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.

Regarding Warhol, 60 artists, 50 years @ the MET

15 minutes will not suffice to absorb the cross-generational artists whose work has been influenced by Warhol's ground breaking art.  Roughly 50 of Warhol's iconic pieces are included alongside other prominent works by contemporary artists; Koons, Muniz, Haring & Mapplethorpe to name a few. Warhol's iconic pieces are prominent. The brillo boxes, campbell's soup, coca-cola bottles and celebrity portraits enhanced by his use of color and silk screening. The show begins innocuosly with banal items from everyday life.  Koon's wooden sculpture of a pig pushed by angels is entitled Ushering in Banality.  The exhibit then confronts us with the omnipresence of the media in our daily lives through ads and news.  Note the multi-images of Jacquie O moments before JFK's assasination and Warhol's silkscreen of the race riots from newsprint.  One woman upon seeing an installation of household items said "I just don't get it."  Another woman seeing a chainsaw embellished with a chanel logo laughed out loud.  Warhol along with these artists draw us in and spark debate.  Warhol said, "I went into business art - being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art." The exhibit ends whimsically with floating silver balloons.  I strongly recommend attending this exhibit. See how Warhol's work has influenced the art world and consider how the world of art is prevalent our lives.  

92/Y Tribeca daytime talk - Martha Graham in Love & War

Author Mark Franko is a Prof. of Dance @ the Univ. of S. California, a former dancer and award winning choreographer.  His current book on Martha Graham focuses on the defining events and influences on her works; 1938-53.  Franko discussed the interweavings of her life and work, combining politics, Greek myths, psychoanalysis, and her turbulent relationship with Erick Hawkins.  Hawkins was a dancer 20 years Graham's junior.  They had a volatile love/hate, relationship that strongly impacted her work. Some of Graham's works were aimed against facism.  The central focus of Franko's talk was aimed at uncovering the ideas behind her works as "choreography is an intellectual operation."  Granted, but the talk would have greatly benefited from photos and film footage, especially in reference to her seminal works mentioned: Appalachian Spring, Night Journey and American Document.  Graham is often referred to as the greatest revoluntionary for dance in the 20th C.  It would have interested me to know how her work was first received and its impact today.  Dance is a kinetic, evolving art form requiring a visual medium to best be appreciated and understood.

The Australian film, Eye of the Storm

Eye of the Storm is a film from down under which is where it could have remained for my $.  The 1st rate cast consists of Charlotte Rampling as the wealthy, aristocratic mother to son, Geoffrey Rush and daughter Judy Davis.  Once a great beauty, Rampling is in failing health and summons her off spring whom she hasn't seen for many years.  This long hiatus is no surprise as Rampling is a dominating, solipsistic tyrant who wrecked havoc in her children's lives.  Seen in flashback, Rampling had no qualms stealing her daughter's lover.  This melodrama precedes a major tempest that wrecked total destruction on everything around her.  Her daughter, Davis, moves to France where she married and divorced, leaving her a royal title but destitute.  Rush, her son, has relocated to London where he was knighted for his acting although he has fallen out with fans & critics alike.  Both Davis & Rush return to their ailing mother's bedside, abjectly fawning themselves into her good graces to assure themselves of inheriting her estate. The movie is bogged down by narcisstic, self-serving people waiting for "death as the natural conclusion;" the aftermath of the eye of the storm.  I would not recommend this movie, despite the stellular cast, on a clement day or a stormy day for that matter.

New York City Fashion Week @ Lincoln Center Sept. 6-13

New York City is hosting fashion week @ Lincoln Center inside the Mercedes Benz temporary structure.  No, I was not fortunate enough to get invited to any of the runway fashion shows, but that doesn't mean I had to miss out on the fun & fashion.  Get yourself over to Lincoln Center to view all the comings and goings.  Make yourself comfortable around the fountain or the tree lined atrium and see the photographers taking glamour shots outdoors.  Notice what many of the fortunate invited guests are wearing to the shows.  Perhaps you'll spot a celebrity or two and you'll want to see what they're wearing. Get a glimpse of upcoming trends and ideas.  If you're into fashion, New York City is where you want to be during September's Fashion Week. "Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." (Coco Chanel)  What is happening now is your chance to experience the newest ideas and styles in fashion just by being outside Lincoln Center.  Take notice and make note to wear something that just might get you noticed.

ANNA BOLENA, the outdoor screening @ the Met. Opera House

Last night was the closing of the outdoor screenings of the Met's productions from this season.  The finale was ANNA BOLENA, the premier production of the 2011-2012 season.  For those who love opera or are willing to give it a try, this is a great way to get the experience.  What can be better than a free outdoor concert screening on the front of the Met House?  Well maybe a free live production, but this was a great way to spend a cool and relaxing evening with family & friends.  Anna Netrebko who starred in this production was on hand to welcome everyone before the screening.  The music is by Gaetano Donizeti and the overture was intoxicating.  The story is of Henry VIII's divorce from Queen Anne to marry his new love, Jane Seymour.  In 1536, when King Henry VIII wished to dissolve a marriage, executions were used to expedite matters.  New Yorkers who love or want to be exposed to opera, sitting outside in set up chairs (or bring your own) this is a wonderful way to get a taste for what the Met has to offer.  Be warned; the chairs on the tree promenade are not to be removed.  Heads were going to roll in Act II and Act I gave us plenty to enjoy so we decided to roll.  I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of these free outdoor concerts.  It was good to see that so many people did just that.

The French Film, WHITE LIES

WHITE LIES is the French version of THE BIG CHILL, only "trop;" too much!  Both films revolve around a motley group of friends. In the beginning of THE BIG CHILL, the friends are reunited over a funeral of one of their group.  In WHITE LIES, the friends are reunited at the end of the film by the funeral of their mutual friend.  Both films have an American song track that enhances the film.  But the French just seem to love more, eat more, drink more, fight more with a joie de vie we aspire to achieve.  The group revolves around Max, (Francois Clozet) France's answer to Dustin Hoffman and Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard.  Just before the friends are to leave for a month vacation together at Max's ocean front home, one of their group is in a serious motorcycle accident.  What a dilemma - should they remain in Paris or proceed with their vacation plans.  A compromise is reached where they will only go for 2 weeks.  During their 2 weeks, various pairings are made or broken.  While the escapades are humorous, there is a prevailing sense of stress & melancholy.  Tempers flare, bonds tested only to be mended at the end by their mutual mourning.  "As life is to be lived to the fullest and love in any form is never wrong."  I savored this film as I would a 4 hour French meal, trop, but worth the indulgence, now & then.