay marriage is not legal in all states is archaic.  For every era, there will be issues we will look back at & shake our heads.  For now, delve into 19th C Russian history, see this sumptuous and poignant film I deem a masterpiece.

Julliard Percussion Ensemble

The Julliard Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Daniel Druckman, performed last night @ the Sharp Theatre a very contemporary and and attention grabbing program.   Percussion instruments are interesting for their tonal vibrations and ability to sustain resonance.  All the compositions explored the quality of blending different percussive sounds and the diffusion of their sounds blending & fading into one another.  Vibraphones (contemporary "riffs" on the xylophone) were featured as in Steve Reich's Mallet Quartet (2010.)  Differing styles of mallet heads were utilized to create variations in tone & harmony.  In John Luther Adam's …and bells remembered (2005) the bass bow was played on the vibraphone melding percussion & string instruments for an inventive contrast in tonal chords.  Guo Wenjing's Parade (2003)  was an explosive and energetic composition; 3 percussionists with individualized mallet sticks pounded away at "communal" canon drums.  The miusic had a very propulsive, bombastic style.  I was watching to see if there would be any actual discord in harmony amongst the musicians.  The program was never dull and was not conducive for a "restorative" meditation.   I find it exciting to attend concerts such as these, with compositions that are propelling music into the future.

Matisse @ Met, c'est Magnifique

The Matisse in Search of True Painting is the new exhibit @ the MET by one of the world's most acclaimed artists for the 1st 1/2 of the 20thC.  With any exhibit of Matisse's oil paintings, you expect aesthetically pleasing paintings by the master.  But, at the age of 30 in 1829, Matisse was unsure of his ability to support his family through his art.  Matisse's early paintings were mainly still lifes because the expense of hiring models exceeded his means.  His first 2 paintings were small still lifes of the same composition but done in 2 very different styles.  These 2 works were later incorporated into his larger composition of Side Board and Table.  What makes this exhibit so fascinating are the pairings of his replicated subject matter in diverse styles.  His early works were greatly influenced by Cezanne & Signac.  Matisse objective for repetitive compositions was to "push further and deeper into true painting."  He believed the process was paramount to the result.  While admiring both Sailor I and Sailor II, one patron asked his friend which painting she preferred.  His companion voiced a preference.  Perhaps, it is too easy to compare works that are similar but it certainly misses the point.  From Matisse's apartment in Paris, he had a vantage of Notre Dame of which he never tired. "For me it is always new."  The multiple paintings of Notre Dame are all exquisite and unique.  No one will leave without an appreciation for Matisse's magnificient oil paintings which span his earliest works in 1829 until he stopped painting in 1948.  Perhaps, many of you with leave with an appreciation for looking at things that are the same but seeing them in new & different ways.

LINCOLN - got me thinkin

There are not enough superlatives to praise this film.  We may not have a "long" history but a most incredible history for which we should be incredibly proud and ashamed. It's imperative to honor all those who have suffered from slavery, bigotry, and sacrifice, by remembering and acknowledging our true heritage.  The belief that all men are created equal, was stated by Thomas Jefferson in our Declaration of Independence.  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."  Perhaps, it wasn't made clear in 1776 (even to Jefferson.)  Abraham Lincoln, our nations 13th President, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Jan. 1, 1883.  Pres. Lincoln's main objective was to prevent the cessation of States from the Union.  "My paramount objective in this struggle is to save the Union and is not either to save or to destroy slavery."  In Nov. of that year, Lincoln, with a fervid change of heart, gave his famous Gettysburg address.  The opening scenes of LINCOLN depict the brutal carnage of war.  We next see Pres. Lincoln on the battle front, listening to white and black soldiers quoting from his Gettysburg Address.  (Along with a formidable, Negro soldier, informing Pres. Lincoln of the inequalities between the white & Negro soldiers.)  President Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address proclaimed, "That these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - a government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the Earth."  The movie is the most entertaining & informative history lesson, EVER.  There's insight into the politics of government (which perhaps, our 44th Pres. should take note).  It is a movie about morality, a movie of grief, a movie of one the truly great human beings that have shaped our nationin.  I've heard grousing that the movie is too long & dull.  Well I believe all men are created with some stupidity, some with more stupidity than others.

Julliard String Quartet (JSQ) performs Beethoven

Did anyone know that November is Nat'l Beethoven month?  Well, it is even though Beethoven's birthday is in December.  As far as I'm concerned, the man & his music cannot be feted enough.  Perhaps it is no coincidence that the world reknown JSQ performed Beethoven's String Quartet in C sharp minor, Op. 131 which the current movie, A Late Quartet, is inspired by and structured around.  At the time Beethoven composed his final 5 string quartets, he was already deaf & in failing health.  His musical genuis is hard to fathom without even considering he could only hear his compositions in his head.  Could Picasso have continued to paint after losing his sight?  I think yes, but then, genuis on their magnitudes is a miracle in and of itself.  Thankfully, you don't have to be an Einstein appreciate their work.  Just make sure to take the time to listen to Beethoven,'s music, see the Picasso exhibit @ the Guggenheim & see the movie, A Late Quartet.  The esteemed awards for JSQ are immense.  They have been inducted into the Nat'l Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences '86 and became the 1st classical music ensemble to have been bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.  The concert was held at Alice Tully Hall to a completely full house with a crowd on standby for seats.  You are able to hear JSQ in concert in numerous, prestigious venues.  Last night, the tickets were FREE to those savvy enough to obtain them from the Julliard School ticket booth.  I did not stay after intermission for Beethoven's String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 as I wanted to see the end of the Knicks/Nets game.  "My heart's beatin rhythm, And my soul keeps a-singing the blues."(C. Berry) Roll over NY Knicks the Brooklyn Nets are the News.

The French Film, Rust & Bone with Marion Cotillard

(The French film, Rust & Bones (with English sub-titles) is a down & dirty slice of life movie where you actually forget you're watching (& reading) a movie.  The film begins with a father, Ali, & son, Sam, on a train where the father scrounges through other passengers' garbage to feed his son.  They devour their food like hungry animals.  They reach Sam's sister & brother-in-law's cramped apartment.  Their reunion (after a 5 year hiatus) is not met with warmth, rather like animals circling each other.  We learn that Ali fled with Sam.  He ask his family to allow them to live there until Ali finds employment.  Ali's 1st job is as a bouncer @ a nightclub where he breaks up a brutal beating of a woman, Stephanie,  (Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard) and insists on driving her home.  Bleeding profusely from the nose & Ali implies she was enticing trouble dressing look like a whore.  He does leave his tel. # with her.  Nothing is subtle or glossed over in this movie.  Stephanie works as a whale trainer @ a water park where shortly after meeting Ali she is in a terrible accident involving a whale.  (Whales should not be taken from their natural habitat and put in small confinement for our entertainment.  This gives me a melt down.)  Stephanie is critically injured.  She wakes in a hospital and to her horror finds both her legs amputated at the knee.  Her anguish is palpable.  At first, Anna is in a malaise of depression & resistant to rehabilitation. Then Anna reaches out to Ali for companionship. Their relationship renews Anna's desires for life.  Ali's new income comes from brutal, extreme boxing matches.  When tragedy strikes Ali's life, it is Stephanie who reaches out to comfort him.  The cinematography makes you feel every blow and every drop of blood.  This film depicts mankind's basic animalistic tendencies & mankind's resilience & the redemptive power of love.  Rust & Bone has much to wince at and much for me to recommend.

BATTLE of the BROS-in-law @ BARCLAY Ctr.

Last night was my 1st time at the beautiful Barclay Center in beautiful Brooklyn.  The B or the D brings me door to door; easy breezy.  And, add 1 more to the score - a gentleman gave his seat to a lady.  Score is 5 down with 5 more seats to be surrendered.  The artwork that flashes by on the subway is an added free perk as you're coming/going.  Did I mention the beautiful Beyonce was in dah house alongside her hubby, Jay Z, Billy Crystal, Ray Ramona & Kelly Rowlands. R & B star, Mario sang our anthem, A capello; Amazing.  (Although I would have preferred his R&B 1/2 time performance to have been A capello.)  Here's my rant - stop playing music during play - this is a sporting event, not a rock concert.  I like the Nets uniforms, I like the Brooklynettes "costumes," NOT!  I haven't comented on the game yet.  This chick picks what's important.  The Brooklyn Nets have Chris Humphries, Kim K's Ex.  The LA Clippers have Lamar Odom, Chloe's sexy husband.  Chris & Lamar were brother-in-laws for a nan-o-second.  The game  was a close the 1st 3 periods.  Both teams played sloppy turning the ball over, equally.  The 4th period the Nets had game, especially Williams & Lopez. The Nets won by 10.  Will I come again?  Our seats which were comp; 10th row center.  Sweet…until I looked @ the price $600/seat.  That's just crazy!  Jay-Z that's just wrong!        

