JAZZ STANDARD Cyrus Chestnut Trio "For Your Ears Only"

The Cyrus Chestnut Trio treated the crowd at JAZZ STANDARD to an evening of head swaying, body relaxing cool jazz.  Chestnut balks at being boxed into any constrictive label for his musical style.  However, I will describe last night's set as a vigorous evening of avant-garde & chamber jazz.  Cyrus said after a thrilling piano performance, "This piece was for your ears only.  No one's ever going to hear it this way again because it will never be played this way again."  John Hendricks on double bass, a.k.a. acoustic bass, combined his improvisational tempo & alto tones and Lenny White's  drumming completed the instrumental interplay between the 3 acclaimed artists.  One could claim the accoustic based ensemble as chamber jazz.  Hendricks' bass was notably wider, neck shorter & strings extended  futher out than most bass instruments seen in jazz bands & symphony orchestras.  The double bass tonality resonated with lush vibrations.  JAZZ STANDARD OFFERS an intimate setting allowing the audience to pick out individual qualities each musician contributes to the jazz composition.  Josh Tyrangiel of Time Mag said "What makes Chestnut the best jazz pianist of his generation is a willingness to abandone notes and play space."

Moholy-Nagy: Future Present at the Guggenheim

The Moholy-Nagy exhibit that opened at the Guggenheim on Friday is aptly named "Future Present."  The Hungarian born Moholy-Nagy (b. 1895-1946) was a visionary artists whose works integrate a multitude of mediums & technology reflecting a contemporary, avante garde aesthetic.  It is enigmatic why his name is elusive in the public realm. Moholy-Nagy was a a groundbreaking artist in many venues.  His proclivity for constructural designs and experimentation with light & space predominate many works.  Perhaps, his unrevealed fame is due to his prolific work which crossed over & integrated new techniques, technology & theories regarding traveling through time & space.  There is a kinetic pulse to many of his paintings & sculptures.   A small plexiglass/ meteal sculpture hands from the ocular hovering the lobby's waterpool.  The show ends with numerous models in various sizes constructed of  these materials.  Parrallels in his earlier works can be drawn between Kandinsky & Mondrian's paintings.  Contemporary artists whose works resonate with Moholy-Nagy are James Turrell, Julie Mehretu & William Kentridge.  Moholy-Nagy's works possess a powerful kinetic energy and structural force.  Many works explore the ideas of industrial machinery & intergalactic solar systems.  Some of the shoe's highlights includes many of Moholy-Nagy's "photograms" (images made without use of a camera) & photographs. "The magic possibility of framing space & time is what brought me to photography."  This is a remarkably extensive & exciting exhibit.  The collection owns a prescient authority which originated in the early 20th C.  Moholy-Nagy's ouvre is too overwhelming to confine and there is too much to absorb in a single visit.  On a side note: The bathrooms have been updated to unisex but members' cards aren't scanned to facilitate entrance.    

DAPHNE'S DIVE by Pulitz Playwright Quira Hudes Plunges into Rubbish

Distinguished playwright, Quiara Alegria Hudes received the Pulitizer Prize for Drama ("Water by the Spoonful") and a Tony Award with Lin-Manuel ("In the Height.")  My expectactations for her latest work as resident playwright at Signature Theatre were high.  Unfortunately, "Daphne's Dive" is an overly ambitious political play that stumbles over its lofty goals.  It transforms into a garrulous mess.  Any message Hudes intended becomes muddled amongst its motley patrons in a seedy bar belonging to Daphne.  The cast of camaraderie castoffs who gather to gab include an artist whose makes art from garbage found in dumpsters, an older "Kerouac" biker, Daphne's affluent sister married to a successful entrepeneur and aspiring polititian, Jen, a free spirit, persistent social protestor and Ruby, the young girl who lived above the bar and becomes the adopted daughter to Daphne & beloved by all. The play begins with Ruby (Samira Wiley of "Orange is the new Black") announcing her age "I am 11."  This is the segway used for this 2 hr, 1 act play to move the timeline:  "I am 15," I am 20" and "I am 29."  A police raid causes the tenants above the bar to disperse quickly leaving 11 yr old Ruby to fend for herself.  Ruby hides in the dumpster where she is rescued by the artist.  Daphne fights for & gains custody of Ruby.  The two have a loving relationship & Ruby becomes the integral center amongst the "Cheers" crowd.  However, the focal point of the play is Jen with her multitude of political protests.  The Pandora's box of social issues released included: poverty, alcoholism, incest, sexual orientation, HIV, immigration, feminism, racism, democracy, personal liberties, etc.  The broad schism between   characters, plot & social issues is disruptive to the play.  "Daphne's Dive" is an incomprehensible mess that immolates its intent.  It's disappointing with such a talented playwright & cast this show tanked.  

