Ron Writes . . .

"CATS" Now And Forevermore Why?

2012-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today's fractal cookie is Zimple Zpiral. Why did I choose it? You'll have to wait until the end of my review of Cats to find out.
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Cats is one of the longest-running musicals on Broadway (second only to Phantom Of The Opera) and frankly, I couldn't fathom why that might be. At least not until I finally saw the show... Cats is musical theaters lowest common denominator.
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Why is that? Observe. Start with subject matter that's hard to resist: really--who (besides a few old sour pusses like me) doesn't love kitties? Add in a tuneful score filled with one stunning production number after another and connect them with a plot thread so thin it is all but non-existent. Make sure the score is complex enough to follow but complex enough to keep it interesting. Give it a structure that is accessible yet complex enough so the average individual knows they couldn't do that. A clever book loaded with charming word play and the illusion of depth to distract the audience from how little there really is to the show. Mount the show on a set that brings out the child in everyone then sprinkle liberally with stage fog and big effects and cast a good group of singer/dancers to bring the show to life. Once all this is place you can sit back and let the show run for over seven thousand performances while the millions roll in.
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You might think from the above paragraph that I didn't enjoy the show but I did. So--what if the show is an air biscuit of epic proportions? It's FUN! What if it panders to the crowd? Theaters NEED extravaganzas like Cats to make enough money to mount other shows. Besides--singing a populist show like this might encourage those who don't attend the theater to come back for something else. There's no point of concentrating on what the show ISN'T--for what it IS Cats is pretty darn good!
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Of course, this wouldn't be a Baronial review without at least one minor quibble. The cast (many of whom were making their professional debuts) was quite talented even if I didn't recognize any of their names. The set was fun, costumes perfect and the effects pretty flawless (a major achievement in a touring production). All I could find the complain about was the pit band: I don't know what it was about their performance but it is just struck me as a bad 80s synth-pop band, It sounded like it was played on cheap instruments but medium-talented amateurs.
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Will Cats stand the test of time? I honestly don't know: with all their is to recommend it this show will be touring for years to come but I do wonder if we'll look back in a decade or so and note that it's a period-piece good for nothing but remembering a long-gone period of history. Still, for the packed crowed we saw the show with Cats IS "now and forever".
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FINAL GRADE: A-
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Oh--and why did I pick Zimple Zpiral as the fractal cookie? I chose it, not only because I didn't have a "better" images that I hadn't already used multiple times and because, like Cats, this image is pretty enough but there really isn't a lot to it.

Two Movie Reviews One Post!

2011-12-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

I chose Delicate 2 as today's fractal cookie mainly because it has a "2" in the title (since I'm reviewing two movies) and I don't think I've ever used it in a post before. So--on with the reviews!
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THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN
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What can I say about The Adventures Of Tin Tin? It's based on a comic series that's hugely popular all over Europe and the motion-capture animated movie is directed by Steven Spielberg so you know it's going to be a class act. The action starts pretty much from the opening credits and never lets up until the end (and that's one of the few points where things slow down a bit.) The animation is beautiful and, for once, humans don't look like weirdly-animated wax dolls (as in The Polar Express). The voice cast, Jamie Bell (as the title character), Andy Serkis (as Captain Haddock), Daniel Craig as the villainous Sakharine and Nick Frost and Simon Pegg as Detectives Thomson and Thompson are first rate. There is just the right mix of action, comedy and suspense that will keep the entire family entertained. Yes, there are a few little bits that left this sour old critic shaking his head a bit but what of it? This is just a huge tub of escapist fun--just what I go to the movies for! We saw the movie in 3D. Dunno if the 3D FX were really needed to enhances our enjoyment of the movie but they are certainly well done and I didn't find myself feeling ripped off for needing to spend the extra cash for the tickets. All in all it was the perfect movie for Christmas Day.
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FINAL GRADE: A
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SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous creation gets another "steampunk" outing in the movie sequel. I really enjoyed the first movie (gave it an "A" I think) but I couldn't shake the feeling that I've seen this all before. The first time they pulled out the bag of tricks I was impressed but this time I came away with the feeling of "so--what else is new?" Robert Downey Jr. chews the scenery as the title character but just doesn't seem to be having fun. Likewise Jude Law as Dr. Watson--but at least he isn't relegated to bumbling sidekick in this role. At least he gets a bit of story for himself. Jared Harris as Professor Moriarity is pretty much one-note as the villain but Stephen Fry has fun with the role of Myrcorft Holmes. The rest of the cast was pretty much forgetable.
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The script has Holmes trying to stop Moriarity from starting a world war (for a surprisingly pedestrian reason). That was a cool idea for amping up the character but the FX and pretty much everything else are a redux of the 2009 movie. If you like that sort of thing then rush out and see this movie, if not--wait a bit and rent it. I was well and truly disappointed by this sequel.
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FINAL GRADE C+

White Christmas Proves "Old Chestnuts" Can Still Be Good

2011-12-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

I chose Winter Stars as today's fractal "cookie" because I never did a White Christmas (which I will be reviewing here) fractal. (Dunno why but I didn't.) So, on with the review!
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White Christmas has a long and complex history. A lot of people don't know the song came from a 1942 movie called Holiday Inn (starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire). 12 years later the movie titled White Christmas (again starring "Der Bingle"--this time with Danny Kaye) was released and the song was featured prominently. Flash forward fifty some-odd years the movie was adapted for the stage and turned into a "jukebox musical" but the addition of a bunch of Irving Berlin songs that weren't featured in the movie.
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The story begins in World War Two where buddies Captain Bob Wallace and Pvt. Phil Davis are entertaining the troops with a song and dance routine which gets interrupted by General Henry Waverly. (This sets up the plot for later.) Flash forward a dozen years and Wallace and Davis (Davis and Wallace) are a famous duo getting ready to leave for Christmas in Miami. Before they leave the duo goes off to check out a "Sister Act" (Betty and Judy Haynes) for their new review and, as it can only happen in a musical, sparks fly. Phil decides that Bob needs to fall in love. Phil hijacks Bob to an Inn in Vermont where the girls are working for the Holidays.  Oh, and the Inn just happens to be run by now-retired General Waverly (and the Inn is in deep trouble).  Bob hatches a plan to save the Inn by putting on a show. Misunderstandings and hijinks ensue but everybody ends up happy.
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Once you get past the plot that was old when Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were making their movies and an incident that seems very out of character for one of the girls, this turns out to be a surprisingly pleasant little diversion. Yeah, the songs are kind of stuck in there (this is a Jukebox Musical after all) but they are well done. Just to ramp up the "cheeesetastity" they even have a belter a la Ethel Merman and a "Broadway Baby" who is cute as a button with a big voice. Who could ask for more? The cast sings and dances with style and verve. The orchestra (three touring musicians supplemented by an unknown number of local players) are first rate with nary a missed note. This chorus seems large and does a fine job supporting the leads.  The sets and costumes are nicely done There's even a "snowfall" over the audience to heighten the Christmas magic.
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Yes, White Christmas is an old chestnut--but it's a well-polished one. And really--isn't Christmas the time for chestnuts? There's not an ounce of irony or mean-spiritedness in the show and it just makes you feel good.  I don't know if I could take this show every year but it sure got me in the holiday spirit. Check it out if you're looking for some seasonal fun that the whole family can enjoy.
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FINAL GRADE: A

Hugo: Art, Arty, Artsy or Artsy-Fartsy?