The Central Park 5 documentary by Ken Burns

The Doc. on the 5 teens wrongly prosecuted and sentenced to hard time for a crime they didn't commit is the MOST PAINFUL & IMPORTANT film reflecting flaws in our judicial system and systemic racial prejudice. Obama, as Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces, what are you going to do for these men?  In April '89 a white, female was found brutally beatend, sexually assaulted and left for dead in NYC's Central Park.  Under Mayor Koch, the city was in dire financial straits, crime at an all time high and the racial tension readty to combust.  Five innocent young men:  Anton McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Kharey Wise & Yusef Salaam (14-16 years of age) were arrested and coerced into false confessions.  Mayor Koch used to ask "How I'm doing."  A grave injustice has been done to these boys and their families.  Koch declared this case was going to show how the justice system works.  Tragically, it made a mockery of our judicial that reverberates today.  The guilty parties include the detectives who tortured these boys & the 2 lead prosectors, who sought quick convictions not justice despite the dire collateral fall-out.  You watch these frightened young boys who submit to their "captors" demands and you wince in agony.  This case calls to mind the Scottsboro boys.  Nine innocent black teenagers were falsely accused & convicted of raping a white woman in AL in 1931.  The Central Park 5 were all wrongly imprisioned for 7-13 years.  Anton McCray said when the guilty verdict came in, "They immediately handcuffed me. I was completely alone.  The gates closed on my cell and I knew my life was over."  Matias Reyes, the quilty perpetrator, while in prison  encountered Wise and admitted his sole responsibility out of feelings of remorse.  The case was reopened and DNA (available at the time) linked Reyes.  No other evidence was used to convict the 5 (there was none) other than their coerced confessions they all recanted, declaring their innocence and refusing to take any plea deals.  I remember the case & their convictions but did not recall their exonerations.  Hopefully, there's much to be learned from this travesty.  Richardson, Santana & McCray have filed a civil suit for "malicious prosecution, racial discrimination & emotional distress."  The city is refusing to settle.  Gov. Cuomo (your father was Gov. at the time), Mayor Blumberg, Pres. Obama do the right thing by these men.  We owe them so much that can never be compensated. We owe them to never forget and demand our govt. officials expediate a just settlement to their suits.

Poetry Slam, Open Mike

Last night @ the Poet-Linc, Rubinstein Atrium, after the students finished performing their own works, the stage became an open mike.  The emcee had announced during the poetry slam that there was a sign up sheet for anyone wishing to get up & "slam" following the student's competition.  I stayed for 2 men, both said they were so enthralled with the talent and courage of the students, they were inspired to get up on stage.  The 1st to slam was an Israeli that said he had never been to  a poetry slam before & wanted to participate.  And, participate he did; kudos.  The 2nd man said  he came to hear the students and came with something he had to share.  I had to hand it to this guy, he was good, too.  Alas, this classy lass lacks the bravado to perform in front of an audience (an enviable talent, I know.)  I am trying my hand at writing a fast paced poetry slam for the 1st time.

STOP RUSHING ME!

Why are you always rushing me?
Why do you listen when I'm not talking to you?
Why are you so judgemental when I criticize.

Whose side are you on?
Of course there are,
Of course you're not!
Why are you so cold while I am hot?

Stop not being there, in my corner
Stop rushing me to nowhere fast
I stop
I'm in this no longer.

Poet-Linc Poetry Slam NY H.S. Students

I was so deliriously happy at my 1st poetry slam @ the David Rubenstein Atrium/62nd & 63rd, that I came back for an encore of the best, FREE live arts performance by our local high school students.  There were 8 high school students (all male) representing Queens.  The students recite their original works.  Some perform reading from their Iphones, off handwritten or typed paper, & some recite extemporaneously.  The theme for the entire competition is I HAVE A VOICE.  There are 3 rounds, with 3 different styles:  declarative (speech tone) narrative poem (a story having a beg'g, middle & end,) & free verse (open to all creations.)  The judging is done by a panel of 3 prof. poets/writers & 2 random audience members.  Judging is on content & performance. I was approached to be a judged but said I would only want to give them all 10's: they said thanks but, no thanks.  The evening is filled with humor, creativity, emotion and a bonding between the contestants & the audience.  Again, I was pleased at how the competitors all cheered for one another & laughed together.  The overall tone was clever & funny.  I was moved by the heartfelt love poems; lucky young muses.  Of course, there were poetry slams that dealt with more serious matters:  9/11, rage, mankind's dark side, disconnection.  On the lighter side, one competitor gave such a beautiful love poem the emcee told him, "hang onto that one, you can use it at your wedding."  The poem, "Breakup" was a crack up.  "I'm sorry I ever kissed her.  We used to be like lemon & lime.  Now it was a waste of time. I think you're just you, you used to be my boo." Another said "Dear time, you've gone crazy, a ploy between some girl & boy."  The emcee always says to applaud the poet not the scores.  I cheer for all you brave young artists, bravo!  One last quote, "I'll be back!"

Julliard 415 @ Alice Tully Hall

Julliard 415 offers the Julliard students the opportunity to play with professional musicians, domestically & internationally.  I like to refer to Julliard 415 as a box of chocolates, "you never know what you're gonna get."  Although, you can bet it will be exciting, classic, modern & always a learning experience.  Last night was a revised program featuring fortepianist Christoph Hammer who graciously filled in for Kristian Bezuidenhout who bowed out on short notice.  Hammer is a highly acclaimed pianist, organist and Prof. of historic keyboards in Munich.  Prof. Hammer announced he was the 1st person to perform on the new fortepiano commissioned by Julliard.  Sitting in the packed auditorium was Mr.  R. J. Regier, the fortepiano instrument-maker.  Prof. Hammer played solo piano compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & by his youngest child, Franz Xaver Mozart, born posthumously.   Franz Xzver a.k.a. W.A. Mozart, Jr., was an accomplished pianist, violinst & composer and was esteemed during his lifetime.  "Junior's" piano compositions followed in the romantic style of his father until later when he moved towards a more contemporary style of the early 19th C.  One of Junior's famous piano pieces had been credited to Liszt until very recently.  However, it is rare to find recordings of Mozart, Jr.'s work today (even I, a jaded New Yorker, was unaware of his work.)  Prof. Hammer informed the audience of the innovations to the keyboard, in particular, the hammer (really)  allowing the strings to be struck with nuance.  Until that time the harpsicord or keyboards were mono-tonal.  The meaning of the word paino, means soft and forte means loud.  This new method was very exciting to W. A. Mozart whose compositions became prolific during his short life.  This advancement did lead to the demise in popularity of the harpsicord.  The program included works by Schubert & Boccherini.  I reveled in the performances and felt I had been given a master class.

The Film "In Another Country" should stay there

The S. Korean film, "In Another Country," with English subtitles, has an all Korean cast except for the highly acclaimed French actress, Isabelle Huppert.  Huppert is France's most nominated (13 times) actress for the Cesar Award; France's equivalent to the Oscars.  The story is a rip-off of Virginia Woolf's 1927 novel, To the Lighthouse and the 1998 British-American film, "Sliding Doors."  The film uses the similar premise in "Sliding Doors" of parallel scenarios, and plagiarizes Woolf's brilliant novel where the characters are forever seeking to reach the lighthouse.  The real crime, is that having stolen from these 2 brilliant works, the movie is dreadfully dull.  Anne (Huppert) plays the same woman in all 3 varying (yet, similar) universes where she is pursued or pursues, Korean men.  The adjective beautiful is repeatedly used in all 3 story-lines to describe Anne. I repeat, this movie is boring.  In one scene, Anne, after passionately kissing one of her lovers, slaps him in the face.  When he asks her why she just did that she responds, "I don't know. I love you."  This movie made no sense and I hated it.  In the 3rd scenario, Anne turns in the opposite direction at the same fork in the road.  In this journey Anne meets a monk & asks him "Why am I so miserable."  The monk replies, "Because you lie."  It would be a lie not to tell you to shy away from this debacle.