NYPhilharmonic Play's Holst's The Planets

"The Planets" by Gustav Holst (b. England 1874-1934) is a symphonic cycle that is stellar and always an infintesmal pleasure to hear performed.  The planets, plus or minus Earth & Pluto (undiscovered until 1930) & then  unceremoniously denigrated from prominence, came after Holst's symphony was composed between 1914-16.   Why leave out Earth?  Perhaps, Earth is ground zero & we are free to imagine looking outwards to solar system.  (Okay)  Why are the planets anthropomorphically described by Holst?  Because, he wrote it, he can note it.  But, when listening to this celestial composition, including an offstage chorus of female voices, come to your own conclusions.  Or, simply remain in the dark & enjoy the music for its own grandeur.  It was obvious to me that the 1st movement, "Mars," is combatative and robust.  The various planet movements rotate in a continuous measure, not held in the order of their position from the sun.  "Venus" follows "Mars" and its agreeable, melodic tones are a complacent adjunct to "Mars."   "Mercruy" was performed in a capriccio manner and "Jupiter" was played in a hearty allegro.  I'm not sure where "Uranus" or "Neptune" diverged into their own magical, mystical overtones.   It really doesn't matter.  Holst's classical achievement allots for everyone's own fantasia.  

TURN ME LOOSE-Dick Gregory An Amer Civil Rights Activist and Comic Genius

This potent, fast talking biopic play at the Westside theater starts in the 60's following Dick Gregory (DG) rise to celebrity as a comic genius using racially charged material.  The intimate nightclub setting uses DG's hilarious & courageous truths to confront bigotry.  The clever staging & provocative dialogue showcase DG's prominent role as an Amer civil rights activist & social critic.  He has continuously written & spoken out against social injustices.  He's honed his cutting humor & commentary to battle racism, poverty, inequality, oppression and war.  Joe Morton gives a tour de force performance as the loquacious DG; comic, sage, preacher, warrior & relentless advocate for the oppressed.  Morton seamlessly portrays a young DG doing stand-up in the early 60's & DG most recently as an elder spokesperon addressing audiences on social obligations.  Gregory ask the crowd "How much service did you give to your fellow human being to save the least among us?"  Gregory was raised in segregation, poverty, fear of the KKK & with southern voting restrictions.  Woven into his DG's comedic routines we learn a great deal about his life.  He was kicked in the mouth while shining a white woman's shoe.  He begged the coach to be part of his high school's track team.  Getting a spot on the team did not get him a place with his white teammates in locker rooms or public places.  It did earn him a college scholarship.  In an early auto-bio, DG talks about the runners' stitch; a tightening across the rib cage causing discomfort and difficulty breathing.  From start to finish Gregory's scorching assessments  takes hold like this stitch.  Gregory, a comic genius & civil rights activists bellows at our social conscience.  This is a brilliant theatrical production of historic signfigance which tragically, still maintains systemic, social relevance today.  "The disgrace is having a problem and a country that refuses to solve it." (DG) "Turn me loose," the last words uttered by slain civil rights leader & Gregory's close ally, Medgar Evers.

Linc Ctr Jazz THE RAY CHARLES SONGBOOK Featuring Diane Schuur

Ray Charles (RC) passed away in 2004 at the age of 73.  RC  a.k.a the "Genius" was a piano prodigy whose multi-talents as a songwriter, composer, musician & singer crossed over in rhythm & blues, jazz, soul, country & pop.  His unique, inimitable voice & interpretation have become omnipotent standards leaving the impression he composed the majority of his recording repetoire.  Nonetheless, once RC did played & sang a piece, he owned it.  Last night's jubiliant celebration & tribute to Ray Charles was performed by extremely talented jazz musicians, including 10 former members of RC's jazz band & the original Raelettes.  The Raelettes were given their chance to shine in lead vocals.  Featured Grammy winning vocalist Diane Schuur shared too much chit chat about her cat & RC feeling up her lap.  Her rich tonal vocals & artistry were shaken somewhat by her screeching.  Schuur redeemed herself in her 2nd set with a beautiful rendition of "You Are My Sunshine."  Former RC bandmates, virtuoso trumpeter Kenny Rampton and Bill Sims on guitar & vocals were both extraordinary.  The duet between Sims & a Raelette, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," was one of the highlights of the evening.  The most spectacular & surprising performances of the night came from drummer & vocalist Jamison Ross.  He was remarkable both for his playing & his singing.  At 28, Ross has received multiple Grammy nominations & is a  recipient of the Thelonious Monk Int'l Jazz Award for Drums. Ray Charles' musical legacy is assured and Jamison Ross' contributions to jazz are already promising.                    