2011-12-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

I chose Gears as today's fractal cookie for my review of Hugo because the movie has quite a lot of them; a mechanical man plays a big part of the movie, the title character repairs clocks (among other mechanical things) and even lives in one. Now, on with the review.
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Hugo may be the most beautifully-realized film since Avatar. Every frame is a work of art. The sets are gorgeous, the costumes perfect, the lighting and cinematography are somber delights. Too bad they felt the need to populate this exquisite landscape with characters that move like clockwork to advance the all-too-familiar plot. Mind you, everyone involved plays their parts with the perfection of a fine Swiss watch. I found myself appreciating the performance but I could never get past the fact that all the characters were nothing more than cogs in a machine. (Still, that well may have been part of the movie's message so maybe I shouldn't complain.)
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Asa Butterfield (in the title role) doesn't exhibit a lot of emotional highs or lows in the role but he manages to rise to the challenge. Sir Ben Kingsley (Georges) is a grumpy old man with a mysterious past. Sacha Baron Cohen dials downthe crazy as Station Inspector. (He has a side story involving a cautious romance with a young lady who runs the cafe in the Paris Train Station.) Christopher Lee, Jude Law and Ray Windstone have small but well-done roles in the movie. I didn't recognize any of the rest of the cast but they all played their parts with precision.
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Now for the big bitches: I saw this is 3D (the only way it was showing anywhere close to me) and this is one of the many movies that didn't benefit from 3D technology. The 3D added nothing but $3.75 a ticket--and I could really have done without that. Likewise several times I found the script and direction seeming to shout "look at how clever I am!" and that was a bit bothersome. (I want to discover the cleverness for myself--not have it shoved in my face.) Every character, every nuance exists for the sole purpose of advancing the story and there isn't a genuine moment in the entire movie.
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I think the saddest thing I can say about Hugo is this: "I'm glad I saw the movie but I can't say I enjoyed it." Yes, the beauty of each and every shot deserves to be seen on a big screen. That being said, there's not a lot of action or drama and if I wasn't so fascinated by the shots I'm afraid I'd have been bored to tears. The movie moves slow and, in spite of the marketing campaign, isn't for families: kids won't enjoy the movie--it just doesn't move fast enough. I wanted so badly to enjoy this movie--and I just couldn't make myself do it no matter how hard I tried.
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FINAL GRADE: C

I Went A Bit Crazy With The Christmas Bells (Again) This Year

2011-12-02T12:18:00.001-08:00

I chose Abstract Christmas Bells as today's fractal "cookie" mainly because it's Christmas-y and musical. And really--what's better than Christmas Bells right? Now on with the reviews!
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So last year I promised myself I wouldn't add a lot of new Christmas albums to my collection but the plans have a way of changing. (So far) I've gotten six new albums (and might get more. So here's the reviews of everything I got (in the order of purchase).
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WINTER CAROLS by Blackmore's Night
I found Blackmore's Night early last year on YouTube. I liked their Pop-Rock/Renaissance style and it intrigued me that Richie Blackmore Lead Guitarist for Deep Purple (the group that did Smoke On The Water) would get involved with something like this. When I found they had made a Christmas album and I could get it from Amazon for less than $10.00 I decided I'd give it a shot! What I got was pretty much what I expected--a bright blend of poppy, renaissance-infused song that are mostly up-tempo that fall nicely on the ear--especially if you like this sort of thing (which I totally do).  Of particular note I found I enjoyed Ma-O-Tzur, a setting of a Hebrew poem and a mash up of Lord Of The Dance and Simple Gifts (which I don't think I'll ever get tired of). Still, there are a couple of things that bug me a bit about the album: first lyrics from traditional tunes are twisted to eliminate any reference to "Jesus", "Christ" or "the son of God". Not sure why they had to do that and it annoys me just a tiny bit. It also bugs me that they feel the need to randomly hash-up lyrics in ways that aren't beneficial to the song. Still, those are minor quibbles and I found that I have really enjoyed listening to the album.
FINAL GRADE: A-
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GLEE: the Christmas Album Volume 2
I really enjoyed the first Christmas album from the cast of Glee. This one--not so much... Like a lot of Glee songs I found a lot of their arrangements to be frankly derivative (Santa Baby is almost a note-for-note copy of Madonna's version for example) and a lot of the choices are just weird. (I haven't seen their Holiday episode so I don't know the songs are supposed to fit into a story). The album has a has several new songs that are just plain BAD and there aren't many pleasant surprises like on the last album. Sadly, this albums feels like a blatant attempt to cash in and only the most die hard of die hard "Gleeks" is gonna love it. Don't bother to buy this album.
FINAL GRADE: C- (and that's because I'm being charitable)
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THE SING OFF: Songs of the Season
I'm a sucker for acapella singing and, (in my humble opinion at least) a good voices-only choir can turn the most egregious crap into something you can listen to (take All I Want For Christmas as done by Delilah for example). Most of these are pretty darn good but a few songs take some very strange turns. Coventry Carol as done by Sonos is WAY too upbeat for the text and the wordless version of Carol of the Bells done by the University of Rochester Yellowjackets is nothing nothing short of awful (and I really liked them on the show). I could have done without the bonus track from Committed but I'm glad I got a little extra music for the money. This is a nice album and I think most people would like it.
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FINAL GRADE: A-
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CAROLE KING: A Holiday Carole
I've always thought Carole King could do no wrong since she put out Tapestry. (If you don't have it in your collection--you should!) The LP isn't the best Christmas Album you'll ever hear but it is still quite enjoyable. The album starts out with a nice version of My Favorite Things (which, IMHO, is NOT a Christmas song--no matter the mention of "sleigh bells" and "silver-white winters".) There are several new songs that are OK if not spectacular and, with two exceptions, the rest of the songs are older-ish popular tunes that she does pretty well. I was glad she included Chanukah Prayer (a nod to her Jewish faith: I found it the highlight of the album). This is a nice album for the holidays and a must-have for any fan of Miss Carole.
FINAL GRADE: A-
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LIBERA: the Christmas Album
Libera is an English Boys Choir that has made several albums.  Of course it was inevitable that they'd release a Christmas album sooner or later. The mostly-traditional songs have a delightfully ethereal quality and lush orchestration but you need to be a fan of classical music to really enjoy the album. I could have done without all the extraneous material that came with the album (a cheap ornament and a lot of material on each song, each on a separate pieces of paper) and would have been happy to pay a bit less for the LP. Still, there's a certain je ne sais quois to the album that I find oddly attractive.
FINAL GRADE: A
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MISTLETOE AND WINE: A SEASONAL COLLECTION by Medieval Baebes
Robyn found this album in the Gaelsongs Catalog and thought it sounded good. (I found it for half the price on Amazon.com so I bought it.) Eight women (sometimes singing acapella and sometimes accompanied) perform a variety of holiday and winter-themed songs, equally balanced between traditional and new material. Robyn and I both enjoyed the album but if you aren't a fan of exotica or "classical" (or even pop-classical) music won't like it. Still, for those looking for something "different" this album is well worth a spin.
FINAL GRADE: A
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CHIP DAVIS PRESENTS A RENAISSANCE HOLIDAY
Frankly, I felt a bit deceived by Amazon.com where I found the album.  This was marketed as a Manheim Steamroller Christmas album. I thought I somehow managed to miss one so I was quick to order but what I got was a collection of Renaissance music "presented" by Chip Davis (the driving force behind the Steamroller). That being said the album is a pretty collection of (mainly) Christmas songs from the Renaissance done in the authentic style.  This album is a definite "must have" for fans of Renaissance music but fans of the poppier influences that Manheim Steamroller brings to their songs may not enjoy it.
FINAL GRADE: A
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Will I end up buying more Christmas music? You never know: if I find something I like at a good price I may just pick it up. And if I do you'll find a review on this blog. In the meantime...
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'nuff said!