SILVER LINING is solid gold

Silver Lining should become an instant, contemporary holiday classic.  It's a hybrid of: It's a Wonderful Life, Dancing with the Stars, Homeland, One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest & When Harry Met Sally.  This movie makes you wince, laugh, cry & cheer. The stellular cast includes Bradley Cooper;  the sexiest man alive, Jennifer Lawrence, an amalgamation of Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda & Kristen Stewart and the best actor EVER, Robert DeNiro. The movie follows Pat (Bradley Cooper) as he is released from his 8 month, court ordered asylum sentence after brutally beating his wife's lover.  Pat is brought home by his docile & loving mother to his middle-class PA home.  Nick & his mother surprise his father, Patrick (Robert De Niro) upon his return.  It soon becomes apparent that the apple did not roll far from his parental tree.  Patrick, a well intentioned family man, has a volatile temper of his own and a gambling addiction.  Pat still pining for his estranged wife, meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who has mental & behaviorial issues of her own to contend with since the death of her husband.  It is no surprise as Pat & Tiffany form a symbiotic relationship, the audience roots it will turn to romance.  Chris Tucker plays a supporting role that is both hilarious & tender.  Pat believes "if you work hard & stay postive you have a chance for a silver lining."  I believe this quirky love story will melt your heart, if not, your heart must be made of stone.  

New York Philharmonic Open Rehearsal - Brahms

This morning Kurt Masur once again returned to conduct the New York Philharmonic performing Brahms Symphony #3 & Symphony #4.  Avery Fisher was very well attended.  The orchestra was in full for the performance and the orchestra all stood to welcome Maestro Masur.  Brahm's Symphony #3 originally premiered to the displeasure for audiences at the time who preferred the music of Wagner, Liszt & Bruckner.  However, audiences soon embraced Brahms 3rd Symphony which garnered acclaim acquivalent to Beethoven's 3rd, whom Brahms held in the utmost esteem.  Brahms' sypmhonies are beautiful, soaring and will forever remain among the greatest works of classical music. Brahms' symphonies may not be as complex as Beethoven's works but I find them enticing like his lullabies and was lulled by the sumptuous music into a state of bliss.  I wasn't able to stay for Symphony #4, but @ $18 for NY Philh. orchestra seats, it's a bargain @ twice the price.

Poetry Slam @ Rubenstein Atrium/Linc. Ctr.

Tonight I went to the free, Poetry Slam Competition, which features high school students from all 5 burroughs.  Tonight the students were from the Bronx. The Poetry Slam's theme is "I Have a Voice." The student's perform their original poetry in their unique style. This was my 1st time experience with this remarkable art form.  The 1st of many will follow.  Hats off to these talented, courageous, entertaining young poets.  The huge rock I've been under is off and I'm sorely aware of what I've been missing.  Slam poetry originated in '89 out of Chicago and is the greatest art form to originate here since jazz.  This competion, like the Oscars, unfairly compares different artist's performances.  The judges are comprised of 3 world class poets and 2 random audience members.  The judges rate the poems from 1- 10; the highest & lowest scores are tossed and scores are posted immediately following the student's recitation.  Fortunately,  I wasn't a judge because I would have rated everyone a 10 everytime.  I was laughing, I was crying, I was utterly amazed by the quality of the poems & the incredulously poignant performances.  There were 3 rounds for the contestants to recite 3 poems in 3 different styles.  The final round was "free voice." Slam poetry is an amalgamation of philosophy, rap & emotional candor.  These talented students all deserve recognition.  They spoke from their hearts & tugged @ my heart strings.  Some of the poems that resonated for me: "Where Does the Love Go" which addressed caring for the homeless, "Hello," a touching, unrequited love poem to a girl, and "My Heart," a daughter recalling her love for her father who abandoned her.  I could go on & on & I will go back, again & again, now that I am out from under that huge boulder.

Tokyo 1955-70: A New Avant-Garde @ MOMA

The new exhibition of Japan's artwork from 1955-70 is a sweeping, stimulating, disturbing, prolific show.  The exhibit is presented in 3 rooms. The earliest works in the front room, & progresses   chronologically.  There is an explosion of art, materials, mediums; where to begin? I'll begin with the most destructive, deliberate explosion of all time, the atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan at the end of WWII.  The Allies, (i.e. the U.S. {us}) entered the Imperalist nation of Japan, in '45, as a strong presence to '52.  In 1956, the Japanese Govt. proclaimed the Post War over (good to know).  Starting in '55, a decade after Japan's decimation, a rebirth or rebuilding was taking hold.  The earlier works depict  apocalyptic works in a multitude of materials.  Natsuyi's, "Map of a Man," shows a white shadow of a male figure.  This recalls the photo of a human shadow embedded in concrete, caused by the atomic bomb.  I would would categorize the artwork in the 1st two rooms as macabre, oppressive, stirring & creepy.  The large oil painting that encompasses the entire wall dividing the 1st two rooms is divided in the middle.  This painting has male/female figures in an idential martial arts stance, with a foot poised for attack. It repeats continuously into the horizon. Moving deeper into the exhibit, I found works representing metamorphosis and rebirth; a transition from a rural, farming culture to an industrial, urban, capitalistic society.  The most riveting piece was Tasumi's "Homage to the Young Generation," a cocoon split in the middle attached to a cerebral mass.  By the time I progressed into the furthest gallery, I was ready to scream from over stimulation.  The gallery had remarkable black/white photos, videos & posters.  Tandoori's poster contained a male corpse hanging from a noose under his name.  The caption read, "Having reached a climax at age 29, I was dead."  I was electrified by the the Avant-Garde exhibit, a powerful documentation of history.
Edvard Munch's The Scream is currently at the MOMA and I went to see this iconic piece.  Of course, no matter how many times security chastens people, they persist in taking flash photos.  The guards should scream at them, "what's wrong with you people?"

Knicks kick Mavericks to NYC's curb

Last night the Garden had a party with the Knicks beating the Mavericks 104-94.  The 1st 1/2 was a tight, fast paced game with few turnovers.  However, the Knicks were down by 3 @ the 1/2.  Starting in the 3rd Carmelo was no longer mellow & the Knicks turned up the heat.  Carmelo scored 31 for the night with Tyson Chandler, a former Maverick, adding insult to injury sending Dallas packing.  Way to go Knicks who are now 4-0; great start.  Yes, I'm sorry to miss Jeremy Lin on the roster but I do have my hometown favorite, Steve Novak, on the team, YEAH!  (Just hoping Swisher - say it ain't so...)  Big thanks to the Knicks who have put their time and support to our fellow New Yorkers.  And, Kudos to those individuals MSG called out on the floor to honor for their selfless, heroic acts during and after Hurricane Sandy.  While Sandy ravaged our tri-state area, I'm reminded of Sandy in Annie, "the sun'll come out tomorrow," and the New York Knicks City Kids always give you something to smile about.

NY Philharmonic Open Rehearsal Thursday

I was fortunate to be among the sparse turn out for Thursday's NYPhil Open Rehearsal (I'm sure due to Stormy Weather.)  "Keeps rainin' all the time.  Life is bare, gloom and mis'ry everywhere, Stormy Weather." (S. Cahn)   The rehearsal was a respite from all the destruction & despair.  Maestro Kurt Masur conducted for the first time since retiring and was greeted with a warm, illustrious welcome.  The program was the musical, romantic Brahms:  Concerto for Violin & Cello and Symphony #2.  The guest Cellist, Carter Brey was unable to battle the inclement weather, but for those of us who braved the elements, we were rewarded by the rich & melodious music of Johannes Brahms.  Although Brahms himself always felt inferior to the behemoth musical genius of Beethoven, Brahms greatly undermined his magnificient symphonies.  There was much joyous laughter amongst the musicians who welcomed Masure back.  Masur in turn, made several breaks in the rehearsal and beautifully hummed the inflections he wanted from his orchestra.  Listening to Brahms music performed by the NY Philharmonic "…put the sun up in the sky," at least temporarily.