LOVE and FRIENDSHIP-an Austen Adaption of Masterful Manipulation

Jane Austen's novel "Lady Susan" has been adapted into a delicisouly diabolical movie of mischievous, yet masterful manipulation in matters of marital pursuits.  The lovely to look and deceptively cunning Lady Susan (played to perfection by Kate Beckinsale) is a widow left with only her sharp tongue which waggles & finagles liaisons with suitors to suit her purposes.  Austen's themes of propriety, social hierarcy & refinement are guised craftily with underlying layers of unscrupulous manuverings.  Austen's heroine Emma was a manipulative matchmaker with her heart in the right place.  Lady Susan' is heartless "diabolical demon" with cunning claws that are swiftly withdrawn.  Dir/screenwriter Whit Stillman has made an unreproachable adaptation of late 18thC Britain's aristocracy & the limited options for women other than a beneficial marriage.  Lady Mary of Dowtown would have met her match with Lady Susan.  Although, my money is on Maggie Smith as the dominant dowager.  LOVE & FRIENDSHIP is a treasure trove of conventions and witticism of this era. "The wealthy can afford to take the high ground."  Lady Susan justifies the means to obtaining the ends.  She is a ruthless, conniving vixen under luscious layers of curls & taffeta.  A bad marriage is one without wealth & with "a husband too old to be governable and too young to die."  Chloe Sevigny plays an American wife of a wealthy Lord.  She is Lady Susan's clandestine confidant to whom Lady Susan reveals her devious plots.  Sevigny is forbidden by her husband to socialize with Lady Susan of her dubious renown or risk banishment back to the States.  Sadly, Sevigny is sorely out of sorts and the sole faux pas in this sumptuous film packed with delectable morsels.

LILYHAMMER Netflix TV Series-It Makes for a Show You Shouldn't Refuse

LILYHAMMER is a joint venture Norwegian/American TV series starring Steven Van Zandt.  The genre is a unique blend of comedy/drama & crime/detective format.  The central character is a likeable, somewhat reformable gangster (Van Zandt.)  The show is a hilarious hybrid of Northern Exposure, Dexter & Sopranos. Van Zandt is a Renaissance man.  He's a musician, songwriter and original member of Springstein's E Street Band.  He's also an accomplished actor starring in LILIHAMMER which he co-wrote & directed in a Norwegian/American colloaboration.  The premise centers around "Johnnie" (Van Zandt) an American mafioso overlooked as head boss.  He testifies against the new head honcho and hightails it out of town to Lilyhammer, Norway under the witness protection program.  Why Lilllyhammer?  Johnnie fell in love with the city during the former Olympics with its natural beauty and female beauties.  Besides,  who would think to find him there of all places?  He's warned before he leaves for Norway with his new identity & clean slate, should he gets into trouble with the local authorities, he's on his own.  The clever comedy comes from a fish out of water scenario.  Johnnie uses his resourceful forceful way of getting things done despite the backwards, slow paced procedures of the local yocals.  The series is filmed in Norway using local actors who are eccentric & credible, disarming & intriguing.  Most beguiling is Van Zandt who wins you over with his "Good Guys" ways of getting things done & doling out justice & affection in various directions.   We root for Van Zandt with his churlish lips as Johnnie and empathize with his softer, sensitive side.  The show 1st aired in 2012 with 3 seasons.  Van Zandt announced the series was cancelled in 2014 but hopeful it will get another shot.  He only needs to make them an offer they can't refuse.

NY Historic Society FOLK ART Collection of Elie & Viola Nadelman

This exhibit will enthrall fans of folk art, antiques from the mid 19thC - early 20thC and "Antique Roadshow" junkies.  I was corrected of my misconception that FOLK ART represents  drawings paintings, household objects and quilts being solely of American origin.  Folk Art is NOT indigineous to Amer.  A major mistaken misnomer (on my part.)  This exhibition features more than 200 sculptures, furniture, figureheads & objects clearly indicating Amer Folk Art is derived from Europe.  Many pieces originated in England, Denmark, Germany and France.  The majority of works aren't identifiable by the artist.  The entire exhibition stems from the personal collection which belonged to the modernist sculpture Elie Nadelman (b. 1882 Warsaw - d. Amer 1946) and his wife Viola.  Nadelman immigrated to the US in 1914. He married heiress/socialite Viola Flannery.  Together they avidly amassed more than 15,000 folk art items.  The vast majority of which the Nadelamans sold to the NY Historic Soc following their financial ruin during the Depression.  Upon entering, you're greeted by 3 life-size wooden trade figure sculptures; an Afr. Amer cigar holder, a female Native Amer Indian & a Highlander.  These pieces are both intriguing and off-putting in their demeaning characterizations.  The gallery resembled an antigue rummage sale.  I was dismissive of most of the flat paintings & miniature figurines.  Still, I found the 2 handwoven quilts exquisite; a wreath & sunburst pattern.  And, I admired the boxes/chests & detailed carved wooden masts.  These items were both elaborate & simple in design.  Two noteworthy paintings depict Washington crossing the Delaware & Lady Liberty.  I was most captivated by noting the influence this collection had on the artist's own modernist classical style sculptures.  The pairing down of Nadelman's shapes & forms correlate beautifully to pieces in the couple's collection.