Another Round Of "Muppets" On The Big Screen

2011-11-29T07:03:00.001-08:00

I chose Groovy as today's fractal "cookie" because it's round (referencing the title of this post), rainbow-colored (like the Muppets themselves) and because of a line about the "hippy-dippy sensibilities" of the Muppets. Now--on with the review!
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The Muppets have a long and storied history of a couple of struggling puppeteers (Jim Henson and Frank Oz) who created some lovable puppets they called "Muppets." The two got their big break doing a little show called Sesame Street. They parlayed that success into a long-running syndicated program (The Muppet Show) and finally made it to the big screen in The Muppet Movie in 1979. The combination of sweetness, charm and irreverence was irresistible to audiences which led to several sequels--each less successful than the last. Eventually the Muppets were bought by the Disney Corporation and relegated to the occasional TV Special and largely forgotten. This brings us to the present day where an actor by the name of Jason Segal entered the picture with a mission to "bring back" the Muppets.
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It's safe to say Segal has "mad love" for the Muppets. (Check out Forgetting Sarah Marshall if you don't believe me.) He approached Disney to revive the franchise and, Disney (being Disney and anxious to squeeze every penny out of all their creative properties) agreed. What emerged was a movie musical that could have come right out of Hollywood's Golden Age. The Muppets have gone their separate ways and it is up to Kermit the Frog, encouraged by an innocent (new Muppet Walter) to get the gang back together to "put on a show" to save the day. Will they succeed and give everyone a "happily-ever-after" ending by movie's end? Do I REALLY need to tell you? I don't think so...
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Jason Segal not only pushed for the movie to be made but he also stars and even wrote it! (Now that's mad love!) Sadly he created a cast of cardboard characters to go with the cloth Muppets. Each and every character exists for the sole purpose of moving the plot. That being said, he and the other leads (Amy Adams and Chris Cooper) do the best they can with what little they have to work with. I've got to give some special "props" to Cooper for taking on the comedic role of Tex Richman: he even manages to rap and do a bit of dancing. There's a raft of celebrity cameos (from Alan Arkin to Zack Galifanakis). My two favorites were Neil Patrick Harris ("I don't know why I'm not hosting this!" and Selina Gomez ("I don't know who you guys are--my Agent told me to show up here.")
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I really wanted to enjoy this movie more than I did: I hoped it would be a worth reboot but what I got was a lot of nostalgia. (As I was walking out of the theater Garden Party by Rick Nelson was running through my mind.) There were a lot of smiles but few laughs. Luckily I wasn't the only one who seemed to feel this way: the theater was crowded but I didn't hear a lot of laughter and there was a run on the exit as soon as the credits started rolling. The movie is a harmless diversion that anybody can see but it's nothing that needs you to rush to the theater to see. Maybe wait for the DVD to come out and watch it when you don't have anything better to do.
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FINAL GRADE: C+

"Blue Man Group" Surprises

2011-11-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

I chose RibStar 2 as today's "fractal cookie" for the review of Blue Man Group for two reasons: 1) it's blue (no other reason, it's blue), 2) I haven't used this image before. Now that you know--on with the review!

I came completely prepared to hate the Blue Man Group when I knew I was going to see the show: I even had a title for the review, The Group Made Me Blue, Man. I thought the blend of three nearly-identical guys being expressionless and doing stylized movements while drumming would be clever for a few minutes but get old really fast. I didn't see how they could sustain my interest. I was dreading the show. Turns out I wasn't completely wrong.

There's no point in trying to recount the show's plot: they don't have one. There are a number of unrelated "scenes" involving movement, music and technical wizardry to keep the show moving. The best parts of the show involve audience participation (particularly the "Dance Party" that finishes out the show). Some bits go on way to long (there's a "dinner scene" that lost almost the entire audience and nearly killed the show's momentum). The show is also very loud (not bad for those used to loud clubs and concerts but not too great for old poops like me).

In all honesty I missed a lot of the visual bits in the show (even with the gigantic video screens broadcasting a lot of the action) but I was decidedly in the minority. All the youngsters in the audience loved the show and a lot of the oldsters were laughing along with them. There's no point to the show--unless the point is to bring folks together for one big party and in that Blue Man Group succeeded admirably.

FINAL GRADE: C (for me) A- (almost everybody else)

"Mikado" Doesn't Quite Rule.