Eric Kandel & Elie Wiesel @ 92nd Y

Last night @ the 92ndY there was an unforgettable panel consisting of Dr. Eric Kandel, Elie Wiesel and facilitator, Dr. Gail Saltz.  Dr. Kandel is a pioneer in the study of neuropsychiatry and awarded the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the brain & memory.  Author, Elie Wiesel has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Peace Prize.  (It was an honor to be in the presence of two such distinguished humanitarians.) Dr. Gail Saltz mediated the powerful discussion.  She is a psychiatrist and contributing TV reporter for NBC, CBS & CNN on various psychological issues.  The focus of the panel was to explore the mysteries of memory.  How we remember, why memories are so vital & ways to alter or enhance our memories.  Both Kandel & Wiesel experienced heinous crimes inflicted on Jews during the Holocaust as young boys. Their mutual respect and camaraderie was apparent. They both said their experiences and memories have motivated them to do what they do.  Wiesel calls himself a teacher above all else and is compelled to remember everything. He has made it his mission to insure his memories will continue to live on.  Kandel escaped the horrors of the concentration camps but his mission has become the study of the brain and to understand how memory works.  Both agreed that without memory, there would be no civilization, no culture; memory is what distinguishes us as human beings.  Wiesel said, "Life is the sum of moments and moments belong to memory.  I want to remember everything. Not to live in the past but have the past live in me."  Kandel said that the most important word in the Bible is "remember."  Dr. Kandel discussed the physiology of how memories are formed in the brain, how memories are stored & morph, and how to enhance memories.  Wiesel ended the evening saying, "The art of survival is memory."  The discussion made an indelible impression in the synapsis in my brain.  I was privileged to have attended.  In the row in front of me was a group of young people (13-15.)  I thought, they are the last generation to hear first hand from those who survived the Holocaust and the onus to Remember is upon them.

A Late Quartet, BRAVO!

The glorious film, A Late Quartet is immensely engrossing. The movie has 4 main characters who have comprised a quartet for nearly a 1/4C; cellist (Christopher Walken) 1st violinist (Yaron Zilberman) 2nd violinist (Seymour Hoffman) and his wife, violist (Katherine Keener.)  Walken is the emotional core of the quartet though not its driving force.  Zilberman steers the group.  The movie begins with Walken quoting T.S. Elliot, "the end proceeds the beginning, always."  The movie is flawless, except for two movements discordant to the film:  Keener's slapping their daughter and Hoffman punching Zilberman for sleeping with their daughter.  Beethoven's Opus 131 is central to the  art and theme of the movie.  Walken informs his master class this fugue was Beethoven's favorite piece, perhaps because of his impending deafness and Schubert chose it on his deathbed.  Beethoven's Opus 131 was written for a quartet without any pause between movements.  Sadly, Walken is diagnosed with Parkinsons and realizes his ability to perform is ending.  Still, he mentors his students with wisdom & compassion. He tells them that playing is a continuous adjustment or you stop. He also shares what his idol, Pablo Casals, imparted to him:  "try not to get caught up in mistakes."  Zilberman has wrought disharmony wihtin the quartet.  Walken admonishes him "you don't understand the dynamics of being part of a group and therefore have learned nothing."  There is much to garner from this virtuosic film. ENCORE

Jazz @ Lincoln Ctr the Genius of John Coltrane

Jazz, John Coltrane & genius are all synonymous with one another.  An exceptional, original  & distinctive character or artistry help to define genius.  I don't often use the term, because true genius is rare.  Last night the term would describe not only the music Coltrane composed, but the arrangements of his music by another genius, Wynton Marsalis.  For the trifecta of exceptional talent, performing guest artist with the Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra, Joshua Redman, was featured on tenor saxophone.  Redman has two grammy nominations and has played with some of the greatest jazz musicians:  Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, & Thelonious Monk, to name a few.  Coltrane pioneered the use of modes in jazz & was at the forefront of free jazz.  In addition to having won grammy awards, Coltrane was honored with the Pulitizer Prize Special Citation for his many contributions to the world of jazz.  Some of my favorite selections from last night's program were Pursuance, Naima and Grand Central.  You don't have to be an Einstein to appreciate great jazz, you just have to take advantage of Jazz @Lincoln Center.  The only composition performed last night that was not written by Coltrane was My Favorite Things.  If Big Bird were there last night, he would have asked, "what song is not like the others?" and I say, it was my least favorite thing on an otherwise brilliant program.

Chasing Mavericks - not a total wipeout

The movie, Chasing Mavericks, is based on the true story of Jay Moriarty who gained notoriety by surfing Mavericks in Half Moon Bay at the age of 16.  Moriarty garnered numerous surfing awards before drowning in a diving accident a day shy of his 23rd birthday.  Maverick Waves are formed in the N. Pacific Ocean following a powerful storm and reach peaks over 25'.  Very few accomplished surfers will risk their lives attempting to ride a Maverick.  The film follows a young, adorable, indefatigable Jay, whose goal is to go where very few surfers have gone before.  He is mentored in his mission by his curmudgeon older neighbor, Frosty, (Gerard Butler) who is a veteran surfer & father of two.  Frosty begrudgingly and demandingly takes Jay under his wing.  Frosty's wife tells him, "some sons are born to you and some come to you."  The movie has some of the most magnificient surfing scenes on film but outside the water, the story runs dry.  While all the best moments in the film are in the water, those are so long my fingers began to prune.  Alas, I may be too long in the tooth and fall outside the targeted audience who will not only marvel at the surfing, they'll fall for the sappy love story and "father/son" relationships.

If There is I Haven't Found it Yet @ Roundabout

The staging for the play, If There is I Haven't Found it, is very intriguing. As you enter the theatre, water is cascading down the front of the stage into a glass tank, like you see in Central Park for the polar bears.  The middle of the stage is strewn with furniture piled high and a young girl walks ghostlike in the background.  The play begins with George, an environmental activist, speaking of his love for polar bears.  George reminisces about taking his wife & young daughter to the zoo to visit the polar bears but is distressed to learn one of the bears died choking on a toy dropped into the tank.
George's wife, Fiona, is a teacher @ the school where her overweight, teenager daughter, Anna, is a student.  Anna is subjected to bullying @ school & is basically disregarded @ home.  Enter Uncle Terry, Jake Gyllenhaal, the drugged, derelict who comes to his brother's home to stay after many years, unexpectedly.  Terry is the only person who interacts with Anna and dispenses (not necessarily sage) advice.  The actors all pull items from the totem of objects on stage for various scenes and then discard them into the tank of water.  The father is consumed with saving the planet from global warming, the mother is disengaged from her family, Uncle Terry has left and Anna in utter  despair, attempts suicide in a bathtub flooding the stage.  The play is drowning in metaphors and proselytizing for environmental reform.  Fiona tries to connect with Anna and when Anna suggests a movie, Fiona recalls the Titantic as the last movie she's seen.  While this play doesn't tank, it doesn't manage to stay afloat.  There are things to recommend in the play, Jake Gyllenhaal for one, but the flotsam and jetsam is better than the whole.

The movie Sessions is Sensational

Sessions is a unique movie of an indefatigable and incredible man who is tethered to an iron lung in order to breath as a result of polio as a young boy.  Sessions is a very poignant movie which offers up so many riches to appreciate.  There is not a rotten apple in the whole bunch, except for the 1st aide who is dismissed at the start of the film with the advice from the most heavenly sent priest, since Gran Torino.  The 3 lead actors, John Hawkes, William H. Macy & Helen Hunt are all Acad. Award nominees and multiple recipients of Emmy & Golden Globe Awards.  Needless to say, all the actors here should garner more awards for their performances.  However, Hawkes lead performance as Mark, whose lifeless body but poetic, kind soul is a tour de force.  Hawkes is only able to emote through his eyes and words, alone.  Macy plays Father Brendan, the sagacious, beer drinking, cigarette smoking priest who becomes Mark's friend, confidant, and spiritual adviser.  Mark speaks candidly to Father Brendan of his desire to find love & to know a woman in the biblical sense. Despite the cardinal sin of premarital sex, Father Bredan gives Mark not only absolution but encouragement.  Helen Hunt is the sexual therapist who professionally and sensitively has sexual relations with him.  Session is a highly unusual but totally gratifying movie.  If you are unmoved by this remarkable film, you're in dire need of a session with a therapist.