NY Historic Society: Anti-Semitism 1919-1939

The NY Historic Soc is presenting an exhibition on Anti-Semitism from 1919-1939 in Germany.  The intent is to show the systematic, legislative groundworks that were founded & progressed into the  organized Nazi regime committed to the genocide 6,000,000 Jews.  The original artifacts from this period are disturbing although they are presented in a strictly academic fashion.  The official proclamations, newsprints, signs and paraphanelia pertaining to this period are all in German.  The most startling of all items is an original printing of the Nuremberg Laws that were the milestone on which Hitler built his arsenal of restrictions, laws and extermination orders.  Still, the horrors of the holocaust are mitigated by the reliance on the curation in English above the historic paraphernalia.  The well intentioned exhibit  presents unequivocally, evidence attesting to how the Nazis regime established power.  The relevance of the exhibit is prescient and ubiquitous.  Still, the impact did not resonate as painfully as I had expected. It felt like an antiseptic dissertation on German papers that survived rather than on the millions of people who died as a result.

METLiveArts The Colorado-Historic Film Performed with Live Music

The Colorado film both shows the grandeur and majesty of our national landscape surrounding the Colorado River and its delta.  It also presents the man made devastation & havoc wrecked upon our most precious natural resources.  The multimedia production is accompanied by a chorale, a cellist & percussionist.  The beauty of the natural landscape & the river are enhanced by an original score that aligns with nature.  John Adams, one of the composers received the Pulitzer ('14) for raising concerns for environmental issues & conservation.  Adams is recognized for "melding the physical & musical worlds into a unique artistic vision that transcends stylistic boundaries.  Glenn Kotch on percussion & Jeffrey Zeigler on cello added a creative underlying pulse to the film.  Together the two musicians were able to capture the feelings of fluidity and expansiveness. The Chorale group were at times interesting and at times instrusive. Text was sparse and vocalists covered their mouths while singing in parts.  This was a collaborative project with numerous artists:  British actor Mark Rylance narrated the film. Writer conservationist William deBuys & Greek photographer/ writer Murat Eyuboglu wrote the screenplay.  The film traced the Colorado River from prehistoric times, European exploration into the industrial era including the construction of the Hoover Damn & its impact on agriculture & the environment.  This stirring and unforgettable production has a heavy warning of climate change & disappearing resources.  One of the last lingering images is of an elderly Native Amer woman walking among the parched, cracked landscape.  It is reminiscient of an old ad campaign with a Native Amer in headress looking out over a polluted urban sprawl while a tear rolled down his cheek.

ABT Premier's Ratmansky's "Serenade after Plato's Symposium"

I'm a champion of Alexi Ratmansky's choreographic works.  The program at ABT yesterday was a triple crown of Ratmansky's ballets which featured "Serenade after Plato's Symposium" which premiered at ABT Monday.  Ratmansky (b. Russian 1968) was a former ballet dancer & dir of the Bolshoi Ballet (2004-2008.)  Now an artist in residence at ABT, Ratmansky combines his choregraphic brilliance with the some of world's finest dancers.  The exceptional results are bravissimo.  I agree with Aliastair Mcaulay of the NYT "…the most gifted choreographer specializing in classical ballet."  However, Ratmansky adds a contemporary aesthetic that makes his ballets elegant & fresh.  "Serenade…"  is an abstract interpretation of Plato meeting with his disciples to discuss themes of love, wisdom & beauty.  The costumes & scenery by Jerome Kaplan reflects Ancient Greece with a modern flair.  The ballet is brilliant, the dancers sublime and it is a timeless work of art.  "Seven Sonatas" by Ratmansky (2009) is set to music by Scarlatti.  This is classical ballet at it's loveliest.  The dancers all imbue Scarlatti's music with ephemeral grace & airiness. The final ballet on the program was Ratmansky's choreographed version of "Firebird" which premiered in 2012.  Misty Copeland danced the lead with gusto & technical excellence.  The entire cast were magnificient.  The maidens showed great whimsy & lyricism.  Cory Stearns & Stella Abrera as Kaschei & the Maid were especially appealling.  The costumes, scenery & lighting enhanced this dazzling performance.  The entire Ratmansky program was exhilarating.   Bravo!    