2011-11-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

The Mikado of Japan (AKA) the"Son of Heaven" would wear a Crown Of Stars" if he could. That's why I chose Crown Of Stars as the "fractal cookie" for today's review.
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The Mikado presents William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan as their best: the plot is typical Gilbersonian fluff that is nothing short of completely contrived nonsense--but any true Savoyard will that you what's not why you go see a "G&S" show. You go for the tuneful songs filled with wonderful word play and endless intention, not to mention the wicked satire. Of course, more than a century later some of the bite has faded but a good production is still well worth attending. Performance Riverside almost manages to hit the mark with their offering but, in the immortal words of Maxwell Smart, they "missed it by that much!"
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David M. Laffey has the pretty voice and decent dancing ability to play the role of Nanki-Poo and his acting ability and comic timing are up to the role's minimal demands. As Yum Yum Jessie Withers is a fine foil in every way as the leading Soprano. Francisco Rodriguez doesn't quite have the Classical pipes to pull of the part of Pooh-Bah but his acting ability almost makes up for it. If Michael Heimos were any lighter in his loafers as Ko-Ko he'd literally float off the stage but it works for the role. His (or whoever's) updating of "I Have A Little List" wasn't as biting as some I've heard but there were some good swipes at pop culture in there. I found myself enjoying his performance most of all. Travis Lincoln Cox almost got lost under the massive costume, wig and fake beard he had to wear as the Mikado ("ha Mikado") but he came across as surprisingly youthful: still, he did well enough with what little he was given.
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I have a weird complaint regarding Sarah Kreig as the only real villain Katisha. Katisha is characterized through the whole show and Ms. Kreig is anything but ugly! Tall and imposing yes--but hardly ugly by any stretch of the imagination (and quite shapely under that kimono.) Frankly, the gal is hawt! (Please don't kill me Robyn...) Her rich Contralto is up to the requirements of the role and I'd stack her acting ability up against anyone in the cast. One minor quibble: Katisha traditionally is clad in black and red--the costumer chose yellow and orange (to go with the Mikado's robes.) I'm no G&S purist but it annoyed me ever so slightly.
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It wouldn't be a production at the Landis without me to find something to complain about--and this show is no exception. We experienced a new sound problem this time--an echo that made it a bit difficult to hear. In fact a lot of the chorus numbers were so muddy neither I nor the missus could make out the words. I don't know if this is because the chorus is up to the music or if it was due to a bad sound mix: still, a Gilbert and Sullivan show needs to be crisply articulated to be fully appreciated and it was a bit of a mess. The sits were nicely suggestive and the costumes, while a bit simple, worked well enough. I found the band to be a bit "bright" sounding and a bit heavy on the brass: maybe they weren't quite together on a few songs. Still, when I balance the positives and negatives of the show I found myself enjoying the effort. I'm not sure the show is for everybody but we certainly enjoyed it.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Puss In Boots: Not Just Another "Shrek" Clone

2011-11-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

I pcked Fandango 5 for two reasons: first it seemed to have real "Cavalier attitude" (like Puss in Boots") and second, in a weird sense, it is the fifth movie connected to the Shrek franchise Yes, tenuous as usual, but it's all I've got--now on with the review!
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Any franchise, be it books, TV or movies, eventually turns to crap if it goes long enough. The Shrek series "jumped the shark" at Number Three (too bad they felt the need to make a fourth one). That, coupled with uninspiring previews, didn't make me want to see the Puss In Boots. Boy was I surprised when I actually got in to see the movie. This may not be the best movie of 2011 but it certainly the best animated feature of the year (and Kung Fu Panda 2 was pretty darn good).
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Puss In Boots is supposed to be set in Spain (according to the missus at least) but to me it looks a lot more like the American Southwest. The plot could be lifted from any classic Western movie--with a plenty of modern twists to keep it fresh. Antonio Banderas lends his voice to the title character yet again and gleefully mines every Latino stereotype and cultural cliche (and does it with such aplomb that you can't find it offensive). Thankfully, Puss is the only character that transitions from the other Shrek movies. A few "fairy tale" characters--Humpty Alexander Dumpty (Zach Galifiakankis) and Jack and Jill (turned into a Hillbilly Outlaw married couple voiced by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) but the rest of the movie is populated by new characters. The most notable of these is Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayak) who is the perfect foil and romantic interest and foil for Puss.
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The movie finally gives us the origin story for Puss and tells the story of a heist involving the Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs. (Sadly, there aren't even any plot points to pick apart.) (Trust me--it plays way better than it reads.) The art is nothing short of gorgeous and the animation is perfectly done. (Robyn and I saw Puss In Boots in 2D but found ourselves wishing we'd shelled out the extra bucks for the 3D version.) I didn't recognize any of the music but it was beautifully played. This is the sort of movie that is fun for the entire family: you don't need to be a kid to see and enjoy it.
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FINAL GRADE: A+

"Footloose" in he Land of Needless Movie-Remakes

2011-10-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today I will be reviewing the remake of Footloose. I picked Celebration Bouquet as the fractal "cookie" mainly because there wasn't an obvious choice that jumped out and me and the movie pretty much ends with a prom. Yes, the link is, at best, tenuous but in this case it's all I've got.
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Movie remakes are a long-standing Hollywood tradition--I'm not sure why. Usually the real "greats" (titles like Gone With The Wind or The Wizard of Oz--two oldies but goodies) seldom get tagged. Footloose did well enough the first time out (and the soundtrack album sold very well) but didn't do so well as a Broadway musical. I'm not sure why they felt the need for a movie remake: maybe the Producers were looking for something they could do on the cheap--at least that's what the end result looks like.
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Fans of the original version of Footloose are going to find a lot to like about the re-make. The plot gets a bit of an expansion but a lot of the current version is a shot-for-shot copy of the original--same dialog, same camera angles--I wouldn't be surprised to find out even the same clothing was used. Several songs from the original make the transition (some in their original versions--some new, but frankly weaker, versions). At least the new version offers us a glimpse of why the town of Bomont (moved from the Midwest to the Deep South--and the folks in the South obviously can't spell Beaumont!) and that helped answer a few questions. Some might find the language a bit rough: I know I was certainly surprised to see how much they got away with and still managing a PG-13 rating (but the "F Bomb" was never dropped.).  There are more holes in the plot than a good Swiss Cheese so folks like me will have points to pick at. All that being said, this is a pretty standard musical at heart so you can forgive that.
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Kenny Wermald gets the role Kevin Bacon role and manages to carry off the Boston accent (at least most of the time). He's a good dancer and he manages to (mostly) commit to the role: (I only saw him grimacing a few times). Juliane Hough gets the role "Preacher's Kid" Ariel: we already know she can move--thanks to all those years on Dancing With The Stars--but who knew she could cuss like a sailor so convincingly? Dennis Quaid--a real Southerner (unlike John Lithgow in the original)--gets the thankless role as the town Minister.  New character Ray McKinnon adds a sens of verisimilitude in his role as Ren's Uncle Wes. The rest of the cast does the best they can with their sketchily-drawn, black-and-white cardboard roles--and who knew so many of these kids were such darn good dancers?
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Footloose is a complete, check-your-bran-at-the-door, sit-back-and-relax movie. Taken for what it is (a "new wave" movie musical) the movie is pretty good.  Yes, you can complain about the too-many copycat scenes but it's fun to see how they manage to bring so many things get translated from the old to the new version. If you're going to hate on it for what it isn't you probably wouldn't go see the movie in the first place.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Shrek the Musical (a Little) Something For Everybody