The Julliard Drama Production, McReele

McReele is a political play written by Julliard alum, Stephen Belber.  The play first premiered Off Broadway in 2005.  This being an election year (duhh) the play is a prescient  & satirical look at our political & legal system.  The main character, Darius McReele is an African-American male who maintains his innocence in a fatal shooting in a drug deal gone wrong.  McReele is played by Jeremy Tardy (think of a young Denzel Washington) from my hometown.  McReele convinces a reporter to reopen his case and is exonerated after sitting in jail 16 on death row.  The time served in prison has   morphed him as a human being, leading him to epiphanies of altruistic, public service, or has it?  The play is part, "Doubt," part brilliant social reform and part political rhetoric.  There is much to recommend in the writing although it could benefit from some editing.  The cast was forgettable except for the incredible acting by Jeremy Tardy, he is the McReal thing!

The Heiress @ the Walter Kerr Theatre

The Heiress, based on the Henry James novel, Washington Square maybe the only James' novel that could be made into a play without putting the audience to sleep.  The novel written in 1880 is set before the turn of the 20th Century but is deliciously compelling as a drama, in the 21st Century.  Marriage for women (back in the dark ages) was their only viable option.  The way for a woman to ensure a "good" marriage was to be beautiful & clever or wealthy as a result of an inheritance.  Rebecca Chastain who plays Catherine Sloper is neither socially adroit or attractive (a stretch for the lovely Chastain.) Catherine has a healthy inheritance from her mother and her father, Dr. Sloper, played by David Strathairn, will leave his only child, Catherine, his immense fortune.  Scoundrels and Gold Diggers are not new to any period in time.  More often than not, it's the female, in this case NOT.  Morris Townsend, who has neither money or vocation is courting Catherine presumably, especially by her father, solely for her fortune.  Morris is played with devilish charm by Dan Stevens who was so beguiling in Downton Abbey.  The entire cast, including Tony winner, Judity Ivey are perfectness.  The set design takes you back to the days before electricity with wonder.  How is the play pertinent today you may wonder? "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned," remains timeless and is so cunningly portrayed in The Heiress.

Sherie Rene Scott @ Below 54

Last night, one of Broadway's brightest musical stars, Sherie Rene Scott (SRS) shined @ the Below 54.  Scott  known for her comic auto-biographical,  "Everyday Rapture," wrote & sang last night's show, "Piece of Meat."  While waiting for her 1st set, the backup band for SRS played jazz.  The fabulous band had a female bass player, fabulous jazz pianist & a drummer who also played the xylophone.   SRS came out swinging, I mean singing - (damn Yankees.)   Like Ben Vereen whom I heard @ Below 54, Broadway wants you back my friend.  SRS sings about her life and develops a warm relationship with the audience.  "Piece of Meat," is themed around her carnivorous life after being a vegetarian for 26 years.  There's more meat to her life story although I thought the material was too lean.   She has a  beautiful, clear voice and great comic timing.   SRS was funny & endearing and the hour gig was over before I knew it.  Below 54 is an enjoyable place to enjoy a cabaret show. Unfortunately,  the rest of her performances are sold out.  SRS laments that now she isn't a vegan, she doesn't have a prayer to becoming the next Mrs. Paul McCartney.  With her humor & talent, I'd like to be her new BFF.

The doc. Brooklyn Castle - A Royal Winner

This doc. film is incredibly inspiring due to the students, teachers, parents & the life lessons learned.  It is a MUST SEE.  New Yorkers, were you aware of middle school 318 in Brooklyn? They have a national chess team that has won 26 national titles, "the Yankees of chess."  This film won my heart for these students/adults and my ire @ the budget cuts being made to the arts in the public schools.  The student body is varied but there is a common link of financial struggles for the families & the school and a bond of camaraderie that is extraordinary.  This current doc. shines on the chess team students, their selfless, amazingingly dedicated teachers/faculty & their loving, supportive families. History is being made by the hard work & dedication of students & teachers alike.  Several of the members of the chess team are featured, but suffice it to say they are all self-motivated & form an indomitable team.  The teachers are all to be lauded for what they bring to these young people's lives.  "Chess allows the students to deeply learn a subject and how to navigate for themselves.  There are no right or wrong answers, they're are only different answers."  This movie will leave you inspired and hopefully angry enough to insure public schools have the funding they need for their programs.  "How can we develop the whole child without the arts, chess, music & dance."  This doc, film shows Camelot has risen in Brooklyn.

Julliard Jazz Orch with special guests

The Julliard Jazz (JJ) Orchestra is comprised of talented, young jazz artists.  Last night,  JJ performed @ the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Memphis Jazz.  The special guests artists that played with the Orchestra were George Coleman, tenor saxophone & Harold Mabern on piano.  George Coleman was slow in walking on stage & he is passed his prime on the sax but he is a living legend of jazz.  Coleman is a famous composer & band leader who has worked with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.  Harold Mabern still dazzles the ivories with amazing syncopation.  Mabern has played with many of the great jazz legends including Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis & Sara Vaugn.  He is currently an instructor @ Stanford Jazz Workshop.  Compositions by both Mabern & Coleman were performed with arrangements by Bill Mobley.  It was a pleasure to see the camaraderie and the passing of the baton from these great jazz musicians to the students @ Julliard.  I only regret that the program was on the night of the Pres. Debate & the Yankee game, so I left at intermission. (Pres. Debate, Yankee Game, Yankee Game, Pres. Debate)  I am working on my own composition and I'm naming it the Clicker Bully Blues.  

Thomas Hirschhorn's Tilting World-Gladstone Gallery

The entire gallery @ Gladstone is besieged by a topsy-turvy installation of a cruise ship turned over placing you into the havoc & aftermath of such a disaster.  Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, you will recall the Costa Concordia Cruise Ship that ran aground.  The ship capsized, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves as the Captain abandoned ship. The disaster resulted in 32 casualties and the infamous (Italian) tapes of a coast guard officer yelling @ the Captain to return immediately to his ship and fulfil his obligations to his passengers & crew.  I experienced a sense of vertigo inside the gallery.  The exhibition simulates the inside of a ship turned unnaturally on its side and the horrific aftermath.  There are numerous, vivid orange life vests and an accummulation of flotsam and jetsam.  Nothing is as it should be, the piano, the garish furnishings, the staircase are nonsensical.  The Concordia disaster is an abusrd & heinous calamity; the result of so many incidents that just should not have occured.  As in the sinking of the Titantic , if only….  Hirshhorn compels you to feel burdened with the consequences of our behavior and confronts us with our own mortality.  This exhibit took my breath away.

Doug Varone & Dancers @ the Joyce Theatre

I'll admit a biased proclivity for ballet & baseball.  I am not a modern dance aficionado.  My preconception of modern dance is similar to a Marcel Marceau mime.  In other words, a dark setting, stark angular movements and basically the same each performance.  The first piece, "Aperture," 1994, corroborated this notion.  Three dancers all in black, on a dark stage with a singular spotlight on the dancers.  They all stood in place and moved their arms mainly in sync with one another.  However, the NYC Premier of "Carrugi," 2012, I liked it; I really liked it.  Varone choreographed 8 dancers all in varying costumes & shades of gray.  Libretos from a Mozart's opera were used. (None of the music was live.)  The dancers moved with a fluidity & musicality I attribute to ballet.  There was a lot of rolling or lying on the floor & lots of sudden & surprising movements.  But, the dancing crafted into a powerful & stunning work.  "Ballet Mecanique," 2001, was a complex & frentic work.  The dancer's faces were lit in green neon & all wore identical, androgynous blue uniforms.  Transparent scenic projections were used but were constantly shifting; distracting from the dancing.  One projection showed chemical configuations with ADEAIEDA in bold letters.  Was Varone trying to get an IDEA across?  Yes, it hit me with ringing bells, tin drums, sirens, drilling noises, etc.  The dance was a harbinger for a mechanical, futuristic society.  I got the message loud & clear.  I just didn't get any artistry from this piece.  One out of three is still a good batting average and with tickets starting @ $10, I will step back up to the place: Joyce Theatre.  GO YANKEES!