Brazilian Modernist Roberto Burle Marx at the Jewish Museum

Brazilian born artist, environmental activist has a show at the Jewish Museum that is brilliant in scope and purpose.  Marx prolific work spans, painting, sculptures, photography and architectural & landscape plans.  The tapestry installation in the show covers the entire length of the gallery and is sufficient reason to see the work by this prolific & incomparable artist.  The tapestry on display incorporates his design themes that reflect outdoor, communal spaces.  The ingenious, multi-constructed wall hanging has abstract images of gardens, lakes & outdoor spaces shown harmoniously with structural buildings.  His designs have been commissioned for public spaces throughout Brazil and internationally.  Marx is to be hailed for his dedicated work on enivornmental conservation issues.  There are many astonishing works of art in this show.  I urge everyone to view the Brazilian Modernist collection of Roberto Marx that encompasses great art, design and environmental activism.  The beautiful oil painting in the last gallery represents his staunch fight to protect the natural landscape.  Look up on your way out, even the chandelier is his design.    

Issac Mizrahi: An Unruly History at the Jewish Museum is A Mishmash

Issac Mizrahi (b. Amer. 1965) is a fashion designer, entrepeneur and media personality.  While he's managed to keep himself in the public eye his relevance in the fashion industry has dwindled.  His fashion ventures have become major financial fiascos.  The Jewish Museum approached Mizrahi to present a show, perhaps to capture visitor traffic driven at the MET by their Costume Institute.  Unfortunately, Mizrahi's collection is a major miss.  The entire entrance wall is cloaked in boring blocks of multiple colored swatches.  This is a harbinger for the unimaginative & uninspiring collection.  The display dummies are cramped together with little or no embellishments.  There was a purse worn as a hat on one mannequin.  This was seen worn in a runway show in the video installation of his fashions & gratuitous bio.  The styles are a such mixed bag of and ideas that it becomes a jumbled mess.  None of the clothing resonated except for the Native American gown & jacket that I felt were in poor taste. Mizrahi is known for designing for both high & low ends of the fashion market and for combining both in an outfit.  Now, Mizrahi is struggling to attach his eponymous name to whatever comes his way.  Stay away from this Miztshi mishmash show that registers low on the totem pole.  

Guggenheim Exhibits Contemporary Art of the Middle East & N Africa

"But a Storm is Blowing From Paradise," is an exhibit of cotemporary works from artists in the Middle East & N Africa.  The themes war, diaspora & dystopia are emphatically expressed in sculptures, videos, installations and works on paper.  Some of the artists were from Baghdad, Tunisia, Tehran and Dubai.  The large metal & rubber sculpture suspended from the ceiling represented to me a maze, turmoil or captivity.  The Tunasian artist named the piece Flying Carpet and said it represented the  merchants who must pack up, flee & disappear quickly.  A young boy in a group who was seated underneath the work said "It feels like I'm being rained down upon."  A perceptive view with a natural, healthy connotation.  It also speaks to the many works that reflect the devasation from bombings & attacks levied down upon the cities.  A fragmented golden banister suspended on one pedestal.  Again, a young student said it represented "something off and broken."  There were a collection of photos of bombed out sites painted over with morphed monstrous figures which gave a very hideous depiction of an apocalyptic world.  There was also an installation of cast items that were once plants or bones that had a very somber & macabre aura.  The "…Storm Blowing From Paradise"  affronts the viewer with the devasation in the Middle East & N Africa which we must not disregard.  I urge the public to attend and whenever possible, eavesdrop on a curated group of students.

Greek Dir Yorgos Lanthimos' THE LOBSTER Is a Boiling Mess for Crackpots

Greek dir/screenwriter Yorgos Lanthimos' film THE LOBSTER paints a dismal dystopian world where cruelty abounds and love is amiss.   This is not a movie easily dismissed. The bizarre pretense is a love match hotel where you sign on to find your soul mate in 45 days or forfeit your human soul & turn into an animal.  Granted, you're given your choice as to what animal.  Bizarre, twisted, gruesome and frightening only begin to describe this heartless & forlorn world.  The film is a satirical & sadistic  depiction of social disconnection and a terrifying police state.  Colin Farrell is David who signs on to find love or find himself turned into a lobster (his choice.)  David brings his brother, a previous failed guest; now a dog (a popular choice.)  This movie will not garner popular appeal.  Strict rules are cruel and enforced.  Masterbation gets a hand fried in a toaster.   Men are subjected to female staff rubbing against their genitals for arousal only. Guests hunt "loners" individual survivalists in the wilderness for sport & to buy extra time.  Charles C Riley, the only American among an int'l cast of impressive actors gets his hand roasted.  Rachel Weiz (in a beguiling role) finds love with David amongst the loner survivalists. David flees his love match from Hell at the Hotel. The survivalists have their own astringent, barbaric rules.  Lanthimos' filmmaking doesn't follow any rules.  His views of a deranged dystopia may not all be that unrealistic.  Love is blind and hard to find.      