2011-10-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Picking fractal "cookies" for my posts can sometimes be a difficult thing but luckily sometimes something just jumps right out at me--like in this case. I chose Dragon Scales for today's post because it's green (like the eponymous Shrek) and because there's a dragon in both the image and the show.  So, now that you've got the dirt on with the review!
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Shrek has an interesting history: it began life as an 18 page children's book that was mostly pictures and got expanded into a full-length motion picture (thanks to Mike Myers and Dreamworks SKG). Owing to such successes as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King it wasn't long until Producers decided to bring Shrek to the Broadway stage.  Shrek didn't run as long as the other two shows I just mentioned but it is perfect for a long National Tour and an even longer life in Regional Theater. You might well ask--how could they turn a big animated movie into a stage play? Turns out--pretty well for the most part.
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The plot is simple enough for the kiddies to follow but there are enough jokes to please the adults and everything moves quickly enough that nobody really has time to lose interest. Those expecting highbrow theater are doomed to be disappointed by Shrek (but they probably didn't see the movie on which the show is based). Shrek is vulgar without being obscene: the good news is that parents won't have to try to explain to their kids. The songs generally are splightly and pleasant to listen to--even though I found myself forgetting them even as I was listening. The sets, while no where near as complex as the animated backgrounds of the movie but they are more than adequate to do the job.  Likewise the lighting and costumes are more than up to the challenge as is the music played by the nine-piece band (large for a show).
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Lukas Poost, in the title role, doesn't try to do a Mike Myer immitation--and to my mind that's all to the good.  He does manage a consistant accent (although it's not Scottish) and he manages to run all the gamut of emotions the role requires.  He also has a big and quite pleasant voice for his singing. Liz Shivener as Princess Fiona has a voice and acting ability up to snuff with her partner and I couldn't find a fault in her performance. Andre Jorden (Donkey) has a great soulful voice for his songs: he lacks the manic physicality of the animated character but he still manages to do well with what he's given. Merrit David Janes as the villains dwarf Lord Farquahd deserves note, not only for his acting and strong voice but also for managing to pull off virtually his entire performance ON HIS KNEES!  (You try doing that for eight shows a week for months on end and see how wracked-up YOU get!) The dragon doesn't breathe fire but the massive puppet (controlled by four people) looks pretty impressive on stage. The chorus all have multiple roles and they are all up to the task.
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Shrek is hardly great theater but it sure is good fun for the entire family. This is the kind of show the entire family can enjoy together and it's especially good for those who don't attend theater with any regularity. Go see it if you get the chance.
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FINAL GRADE: A

I Think I've Seen This Show Too Many Times

2011-09-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today's "fractal cookie" is Daisy Blue. I chose it for a couple of reasons: first it seems like it might be a good name for one of the Characters in Oklahoma done by Performance Riverside (the show I'll be reviewing), Second, it seems like it might be a quilt design from that era or maybe one of those blue plates so popular back then. OK, maybe it's not that much of a reason but its all I've got. So--on with the review!
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Oklahoma is a truly "classic" of the American stage. The accessible plot, relatable characters, tuneful melodies (that stick in your head long after you've left the theater) and ease of production mean this show will be produced again and again and again. (Sadly, it also means that folks like me will SEE it again and again and again!) There's not a lot of room to "re-invent" the show (since reinventing Oklahoma is a lot like trying to re-invent the wheel: there is simply no room for improvement.) Because of this, if you've seen the show as many times as I have (seven or eight--in versions from the latest National Tour to small Community Theater productions) it begins to lose some of it's magic. For a production to truly fly it really needs to be completely first class and, this being Performance Riverside, you know there's going to be some problems.
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I can't fault the Lighting, Set Design or Costumes in the show and, for once the sound mix at the Landis Performing Arts Center wasn't a muddy mess. The choral work and dance sequences were first rate so that was another plus.  Musically, the stage band was first rate (as always) but I found it a bit heavy in the brass and woodwinds: I could have done with a second keyboard to fill out the piano and strings to give an even fuller sound but I guess you can't have everything.
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Bryan Vickery (as Curly) is convincing in his role and he has a magnificent singing voice. (I think he's classically trained.) If there is any criticism of his role is that Vickery may be just a bit "too" perfect in his part and that he only has two volumes--loud and ear-splitting. (That being said, I'm not sure if the guy just has a really big voice or if he was simply over mic-ed.) Emily Lopez (as Laurie) is a charming ingenue with a voice that matches Vickery's in timber perfectly. Chelsea Emma Franko doesn't provide any revelations as Ado Annie but she's believable in her role.   Casey Garritano's Will Parker uncomfortable reminded me of Austin from The A List New York but there's no denying the boy can dance! Performance Riverside veteran Patricia Scarborough gives a creditable Aunt Eller. I'd like to have seen a bit more oil and ethnicity from Travis Lincoln Cox in the role of Ali Hakim but maybe the Director was trying to be sensitive. Paul Kehler (Jud Fry) has a beautiful bass voice but doesn't bring the menace and his dark shadings are no more than medium gray. The guy comes off about as scary as a Teddy Bear. Jason Wesley Green as Andrew Carnes lacks the "big" voice of the leads and it shows on stage. Still, he gets the best "insert" in the show (from, of all places, The Monkees!) so props to him.
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I do have to give kudos to the entire cast for one thing: no matter how little energy they got back from the audience (and the Sunday Matinee crowd was DEAD!) they never flagged. As a former Actor I can't tell you how difficult it is to keep the energy flowing to an audience that isn't giving anything back. Hooray for their professionalism! Thank you all for trying so hard in what had to be a difficult situation. Kudos also to show Director and interim Producing Artistic Director Matt Neves for keeping his pre-show announcements short and sweet. I'm sorry to see Rey O'Day leave the position but she did have a tendancy to go on and one. If Neves keeps the position I hope he keeps the pre-show patter just like he did for this show.
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As a show Oklahoma might not be the best vehicle for a sour old critic like me but for the casual theater-goer this production would be 2 1/2 hours of utter delight. Check it out if you want to see some nice theater in the Inland Empire.
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FINAL GRADE: C (for sour old critics) A- (everyone else)

All Hail The New "Burger King"

2011-09-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

I was looking for an image that was red, black and white (like the Five Guys Burgers And Fries colors) but I could only find one image that I'd used a bunch of times. So I chose Squared Arabic 35 because of its gold coloring. (Crowns are gold and this post IS about the new "Burger King"...) Now that you have the scoop on with the review!
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Several years ago (then-Candidate) Barack Obama caused a bit of a local controversy when hesaid that Five Guys made the best burger. A lot of locals (including some News Anchors) were incensed that he would disrespect local chain In-N-Out Burger. Of course at that point Five Guys had most (if not all) of their franchises east of the Mississippi. Well now, Five Guys Burgers And Fries had made its way to the West Coast in a BIG way and, agree or disagree with Obama's policies the Prez knows his burgers! I can say, as a burger connoisseur, that Five Guys completely blows away In-N-Out.
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Five Guys Burgers And Fries takes the hamburger back to basics. The restaurant has a minimum menu including hamburgers in two sizes (with or without American Cheese and Bacon), hot dogs, a grilled cheese sandwich and veggie sandwich.  You can also get fries in two sizes (made without trans fats but plenty of salt).  Burgers come with a host of toppings (all free except for the bacon and cheese). Unlike In and Out there's no "secret menu" that you can order from to get special products. Everything is made AFTER you order then packed in foil and sent out to you in double-quick time. (If there's a long long it may take a bit to place your order and get your food.) The burgers are quite wet but you can't make a better burger at home.
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The restaurant posts justifiably rave reviews all over the red-and-white tiled walls. One commented that the place had "all the ambiance of a clean bathroom (which is oh so true). The tiled walls, concrete floor and metal ceiling make the place incredibly noisy but at least the metal chairs and table are reasonably comfortable. Still, I could have done without the sterilization-volume classic rock soundtrack courtesy of SiriusXM. Even with all this there's still no better place to mac a meal (provided if all you are looking for is a hamburger and french fries).
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FINAL GRADE: A++

