Statue of Liberty Lecture @ 92YTribeca

Being a die hard New Yorker, I thought, what do I know about "our" Lady of Liberty; one of the world's most iconic figures, other than what the Coneheads would say, "I am from France."  So, I decided to learn information in order to impress - WHOMEVER.  The Statue was not originally intended for the U.S.  It was first offered to Egypt, to be situated at the entrance to the Suez Canal. But then in 1869, their country went bankrupt and that went kaput.  The ($18) lecture was given by Prof.  Berenson, Dir. of the Institute of French Studies @ NYU & author of "The Statue of Liberty."  The original idea for creating a commemorative icon of freedom stemmed from 3 French intellectuals shortly after the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. and Pres. Lincoln's assassination.  Of these men, Bartholdi is credited with the design and fruition of bringing the Statue to NYC's harbors.  No govt. funds from either France or the U.S. was used to build, transport or renovate the statue.  All monies raised was by private  donors in France.  The U.S. paid for its base and renovations; all from the private sector.  Lazarus' poem, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," was auctioned off to raise $ but didn't garner much. The lecture enlightened me and inspired me. YEAH, WHATEVER!

"Les Intouchables," Translates to Joie de Vivre

The French film, "Les Intouchables," with English subtitles, based on a true story, could be described as trop cliche, but I say, j'adore le film.  I'm a sucker for the symbiotic relationship films, but if this doesn't warm your heart, check your pulse.  The two main characters are of totally opposite worlds, one is extremely affluent and blanc, and the other is from extreme poverty, a household of siblings and noir. Oh, the rich white guy, Phillippe, is a quadriplegic (as a result of a hang gliding accident) and the poor black guy, Dris, in an interview as an aide for the "invalid," impressed Phillippe with his rough, who gives a f--k attitude. Voila, Dris, get's the job and brings Phillippe back into the world of the living and Phillippe brings out in Dris a maturing sense of responsibility and an appreciation for the arts.  Phillippe asks Dris what is art?  Dris' answer is, business.  "No," says Phillipe, "art is the trace of our passage on Earth." Have I lost you?  It would be a shame if I've inadverdantly turned you away from this film that had me laughing and crying and waking up to smell the coffee.  A classical music concert is played for Phillippe on his birthday.  After the concert,  Dris turns on rock music and says, "Music is for dancing," and proceeds to dance with joyous abandonment.  This movie had me soaring above the clouds.

Wes Anderson's film, "Moonrise Kingdom"

"Moonrise Kingdom" is too quirky & droll.  Not that I don't like quirky pictures off the main stream, but the dead pan expressions by this talented cast grew wearisome; I expected more acting from these actors. The acclaimed director, Wes Anderson is hit or miss with me, this one really missed the mark for me.  The star packed cast included:  Francis McDormand, Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Jason Schwartz, Tilda Swinton, Harvey Keitel and Bruce Willis.  Willis was the only actor to show any credible emotion; empathy for the two young misfits.  I liked the idea of the film, two young lost souls running away together to create their own utopia in the wild.  The bewitching trailer for this movie charmed me into coming but I expected so much more.  I was enticed by a trailer prior to this movie for a film starring Bill Murray "Hyde Park on the Hudson," where Murray portrays Pres. F. Roosevelt hosting the King & Queen of England at their country estate, prior to WW II.  Skip this pithy movie and rent "Rushmore" with Bill Murray or his old comedy, "Meatballs."  Or, look for Murray's latest film coming out this summer, "Hyde Park on the Hudson," not directed by Anderson.

"FOLLOW ME" the Israeli Doc. the Yoni Netanyahu Story

On July 4, '76, America's day for celebrating freedom, Israel's most daring rescue mission in history, was unfolding in Entebbe.  The PLO & the German Revolutionaries hijacked an Air France flight from Tel Aviv on June 27, '76 with 248 passengers.  The hijackers flew to Entebbe, near the capital of Uganda and upon landing, only the non-Jews were released.  The hijackers then threatened to execute all their Jewish hostages if their prisoner release demands were not met. Then Prime Minister Rabin told the world, "We do not bargain with terrorists, the only place to meet is on the battlefield." This documentary tells of this miraculous mission led by Yoni Netanyahu, the younger brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the only Israeli officer killed. This important and compelling documentary follows the life of Yoni from a young boy, through his service in the Israeli army during the 6 Day & Yom Kippur Wars using his own poetic letters and interviews of those who loved him and served along side him.  Yoni said, "I do the things I do because they are things that must be done. The world is full of beauty and the ugliness only highlights that beauty."  Golda Meir said in a speech, "We can learn to forgive you for killing our sons, but we cannot forgive you for forcing us to kill yours." THIS IS A MUST SEE FILM.