Jazz at Linc Ctr: Joe Lavno: Coltrane's Spiritual Side Featuring Ravi Coltrane

Jazz at Lincoln Ctr last night had Grammy winning saxophonist & composer Joe Lovano.  Lavono led an ensemble of world class musicians performing John Coltrane's legendary "spiritual" jazz featuring Ravi Coltrane on saxophone. Ravi is the son of John Coltrane & jazz pianist Alice Coltrane.  John Coltrane died before Ravi turned two.  The musical selections were from Coltrane's compositions stemming from the late 1950's; a time of "spiritual awakening."   "A Love Supreme," was the highlight of an exceptional evening of sophisticated jazz.  The internationally acclaimed ensemble was comprised of highly gifted musicians including Reggie Workman on bass and Geri Allen on jazz piano.  Allen gave a virtuoso solo performance of one of her compositions.  Both drummers Andrew Cyrille & Brian Blade added to the other's layered rhythms.  Tom Harrell was on trumpet.  According to program notes "{Harrell} is one of the most creative & dynamic instrumentalist & composers of our time."  His playing was phenomenal but when at rest, he appeared to be sleeping.  Harrell hunched over & didn't flinch an inch.  At first it was odd, then it was bizarre and distracting. This was the only deterrant to a beautiful & uplifting concert.  "During the year 1957, I experienced…a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller more productive life.  At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means & privilege to make others happy through music."  (J.  Coltrane)

The Scottish Film SUNSET SONG-Scenice Scotland Post OUTLANDER Pre WWI

Dir/screenwriter Terrance Davies' (b.  1945 Britain) lSUNSET SONG is a sumptuos film of the Scotish countryside on the brink of WWI.  The bucolic beauty of the land belies the serentiy within the household of a family headed by a tyrannical father.  He takes as much sadistic pleasure in flogging his son as Capt Randall does Jamie in the OUTLANDER TV series.  The film features shots of a Stonehenge assemblage  and rolling, green countrysides.  The lead character, Chris is the oldest daughter in this family.  The father is so brutal, her brother flees & her mother poisons herself & her twin infants.  Chris, a promising student with career aspirations to teach finds herself bound to her father & the farm. Fortunately for her, the father suffers a stroke liberating her & leaving her the land.  Chris (not unlike Claire) is a very sensual & sexual being.  Chris finds happiness as a young newly wed with Ewan.  Together they work the farm harmoniously & bear a son.  Their domestic bliss is short lived.  Germany & England are now at war.  However, not all Scotts wish to align with the Brits & do their fighting.  Those who do not enlist are accused of cowardice and allied with Germany.  Ewan reuluctantly enlists.  On his 1st furlough, his demeanor has radically changed into an abusive lout.  Chris fails to acknowledge Ewan's departure.  The gloaming cinematography & rustic farming are charming.  "Lovely things in the world don't endure and are made lovelier for that."  SUNSET SONG is a harsh & stunning look at life in Scotland in the early 20thC.  Aye, I'm more captivated by the OUTLANDER series set in Scotland early 18th C.  

CAGNEY at Westside Theatre-Two Heels Up

The musical, biopic play on the late great James Cagney has something nice for everyone; the majority  niche is for those with seniority. Still, this likable, intimate production casts a killer hoofer in the lead role.  Robert Creighton plays the legendary actor thug who stuffed a grapefruit in a woman's mug.  I compare Creighton to Astaire.  Astaire's 1st screen test for studio mogul Selznick reportedly said "Can't act. Can't sing.  Can dance a little."  I felt the same about Creighton.  His singing sucked, his acting was pat but his dancing was dandy.  The ensemble helped with the heavy tapping & Bruce Sabath as Jack Warner was perfect casting.  Cagney's life was surprisingly more interesting than the interchangeable tough guy roles he played on film.  It turns out Cagney was a real life hero to the working class and a man of strong principals.  His lifelong marriage & longtime friendship with Bob Hope were heartwarming and made for show stopping dancing duets.  Cagney should also be remembered for his support of our troops (along with Hope,) and his forthright appearance before the House UnAmer Activities Com.  The show drags its feet in with story telling & the musical numbers are mostly blank & vanilla.  Still, for an intimate show with a lot of bang for its buck, I give it my regards.  