West Side Story: the Magic Is Fading

2011-09-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I think the title of this review pretty much explains why I chose Faded Blue as today's fractal cookie. Now, on with the review of the National Tour of West Side Story.
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On the surface West Side Story looks like it can't miss. The script re-sets Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York City with the star-crossed lovers as members of rival groups. Leonard Bernstein provides the mid-century moderne score full of hip, jazzy flare and Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim got his first big break providing the lyrics. The show can best be described as "iconic" (and "iconic" means there's a lot of room to fall). The music, of all it's beauty, is tricky and requires first class performers. Bad acting can turn the show into an unintended caricature. Is the latest professional offering of West Side Story bad? No, but the production is not without its problems.
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Chief among those problems are leads Kyle Harris and Ali Ewoldt. Harris has the right look but his nasal singing and vibrato that can best be described as "unrestrained" ruins a lot of his solos. Worse he has a tendency to go flat on his big notes. Ewoldt has an awesome soprano voice but her Puerto Rican accent sounds like some sort of bad mockery rather than sincere imitation. (OK, maybe I'm just over-sensitive here--but accents are a big thing to me--and this one wasn't so great.) Still, she made you believe her performance. She has one of the best moments in the entire show with the "Diva battle" in I Feel Pretty. (Go see the production if you want to see what I'm talking about.) Sadly, Ewoldt and Harris don't blend that well and they should be seamless.
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The rest of the cast are fine singers and dancers and they all play their parts well. Of course, having seen West Side Story more times than I'd care to remember I've finally come to realize that besides leading characters Tony and Maria--NOBODY is that likable with the exception of minor character Doc the Drugstore Owner who vainly tries to show the characters a better way. As for the rest of the characters they are just sad--and NOT in a good way. In addition, the more times times I see the show the harder it is for me to suspend my disbelief: yes it's "musical" logical but sometimes even musical logic stretches the bounds of verisimilitude.
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On the plus side, the three-piece orchestra managed a remarkably full sound although I'd have preferred a bigger orchestra for a more-varied sound (this show was pretty heavy on the brass). The minimal (but not Minimalist) sets were effective as was the lighting design. The costumes were suitably 1950s and realistic enough: I found I could tell one group from another so that was a good thing.
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Sadly, I could have done without a lot of the "updates" to the show: a couple of songs had extensive lyrics in Spanish: if you knew the language or the show you were fine but if not you're lost. Likewise I really could have done without the symbolic rape scene near the end of Act Two (although it does give Anita a proper reason for betraying the young lovers). That being said, updates are going to be an inevitable part of the show and I suppose they could have gone much grittier and far nastier than some implied violence. (They could have littered the lyrics with "F-Bombs" for example.) Maybe I should be grateful for what I got.
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Now that has all been said I think it's only fair to report that my opinion is in the decided minority: the Orange County Performing Arts Centre was nearly sold out and most of them really seemed to enjoy the show. West Side Story has enough content to challenge the casual viewer without frustrating them. The show isn't a complete Air Biscuit so the audience can go away thinking they've actually SEEN something and had a worthwhile evening. Bitter old Critics like might might not love the show but the average theater-goer will find a lot to like.
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FINAL GRADE: B-

Are You Kiddig? You Guys Are Up In Arms About THIS???

2011-09-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I chose Ribbon Twist as today's fractal cookie: when I chose the image I had some idea that it would fit into the latest "tempest in a teapot" over at Dancing With The Stars but for the life of me I can't remember why I thought it would be important. Ah well--on with today's commentary...
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So Dancing With The Stars has announced the latest cast: I call this latest version the "Freaks and Geeks Edition". They departed a bit from the usual formula this time: there's nary a Disney Star (like Kyle Massey or Sabrina Bryant), mouthy black lady (like Niecey Nash or Wendy Williams) or a "WTF" guy (like Adam Corolla or Mike Catherwood). We do have the usual Professional Athletes (Ron Artest or is he Meta World Peace this week? and Hope Solo) a surfeit of Reality Stars this year (Kristin Cavalieri, Rob Kardashian and Carson Kresley). We also have several bunch of Faded Stars trying to raise their profiles (this time represented by Ricki Lake, China Phillips and David Arquette). The "out of left field" choices are "Tot Mom" nemesis Nancy Grace and Sonny and Cher's only child Chaz (formerly Chastity Bono). Oddly enough, it's Chaz Bono that's causing the most controversy.
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The inclusion of Bono has lots of conservative types threatening to boycott the show. Worse yet, some folks are even sending death threats!!! Come on people--death threats! Over THIS??? Do you guys really have that much free time?  Honestly, I can't fathom this no matter how hard I try to wrap my head around it. I guess the feeling is that somehow having a transgendered individual in such a public setting will somehow encourage our children into "deviant" lifestyles.  Of course nothing could be farther from the truth.
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Lets discount the fact that Chaz Bono is an out-of-shape (read fat) little person who is reportedly "rhythmically challenged" and he doesn't have much of a fan base. (The LGBT Community aren't going to vote for somebody simply because he's transgendered: they have too much taste for that.) Bono is likely to be voted off VERY EARLY. Itty bitties who happen to be watching the show (and there's a whole blog on THAT waiting to be written!) aren't likely to know what "transgendered" is--unless the parents make an issue of it! Children old enough to be aware of what that IS will already likely have had their opinions influenced by family and peers. The bottom line is--unless a child is ALREADY Gay, Lesbian or Transgendered it's going to have no effect on them whatsoever unless maybe their the idea that LGBTs aren't any different than other people. But we can't have that now, can we?
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On one level I suppose I can (sort of) understand why parents wouldn't want their children exposed to a dangerous lifestyle: that being said, I just don't see how that could have much of a negative effect on the little darlings if they weren't already leaning in that direction. Further, I can't see why ANYONE would feel the need to publish death threats against ANYONE. I mean, come on people, we don't live in Iran!  I thought Americans respected the right for others to have different beliefs. I know that most of this is just smack-talking perpetrated by the anonymous nature of the Internet but it saddens me that the United States has come (or is it come back?) to this.
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In the end only time will tell how much the threatened boycott will have on Dancing With The Stars.  Personally I doubt that there will be anything more than a very minor blip. Still, I'm sure that if the ratings DO take a major dive I'm sure DWTS will find some way to boot Bono. (I'm pretty confident there won't remotely be a need of that.) It's just too bad that those upset by the guy's presence won't use it to open a dialog or maybe re-examine their own prejudicess.
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'nuff said.

