Reasons to be Happy, NOT!

Reasons to be Happy @ the Lucille Lortel Theatre is the sequel to Neil Labute's play, Reasons to be Pretty.  Labute picks up the same fearsome foursome four years later.  He should have left them in the past.  Greg & Steph start where they left off in "Pretty," by screaming at each other.  However, there are seismic changes in the dynamics of the group.  Since Greg/Steph ended their tumultous 4 year relationship, Steph has gotten married.  Carly/Kent have a 3 yr. old daughter but are not together.  They  hate each other.  Surreptitiously, Greg & Carly are involved in a sexual relationship that sets off fireworks of hostility from Steph.  Steph can't believe Greg is now sleeping with her best friend.  Sparks of venom quickly alter to Steph's professing her love to Greg.  Steph terminates her marriage to  reunite with Greg.  Still under Steph's spell, Greg agrees to end his relationship with Carly to be with her.  Greg's "we need to talk Carly," is usurped with Carly's ecstatic news; she is pregnant with their child.  Oh what to do...Greg suggests a pancake breakfast with Carly but morphs into a waffle drenched in vacillation.  Kent is still the boorish brute whose anger issues turn violent.  Kent tells Greg that "he's selfish, he needs to man up and go for it."  Sensible advice for Greg who has the backbone of a jellyfish.  Greg's indecisiveness becomes insufferable as does the play.  Last night in the village, there were huge crowds celebrating the Supreme Court's decision to legalize gay marriage.  This ruling is a good reason to be happy.  

Basicilica @ the Cherry Lane Theatre, See It

I will start by encouraging you to see this show.  Because, what I have to say may seem derogatory.  The play itself has some mundane themes & much melodrama.  The young boy in Basicilica, Ray Garza,  dreams of escaping his small TX town.  Ray knows he doesn't fit in & like Belle, "wants so much more than this provincial life."  As in all small towns, especially TX, football rules, a guy "has to man up." Everyone is either related or knows everyone's business.  Football is like a religion in TX & religion is the other quest for glory.  The play is about the entire Garza family, Ray's younger sis, Mother, and Father, Joe.  Returning back into the fold is Father Gil.  Father Gil got out of dodge right out of high shool & has just returned from an 18 year hiatus as a man of the cloth.  This small town still has a few secrets that won't remain secret much longer.  These questions are asked repeatedly "are we good people?" and "have you ever wanted something different?"  The talent of the entire cast is not in question.  They are all outstanding in their roles, especially Joe Garza played brilliantly by Felix Solis.  Young Ray is played by Jake Cannavale, making his NY Theatre debut.  Expect to see more of this appealing actor.  In the audience was Jake's father, actor Bobby Cannavlae & actor/comedian Chris Rock.  Joe is right when he says, "Actions are what matters, not words."  It is the acting that carries the play into something extraordinary.  See it!

Make the Most of City Cycles

Are you looking for a fun, free outdoor activity?  The city cyles that have opened around the city are a great free outdoor exercise activity.  Free, you ask?  Yes, if you're willing to backpedal, literally.  While the bikes are locked in, the pedals can be engaged when you pedal backwards.   The NYC comedian, Goldberg, has scheduled spinning classes around the city if you're interested in group, comedy workouts (for a nominal fee.)  Or, just hop on & start pedaling.  The bikes must be surrendered to a paying customer.  But it looks to me like there are always bike on hand.  So, put your metal to the pedal & start having some free fun outside.

Boys of Summer Great Starts to Summer

Last night was the 1st official day of summer.  To me, the official start to summer begins with my 1st trip to Yankee Stadium.  Last night the full moon, the stars & Yankee strips aligned for the perfect evening for a ballgame.  The Yanks beat Tampa Bay 6-2 after a 7 game losing streak.  It was an ideal way to kick off the start to summer.  The Yankees had a lot of "new" players on the roster with Jeter, Texeria & Rodriguez on the injured list.  The only key players I recognized were Gardner, Suzuki, Cano (my favorite) & Phelps on the mound.  Zoilo Almonte, who just earned his 1st MLB hit the night before, hit 1 for all 4 bases, earning his 1st RBI homerun.  The fans responded with a standing ovation bringing him back on the field for a wave of his cap.  Thus began a fan wave that went around the stadium for rest of the inning.  Summer is official; time for making fond memories.  Zoilo Almonte, is a name to remember on the Yankees.  It was free Yankee hat night, too.  How great was that?