Jonathan Horowitz Show at The Brant Fdtn-Whole Lot of Witticism

My friend coaxed me to The Brant Fdtn situated on rolling green acerage in Greenwich, CT.  The barn like structure is a spacious 2 story structure which lends itself to art exhibitions & bird inhabitants amongst the rafters.  Indepth shows of a single artists are featured twice yearly & led by a curator.  Admission is free but reservations are required.  Situated on the lawn outside were 2 small Richard Serra sculptures & 1 massive, morphed shaped sculpture by Urs Fischer (b. Switzerland '73.)  Fischer had a smiliar gargantuoun installation in front of the Seagrams building.  In both settings, the sculptures mirror the building in NYC and the trees in CT.   The featured artist is Jonathan Horowitz (b. Amer '66.)  Horowitz is a multi-media, conceptual, political, pop culture, installation artist.  He uses photography, technology, video, found objects & is fond of appropriating other artists' works. There were "homages" to works by Warhol, Lichtenstein & Johns.  A small gallery featured a life size bronze  of a cartoonish Hillary Clington being crowned with the wording "Hilary Clinton is a person too."  The wall contained hundreds of small, silly figurines Horowitz painted, adorned and also used the wording "….is a person too" adding individual names (OJ Simpson) & classifications (convicted felons.)  I found this engaging, provcative & comedic.  The "open store" installation contained household items.  We were encouraged to take from or add something.  Horowitz did a lot of taking from other major artists' ideas.  An Amer flag covered in white with glitter appropriated both Johns & Horowitz's partner, artist Rob Pruitt.  The lower level galleries contained the most thought provoking works of social & political signfigance, for instance:  a minimalistic Kelly warped pink triangle and donation bins for various causes scanning pressing & polar oppposite positions.  The final gallery was a US presidential tribute that was extremely relevant & thought provoking.  Horowitz borrowed ideas but some of works stirred me to contemplate pressing social issues.  My friend & I noticed small photos in odd, out of the way places.  We asked the curator who said they are of wanted terrorists at large.   I encourage you to visit the Brant Fdtn & see what you find stimulating.        

The MEDDLER Starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne & J.K. Simmons

"The Meddler" is a comedy that is anything but funny or entertaining.  The A list cast of stars include Susan Sarandon as the annoying but (un)lovable, overbearing mother to successful, beautiful but (not) so tragically single daughter (Rose Byrne.)  The fine cast of actors who play love interests to Sarandon are J.K. Simmons & Michael McKean.  The always likable Jason Ritter plays Byrne's on-again off-again boyfriend.  Despite the charms of these 3 fine actors, Sarandon's grating voice, incredulous character & uncharacteristic overacting all but bury this chick flick into an interminably, unwatchable movie.  For anyone who is a mother or who has had a mother…hmm...this movie is not for you.

RABIN in HIS OWN WORDS an Israeli Documentary by Erez Laufer

Israeli documentay filmmaker Erez Laufer (One Day After Peace '12) has made a profound biopic film about Israeli Prime Minister Rabin's extraordinary life & the exceptional part he played in history as a soldier, military commander, Defense Minster, and broker of peace for in the Middle East.  The film's footage traces Rabin's family history along with the birth of the State of Israel and the ongoing violence & wars that have plagued Israel since its inception.  Laufer's doc is a tribute to Rabin's initiative & profound commitment to establishing peaceful resolutions between Israel, the Palestinians, and Israel's neighboring Arab nations.   Rabin had maintained an adamant stance against negotiating with the PLO being they were a terrorist group committed to wiping Israel off the face of the Earth.  His altered position to conduct negotiations through peaceful accord was heroic.  Arafat, the leader of the PLO allowed that Israel had the right to exist secured in peace & renounced terrorism.  Rabin asserted "We must think differently, look at things in a different way.  Peace requires a world of new concepts, new definitions."  This doc is an absorbing historic overview of meetings between Rabin, Arafat, Sadat, Hussein & our Presidents.  It's interesting to see our past leaders & their respective spouses during these historic times.  I highly commend this film as an emblematic testament to seeking peaceful resolutions.  Tragically, both Rabin & Sadat were assasinated (by their own deranged countrymen) for their courageous inroads towards peace.  Rabin is to be remembered & honored for the milestones he laid to end fighting amongst nations.   "We do not celebrate the death of our enemies.  I believe, however, that peace is attainable regardless of the Arab mentality, society or government."

INCOGNITO at MTC Incomprehensible but Memorable

The cerebral new play INCOGNITO by Nick Payne ("Constellations") is literally a complex study of the brain.   Payne's 1 act play with  4 actors (playing multiple roles) in 3 significant segments, retreads his contrivance of repetitive dialogues & sequences.  Parallels can be drawn between these plays pondering analytical quandaries.  "Constellations" explored infinite possibilities in the celestial expanse.  "INCOGNITO" is focuses inwardly on the workings of the tangible, human brain.  The 4 dexterous actors assumes 4 to 6 characters convincingly making this convuluted play confusing and simultaneously compelling.  For all the scientific advances and explorations, perhaps the final frontier and most important area of study is man's brain.  The characters are tenuously connected like tissue to each other via neurological doctors.  At the cortex of the play is actual brain matter taken & preserved from Albert Einstein.  The most sympathetic & heartfelt character is Henry.  Henry suffered some brain trauma rendering severe short term memory.  He is forever opining for his wife & doomed a life stuck in time.   Nevertheless, Henry makes a fascinating & frustrating case study.  Imagine the possibilities & problem solving to be conquered should we learn how the brain stores & retrieves memory.  What are if not for our memories & imaginations?  "Imagination is more important than knowledge." (A Einstein)  This clever play may not appeal to the masses but more to intellectual asses (like me.)  