"Planet of the Apes" Gets A New Origin

2011-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

I had quite a time picking a "fractal cookie" for my review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes and had just about decided to pick a random image when I came across an old image called Monster Spiral. Yes, the connection is tangential at best but I couldn't really find anything better. Check out the review of the movie.
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I'm sad to admit that I'm old enough to have seen the FIRST Planet of the Apes movie (way back in the 1960s). I didn't see it in the theater (the folks wouldn't let me go) but I caught it on television. Several sequels followed (getting progressively worse) and a few a few years ago there was a pretty awful remake of the original (starring "Marky" Mark Wahlberg). Robyn tells me that somewhere in there was a story that told how the Apes rebelled and eventually took over the world--but I don't remember that. Now we finally get a story that (almost) makes sense.
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Dr Will Rodman (played by James Franco) is researching a cure of Alzheimer's because of his father's dementia. He has developed a drug that shows amazing promise in his ape subjects and is ready to present his results when something goes horribly (and fatally) wrong. It turns out the female test subject was trying to protect her newborn baby. Still, the project is ordered shut down by the big boss (David Ovelowo). Thanks to one of those "only in the movies" moment the baby chimp is taken in by Will who is surprised to learn that the enhancements he gave to the mother has been passed on the baby Caesar. Still, as we know from the real world (the lady who's pet chimp ripped her face off for example) we know that things are bound to end badly. And end badly they do when Caesar (played by Andy Serkis in a Motion-Capture Suit) gets sentenced to a "Sanctuary" (read prison) for apes. Then the real fun begins. If you want the rest of the story go see the movie--but know it doesn't end well for humanity...
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There are a few holes in the plot you can drop a planet through but the story is well-enough acted and fast-paced enough that you don't really notice them until well after you've left the theater. Andy Serkis deserves an Oscar nomination (but won't get one) for his portrayal of Caesar. He says only a few words but his physicality and facial expression convey more emotion than anyone else in the movie. The rest of the actors do the best with what the script gives them but most of them are one-note characters put in to advance the story. Still, I should probably let "Harry Potter" fans know that Tom Felton--who played Draco Malfoy has a role in the movie (he's just as rotten as the "Potter" character he played--just not as classy.)
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While I was watching the movie I really enjoyed it but I found I enjoyed it less after I left the theater: too many small details leaped out and bothered me. Still, you don't go to a movie like this for deep characters and high philosophy. Rise of the Planet of the Apes shows surprising heart (due mainly to Andy Serkis' performance). That being said, Rise of the Planet of the Apes has a certain emotional honesty and a verisimilitude that makes you think this is an all-too-possible future. This movie may not be for the ages but it certainly is one of the better this summer.
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FINAL GRADE: B+

Genre-Blender

2011-08-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

I chose Nightfire as today's fractal cookie because it reflects something that happens in the movie Cowboys and Aliens. Enjoy today's review (unless of course you've made other plans--in which case what are you doing reading this post!)
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I think I saw the first trailer for Cowboys and Aliens on Christmas Day 2010: it made Tron Legacy almost bearable.  I looked at Robyn and said something like "oooh--we gotta go see that!"  (In fact, after the last "Harry Potter" film this was the movie I most looked forward to of the summer.) She agreed and, one week after it's release we finally did. So was it worth the wait--read on and decide for yourself.
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Cowboys and Aliens reminds me a lot of a somewhat less-good True Grit mixed with a healthy dash of Independence Day (the alien invaders even have a decided resemblance to the ones). I can't help but feel like I've seen all the elements of this movie before: yes, they are well done here but I kept waiting and hoping to be surprised and I never was. This movie was populated by cardboard characters that move around on a well-oiled track that takes you right where you expect to go.
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Daniel Craig leaves behind his James Bond smoothness to play Jake Lonnergan as Shane Part Deux: he does stoic really well but without a touch of subtlety or nuance (and few changes in facial expression). Still, he's supposed to be the stranger in town: that's how he starts and that's how he leaves. Harrison Ford gets the largely-thankless part of Woodrow Dolarhyde, the richest man in these parts who ain't afraid to throw his weight and power around. At least he has a mildly-interesting character bit involving one of his hired hands (which I won't spoil here). Olivia Wilde looks pretty and is suitably mysterious as Ella, a young lady who knows more than she should about the strange goings-on in town. Sam Rockwell plays Doc, a milquetoast man-of peace (right out of Coward of the County) who must discover his inner badass to save his woman.
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The movie is shot in washed-out tones (a la True Grit) when it isn't done in blue and gray shades for the interior scenes. Costumes are of the grunge school that seems common to most Westerns these days. The effects are adequate and the few shots of alien craft look cool.  The script leaves a lot of questions unanswered (and the myriad of plot holes here are hardly worth mentioning). The score is suitably epic: I don't know who wrote the music but it reminds me of John Williams. The violence is strictly PG13 (a lot of fighting but no graphic bloodbaths) and there are two separate scenes involve Jake and Ella being unclad. Profanity is often but nobody drops the "F-Bomb" so I'm guessing the movie is suitable for all but very young children and those of delicate sensibilities.
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In spite of the tone of this review Cowboys and Aliens isn't a BAD movie--it's just not all that good. It's a fun "check your brain at the door" romp but don't expect any grand revelations. I think I was disappointed because I was hoping for more from the movie and just didn't get it. Go see it only if you don't have anything better to do--otherwise wait until it come out on DVD.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Now That's A Superhero Movie!!!

2011-08-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Captain America would never be caught in paisley--unless maybe it was Patriotic Paisley (today's fractal cookie).  And obviously, I'll be reviewing Captain America The First Avenger--so on with the review!
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I've never been a big fan of Captain America in the comics: didn't hate him--but didn't love him either.  Honestly, that's pretty much what I expected from the movie as well: imagine my surprise when I found that Captain America the First Avenger had both grit and heart.  Of course, it doesn't hurt that the movie has a can't-miss plot where the hero finds the strength to do great deeds that ends in the ultimate sacrifice. (Want to know more? Go see the movie!)
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Chris Evans (in the title role) was made for this role: he has the look (and the CGI that transforms him into a 98 pound weakling is nothing short of spectacular). He walks the fine line between cheesy overacting and stoically underplaying the character and always makes the right decision for the scene. Haley Atwell (Peggy Carter) doesn't fare quite as well. Still, that's more the fault of the script that requires her to go from icy badass to lovestruck damsel. Hugo Weaving is everything you could ask for in a scene-chewing Nazi but his Red Skull makeup could have been a bit more gruesome and frightening. (Still, they kept the look consistent with the comic character so I suppose I shouldn't complain. The rest of the supporting cast does a fine job and I can't find fault with the sets, costumes or special effects.
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If you like superhero movies you are sure to love Captain America, the First Avenger. There's plenty of action to keep the adrenaline junkie happy and even war movie fans can find a lot to enjoy here.  The movie has a retro-quality that appeals to older folks but isn't so dated that it'll turn off the younger generation. Yeah, there are a few points that make some serious-minded folk wine, but hey, it's a summer blockbuster. That's expected. Captain America will transfer to the small screen but it deserves to be seen in a theater. As with most movies there's no need to pay the extra money to see it in 3D.
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Still, I couldn't end this review in good conscience without mentioning the "credit cookie" at the end of the movie. Cap gets transformed into a moody, angst-filled character that, for me at least, didn't quite mesh with the rest of the movie. I worry that next year's Avengers movie will be so bloated by the many characters feeding in from other movies that he won't a chance to redeem the character. Still, I guess I'll have to wait until May 2012 to find out how it all turns out. Meanwhile, there's nothing left but to give this movie a final grade.
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FINAL GRADE: A