Turrell's Light Installation @ Guggen. Illuminates

The Guggenheim continues to amaze me with their ingenious use of their rotunda to create unique art experiences.  James Turrell uses the rotunda for his NYC light installation which is a fleeting and extraordinary experience not to be missed.  You enter into a realm of art. You are impacted by the relationships between light & space.  Turrell NYC's installation is in sync with his light installations in Los Angeles & Houston.  Turrell's work may lack permanence "but all things are fleeting." The installation is in tangible but potent from what the individual brings to & takes away with them.  Do not miss the opportunity to be in contact with the Light Installation @ the Guggenheim & form your own impressions.  Turrell's illuminating work expands the realm of our conceptions of art.  Like a meteor blazoning across the sky, its brilliance quickly fades but itleaves behind an indelible impression.  The most powerful impact of this exhibit demonstrates that despite having varying  perspectives, diverging perspectives co-exist and are relevant.

See the Orignial Civil War Paintings @ the MET

Oil paintings from 1852-77 depicting the years just prior to, during and after our Country's Civil War are at the MET.  The serene landscapes painted in the years looming before the War depict ominous demon clouds on the horizon.  The 1st Civil War painting is a of an unfurling tattered flag;  1861.  The horrors on the battlefield are not as prevalent as are sombre moments of respite in both the Confederate & Union camps.  There is a painting of 3 Black Union soldiers sleeping against a tent in the early morning sunshine that is quietly disturbing as is a sunset painting of  a Confederate soldier standing guard amongst cannons. There are few paintings relating directly to slavery.  George Washington's home is painted from back with slaves in his yard.  This painting alludes to the disingenuous foundation laid by our Founding Fathers.  The albumen prints that have survived depict the carnage of fallen Confederate soldiers & the vast destruction of southern cities and land.  There is a painting of the  Reconstruction paintings were optismitic & poignant.  I was drawn to the painting of 2 young boys clad in opposing military garb sitting side by side in the woods.  The post Civil War Paintings return to bucolic landscapes featuring optimistic images with rainbows & haloes of light.  I strongly recommend seeing the paintings/prints from the Civil War years that captures our turbulent history.  This is an important educational exhibt designed for reflection.

NY Philharmonic - Finale Open Rehearsal

Today was a day of premiers & finales.  This was the last open rehearsal for the season & a world premier for Christopher Rouse's Symphony # 3.  Rouse is the NYPhilharmonic Composer-in -Residence.  Rouse has been honored with a Pulitzer Prize for Music '93 & named Musician of the Year '09 for his symphonic scores.  Rouse's Symphony #3 alludes to Wagner's Der Ring; sharing in its complex instrumentation that blends strong percussive instrumentation with varying softer, melodic movements.  Wagner's Suite from Der Ring des was also on the program allowing for an interesting contrast & comparison.  Conductor Gilbert acknowledged Rouse who was present for the rehearsal.  "The dessert on the program," was Emanuel Ax performing Haydn's Piano Concerto in D.  This was a grand finale for the season.  I plan on attending the first open rehearsal in the fall.