Jullliard' 3rd Year Rep. Love's Labour's Lost-Lots of Laughter

Julliard students' Shakespeare's Repertory for spring '2015 includes "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Love's Labour's Lost."  I saw the later with a production geared for laughter.  There is an exuberance and energy that the students bring to Shakespeare's romantic comedies and a contemporary  aesthetic.  I commend the clean & clever 4 level set design and staging.  And, Shakespeare's language rang eloquently from the cast but the modern high jinks hijacks the play.  I prefer Julliard's drama  performances of 20th & 21st C plays.  The student's Shakespeare plays are labors of love but are lost on me.    

The Aspen Instit David Miliband Discusses the Global Immigration Crisis

Last night at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Inst, David Miliband, Pres & CEO, The Int'l Rescue Com discussed the Global Immigration Crisis.  Miliband manages the agency's humanitarian relief in  more than 30 war torn countries & resettlement & aid programs into 25 US cities.  Miliband is an Oxford grad & received his masters fro MIT as a Kennedy Scholar.   I was very much interested in learning about the problems & progress made with regards to the refugee crisis.  Unfortunately, I was not able to discern what is being done nor where efforts are primarily directed.  Perhaps, I needed a more prestigious degree to grasp the erudite complexities in dealing with this world wide & exponentially expanding problems.  We were informed the refugee crisis is at its worse since WWII  with more than 60,000,000 people displaced and growing at a rate of 40,000/day.  The primary countries struggling with refugees in staggering numbers are Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Greece & Kenya.  Overall, the exodus population who return to their home countries is only 1%.  Miliband implied the pragmatic solution for each country is to absorb the mass influx of people with the understanding they will become permanent residents.  How this is to be attempted or accomplished was ambiguous.  Miliband implied the World Bank is not equipped and is restricted from distributing aid where it's most crucial.  It was indicated that it is futile to provide aid in countries combatting civil war.    Poverty is another factor driving mass exodus.  I failed to comprehend any plans or solutions directed to combat the global immigration crisis.  I left confused & despondent.  One bright note:  Canada has pledge to take in 25,000 immigrants/year.  (From where, how or what's going to be done, I don't know.)  

MET' MANUSxMACHINA Fashion's Fit with Technology

The grand entrance to this extraordinary exhibition at the MET's Costume Instit features a regal white gown that is a heavenly concoction of royal wedding gown & religious ceremonial frock.  The statuesque & bedazzled gown is the centerpiece of the show.   The elaborate train is breathtaking.  Above, the ocular shows a kaleidoscope video of the jeweled detailing. This imperial gown establishes the miraculous omnipotence of creativity enhanced with technological advances.  The curatorial adornments of multi-media tehnology are minimal.  The cornucopia of courture span from the 20th C to the present and are so striking on their own, it is suffice to simply identify the designer and year.  Note how the earliest designs appear contemporary & timeless.  The incredible craftsmanship of hand beading, embroidery, lacework are evident.  The advent of the sewing machine in the 19th C enabled mass production, exponentially liberating creative possibilities.  Then, as now, advances in science & technology have pushed the seamless boundaries of design towards exhilarating new achievements from tailoring ateliers.  Some of the futuristic, edgy designs incorporated 3D printed products, inorganic materials & laser cuttings.  The couture was jaw dropping for its beauty, ingenuity & peculiarities.  The intricate & ingenious designs were arresting.  A few (and there were many) favorites pieces:  "Venus" dress by Dior '1950, McQueen's spring/summer  '2009 dress with hand-embroidered enameled metal flowers and the Channel Wedding Ensemble '2006.  MANUS x MACHINE at the MET is a show to meander through slowly and enjoy in mass amounts.    My vote for best dressed at the MET Gala goes hands down to Beyonce who wore a stylish latex Givenchy gown with puffed shoulders & hand appliqué adornment.  Her dress was the pinnacle blend of machinery & handcraft with a wearable, contemporary design.

Shout Out to Julliard Student & Budding Star, Soprano Shereen Pimentel

The Julliard School is winding down for the year.  This means revving up on student recitals.  There are a bevy of concerts open to the public (free of charge) put on by the students for their degree and for the delight of the audience.  There are even plenty of recitals on Saturdays & Sundays.  Today I had the pleasure of hearing 2 cellists, a tenor and a soprano (all accompanied by fellow Julliard students.)   The soprano, Sherren Pimentel, was spectacular.  Shereen Pimentel, today's student, tomorrow's Broadway baby.  Congrats to all the students for their wonderful performances.  Shereen Pimentel - a name to remember.