The Tony Winning Musical Six-Sizzles with Swagger and Style

The (2022) multi-Tony winning musical Six, is a brief rehash of the lives and deaths of Henry VIII's wives told, in song by six bodacious broads who shared the same King's bed.  Two lost their heads, two were divorced and the sixth, survived.  A catchy refrain that sticks in the brain, "Divorced, beheaded, died, beheaded, divorced, survived!" What's survived is a legacy of a Monarch, known mainly for gluttony and conveniently disposing of tiresome brides.  The little bit of historic "her-story" was cursory, not meant to be too heady.  It was a steady parade of reigning queens in the16th C with attitude, given a current updo interpretation in homage to today's queens; Rhianna, Beyonce, Niki Minaj and Brittney.  The pulsating energy was anything but low key.  It's was a rollercoaster ride of former brides, battling it out by whaling their sad sagas.  This was aimed for the honor of claiming the top spot on the history chart as most deserving amongst the wolf pack, to be celebrated and commemorated.  The American Idol format put the audience in the voter's seats as crowned contestants performed as a rock concert.  This diva driven show had an all female band on stage.  The backup lightning design dazzled,  merging a Renaissance aesthetic with psychedelic technology.  A clever use of lighting reflects today's online dating sites.  Henry's fifth wife was selected from amongst painted portraits.  The king did the thing where you slide left for no and right for yes for the next woman to wed.  However, portraits are deceiving, leaving Henry feeling misled.  Still, wife number five held onto her head.  SIX, the musical, is a sure crowd pleasure.  Perhaps, all the booze flowing in the house enhanced an inebriated jubilation.  Wait, did I miss free libation?  No, but it certainly flowed freely and the crowd was enthralled from start to its swift 90 minute finish at its rousing curtain call.  The musical numbers had two love ballads for a brief respite.  Anne Boleyn laments her demise in childbirth with "Heart of Stone," and the sole surviving queen's requiem, "I Don't Need your Love," hallowed unrequited love.  The Tony winning costumes were in keeping with the styles of the courts and courtesans of the era with some flattering alterations.  The women wore adorned in flashy mini-dresses, rhinestone boots and Madonna style bustiers in lieu of long, flowing robes.  A special shot out to Henry's first two wives, Khaila Wilxocoson as Catherine of Argon, and Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn.  Both rendered star generating vocal performances.   SIX is sure to please any formidable, female fan base.  The men in theater appeared to enjoy the show.  Although, the men may have been leery of raining on the parade of women who ruled on stage and in house.  

BAD SISTERS Series-Woe to the Bro Who Gets Between Sisters

BAD SISTERS is a dark comedy thriller series screening on Apple TV that should chill husbands who bring bad blood into families and will thrill wives and sisters who wish to take the law in their own hands. The five Garvey sisters construe a bubbling  caldron of emotional commotion toiling through life with devotion to one another.  The head honcho of this harem is Eva (Sharon Hogan, "Catastrophe").  Hogan who co-wrote and co-starred in "Catastrophe" does double duty on BAD SISTERS, as actor and executive producer.  Eva is the sensible, responsible sister, who despises her brother-in-law,  John Paul (Claes Bang) with a passion; for good reason.  He's choking the life out of beloved sister, Grace, and he's overbearing to their daughter.  The other sisters in the Wolfpack are beautiful Becka (daughter of singer Bono), gay Bibi and mother of three, Eva, whose excited by her adultery.  Bibi jauntily wears an eye-patch and has despised JP for a long time.  She's first to hatch a plot to kill John Paul (JP).  JP is a loathsome, self-righteous asshole.  He's contemptuous of Bibi's lifestyle, overly controlling of Grace and threatens to dismantle the close knit sisterly bond.  Bibi approaches Eva who requires a slight prodding to agree "to give nature a little push" by ending JPs life.  The sisters' dastardly plans to do away with JP never run smoothly.  This gruesome gimmick adds humor and allows the sisters time to enlist their other sisters to off their brother-in-law. The reasons for each wanting to kill JP are compelling.  We're rooting for the sisters' success in their murderous quest.  In plot's thickening mayhem are two bumbling, half-brothers.  The brother's life insurance business will go under if they have to pay out on the policy to JP's widow, Grace. The unmarried brother, Matthew (Daryl McCarmack, "Peaky Binder") is not fully on board with his brother's scheming to uncover foul play in JP's death and falling overboard for Garvey sister, Becka.  The timelines reel backwards and forwards causing us to wonder how JP dies and, whose telling lies.  This clever show is set in a charming, seaside Irish town with a warm allure which serves to soften the show's dark side.  The acting by the ensemble cast is winning.   There's an omnipotent appeal from the squabbling, loving sisters who would die for one another, or at least kill for each other.  I recommend this offbeat and beguiling show.  Give your self over to the first few episodes then feel free to skip the lengthy intro with Leonard Cohen's haunting rendition of "Who by Fire," foreboding a macabre mix of murder and wry mishaps. 

