A Beautiful Noise-Neil Diamond's Musical Bio on B'wy-A Must Go!

"A Beautiful Noise" like the Broadway predecessor, "Beautiful" are both biopic, jukebox musicals based on the lives and music of contemporary singer/ songwriters.   These musicals which are the soundtracks to our lives, give us what we most want from musicals; great songs and choreography, top talent, superb story-telling and a feel good show that leaves you feeling happy and humming its tunes.  "Beautiful" was the musical about Carole King which ends its run this fall.  "A Beautiful Noise" is a new show about Neil Diamond who is far more prolific and profitable than previously regarded by this cynic critic (130 million records worldwide).  Truth be told, "A Beautiful Noise" titled for Diamond's 1976 album* of the same name, was not my first or second pick for my brief but remarkable return to my beloved city.  Sophisticated palette be damned, I laud the clever staging, choreography and applaud the entire cast especially Will Swenson who rotates the lead role of Neil and share my frustration at his Tony snub.  Swenson is a doppelgänger for the Neil Diamond in looks and sound performing at major, sold out venues with his "gravely, rich sounding voice."  Diamond never intended to be a performer.  His goal was to make a living writing songs for others to release.  The show is bookended by Diamond today at age 82, a curmudgeon who begrudgingly meets with a psychiatrist at his wife and daughter's urgings.  The two are intermittently on stage conversing in their private sessions.  The Dr. refers to a hefty songbook on her lap of Diamond's lyrics to draw out his thoughts.  This seemingly forced (and farfetched) gimmick actually works. Diamond's life story is mirrored on stage from  his songwriting.  The final scene has a grateful and reinvigorated Diamond thanking the good Doc and taking stock of his accomplishments and blessings.  This framework works beautifully within this jewel of a jukebox musical and everything in between is so good, so good!  Anthony McCarten, a four-time Academy Award nominated screenwriter wrote the book.  Steven Hoggett did the choreographer.  Previous credits on Broadway include  "Sweeney Todd and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child both running on Broadway.  And scenic design is by David Rockwell, Tony winner for "Into the Woods, Take Me Out" and "Kiss Me Kate."  This cynic is recommending you put this musical on the top of your to go see in NYC.  I find fault with anything except I can't get some of these songs out of my head. 

* In 1976, Neil Diamond was at a low point in his life and career when he wrote "Sweet Caroline" which as he put it, "changed my life and that of my children and their children forever."

Fun Fact:

Diamond's first success at songwriting came with the songs made popular by the Monkees; "I'm a Believer." 

Karl Lagerfeld at the MET-Try This Game on for a Prize

Karl Lagerfeld (b. Germany 1933-2019) was a famous fashion designer whose illustrious career begin  in the 1950s at Fashion Houses Balmain, Patou and Chloe before joining and residing with Channel in 1983.  Lagerfeld and Chanel became synonymous with each other and haute couture.  Lagerfeld, known for his haughty look donning dark sunglasses, pony tail, gloves and his ubiquitous fan, was also known for his detest for the mundane and the ways minions dress.  The jet setters, royalty and fashion connoisseurs crave his creations.  Lagerfeld deigns have garnered numerous prestigious awards.  Prior to his death in 2015, Lagerfeld was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards  presented by the snobbish, fashion elitist, Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of American Vogue.  Wintour's look, like Lagerfeld, hasn't wavered over the years.  Wintour is known for wearing omnipresent sunglasses and the same coif; a chin length bob with bangs.  The MET gala, a major money maker for the museum has been lorded over by Wintour since 1995.  The biggest annual fashion event is always held on the first Tuesday in May; the only day the museum is closed to the public so it can prepare to host a cadre of celebrities showing off their finery.  These cosseted beautiful people are the first to view the Fashion Institute's Show for the year.  After the opening, the general public gets their chance to peruse the showcases of clothes.  Most outfits cost more than the monthly paychecks of the proletarians.  However, Lagerfeld's show is so popular to the masses, timed admittance to the exhibit is enforced to make the viewing more assessable.  I concede I bypassed the general que as I was with my girlfriend who is a docent at the MET.  This enabled us to whisk straight into the exhibit after my estimable companion flashed her badge of honor.  Still, the throngs made a leisurely ramble through the show impossible.  The rooms were smaller, the entire exhibit smaller and the crowd more contemptuous than previous shows.  In each room a loud recording could be heard admonishing the bumptious louts to step back.  This was only a temporary solution for the looky-looes who kept getting too close to the clothes.  I designed a game to allow for interactive fun.  First, attend with a good friend.  Then, in each room select the outfit you would pick for yourself and the outfit you think you friend would choose for themselves.  My erudite friend found this to be quite amusing.  She also excelled in choosing what I would select for myself.  The winner gets to pick one item from the exhibit they would most like to take home.  The loser (me) has to snare the selected prize ensemble after hours.  This must played at another time after hours which may result in time spent wearing pin-stripes or orange jumpsuits.  Enjoy!  