4,000 Miles @ Lincoln Center Theatre

The play "4,000 Miles," by Amy Herzog @ the Mitzi E. Newhouse theatre is charming and entertaining despite its incredulous dialogue and precociousness.  The 4 character play is centered around 2 main characters; a 20 something college drop out who dropped in on his 80 something grandmother after biking 4,000 miles from Seattle to New York City.  The grandson, Leo, played discerningly by Gabriel Ebert, is both off-putting and endearing.  Leo's grandmother, Vera, is played to perfection by Tony Award winning actress, Mary Louise Wilson.  Vera permits Leo to move in with her "temporarily," after his cross country bike ride with his best friend who died on the trip.  Without being maudlin, Leo, leans on his grandmother for comfort.  Vera in turn is invigorated by the companionship provided by  her grandson after living alone for 10 years since her 2nd husband passed away.  Vera dodders between senility and frustration while maintaining her joie de vie.  There is a hilarious scene between Vera and Leo where Vera discusses her sexual frustrations with both her former husbands and a gratifying sexual rendezvous outside marriage while she and her grandson get high together. Are you buying this?  I wouldn't have either, but I suggest you buy tickets to see 4,000 miles before it leaves from its limited run.

The German Film "Mahler on the Couch"

The German film "Mahler on the Couch," with English subtitles, is a visually stunning work of art.  Although, for the major movie going public, this film would be tantamount to watching paint dry.  Gustav Mahler seeks solace on the coach of Sigmund Freud upon discovering his wife (who is 20 years his junior)  is having an adulterous affair with a young, handsome suitor.  The tortured genius, Mahler, seeks out Freud who coaxes him into admitting his culpability in the demise of his real-life marriage to Alma Schindler, an aspiring pianist and composer.  In flashback, Mahler's subconscious shows Gustav & Alma in an idyllic loving and collaborative marriage.  The marriage cracks as Alma realizes her ambitions are quashed as Gustav's genius becomes all consuming.  The coupe de grace to their love comes with the death of their beloved daughter.  The breath-taking cinematography of this time capsule in fin-de-siecle Vienna has scenes with passionate sex and glimpses of other famous artists who crossed paths with the Mahlers.  But, for the most part, this is a film depicting the angst and grueling struggle of one of the world's greatest composers.  This film will appeal more to the haughty set; not to the masses.    This haughty, tautly critic  loved every drip of paint on the canvas.

RANGERS seasons ends, sigh....

I know there is NO crying in baseball, but I shed a few tears in hockey last night when the NY RANGERS lost their fight to the Stanley Cup to the NJ Devils.  Although I was not able to obtain tickets to the RANGERS play-off games, I was watching and rooting for my home team.  RANGERS you played hard all season, my hat (wish it were a hat trick) is off to you & your cool coach.  Last night the team fought back to get into overtime only to give up the losing goal in the 1st minute. OUCH!!! I feel your pain, I felt side checked, hard.  Still, my vote for MVP goes to Henrik Lundqvist for all the saves he made on goal all season.  So, who shall I root for in the Stanley Cup Finals?  My allegiance goes to the LA KINGS, 1st, LA was home for a long time and 2nd, the NJ Devils beat my favorite home team, the NEW YORK RANGERS.  Obie One Kanobe - YANKEES, you're our only hope!

LONELY, I'M NOT - recommended NOT

"Lonely, I'm Not," the play by Paul Weitz @ the 2ST Stage Theatre is an off-beat romance between two attractive young people.  Oh yes, the attractive top female executive, Heather, has been blind since 2 from meningitis (she get's asked this all the time,) is played convincingly and winningly by Olivia Thirlby.  The handsome male who is drawn to her, Porter, is a former high powered executive,  played not so convincingly by Topher Grace ("That 70's Show.)  Porter had a severe mental break-down leaving him institutionalized for 4 months and without employment for more than 4 years.  A mutual "friend," Little Dog, sets them up on a literal blind date, where they both open up to each other and establish a connection.  True love, alas, does not run smoothly, nor do their individuals lives.  Do Heather & Porter form a symbiotic relationship?  It is not clear as there are way too many side characters who are too needy & too toxic in each other's lives.  Strong willed and independent Heather may be her own worst enemy.  Can true love prevail?  Can Porter put his life back on track?  Do we really need the huge neon signs to enlighten us as to what is happening?  I'll answer the later question:  as much as a blind person needs them.  And, for the other questions:  I just didn't care.  I recommend you see something else.