SHARPER with Julianne Moore is More for Dumb and Dumber

The scam artist drama starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Lithgow is now in theaters and screening on Apple TV.  The movie is set in NYC filmed in the cinematographic glow that Woody Allen showers his love affair for Manhattan.  The movie is broken into segments prefixed by the name of the person the story's perspective  focuses.  The initial story is about Tom (Justice Jesse Smith) a handsome, 30 something male working at a cramped but cozy book store.   A lovely young woman, Sandra (Briana Middleton) comes in searching for a book.  Without taking his eyes from the book he's reading, Tom ambles to the exact location to extract the book.  When he hands her the book, he takes one look and is taken in by Sandra's beauty and brains.  But, he's clumsy asking her to dinner which she declines. Tom  berates himself, needlessly.  As he's closing, she's lying in wait for him and their date and courtship commences.  Within months, the two seem to have found the real deal in love with each other.  Their bliss goes slightly amiss when Sandra shares her woes.  Orphaned at an early age, she and her brother were placed in foster homes.  Her brother's situation was much harsher and he became a drug addict.  Her brother turned to her for money to pay his dealer.  Sandra is not able to save him by paying off his $350,000 debt.  Sandra is stunned when Tom becomes her savior.  Tom not only has the money, he insists on giving it to her.  Sandra's story follows next.  Her appearance is starkly different from the demur ingenue and NYU PhD. student.  Of course, nothing is as it appears or as one is led to believe.  The main characters and their stories are all interrelated including Madeline (Juliette Moore) as Tom's step-mom, Max (Sebastian Stan) as Madeline's son and Richard (John Lithgow) as Tom's father.  The attractive cast, particularly Middleton and Smith are appealing,  Moore and Stan are cool and slick.  But, the con is problematic and pitted with holes.  If you're willing to buy the grifts, all set in New York, there's a bridge I'd like to sell you.  My advice is not to fall for this faulty plot.  At least don't drop a lot of dough.  Just watch it on TV.  I wondered why the movie was being released simultaneously in theaters and screening on TV.  Enigma solved.  