I'm Totally on Board with "I'm Totally Fine" Sci-Fi Comedy Starring Natalie Morales

"I’m Totally Fine" is a comedy duo pairing an alien and human.  Its conceit is not nouveau; the beauty of our banal existence on earth is observed with the innocent vantage of a benign ET, who like Dr. Spock is bewildered and somewhat envious.  The trodden exploration of a mere mortal with an interstellar but unworldly alien visiting earth through enigmatic and appreciative eyes needs to explore new territory with some major superpower to cause liftoff.   “I’m Totally Fine” succeeds with help from its two incredibly talented actors whose innovative styles takes us into uncharted territory to reveal rare profundities worth cherishing.  Vanessa (a terrific Jillian Bell) was about to celebrate the successful launch of a beverage company with her partner and life-long, best friend Jennifer (an enchanting Natalie Morales) when Jennifer unexpectedly dies.  Bereft, Vanessa heads to the rental home where she and Jennifer had planned a celebratory bash to process her grief alone.  Soon after she arrives, the caterer appears to set out the food ordered which Jennifer forgot to cancel.  The caterer and Jennifer bicker over the late cancellation giving us a peek at the clever, dark comedy about to unfold.  Jennifer seeks solace by drinking herself into a stupor.  She wakes up with a massive hangover to Vanessa nonchalantly offering her a cup of coffee.  Jennifer has a doubting, double-take convinced she’s lost her mind from grief.  But the doppelgänger for Jennifer talks to her in a stilted, robotic voice and convinces Vanessa she’s not Jennifer but an alien inhabiting her friend's likeness to conduct a study on earthlings.  She assures Vanessa she will not be harmed in any way and adds that participation is completely voluntary.  Vanessa wants to know if this study is to determine whether to take over Earth, to which the alien replies straight faced, “That hasn’t been determined yet.”  Yielding to her apparent breakdown, Vanessa submits to becoming a subject.  Observational humor takes precedence as it's being noted and recorded by the alien who genially agrees to being called Jen.  Boundaries become crossed and absurdities abound as Jen is ubiquitous and forever curious.  Vanessa get's frustrated, confused and finally convinced that “Jen” is not her lifelong best friend but in fact, an alien.  This epiphany is as confounding as it is distressing for Vanessa now having to accept the reality of her friend’s death for a second time.  Jen has access to all memories belonging to Vanessa friend.  Their shared experiences reveal the depth of their friendship and its irrevocable loss.  The relationship between Vanessa, her friend Jennifer and the alien, Jen, is endearing without being overly sentimental.  But, what wouldn't we all give to have some extra time to spend with a loved one who has passed.  I cannot tell a lie, unless I'm trying to be kind.  This premise of white lies, a total foreign concept for aliens, along with crying, causes the biggest conundrum and heartfelt moment in the film.  The honest truth is “I’m Totally Fine” is intelligent, entertaining and a credible sci-if comedy that trails a blazing spin around human emotions for thought provoking and delightful fun. 

The play CHAPATTI by Irish Playwright Christian O'Reilly

Last night was the premiere of the play CHAPATTI by Christian O'Reilly which also marked the inaugural  theatrical production at The 222.  O'Reilly is an Irish playwright and screenwriter works known for the play, "The Good Father" and "The Doctors" series on the BBC.  CHAPATTI ran at the Galway Arts Festival (2014) starring John Mahoney (of "Frasier" Fame).  The introduction marking this illustrious occasion was made by Aldo Barrington, the 222's new theater director in his resplendent, stentorian voice.  Aldo's auspicious welcome portends promising future productions.  We were informed the play was a two character, one act with no intermission.  The two actors, Michael Elich (Dan) and Robin Noodle (Betty) are members of the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Company.  The play is a take on Thorton Wilder's classic, "Our Town" which spouts its major life affirming motif "to wake up and smell the coffee" while utilizing a sparse set and predominant pantomiming.  Dan and Betty are two middle-aged individuals living alone; Dan with his dog Chapatti, a.k.a. Chap and Betty with a slew of cats including a litter of kittens.  The lonely essence and kindhearted nature of both Dan and Betty are established at the onset of the play endearing us to them.  Dan maintains an ongoing jovial banter with Chap.  Dan walks Chap to the local vet where he's known for frequenting, more for social connection than legitimate canine concern. Betty starts her days caring for the cranky, elderly woman living next door despite her constant berating.  As Dan heads out of the vet's office, after being slightly admonished by the doctor, Dan collides with Betty causing slight mayhem as the kittens escape the box in which Betty brought them.   Both formidable actors generate convincing scenes bustling with activity and other people.  Being skillful at their craft helps to bring zest to the play that turns mawkish and over sentimental.  Dan and Betty's paths cross again due to a macabre and sheepish shenanigans involving the beloved, dead cat that belonged to Betty's nasty neighbor.  Dan and Betty both yearn for human companionship.  Dan has decided to end his life once he finds a home for Chap.  Betty, now that she's met Dan, is not going along with that.  I quibble with the incredulous storyline that Dan has spent 30 years loving Martha despite the fact she never left her husband for him.  I suggest Dan's character is better suited as a widower.  Dan bemoans Martha's passing that he intends to join her - wherever it is she's at now.  The charm exuded by Dan and Betty carry this light hearted and life-affirming play despite its pithy pandering.  I enjoyed the show but you know - it won't fly in Peoria or land on Broadway anytime soon.  Nevertheless, I'm very much looking forward to what The 222 will have to offer our local thespians.  