The Explorers Club-Should Go Missing

The Explorers Club @ Manhattan Theatre Club is a ridiculously silly British farce, and I mean this in the worst possible way.  It is a play of a good ole boys club of scientists & explorers set in 1879 London.  Gathered is a zany group of physical anthropologists, a misanthrope biblical historian, led by a young, level headed botanist, Lucius.  Lucius is pleased to present Phyllida, an anthropoligist/ explorer and proposes her for membership in this strictly male club.  Lucius also wishes to propose to the lovely & intelligent Phyllida.  Phyllida has returned from an undiscoverd island in tow with a primative native "Luigi."  Luigi is an "uncivilized savage" whose appearance & customs are quite different from that of the Imperalistic, class structured Brits.   It is Luigi's tribal custom to slap the person to whom he is being introduced.  Enter Harry, the Club's heroic world explorer who vies with Lucius for  Phyllida's affection.  The Explorers Club are to be presented to the Queen the following day along with Phyllida & Luigi.  Upon being introduced to her Highness, Luigi slaps her and all Hell breaks loose.  This is slapstick that hits you over the head and repeats gags until you gag.  "What are the British without their love of brandy & cigars?"  I say, leave the Brits to their habits & hapless humor and set your sights elsewhere.

Ken Price Sculptures @ MET, Priceless

The artist Ken Price who passed away last year is associated with his colorfully speckled, melting shaped sculptures.  His expansive & evolving career spanned 50 years.  His work in painted clay revolutionized clay works  from functional, ceramic crafts into an innovative artform.  The difference between a craftsman & an artist, explains Price, "A craftsman knows what he's going to make and an artist doesn't know what he's going to make, or what the finished product is going to look like." His early works were small objects intented to create an intimate experience.  According to Price "small objects draw you in closer to the physical reality of the piece."  The sculptures all feature apertures which draw you further into the piece.  The sculptures are both enigmatic & suggestive.  Some shapes resemble asteroids, others, geometric & architectural forms.  His later works from what he refers as his "golden period," have an indeterminate fluidity & vivid color combinations.   Note:  Hunchback of Venice '00, which uses undulating & seductive colors.  The layering of colors was not intended for decoration but "an organic fusion between the surface & color." His works are highly regarded for their strikingly bold colors and apertures in the forms.  These voids express a "highway to unconsciouness.  The place where you're open, your mind goes quiet and before long, all kinds of possibilites come."  This extensive Retrospective of Price's work is exciting & contemplative.  It is just not possible to miss.

Doc. 20 Ft. from Stardom-Get Close

Who knew how talented & vital backup singers are to major performing artists & bands?  In 20 Feet from Stardom, many of today's most celebrated recording artists know & they were singing their praises.   Bruce Springstein, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Sting all testified to the talents of various backup singers.  Background singers go unheralded. The doc. focuses on several immensely talented artists whose careers have flourished singing backup but whose own paths to stardom & solo careers have remained illusive.  Darling Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fisher and Judith Hill are 4 immensely talented singers whose paths to stardom & solo careers have been illusive.  It's clear in this highly entertaining & deeply moving doc., the incredible talents these women possess.  It's delightfully  clear how valuable are the backup singers.  They make the star look & sound good and add the hook to the music.  What remains a mystery is why amazing talent doesn't guarantee stardom.  These women & big name stars tackle this enigma.  Perhaps it's a lack of ego, sex appeal, good material or a good producer.  Or maybe it's just not mean to be.  One of the women maintains, "It's not the talent but what you do with your talent."  Lou Reed wrote "and the colored girls go doo do doo, doo do doo."  I say do do see this film.  I'll be happy to accompany you.  