PAMELA, A LOVE STORY-Pam Laid Bare

After watching the 90 minute documentary, PAMELA, A LOVE STORY, in three sittings, Pamela revealed herself by laying her life out bare for all to see.  I watched in three sittings because it felt overly long and oftentimes trying.  For a friend or a loved one to confide their intimate loves, torments and sex-life in one sitting would be arduous for anyone.  When the person sharing such intimate and personal information is the world renown sex symbol, Pamela Anderson, it's consuming being both exhilarating and exhausting.  Moreover, the feeling I came away from watching this is a sense of melancholy having gotten to watch Pamela from being a pretty girl in a small town to becoming one of the world's most recognizable sex symbols.  There's shame and guilt suffered from sexual abuse by a babysitter and a much older man.  And, there's hardship from having an alcoholic father and an unstable upbringing.  Pam's legendary foray into celebrity came when a cameraman spotted her at a football game in the stands.  Soon Playboy came calling.  Pamela discovered she felt alluring and natural, au natural posing for the magazine.  Pamela speaks directly to the camera as she narrates chronologically alongside photos and home videos.  The notorious sex video and its tumultuous impact on her and her life with Tommy Lee receive a lion's share of the video.  It's worth noting that Pamela made the interesting choice to appear without makeup and that she dresses in loose, shapeless clothing.  This is in sharp contrast to the glam, glitz and flattering shots shown throughout the film.  The stark contrast of Pamela as a gorgeous ingenue and a drab, homebody are startling.   Pamela proves a doting mother whose grown sons are close to her and each  other.  It can be argued Pamela has a love/hate relationship with the media.  I contend she not only craved the attention, she was cunning and calculating in capturing as much attention as possible.  What I noticed missing are any meaningful friendships or planning in her life or career.  The lens captures a candid and dynamic woman whose life has more to reveal than just what's under the sheets.  I think PAMELA, A LOVE STORY is interesting as it folds out.   

Author Kim Stanley Robinson Reading from "The High Sierra: A Love Story"-

Kim Stanley Robinson has written numerous sci-fi, award winning books. Robinson's genre has become labeled hard sic-fiction for depicting worlds that are mystifying without defying reality.  His fantasy features have garnered Nebula and World Fantasy awards and the prestigious Hugo award.  Perhaps his most distinguished honor is the naming of asteroid 72432, "Kimrobinson."  Robinson was referred to by  his friend and moderator as Stan.  Stan read sections from his non-fiction work, "The High Sierra:  A Love Story" and shared his love for the Sierras and the outdoors.  From the packed audience at 222 in Healdsburg, and the Q&A session following, came high praise for his writing and a shared appreciation the great outdoors. 'The High Sierra" tells of his campings treks with three friends.  One friend being Pulitzer Prize winning poet and environmental activist Gary Snyder.  Stan is in his 70s and Gary, his 90s and there's no hesitation or intimidation from the harsh landscape of dense thickets, large wildlife and freezing rivers.  Stan's reading and commentary expressed his awe for the beauty of landscape and sky and the laughing good times he enjoyed with his friends on their foraged trails.  Stan was asked if it were true he did all his writing outside.  Stan confirmed he writes outside of his home in CA.  He had felt tired of writing in his 40s but was encouraged to stick with it.  He discovered his love for writing wasn't the issue but "...{he was} tired of being indoors. "  Since 2007, he's written exclusively outdoors in a covered, open sided structure.  Inthe rain and cooler weather he dresses with warm sweaters and fingerless gloves.  Hot summer weather is the most trying weather for him to be productive.  "The High Sierra" is going to be his one and only "real novel or memoir."  His affinity for nature was infectious and his poetic leanings were apparent in describing the "inexpressible wonder of nature.  Walk the world and walk in it." he mused.  The perennial question of what books he had on his night table was posed.  While this question oftentimes get rebuffed, Stan said as a writer and reader he loved to share names of authors he favors.  The majority of names mentioned were of women including Woolf, Wharton, Eliot and Ferber.  He said as an English major, many were required reading and found there's usually a good reason these authors are selected.   When Stan's reading commenced, he stated he was happy to be with us and would be delighted to answer questions and talk with whomever was interested in sticking around.  When the moderator cut the Q&A off at 9PM, Stan reiterated his willingness to remain, not only to sign books but to visit with those who had time to stay.  I found the evening to be exceptionally engaging and Stan, a magnanimous author, bibliophile and naturalist whose passions for books and the outdoors inspiring. 