AIR-Michael Jordan Saves Nike at the Buzzer with Afleck and Damon

The Oscar buzz around AIR, the film about how the yet unbeknownst to most, basketball legend Michael Jordan, saved Nike from impending bankruptcy while scoring a staggering compensation deal, hits the rim but doesn't quite go in.  Not to say that AIR, based on true events, isn't a pleasant diversion worth watching from home. There is plenty to root for despite its languid pace as a feel good movie about tenacity, teamwork and trust.  In 1984, Nike was trailing in the sneaker war behind Adidas and Converse and desperate for a celebrity endorsement that would ascend the trailing company back to a top tier contender.  Affleck and Damon reunite with their winning combination of likable story and characters.  Damon portrays Sonny Vaccaro, a basketball aficionado with a penchant for gambling on sports.  Vaccaro is hot on the trail for the next player to dominate the league to recruit for Nike's ads.  Affleck directs and stars as Phil Knight, the founder and CEO of the floundering company.  Knight is responsible for hiring Vaccaro but skeptical of Vaccaro's full-on press to recruit Jordan, especially with the entire allocated budged riding on him.  Affleck exudes charm without creating a cocky CEO who knows best.  Lest, we forget Jordan, the apex of the film but barely has any screen time.  As director, Affleck makes some shrewd calls.  Keeping Jordan at bay was smart as the camera aligns with Vaccaro's relentless pursuit of Jordan.  Interjecting typed, pithy work ethic mottos was an airball.  The ensemble cast brought their A games from the bench.  The always reliable Viola Davis plays Jordan's mother.  Jason Bateman is terrific as Nike executive Rob Strasser and Chris Messina as Jordan's irascible sports agent, David Falk, runs interference on Vaccaro for some needed comic relief. Although, not intended as a serious business flick or comedy pick, AIR manages to soar by skillfully combining the two genres.  Vaccaro's all in modus operandi grows on you as his co-workers become convinced of his plan and a collaborative crew and strategy develop.  This trust is especially moving knowing Vaccaro is putting everyone's futures at risk.  There are no big surprises or emotional payoffs.  Still, AIR foots the bill as a disarming movie that doesn't hit greatness.  

DROPS of GOD Series Takes Wine Tasting Seriously for Delicious Fun

The new sleek series screening on Apple, DROPS of GOD, is a wine connoisseur's delight, literally.  The drops refer to wine and God alludes to the acute ability to identify wines through taste and smell.  This lush looking series set in France and Japan jumps between French, Japanese and English with a lot of jet setting between countries which lends a lofty, seductive appeal.  We first meet our French, femme fatale, Camille, played with smoldering intensity by Fleur Geffrier, as a young, strawberry-blonde girl walking companionably with her dad in a vineyard.  Camille eagerly agrees to be blindfolded, ready to begin their game of identifying morsels fed by her father.  This proves an easy and enjoyable task until stumped. Her father becomes impatient and demanding she think harder. We're transported into Camille's subconscious immersed into a dense forest.  Here she uncovers moss and correctly identifies the sample.  The timeline jumps ahead a decade and Camille appears as an attractive, self-assured woman.  She's approached at a bar by an admirer offering a drink. Camille declines, explaining she never drinks alcohol.  She excuses herself to take a call from her dad whom we learn she hasn't seen since for eleven years.  Her father asks forgiveness and implores her to visit him in Japan where he's on his deathbed. The reasons for the riff are unkown but she'll consider coming.  She's welcomed back at the bar with a kiss; a ruse to coerce alcohol into her mouth.  Furious, she lashes out and collapses in a fit of rage bleeding profusely from her nose.  "Stranger Things" happen.  Camille decides to visit and is whisked to Japan by limo and private plane.  The allure and paradox of the last decade is infused with another intriguing character, a soon to be rival for her father's inheritance and legacy, Issei (played with icy charm by Tomohisa Yamashita).  Camille's arrives posthumously and learns of her father's final will and testament. The entire, mega-million wine collection and estate will be inherited by either Issei, whose benefitted from her father's recent mentoring or Camille.  The caveat being the two must compete for it in a wine tasting contest.  The stage is set for two formidable adversaries to bring their expertise to battle.  We've savored sips of both's enigmatic backgrounds and crave for more.  There's plenty to appeal to one's senses.  The masterful cinematography features rich shots of glamorous cosmopolitan cities, modern architecture and rustic countrysides.  We're learning alongside Camille of her father's adopted Buddhist faith.  From these initial wafts of intrigue with the promise of a full bodied melodrama, there are hints of an intoxicating new series that should prove  addicting.