Alvin Ailey @ Lincoln Center

With great fanfare & jubilation the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre is performing at the Koch Theatre @ Lincoln Center.  Ailey's is expanding their venue in NYC from the City Center to the expansive & prominent Koch Theate. The programs feature a world premier by the talented choreography Ron Brown, artistic dir. of the Evidence Dance Co. entitled Four Corners. The dancers were an amalgamation of strength, suppleness, agility, creativity and excitement.  The dance has a very powerful tribal beginning that segued seamlessly into more contemporary dance & music with amazing skill and artistry.  The Alvin Ailey Dance Co. is unique for their rhymic and stylish movements that is forever raising the bar for creativity and musicality.  The 2nd piece, Petite Mort by Czech choreographer Kylian was set to Mozart.  While more sombre in tone there are moments of levity with the use of black rolling gowns the women dance from behind.  The men use saber swords to begin the piece without music, establishing their own sounds from their flaying swords.  The piece is an intriguing blend of dance & clever props.  The partnerimg & lifts are breathtakimg as are their leg and arm formations.  The company continues to flourish under the Artistic Dir. Robert Battle who incorporates a variety of works from multiple contemporary choreographers.  Revelations, Ailey's seminal piece and heart of the company was the finale.  Ailey is absoltely not to be missed.  Make this a must see @ City Ctr Nov-Jan and now Koch theatre in June which will be extending their engagement to 2 weeks next year.  Performances @ Koch are through Sunday.

El Anatsui's Large Scale Installations

Crossing the pond to jolly old London, I was awe struck when I saw the large scale installation of El Anatsui's work that cover's the entire entrance on the outside of the Royal Academy Art Gallery.  This piece is magnificient.  It is constructed of found materials: bottle caps, copper sheaths, & various metals incredibly fused together to form a shimmering, multi-colored "tapestry" that moves & shimmers with the wind.  And, as  with the Highline, it is on view free to the public in the courtyard of the Royal Acad.  Anatsui's instillation adjacent to the Highline covers the entire facade of a building.  This large scale work is concealed somewhat by trees & foliage which camouflage the art into its surroundings.  While you can't miss seeing Anatsui's work @ the Royal Acad., don't let his work alongside the Highline go unnoticed.  Meanwhile, jolly old London had its share of unrest (though not on the same scale as Turkey.)  I'm happy to haved jumped back over the pond to the Big Apple.  Sunday, take Dad to brunch @ the Cookshop on 10th Av/20th & then for a stroll along the Highline.

Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes

The MoMA has comprised an extraordinary, comprehension of Le Corbusier's works that entail his iconic architectural plans scanning the globe.  Le Corbusier was a renaissance man of many talents in addition to his work as an architect:  writer, photographer, urban planner, furniture designer.  The many influences of his designs & renderings are displayed.  I was impressed by his large scale, ingenious architectural structures & designs that are prescient in today's contemporary landscape. This expansive exhibit accentuates the art of design.  It is skewed specifically for those with a bent for architecture.  If not, don't make a plan to see this exhibit.

Ellsworth Kelly, Shades of Brilliance @ MoMA

Ellsworth Kelly marked his 90th birthday in May and his 70+ years of art is being feted around the U.S.  Kelly is recognized for his abstract minimalistic plethora of work.  The Chatham Series, his 14 large scale monochromatic multi-panels are all on exhibit @ the MoMA.  This is the 1st time since '73 when these works were first presented, that they all been shown together.  The 14 panels are all 2 different colored panels, of similar hue, combined to form an upside down L shape.  The 2 colors and dimensions of the panels all vary.  Kelly's minimalist work pushed the boundaries of simplistic abstract art to the max.  His work reminds me of Mondrian's line paintings & Judd's sculptures.  For those who appreciate minimlastic works that explore color & space or are interested in viewing the art of this living legend, this show is an homage to Mr. Kelly.  For those who consider this style too elementary for their tastes, you may think "what the ..el?"    

The Film "Fill the Void"-Should it be Avoided?