Marry Me a Little - did little for me

Marry me a Little, the musical by Stephen Sondheim @ the Clurman Theatre did little to convert me to a Sondheim fan.  Either you're a fan of Sondheim's (although there are always a few winning songs) or you're not.  I fall into the NOT category but NOT without an open mind.  I was seated in the 2nd row behind a young man who cried unabashedly during the "emotionally" charged numbers while the young woman seated next to him fell asleep despite practically being on the stage.  I did NOT fall asleep but i did NOT feel the pathos of loneliness or the exuberance of being in love intended by this 2 person cast.  The clever staging places both leads, "Him," Jason Tam & "Her," Lauren Molina, simultaneously in the same NYC apartment but living separately in their own place; alone.  This musical is performed as an operetta with no dialogue.  Both Molina & Tam are Broadway musical veterans but the pianist visible on stage (presumably Sondheim) nearly drowns out their voices.  Furthermore, each score sounded similar and all but forgettable.  The sincerity of the cast and a few of the songs moved me a little but too little too late for me to recommend, unless you're a Sondheim fan, which I am NOT.

YANKEES say YEAH!!!!! bring on the puddy cats

I write this blog hoping not to make my readers envious that I was @ the GAME last night sending the Orioles back to the nest for the rest of the season.  Since everyone else  was watching I won't be redundant. But I have to prasie C.C.'s unbelievable performance, 9K's & he went the distance.  I would have pulled him out in the 8th with bases loaded & 1 out.  But Joe seems to know.  (Joe, this may sound crazy, but call me maybe for advice.)  We Yankee fans are jubilant and can't wait to send the Tigers on an early vacation.  I got to say Granderson's bat is warming up & he is still the best center fielder in the league.  Somebody has some splaining to do…. Why did it take so long to sit Arod down?  Who thought up the crazy rule that on the 3rd strike if the catcher drops the ball the batter can run to 1st?  (The league must have said, "Let's throw in a crazy rule just to be crazy.)  Here's a new rule - the batter who stops to admire his hit before he starts running gets fined.  And, explain the stats board to me, please.  I don't get what the playoff stats stand for: SLG? (is the player single?) OPS? ( single, only post season?)  Just put up R's, RBI 's & battting % in the playoffs.  How can pitchers throw the fast ball with accuracy over the plate but can't throw an in-field ball for an out?  Why do MEN at the game film the game the whole time.  DUDES you're there, either put the phones down or stay home.  YANKEES send the Tigers home.

NY Philharmonic performing Nielsen

I attended the NY Philharmonic Open Rehearsal this Wednesday morning ($18) which featured Nielsen's Concerto for Flute (Robert Langevin) & Orchestra & Concerto for Violin (Nikolaj Znaider) & Orchestra.  This season the Philharmonic is paying tribute to the Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1856-1931) by performing 6 of his symphonies.  Recognized throughout Scandinavia, conductor Gilbert believes Nielsen is one of the great contemporary composers whose compositions should garner more attention in the United States.  The concertos have a Brahmsian harmony.  I especially enjoyed the romantic sounds of the violin concerto.  Nielsen's works are being performed for the first time by the Philharmonic and it is exciting to listen to such rich music and gain an appreciation for a composer whose works are highly regarded in Scandinavia & Europe.  I urge you to attend a performance by our orchestra of Nielsen's works this season.  He was a composer I was not famliar with myself.  Tchaikovsky's Symphony #2 was also performed with an instrumentation of cymbals, tuba, bassoons, oboes, horns and bass drum.

Picasso Black & White @ the Guggenheim

The lines for the Picasso show @ the Guggenheim were wrapped around the block despite the rain.  Once inside on the ground floor, you encounter two large female sculptures, with outstretched arms.  The bronze sculpture, "Woman with Vase," was 1st shown @ the Paris World's Fair alongside his painting, Guernica.  Picasso had 2 copies of this statue made.  One was donated to the People of the Spanish Republic & the other sits atop his tomb.  "The Woman with Outstretched Arms" is painted iron on sheet metal I found warmly beckoning.  To my amazement, I was not familiar with either piece or a great many of the works in the exhibit.  The majority of these works came  from private owners and pieces held by the Picasso family.  Incredibly, 38 works have never been exhibited in the U.S., 5 have never been on view to the public, including "Bust of a Woman With a Hat." A remarkable accomplishment by the museum's curators.  At the start of the show we read, "Picasso was THE MOST INFLUENTIAL artist of the 20th C. " That  is quite a formidable statement.  Known for various periods & styles (Cubism stemmed from his simplification of form & color.)  Picasso's paintings & sculptures in black, white & gray spained throughout his career, ('04-'71.)  The use of such a stark & limited palette gave intense focus on lines and forms.  The black/white tones accentuated the horrors & brutality of war; the "Charnel House" (44-45) & the "Guernica" paintings.  The starkness and contrast of light also gives intensity to his other works as in "The Kiss."  The museum was packed and I was elated to be among the crowd.  Kudos to the curators for compiling so many unseen works.  The curators will get no arguements from me on their claim.

Alina Szapocznikow: Sculpture Undone @ MOMA

The sculpture exhibit @ the MOMA of Szapocznikow's work is fearless & fun.  A difficult name to pronounce but a name to make note of (I was not familiar with her work.)  Perhaps, because of her death @ a young age (47) or because she was so provacative at the time, her work has not received the notoriety it deserves.  Despite her untimely death, her work is prolific and transformed numerous styles from Surrealism, Nouveau Realisme and Pop Art.  Szcapocnikow shunned publicity and chose to let her work do her talking.  Lips are a dominant feature in her sculptures as are female breasts and and phallic symbols.  Her Goldfinger sculpture impressed Marcel Duchamp to nominate her for the Copley Art Prize which she was awarded.  The exhibit has sculptures formed in a cornucopia of materials: plaster, bronze, styrofoam, iron pipes, marble, polyester resin & chewing gum.  She chewed gum and then photographed her wads of gum in their various forms.  I say phooey to the chewy, but applaud her work that is both horrifying & hilarious.  People were laughing as they went by many of the sculptures.  Don't let this incredible exhibit pass you by.  Alina Szapocznikow - a name and an exhibit to remember.

Pitch Perfect - Hit it out of the Park

Pitch Perfect is a hysterical, hybrid of Glee & Bridesmaids.  The movie was laugh out loud funny.  It worked as a comedy, musical & love story.  I loved it as much as I would love to see C.C. pitch a no hitter in the playoffs.  Yeah, that great!  Anna Kendrik, (acad. award nominee for Up in the Air) plays the lead as a rebel, college freshman & joins an all girl's a capella group in a bargain with her father.  Kendrik deserves another acad. nomination for her role which keeps this movie from becoming cliche to hilarious and entertaining.  Kendrik is joined in her group by Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids) who is so funny, I can't wait to see her next movie.  Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games) in a minor role does what she always does - she steals every scene she's in; no part is too small.  Will someone please cast her in a leading role already.  The plot revolves around a college a cappella competition (held @ Lincoln Center.)  This is not just a chick flick or a blown-up Glee episode.  This is a practically perfect movie for everyone.  For an a cappella competition, the movie accompanied the singers with music & the actors all look too old to be college students, but those are my only picayune complaints in a perfectly winning film.  Pitch Perfect hits every note right & right out of the park!  Go see this movie & GO YANKEES!

Grace @ the Cort Theatre

The play Grace starts with a bang & keeps you riveted to the stage throughout.  Grace is a play that calls into question, unquestioning faith.  The elderly lady behind me groaned loudly, "Oh no, not another anti-Christian play!"  HEY LADY, you misguided senior!  The play was an intelligent look at the folly and destruction of the belief that one's beliefs are sovereign over all others.  This 4 character play is a dark tragedy stemming from the myopic contention that faith in God alone will steer one's life down the path of righteousness and rewards.  The clever cast of 4 actors is led by comedic actor Paul Rudd who is excellent in a dramatic role as the fervent, holier than thou husband who believes he hears God through the stars.  His wife, Sara, whom he met through a church group, befriends their next door neighbor, Sam.  Sam, works for NASA to clear lines of communications in the solar system.  Sam walks with a cane & wears a Phantom mask to hide his scars caused in a car accident that took the life of his fiancee.  The only comic relief in the play comes from Ed Asner, who plays Karl, a German immigrant that does extermination work for the building.  Karl also delivers some of the most moving moments in the play.  The staging is clever, the writing is cogent and the acting is stellar.  This is a play for Thespians who worship an intelligent and powerful theatrical experience.  HEY LADY, the exits are clearly marked.