Doc. ALL that BREATHES-Well Intentioned film that Put Me to Sleep

ALL that BREATHES is a a doc. about two brothers who bond over tending to birds in a decaying world.  Beautifully filmed at a lugubrious pace, the brothers living in New Delhi, make it their lifelong mission to care for the majestic black kites.  These birds of prey are dying out in their quickly decaying New Delhi skies.  The prevalent kites have become subjected to increasing pollutants, posing a threat to their longevity and to their essential contribution to the indigenous, surrounding ecosystem.  The breathtaking cinematography does not shy away from the rat and flea infestation or the receding riverbeds.  The filming casts a melancholy pall over the land that is shared by the brothers' torment.  The commendable devotion for their nurturing of the maimed birds that appear docile in their deft hands is laudable.  This highly awarded doc. is noted for calling attention to the violence and desecration within New Delhi.  As a vegetarian, animal advocate and environmentalist, I was anticipating watching the newly released ALL that BREATHS which sadly didn't measure up to my enthusiasm.  The steady but turgid depiction of the birds' care and the brothers' family lives was so somnolently slow and hypnotic, so much so, that this apiarian and avid movie goer went swiftly to sleep.  

KNOCK at the CABIN-KNOCK KNOCK, Nothing There

KNOCK at the CABIN is the latest in the horror film genre by writer/director M. Night Shyamalan.  Having been a former fan of his previous sci-fi, intensely suspenseful films, his more recent flicks don't master the trick of regenerating the potent chills of his early successes.  Perhaps, Shyamalan took note and chose to adapt a screenplay from someone else's writing.  KNOCK at the CABIN is an adaption of Paul Tremblay apocalyptic thriller, "The Cabin at the End of the World" that garnered the Bram Stoker Award for Horror Writers in 2019.  Needless, this film adaption lacks the gravitas of a credible, emotionally taut thriller that poses a distasteful dilemma .  Would you chose a member of your own immediate family in order to save mankind, and if so, who?  A handsome, gay couple, Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are a loving couple who've adopted an adorable Asian girl, age seven named Wen (played by new comer Kristen Cul).  Former professional wrestler, Dave Bautista (Leonard) is an imposing stranger who befriends Wen outside of the family's stylish country home in the woods.  Leonard is the leader of a small group who try to convince Eric and Andrew, it is preordained they must sacrifice one of their threesome in order to prevent an apocalypse that will raze all mankind.  Preposterous, yes!  But soon airplanes start dropping from the skies and tsunamis are washing over the globe.  Unfortunately, the durable acting of this Shyamalan sham isn't suffice to save this sinking psychological thriller that never rises above tepid.  Knock, knock.  Whose there?  Whomever, but never talk to strangers or succumb to a mind numbing flick that is a Shyamalan pick.    

SHRINKING-Stars Harrison Ford, Jason Segel in New Comedy/Drama Series

SHRINKING is a comedy/drama series on Apple TV+  starring Harrison Ford in his first network show.   Regrettably Ford, is not the star of this sitcom about three physiatrists in a joint partnership trying to help heal patients amid the chaos and setbacks in their personal lives.  Paul (Harrison Ford) is the elder, managing partner with Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) and Gaby (Jessica Williams).  Besides being the saner voice of reason, Ford brings an ingratiating appeal to his role and Williams, the younger, hipper, wise cracking partner brings a delightful energy to this motley mix.  Segel as Jimmy is the central character, a grieving widow.  Jimmy has a teenage daughter whom he's neglected for the past year while shrouding himself in inconsolable morning.   Jimmy'a patients have also been dealt with in a shoddy, contemptuous manner as his grip on reality has shrunk.  The premise examines dramatic and comedic scenarios with  insight.  My issue with the show is with Segel in the central role.  Segel is not credible as a licensed psychiatrist, a bereaved husband, or father to a teen whom he's neglected and now wants to reconnect.  Segel has written and produced several successful comedies.  His strengths lie in portraying the haphazard tagalong; annoyingly likable but not to be taken too seriously.  The dramatic demands of the lead are sorely derailed by Segel's dismal performance.  However, as a producer, Segel has surrounded himself by a cast that more than makes up for his flimsy performance.  Harrison and Williams as partners in the practice with Jimmy give both humorous and poignant performances in their personal storylines as well as the mentoring proffered by Harrison and the loving support by Williams.  Also stellar in their roles are Segel's daughter Alice (a lovely Lucite Maxwell), best friend Brian (a hilarious Michael Urie), next door neighbor Liz (Christa Miller) acting as surrogate mother for Alice and court ordered psychiatric patient Sean (Luke Tennie).  Sean has anger issues.  Lard is his assigned psychiatrist who proceeds to breaks all established protocols and offers Sean refuge in his home after Sean's parents kick him out.  Sean is thoroughly ingratiating as the volatile, misunderstood black male whose tough veneer hides a sensitive and caring young man wanting to emerge.  I'm going to treat myself with additional sessions of  SHRINKING which shows promise as a thoughtful and entertaining series.  I'll withhold judgement as to how the show progresses.