GMA Concert in Central Park: Robin Thicke & Ellie Goulding

Friday mornings are made for walking & that is just what I'm going to do.  Because, Fri. mornings in Central Park, Good Morning America (GMA) shoots live with their concert series.  This morning's concert had the award winning R&B singer, songwriter, Robin Thicke.  Robin Thicke has written for Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and has received 3 grammy nominations for both Rap & R&B.  Of course, I am more familiar with his father, Alan Thicke from GROWING PAINS.  The backup singer was Ellie Goulding, an English singer/song writer.  Goulding received the British Critics Choice Award in 2011 and toured with Katy Perry last year.  Goulding also sang @ the Nat'l Xmas Tree Concert @ the White House. Quite the busy year from Goulding who should have an even busier 2012 with her beautiful singing voice.  My friend and I stood towards the back of the concert where we had front row viewing for the GMA cooking segment while the, uh, younger set, crowded around the concert stage.  After the cooking segment and the concert commenced, we were treated to the entree and dessert by two of the GMA staff.  We thanked them upon leaving and they told us anytime.  We said, "we'll be back next Fri."  "See you then" they said.  OOH HAH!

Julliard Violin Recital by Henry Wang

Pomp & Circumstance fills the air this time of year.  So do the recitals @ Julliard where the students are required to perform as partial fulfillment of their Music Degrees.  "In other words, please be true, in other words,  I love you" students who play so beautifully and earnestly for anyone (in addition to their professors) who is smart and fortunate enough to comprise part of the audience.  This recital featured Henry Wang, a recipient of the Julliard Alumni Scholarship, with Evan Solomon on Piano.  I was treated to Beethoven's Sonata #1 for Violin in D Major & Prokofiev's 5 Melodies for Violin & Piano, Op. 35.  The other 2 unknown pieces to me were Incantations by Thomas (b. 1964) and Amy Beach's (d.1944) Sonata for Violin in A Minor, Op. 34.  The students are required to be proficient in classical as well as contemporary compositions.  I enjoyed both new pieces as well as Beethoven & Prokofiev.  Henry Wang, a name to remember, as he will likely be joining one of the major Philharmonics in the near future.  I would encourage everyone to come out and support these young performers.  For now, the price of admission is right - FREE.  Visit the Julliard website for other recitals on the calendar before Julliard's Pomp & Circumstance commences.

"Dark Shadows" - the Movie

The movie takes place in 1972 (after a short stint in the early 17th C,) the same year my girlfriends and I would come home from school & tune into the soap opera, "Dark Shadows," on which Tim Burton based his new film starring the irreplaceable Johnny Depp.  Of course, our parents who weren't home when we got home from school made us swear never to watch the show, which only enhanced its bizarre appeal.  Nothing much happened in the show and it never made a lot of sense, however, every now and then Barnabas Collins would take a very sexy bite out of some fair damsel's neck.  The movie DARK SHADOWS has a lot more going for it besides Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfieffer who must have a mirror stowed away in some attic.  The clever plot is at its best when focusing on the kitschy style of the 70's and Barnabas' colloquial verbiage.  The buildup to the climax becomes a bit heavy handed but you can watch this guilty pleasure, "without having to say you're sorry," or without the lie & deny method that worked for me back then. Johnny Depp, no lie "you are my first, my last, my everything!"

"I Wish" - a Japanese film

This is a sleepy charmer of a film that slowly, but surely, steals your heart.  The 2 central characters are (pre-teen) brothers, who conspire with the help of their school chums, obliging grandparents & teachers to rendezvous at the crossing point of opposing bullet trains, believing that yelling out their wishes at this site  will ensure their wishes to come true.  Unfortunately many families succumb to divorce.  I only WISH there were minimal collateral damage when families split.  Here the younger son moves away with the father and the older brother stays with his mother and her parents in their hometown which is set against a volcano threatening to erupt.  The love between the two brothers & the pure joy of friendship amongst their school pals is endearing.  The ingenious strategic planning these youngsters conspire to accomplish their goal is remarkable.  This film is so much more than "Goonies."  It is a deeply stirring coming of age story filmed beautifully in and around both cities.  Even the scoring which usually  deters from most films, adds to the enchantment of the film with its Japanese music & lyrics.  I WISH is a film to savor and cherish for the love that bonds the brothers, the joy expressed in young friendships and the wishes they have for themselves and one another.