Mary Broome @ the Mint Theatre

This play written in 1911 by Allan Monkhouse is about an aristocratic English family; the Timbrells.  The prodigal son & his society fiancee are about to be wed when it is discovered that the younger nor-do-well son, Leonard, has gotten the household maid, Mary, pregnant.  The play lacks any  appeal as an upstairs/downstairs, servant drama.  It was written as a comedy.  If it was humorous at the time, it is merely droll today.  Leonard Timbrell is a rogue who has never worked a day & totally dependent on an allowance as deemed from his father & older brother, Edgar.  I imagine Leonard was supposed to exude charm as a loquacious intellectual.  He came across as an annoying buffoon.  Alas, poor Mary, the family's longtime housemaid is seduced by Leonard and finds herself, as they would, with child.  The father decrees that Leonard marry MARY or be cast out penniless for the  shame wrought onto the family name.  Neither Leonard or Mary are quite sure they love each other enough to become betrothed.  Leonard realizes he would fare better to wed than to manage without his family's wealth.  Once their son is born, Mary finds true happiness with her child but Leonard feels encumbered tied down by a wife and child.  The ephiphanies Leonard & Mary's in-laws discover are too late and anti-climatic.  This dated play, Mary Broome, needs to be swept away with the dust.  Leonard was a wank & the show stank.

Don't Go Gentle @ Lucille Lortel Theatre

The title for the play Don't Go Gentle is taken from D. Thomas' poem:  Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night. The play focuses on the catharsis when facing one's imminent demise. Lawrence, a retired judge, is seeking redemption in his life.  He is played brilliantly by veteran B'wy actor and Tony Award winning playwright, Michael Cristofer.  Lawrence a widower, is at odds with his own adult children; drug addcited, Ben & self-proclaimed "functioning alcoholic  daughter, Amelia.  Amelia convinces her father, who is "recovering" from stomach cancer, to pursue legal pro bono work as a means to occupy his time productively.  He meets Tanya, a young, black mother, he is convinced was unjustly sentence for pot possession. Lawrence believes she is owed financial compensation.  The initial conference between Lawrence & Tanya is bombastic but a bond of mutual respect is quickly formed. Lawrence soon opens his home to both Tanya and her 16 year old son, Rasheed.  The 3 form a peaceful & symbiotic relationship until Lawrence's wayward son returns.  The contentious relationship between father & son is soon apparent.  Total family upheaval is fueld when Lawrence tells his son & daughter that he intends to leave his home to Tanya & her son.  Thomas' poem also suggests a dysfunctional relationship between father & son which is also the thrust of this powerful drama.  "Rage, rage against the dying of the light." (Thomas)  I recommend this intelligent play.  It is a play to be debated long into the night.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - A Winning Film

This captivating and endearing film embodies Vreeland's motto:  embrace your uniqueness.  It is based on the novel by Chbosky, who is also the film's director.  This is not your typical coming-of-age story. The  main character, Charlie (Lerman) is very apprehensive about starting high school.  Compounding his dread, he is recovering from a recent mental breakdown.  He holds out hope of finding a friend or at the very least, not to call attention on himself.  I felt his pain as he eats lunch alone in the cafeteria.  In shopclass Charlie first meets, Patrick (Ezra Miller) a senior. Patrick is outlandishly, unapologetically gay.  Patrick befriends Charlie & then introduces him to his beloved step-sister, Sam (Emma Watson,)  The acting by all 3 main characters is exceptional. Despite being a freshman, Sam & Patrick take Charlie under their wing and introduce him to their eccentric circle who welcome him into "the island of misfit toys."  This movie perfectly captures the joys found in friendships and of being true to yourself.  There is much more to this story than the exuberance & fun of youth.  Many of life's harsh experiences are honestly & painfully portrayed.  At the end of his freshman year, as his friends all head off in their own directions, Charlie tells himself, "We can't choose where we came from, but we can choose where we go from here."  I highly recommend you choose going to see this wonderful film.  

Diana Vreeland, Documentary

This movie is not just for fashion offficiados, this movie is for anyone who are fascinated with a maveric ahead of her time.  "She told people what they wanted before they knew they wanted it."  Vreelands ideas ignited a revolution.  Vreeland's life is told through interviews by her & other famous celebrities.  She had a major impact on the world in fashion, art, music and the way we look at things.  This doc. reminds us of what a pioneer she was. "Style is everything. A way of life and you are nobody without it."  Born in Paris,Vreeland fell in love with Ballet Russe, and her love affair with dance & beauty became her essence.   Having moved to NYC Vreeland was spotted on the dance floor by the editor of Harper's Bazaar who asked Vreeland to be their fashion editor because of her sense of style.  Never having worked or having had any formal education, Vreeland took on the job for the next 3 decades. She went on to become Editor in Chief of VOGUE.  Her magazines were groundbreaking and defied the conventional sense of beauty by turning flaws into assets.  She was the first to photograph the Kennedys and women in bikinis.  She put Twiggy, the Beatles and Mick Jagger in the pages of VOGUE.  The MET hired Vreeland to become their first Fashion Consultant and established the Costume Institute .  Her creed was to exaggerate and never be boring.  I can't exaggerate how much I enjoyed this documentary. There is nothing boring about it.

NY Philharmonic Open Rehearsal with Itzhak Perlman

Thursday marked the start of the NY Philharmonic season with its glamorous opening gala held in the evening.  I attended the opening rehearsal Thursday morning and enjoyed the same program for the evening's gala.  There are many benefits to going to the Philharmonic's open rehearsals, the price ($18) being one.  In addition, the rehearsals are informal, with the orchestra & conductor, Alan Gilbert, dressed casually along with the audience.  I enjoy observing the colloborative workings of an orchestra, behind the scenes. There are many stops & starts with the conductor giving instructions to members of the orchestra and notations being made on the musical scores. (I only wish the comments were audible to the audience, like a coach in a huddle with team.)  Seating is open with plenty of seats available on the orchestra floor, except for the front rows cordoned off.  The program included two works by Respighi:  Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome.  The pieces were tonal impressions of nature.  I could hear the sounds of water flowing in Fountains.  Pines of Rome was a forte piece with prevalent percussion.  The highlight for me, was Itzhak Pearlman's performance of a variety of selections for violin & orchestra, including Tchaikovsky & Rimsky-Korsakov.  When Mr. Perlman came unobtrusively onstage, the first violinist reverently moved further back but was waved by Mr. Perlman to sit closer.  The gala was simulcast on PBS last night, but attending an open rehearsal is a wonderful and surprising delight.

ON ANDY WARHOL @ Tribeca Y

The discussion on Andy Warhol was with his nephew, James Warhola and Thomas Kiedrowski, author of Andy Warhol's NYC.  This talk coincides with the Warhold exhibit now at the Metropolitan Museum.  Thomas Kiedrowski interviewed James Warhola who gave a friendly first hand account of growing up with Warhol as his uncle.  James shared many interesting tidbits of Warhol's life.  For starters, Andy dropped the a from his last name.  Andy was born and raised in Pittsburg to immigrants from Slovakia.  His first language was Ruthenian.  He didn't learn to speak English until he went to school.  But Warhol didn't care for school so his mother home schooled him from age 6-8.  James spoke of the tight bond between Andy & his mother.  I would even call Andy a moma's boy.  His  father died when he was 13.  To make money for the family, Andy's mother went door to door selling sculptures she made from soup cans.  Andy studied Art @ Carnegie Tech where he antagonized many of his professors but made a big impression on his classmates.  After graduating,  Andy began working in NYC doing illustrations of shoes.  James said that he told his uncle that he wanted to become an illustrator but his uncle told him to focus on photography instead.  (James has gone on to illustrate over 300 books.) When Andy moved to the city his mother moved with him and cared for him.  James said that Andy kept his family life separate from his work & associates.  It was rare that Andy brought anyone into his home.  James said that Andy had a very strong work ethic that he learned from his mother.  The 60's were a very prolific period for his work which expanded into films and records.  Warhol's seminal pop artworks came from household items and silkscreens of celebrity and tragic events.  Thomas said that Andy's critics feel he was merely being cynical in his work.  However, Thomas said that Andy's work is "a mirror of our times and reflects back on who we are."  See the exhibit @ the Met. I agree with Thomas and feel that Warhol's work will remain timeless.