80 for BRADY-Rates 80 for the Senior Set and a 50 for 65 and Under

The newly released movie 80 for BRADY has a Super Bowl cast of veteran actors which include Acad. Award  winners Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Morena and multi-Emmy and Mark Twain Prize for Humor recipient, Lily Tomlin.  These talented pros are joined on the field by Tony winner Billy Porter and the winningness NFL quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.  This pleasing film about friendship "inspired by a true story" scores by relying on the shoulders of its seasoned, talented cast having a blast portraying a tight knit of gal pals.  This is no stretch for these pros who share longtime, life-friendships.  The game plan calls out a mawkish formation built on Lou (Lily Tomlin) who believes her unread test results portend cancer's return.  Lou's determined to get the gang together for one final adventure before she cashes in and buys the farm.  Lou's ruse to her friends is having won four 2017 Super Bowl tickets in a Patriot's fan essay contest.  Lou's snow job melts when the scammed tickets Lou paid a fortune are missing in action despite being handed off to the most responsible in the group, Betty (Sally Field).  Maura (Rita Moreno) plays a charming widow being courted by a dapper gentleman in her assisted living center.  Trish (the indomitable and stunning Jane Fonda) is the mature ingenue, still irresistible to men and women alike.  Hats off to Fonda whose not only sexy in her 80s but fearless and willing to be self-effacing.  The movie moves at a geriatric pace but sputters to life in moments that make its leisurely pace palatable.  I found myself laughing out loud at some of its well intentioned silliness.   My favorite scenes were with Gugu (Tony winner Billy Porter).  Gugu is the half-time choreographer for Lady Gaga.  Having befriended Maura in a poker game the night before, Gugu helps them past security guard by performing an ad-lib dance routine, dummy downed to suit the ladies' skills. (Although Moreno could have given them all a run for their money.)  Cheesiness aside, this cheese head was smitten by the earnestness and kinship these female hall of famers brought.  Don't cry for bobble-head Brady whose recently out of a job.  He's not just a pretty boy, this golden kid can act.  There's bound to be a second act for Brady and this bevy of best actors that keep on winning despite the odds.  I call an audible.  Just run with it.  