Jazz @ Lincoln Ctr - New Orleans Piano Kings

I took my own good recommendation on Jazz @ Lincoln Ctr. that I decided to attend another performance.  Last night in the Allen Room i.e. the room with a view of Columbus Circle & Central Park, royalty came to play to a packed house.  Ellis Marsalis, patriarch of the Marsalis Family: Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo & Jason.  The jazz ensemble consisted of Ellis Marsalis, Henry Butler & Jonathan Batiste all on piano and Reginald Veal on bass & Herlin Riley on drums.  Mr. Ellis was the elder statesman of the all New Orleans band, but the weakest of the 3 pianist.  Granted he is pushing 80, and a jazz legend.  I would definitely go to hear both Batiste and Butler play again, they really tinkled the ivories. My favorite piece was a T. Monk composition and the entire ensemble played "Going to the Mardis Gras to close out the set.  I have another good recommendation that I will follow: looking at my tickets earlier in the day, the starting time was for 7:30PM not 8:00PM, which is an awful feeling when you're just leaving at 7:30PM & just then looking at your tickets.  Yep, we missed the 1st number & had to wait outside (watching the performance on a monitor) before we could enter the theatre.  And, in the words of the late great Marvin Gaye, "Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby!"

Melinda's Malarky is Moving (temporarily)

Friends and followers of this blog, I will be transplanted for the summer from this, the greatest of all cities in the world.  But, don't cry for Me, Melinda, for I will be in the wine country for the summer.  The cultural highlight of which is a weekly concert on the town's square, where everyone knows your name, and you are encouraged to bring wine to share.  The entertainment consists of local blue grass bands (which even this classical snob) can stand after 1 or 2 glasses of a chilled chardonnay.  Otherwise, the local high school jazz bands perform (which I love.)  The youth bands never fails to get the crowd on their feet for a standing ovation, which is no small feat from these prone, inebriated adults (myself included.)  So, in addition to our local town square fete, I will be copiously reading and ask that you check out my new blog:  Mindel's Kindle for the Rogue Reader.  My reading recommendations will NOT consist of beach books or GREY brain matter.  Rather, my list will consist of world lit. suggestions and books that you may not be familiar with.  This Lovely, Lady who Loves aLliteration and poetry, will be suggesting mostly novels and some non-fiction (but not poetry.) Although, to quote this pseudo-intellectual, "read forever more." I bid you adieu with another famous quote, "Peace, Love & Soul Train." D. Cornelius

John Chamberlain: Choices @ the Guggenheim

I came to this exhibit as a lover of John Chamberlain's  seminole "car crash" sculptures, so I knew I wouldn't come away disappointed.  I left an even greater admirer for the scope and scale of his creations.  Frank Lloyd Wright's design is famous for its originality and for its ability to enhance the viewers experience. As soon as you enter the museum, there is a mammoth sculpture which is both whimsical and daunting.  The walk up (or down) permits one to walk around many of his sculptures while leaving some of the wall spaces stark.  Chamberlain's work lends itself to a quandary of emotions.  The main material the artist works from comes from the detritus of mangled car metals.  The parts are turned into sculptures reminiscent of destruction yet joyous and vibrant.  Whether you find Chamberlain's work macabre or beautiful, I urge you to view this exhibit for yourselves before it leaves and be prepared to be amazed.

The MET's Fashion Dialogue between Prada & Schiaparelli

I don't know how anyone felt about putting Tupac on stage, posthumously, but I thought it was CREEPY! So what do I think of constructing a conversation  between Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli who passed away in '73? MAGNIFICO! BRAVA! The pairing of these two fashionistas in an ongoing dialogue is nothing short of genius.  This exhibit reminded me of the MOMA's pairing of the works of Picasso & Matisse, who both admired & envied each other but said they would be lost without having the other to discuss art with.  Prada was quoted as saying "there are so few people she can discuss fashion with." The film of Prada & Schiaparelli (played by Judy Davis,) using strictly their own words was incredible.  I haven't even lauded their designs: clothing, shoes, or hats yet.  The curators for this exhibit should be awarded the... (I don't know, what do they give curators?)  Because this exhibit TOPS the McQueen Exhibit which had me doing a 3 peat.  I am definitely coming back at least 2 more times.  The pairing of both their designs makes for a hybrid of a fashion experience.  Schiaparelli said "designing is to me not a profession but an art."  Prada said, "designing is creative, but it is not an art.  Maybe nothing is art."  I side with Schiaparelli but admire both their designs & the entire exhibit.