Julliard Piano Competition Finals

September brings the students back to Julliard along with the many free opportunities to attend music, theatre and dance.  This past Friday, the Julliard School held its piano competition finals.  There were 5 groups competing as piano duos.  All 5 teams perform the same piece (obviously.)  The piece performed was Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody.  The Paul Hall Studio @ Julliard was packed, people were standing in the back.  The piece was performed with gusto.  I'm not able to judge which duo would deserve to win.  Nor do I choose to hear the same piece played 5 times simultaneously.  I wasn't alone in feeling this way as many in attendance left after the first piece.  This did allow for those  standing to fill in some of the vacated seats.  It was enjoyable, the price was right (free) and I was delighted to see so many people in attendance.  Go on line or pick up the performance schedules left on the first floor of the Julliard School and take advantage of all the wonderful performances the school offers.  The students love having an audience for their performances.

The French Film, 17 Girls

I will give you 17 reasons NOT to see this French film based on true events in one high school in 2008.  A beautiful & popular girl finds herself pregnant and entices her group of 16 friends to become pregnant and then form a utopian, communal home with their babies.  They will care for each other & each other's children giving meaning to their banal existence. The ringleader, Camille, the 1st to find herself pregnant @ age 16 was initially frightened.  Nonetheless, she finds her life empty and void of meaning. Her mother works long hours leaving her alone, her brother is a soldier far from home. Camille decides to keep her baby, she believes "I will now have someone who will love ME unconditionally."  Camille and her tight knit group of girlfriends all agree they live dull, empty lives.  The girls make a pact to all coneive together.  Sadly, they are successful in their misguided rationale. There was plenty of blame to go around; the principal, school nurse, parents and Camille.  At a parent/school meeting the nurse suggests dispensing condoms to the students which is met with outrage.  I believe partial blame is owed the media which glamourizes teen pregnancy, as in the reality series Teen Moms.  I do NOT recommend this movie, (I walked out early.)  It was too oppressive knowing these young women's futures will be dismal along with the live's of their unborn children.  However, the means to prevent teen pregnancies is one that needs to be seriously & constantly addressed.

Discovering Columbus - Tatsu Nishi's temporary installation

The Japanese, Surrealist artist, known for his temporary art installations has built a structure surrounding the pedestal and statue of Christopher Columbus which most of us have walked by numerous times, perhaps without really looking at it.  This is Nishi's 1st U.S. project.  His goal is to provide closer focus on public urban icons.  The 13' statue of Christoper Columbus, by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo sits atop a tall granite column, (in Columbus Circle) which renders it inaccessible  for close scrunity by the public.  Nishi has constructed a 6 story structure with NYC's omniprescent scaffolding in a modern & attractive manner, culminating in a penthouse that encases the Columbus statue.  Walking outside the structure you can see the stature through a side window, like a voyeur.  You can also climb the six flights (elevator access is available) to be inside the penthouse furnished as a modern day living room with the statue atop a coffee table.  Free, timed tickets are available by going to publicartfund.org through Nov. 18th.  Nishi does what art has the power to do, arrest our interest to consider what we are surrounded by in our daily lives. It also juxtaposes art with contemporary life.  This is why Nishi's installations are transient, because life is constantly changing.  Have fun with this up close view of our  iconic landmark before the installation comes down next month.

Saint Clair Cemin Sculptures on Broadway 57th-157th

Broadway from 57th  up to 157th, there are 7 sculptures on view by the Brazilian artist Saint Clair Cemin.  Cemin studied art @ the Ecole Nat'l des Beaux-Arts in France.  Now, NYC is where Cemin  works & call home.  Upon first coming to NYC he took carpentry/renovation work to support himself.  This craft led him towards sculpting, using multiple materials & various shapes.  His work is included among many prominent art establishments, such as the Whitney, NY Museum of Contemporary Art and numberous Int'l art institutions. His work has been referrred to as anti-modernist.  I suggest taking a stroll along Broadway & viewing the varied and intriguing forms on display.  Definitely walk around and touch his pieces, all of which are made of different materials.  Audio Tours are available free if you're interested by calling 212-901-3310.  The Vortex @ 57th is a 30' chrome structure which looks like a whirling, upside down icicle getting narrower towards the top. The Pensador sculpture @ 62nd is copper male form reminiscent of the Thinker.  It is dented throughout giving it a shiny and whimsical look.  And up on 157th is a white plaster sculpture called the Wind, which has a lofty and kinectic feel. Take advantage and have fun walking and viewing these 7 very different and intriguing works by one our own acclaimed artists that are made available; now through November.

The documentary film, Searching for Sugar Man

Searching for Sugar Man is about the life, legend, & music of 70's artist Rodriguez.  Rodriquez whose 2 albums produced in the States during the early 70's flopped but gained enormous popularity in South Africa.  His lyrics of urban poverty & social unrest are credited with galvanizing the young white population in S. Africa to protest apartheid.  The film wastes too much time with devoted "musicologists" trying to gather information about him or whether he is alive amidst rumors of a gruesome suicide during a performance.  It's a mystery to me why he was so hard to track down when it was known he was from the Detroit area (he was located in Dearborn, MI) and his apparent demise was never corroborated.  The true mystery listening to his recordings, is how this incredibly talented musician was so grievously overlooked.  His lyrics, music & voice are poetic and arresting.  Why are his albums not being re-released and concert tours in the U.S. scheduled?  Having been "found" by his devotees in S. Africa, he was contacted and convinced of his enormous popularity there, totally unbeknownst to him. He is persuaded to perform in S. Africa to sold out crowds and treated like "Elvis returning from the dead." I recommend this doc. to hear his music and for its intrigue; how our own unheard of artist is revered 1/2 way round the world.

The French Documentary, STEP UP TO THE PLATE

This French doc. is on the famous chef, Michel Bras, who is passing the baton onto his son Sebastian.  It runs like a slow relay race where the runner never quite places the baton into the other's hand.  While the doc. film, Jiro's Dreams of Sushi put me to sleep, Step up to the Plate did score some incredible moments that resonated for me.  Both movies focus on the elusive striving for perfection.  This French doc. displayed exquisite plates of food that were works of art, although I was mostly baffled by what was being prepared & presented.  I was pleased by the creativity and joie de vie that was passed from one generation to the next.  There was a mutual respect and deference that father & son had for each other that was heart felt.  The families also made time to enjoy one another and celebrate life outside la cuisine.  Michel, who started the acclaimed restaurant in France is reluctant to retire, "If I stop being in the kitchen or going to the markets, I'd be dead." Sebastian decides to establish a Bras restaurant in Japan and while he has taken charge, his father is there with his critical but loving comments.  If you are a "foodie" this movie is served up special for you.  However, it didn't hit it out of the park for me. For me, this film ran more like a long distance marathon.

The Frick Museum and the New Portico Gallery

The Frick Museum is one of my favorite art museums, for all the great art it contains and for the beauty of the building is a majestic work of architecture.  The Frick contains some of the world's greatest European artworks: paintings, sculptures, small bronzes, 18thC French furniture, porcelains, etc.  There are paintings by Turner, Rembrandt, Goya, El Greco, Vermeer and Whistler.  As you first enter, there are two Vermeer oil paintings (22) and a muted oil painting by Turner.  Notice the wood moldings, doorways and ceilings as you move from one gallery to the next.  The intricate tapestries and embroidery on furnishings are exquisite.  My favorite gallery is the small rotunda with 4 large Whistler portraits. Two of the women's portraits (251) are Flesh Color Pink and Harmony in Pink Gray both juxtoposed directly across from 2 very dark portraits where the figures blend into the black bakground (261). The New Portico Gallery opened earlier this year displaying Meissen Porcelain; White Gold Highlights from the Armhold collection & 2 sculptures by Houdon; The Dead Thrush and Dianna the Huntress.  Oct. 2nd a new exhibit of master drawings opens; Mantegna to Matisse.  I regretted not getting to the Frick earlier this past year. If you only have time for one art museum, the Frick is the one not to be missed.