LOCKWOOD & Co.-Spirit Slaying Sleuths, Supernatural Series That's Spectacular

LOCKWOOD & Co. is the name of the detective agency headed by Anthony Lockwood (Cameron Chapman) and his two right-hand, slight-of-hand associates, Lucy (Ruby Stokes) and George (Ali Hadji-Heshmati).  The motley trio, still in their teens, are business partners and roommates dwelling together in a charming brownstone in London overflowing with overstuffed furniture, books, swashbuckling swords, chains and necessary accoutrement for combatting demons, restless ghosts and spirits seeking to maintain sovereignty over their inhabited property.  The sleuth business Anthony, George and Lucy are struggling to keep afloat specializes in slaying and exorcising unwanted, undead overstaying their welcome.   Youth detectives solving mysteries and fighting crime is hardly a new genre.  Since the Hardy boy days, but this  action-adventure delves into the realm of the supernatural with spectacularly haunting results.  There's no skepticism in regards to the public's belief in ghosts.  Most accept the unwanted presence of the paranormal and prefer to remain indoors during curfew hours, leaving the ghostbuster business to the professionals.  Lucy's mother is harsh and unloving.  The mom is only too eager to turn Lucy over to a school for students possessing physic or supernatural abilities.  At this acclaimed university, the students receive training to combat invasive, mystical manifestations.  Despite being esteemed for their abilities, the students are mostly shunned by society.  Still, they are called upon to take on preternatural enemies.  The competition is fierce amongst avengers.  A rivalry between another agency of young and attractive sleuths are imposing in their uniforms.  This quad and our three heroes are frenemies and often arrive at the same scene.  The acting by the leads is phenomenal,  Cameron Chapman as Anthony is imposing in his role and Ruby Stokes as Lucy is sensational.   These two are convincing showing trepidation and courage.  They also emote a smoldering attraction to one another that is appealing for both adolescent fans and an older demographic.  While LOCKWOOD & Co. is a sure lock for the tween set, there's much to appeal for a discerning, mature crowd who enjoy escaping into suspenseful adventure.  The series' appeal for teens lies in its special effects and watching their peers navigate without adult supervision.  Lockwood & Co. runs into conflict with local law enforcement.  A further mystery is whether the adult detectives side with our trio or working duplicitously for someone or perhaps, something else.  I'm somewhat surprised by how much I relish this adventurous romp into a Neverland filled with beings from other lands.  The show generates credible chills, thrills and intensity.  I recommend checking LOCKWOOD & CO. out on Netflix and watching in the dark.  "I ain't afraid of no ghosts" {GHOSTBUSTERS}

EXTRAORDINARY-Quirky Comedy Anything But Ordinary on Hulu

The new comedy series on Hulu, EXTRAORDINARY,  is clever, bizarre and definitely different from ordinary sitcoms.  This twenty-something, contemporary comedy is set in London, everyone is bestowed a superpower upon turning 18 and we don't know why this is accepted as a fait accompli.  Ordinary people mingle through la vie quotidienne accepting nonchalantly, the supernatural as only natural.  The potpourri of powers prove pervasive in scope and unknown in advance to the individual.  The first episode explodes with intriguing possibilities.  People flying or climbing buildings are viewed mundanely. One gentleman offers his inflamed fingers to light a woman's cigarette.  One man, not nearly as chivolrous, waves water aside but it splatters our heroine Jen, leaving her drenched.  Jen (a harried Mairead Tyers) is perpetually out of sorts.  She's among the few who have not discovered their superpower despite having past 18.  It's possible Jen's power may reveal itself at anytime or she may be amongst the few to be pitied for not possessing a trait that marks them as great.   Jen lives with her best friend Carrie (an effervescent Sofia Oxenham) and Carrie's boyfriend, Kash, in a two bedroom walkup strewn with flotsam and jetsam and then some.  Carrie's special gift permits her to summon and speak as the dead.  Carrie, in a successful attempt to cheer Jen, contacts Hitler so Jen can torment him by letting him know how history condemns him and how well the Jewish people have flourished.  Kash has the ability to reverse time by several minutes which come in handy at times.  Jen's lover Luke, has the enviable ability to fly which he exercises as soon as they've finished having sex.  Jen is searching for a relationship and employment outside her part-time job in a costume shop.  Her interviewer has the power that makes others speak only the truth.  This proves disastrous for Jen but raucously funny for us.  Jen befriends a stray cat she brings home.  The cat is actually a shapeshifter.  The cat transmutes to his natural form in his natural state in Jen's bedroom while she's undressing.  The situational comedy is plentiful, credible and outlandish.  At the center of the show is Jen's vulnerability and cringeworthy audacity.  Still, her friendship with Carrie is heartfelt.  Jen is overheard speaking with her beloved father on her cell which we learn is Carrie transmitting Jen's late father through.   Jen has a younger, more accomplished sister with whom she harbors a bickering rivalry.  It doesn't help when sis gets super strength on cue at her 18th birthday party,  The show offers an omnipotent mixture of a floundering ingenue in a world that's gone somehow askew.  I plan to stay tuned and recommend you do too.