The Israeli film, "Fill the Void," opened a window into the obscure Hasidic community, their religious observances and daily lives.  The film begins with a Purim celebration.   The men in the Hasidic sect are drinking & singing together while the women look on from a separate room.  During the festival of Purim, the men meet with the Rabbi, their religious leader, to discuss their difficulties which all seem to benefit from financial support.  After listening, the Rabbi generously doled out money.   It reminded me of The Godfather on his daughter's wedding day.  However, the Rabbi was not a don or a svengali for his congregation.  He was revered for his wisdom, guidance & compassion. The Rabbi even went with an elderly woman who had no one else for help, to purchase an oven.  The Hasidic people were portrayed as deeply religious and committed to each other.  The story deals with the aftermath of the death of Esther in childbirth.  Esther leaves behind her baby, husband Yochay, parents and a loving younger sister, Shira.  This remarkable debut film is by Rama Burshtein who lives in an ultra-Orthodox enclave in Tel Aviv.  All grieve deeply for Esther.  Shira's mother cannot bear the loss of grandson should her son-in-law move away to remarry.  She wants Shira to her marry her sister's widower.  At no point is Shira coerced into this arrangement. Yochay & Shira are resistant to this idea at first.  Many influences come into play: the Rabbi's consultation, Shira's mother desire for this union & the couples growing attraction for each other.  The film is made with grace & sensitivity.  There are no villians to this film, aside from oppressive sexism.  I have a great deal of admiration for the movie.  Did I like it? No, I didn't.  Perhaps, it's me being judgemental that made me feel uncomfortable.

Escape onto the HIGHLINE

Today was an exceptionally beautiful day in our fair city.  A perfect day for being outside & enjoying a walk on the constantly evolving HIGHLINE.  This is an oasis of nature with public space designed for reflection & rejuvenation.  The linear greenway is constructed in harmony with the elevated abandoned railroad tracks running along the westside hwy.  The vista opens onto the Hudson river and the architecture of NYC from an elevated perspective.  The narrow, nearly 2 mi. garden walk is a mecca for art & music lovers and for anyone seeking a respite from urban congestion.  A jazz band was playing and people were lolling on benches, lawns & stairs.   Sculptures and installations are spaced along the meandering walk.  A highlight on the HIGHLINE is a large installation on the facade of an adjacent building, by Nigerian artist El Anatsui "Brooklyn Bridge II."  It is constructed of mirrors & recycled metals that is partially obstructed by trees & foliage.  You can't miss a mural painting that honors Jackie Robinson & gives Brooklyn a humorous shoutout. There is even a sound installation that creates a whimsical jungle.  The HIGHLINE which 1st opened in '11 is a NYC treasure.

ABT's World Premier of Ratmansky's Trilogy

I went to the American Ballet's World Premiere of the Shostakovich Trilogy being a huge fan of both the Company & Ratmansky's illuminating choreography.  Last night only reinforced my opinion that Ratmansky is the most talented choreographer of our time.  It was all Ratmansky to all of Shostakovich's iconic music.  Ratmansky made Shostakovich music come alive.  The dancers elongated the notes, captured the music's artistry and meshed the dancing with syncopation to form a hybrid of artistry. (There were a few noteable faux pas by the dancers.)  However, ABT remains one of the world's best ballet companies.  Shostakovich's mellifluous music was played majestically by ABT's orchestra: Symphony #9, Chamber Symphony & Piano Concerto #1.  The individual pieces all shared several features I attribute to Ratmansky's works.  His porte bras fluidly accentuate the notes.  There is a bit of whimsy & flirtation in his dances which are delightful.  He also expresses great angst with dancers rolling on stage. His lifts and formations are exciting to behold.  Ratmansky simply creates dances that move beautifully in harmony with the music.  As the lady behind me kept saying, "that was so lovely." I did notice another brilliant choreographer in the audience:  Christopher Wheeldon.  However, last night was all about Ratmansky's exquisite new ballets.

Don't be Deceived, "Now You See It," Don't!

This slight of hand movie is slight of story & magic.  It is crammed with pursuits, car chases & crashes to the point of disbelieft & utter tedium.  Sadly, it is packed with star power whose combined talents fail to muster magic.  Woody Harrelson did deliver as a devilish grifter.  But, the bankable Morgan Freeman was sleep-walking his role.  Freeman seemed hypnotized.  Somone needed to wake him from his stupor.  Let me keep you from being hoodwinked into seeing this somnabulant stinker.  The only disappearing act was the $ I paid for my ticket.  Freeman warned Mark Ruffalo, the detective on the case, "the closer you are the less you see."  Don't be taken in, there is nothing here worth seeing.