LEAP of FAITH falls flat

The Broadway musical, Leap of Faith at the St. James Theatre, is far from being the holy grail.  LeaP, that ends in P that stands for Pool which rhymes with Fool which is what i felt like having spent $ on this charlatan of a snake oil salesman story.  Of course, I'm referring to the much beloved Music Man that Leap of Faith tries to emulate only falls way short.  Leap not only lacks the winning musical numbers that made Music Man a classic, its lead, Raul Esparza lacks the charm and charisma of Robert Preston. Esparza's female adversary, Jessica Phililips is no Marian the Librarian and the young boy in the wheel chair is no Opie (but then who is?)   Leap of Faith doesn't stand a prayer of chance at making you care for what happens to any of the characters.  Is there any redemption to the show?  Yes, the only glimmer other than the evangelist's jacket comes from Leslie Odom, Jr., and Krystal Joy Brown who play brother and sister and Kecia Lewis-Evans as their mother.  One can only have faith that they will be cast again soon in another play as Leap of Faith closes on Sunday.  Jesus have mercy, may there never rise a revival of this blasphemous musical.  Hallelujah!  Hmmm...I'm thinking of renting The Music Man...76 trombones led the big parade!

Documentary "First Position" Positioned for Oscar Gold

The documentary film, "First Position," was introduced by the filmaker, Bess Kargman, a former dancer, who addressed the audience before its screening.  Ms. Kargman, a former dancer herself, said that she wanted to show the lives of young ballet dancers, along with their families and teachers, who dream of making ballet dancing their live's vocation.  The film follows 6 main dancers, all gearing towards the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions; leading to scholarships and professional job offers.  Kargman said she did not make this movie for those who love the ballet, but for the person who is "dragged," to the ballet by the lover of ballet.  As a ballet dancer and lover of the art form, I of course, loved every frame of this film.  But, Kargman is off POINT in hoping that those who do not truly enjoy ballet will want to see this film.  The dancing and grueling regiments of the dancers will be too repetitive and dull for most people who do not appreciate ballet, especially since ballet is best enjoyed as a live performance.  However, I urge all dancers and all parents whose children have a passion for sports or the arts, make this the FIRST movie to see this weekend.  The tenacity and passion of these young people and the love and support they receive is nothing short of inspirational.

KNICKERBOCKERS you KNUCKLEHEADS you

Last night's Knick's game @ the garden gave the Heat another win, opening the door for a clean sweep of the Knickerbockers.  Granted the team played without the help of Lin, Shumpert and Hot Head, Stoudemire, but the Knicks had game up until the 4th period.  The 1st period ended score tied. Going into the 1/2 the Knicks had a 4 point lead (after blowing their 10 point lead.)  Someone at the Garden must be checking my blog (oh the hubris of this writer) because the only 1/2 time entertainment consisted only of  the Knick's City Dancers, the Knick's Kids CIty Dancers and shooting buckets for dough, which is what I said is all we need for the 1/2 time show.  At the end of the 3rd we were down by only 2 points but the 4th and final period, the Heat rose up in the garden and they quickly took control of the game; leading in double digits.  The Knicks must have set a record for turnovers.  The 3 point shooting was way down but they did score 3 second defense violations in each period.  The field goal % never went above 34%.  Well, MSG still had its cool factor:  Kayne West was in the house (without KK,) Ferguson & Tuck of the NY Giants were there along with Spike Lee (sit down clown.)  Come on Knickerbockers, we want a win on Sunday and deprive the Heat of a clean sweep.

"Our America": Henry Gates, Jr. @ 92nd St Y

Last night when I walked into the 92nd St Y, I was impressed at the huge turnout of people, considering that both the Knicks and the Rangers were playing.  I quickly learned there were 2 separate lines; the longer being for James Earl Jones in the main auditorium and a much shorter line for Prof. Gates in conversation with Mexican author, Ilan Stavans.  For "Our America, A Conversation," we were lead up several flights to a much smaller auditorium where we were first shown a portion of Prof. Gates' doc. series "Blacks in Latin America," which aired on PBS.  I had already seen all 4 engrossing series on PBS, this being one of the reasons I was drawn to hear the esteemed author/film maker/professor/editor and recipient of numerous honors including the National Humanities Medal in '98 & in '99 he was elected to the Amer. Academy of Arts & Letters.  Mr. Gates referred to himself mainly as a literary critic.  I would refer to him as a master teacher extraordinaire because he is both entertaining and enlightening with a joie de vivre for life and learning that is infectious.  I came ready to have him sign his most recent book:  THE HENERY LOUIS GATES, JR. READER and it was an honor to meet the gentleman.  I was also popular with the guys in line because I have the sports app on my iPhone (which was shut off during the event.)