8 Simple Rules For Enjoying The Theater

2011-07-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Some posts lend themselves to a particular fractal but many do not. I chose today's "cookie" for the sole reason that it has eight colors and the post is about "8 simple rules..." Oh--and the fractal is called Crystalblaze. Now--on with the rant!
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I wish more people would make the effort to attend live theater: really, there's no experience like it and most folks would be surprised at how much they enjoyed it. Still, most folks choose not to attend except for very rare occasion--and once they get there they have no idea how to behave. If you read my last post you have some idea of what happened when Robyn and I attended a matinee of Mary Poppins. A lot of bad behavior really marred my enjoyment of the show and it inspired me to offer up some simple suggestions so I don't end up want to snap some idiots neck. Therefor I offer these eight simple rules for enjoying the theater...
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1) KNOW YOUR SHOW TIME AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY
It doesn't take long to search Google Maps or MapQuest to find directions, and more importantly, the approximate time it will take you from your starting point to the final destination. Add in some wiggle room for unexpected happening then leave with enough time to get to the show and find your seats before the sun comes up.
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2) IF YOU DO ARRIVE LATE--ENTER QUIETLY
Things happen even to the best of us and sometimes you are unavoidably late. If it should happen to you--try to go to your seats during a scene change. Nobody paid to see your broad-ass silhouette doing the Gavotte and blocking the action on stage.
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3) IF YOU NEED HELP ASK AN USHER
You passed them on your way in: they are stationed there to help you. Use them.
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4) NO TALKING!!!
We paid big bucks to see (and HEAR) the folks on stage--NOT YOU. If you must talk do so QUIETLY. The first show we attended at the P.A.C. had a couple behind us quacking away in Vietnamese for the entire show. Yes, I imagine one was translating for the other but it was still annoying as all get-out. Modifying your volume control is definitely IN order!
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5) TURN OFF THE ELECTRONICS
If you are a Physician on call or if you on the waiting list for a Kidney I can see keeping your cell phone on (but--PLEASE--for the love of God--set it on vibrate!) Otherwise, disconnect yourself from the electronic world for a while and enjoy the show. Really folks, there isn't a lot you NEED to know or respond to right now! The same goes for texting: the glow from your screen is distracting to the other patrons. We know this is your world we're just living in it--but would it really hurt you to to show a modicum of kindness?
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6-A) IF YOU MUST TAKE A CALL, LEAVE THE THEATER
We don't want to listen to your business eve more than you want us to hear it. Exit the theater quickly and quietly to keep from disturbing the other patrons. (Reference Rule 2!!!)
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7) USE YOUR INTERMISSION TIME CAREFULLY
The Intermission Time (usually 15 minutes) is customarily printed in your program and most theaters will blink lights or sound a chime to let you know Intermission is about to end. If you have to use the restroom do it FIRST: no public venue has enough potties (particularly for women) for the folks who need them. Do what business you need to do then head back to seats before the Second Act. Everyone will be happier that way.
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8) KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SEEING
The theater is no place for an infant or children who can't sit quietly for long periods. (You wouldn't want other people's kids disturbing your experience so kindly return the favor.) Don't complain if you are offended by the content of a show: the Production Staff long-ago learned to put up content warning for their shows if they contain strong language or nudity. You will have been warned to plan accordingly.
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The post may have come across as somewhat snarky but mainly it is about common courtesy (which seems to be in extreme short supply these days). Be considerate of others and hope they will be considerate to you. Really--it's just that simple.
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'nuff said.

Mary Poppins: the Next Generation

2011-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

I chose Bouquet as today's "fractal cookie" for one reason alone: it, like the show I'll be reviewing is simple and pretty. And, yes, if you couldn't guess by the title that show is the national tour of Mary Poppins!
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Lets begin the post with a bit of a confession: I've loved Mary Poppins since I first saw it when I was ten. I loved the movie, loved the music and especially loved it because it was one of the few things I remember sharing so fully with my Mom. I've managed to see the movie every time it's been re-released in theaters and bought it as soon as it came out on DVD. Once Disney started converting movies into stage musicals I knew it was only a matter of time before Mary Poppins got the Beauty and the Beast treatment. And, honestly, I was looking forward to the show with equal anticipation and trepidation.
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Those looking to see Mary Poppins translated almost directly from screen to stage are sadly doomed to disappointment: there's simply no way the scenes can be replicated outside of a movie studio. Most of the songs (Stay Awake and I Love To Laugh being the notable exceptions) and a few bits from the movie make the transition but most of the story is new (hence my trepidation). The writers chose to go back to the P. L. Travers books for inspiration and those who know them find lots of recognizable characters and scenes. This "next gen" Mary Poppins is somewhat darker in tone than the movie and the personal drama is ratcheted up to new levels. The kids are brattier, George Banks is even more of a tyrant and the household help are played for slapstick. There's also the introduction of Miss Andrew--who out wickeds the Wicked Witch of The West.
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Sadly, the new musical numbers don't live up to the songs from the film: I found myself forgetting them even as I was listening--no matter how many times I heard the songs (and, believe me, I heard them a LOT!) Almost every song gets at least one reprise--several get FOUR--and I was heartily tired of all of them by the end of the show. At least the singers and musicians were top-notch. The six-person orchestra produced a surprisingly full sound and they played with energy and verve throughout the whole show. The costumes were beautifully done but I took a bit of an issue with some of the lighting choices, sparse stage sets in many scenes and special effects that were none too special.
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Steffanie Leigh (as Mary Poppins) was practically perfect in every way. She doesn't try to imitate Julie Andrews' take on the role but instead gives it her own spin and flare. Likewise Nicholas Dromard doesn't try to copy Dick Van Dyke's Bert but brings his own qualities to the part (and gets one of the few truly "magical" moments). The children (I don't know which ones were playing the role at the show I saw so I won't give credit) had one acting note--shrill--but they sang prettily and danced quite well. Special credit needs to be given to Q. Smith who played the role of Miss Andrew: she had a powerful voice and deliciously chewed the scenery in her part. The rest of the cast was adequate to their parts and everyone sang and danced well. Still, I kept hoping for that spark of "Disney Magic" but I never got it until nearly the end of the show--and then it was just a spark. What exactly is that magic? You'll have to see the show for yourself but, rest assured, it's pretty darned awesome.
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Honestly, I think I might have enjoyed the show had we not had seats next to the rudest people in the world. (One group chose to arrive 20 minutes late and made a massive production of getting to their seats while another group texted and chatted throughout the whole show.) I listened in to snippets of conversations from quite a number of audience members as I made my way out and they all seemed to enjoy it thoroughly (so I guess I'm just a surly old critic). Mary Poppins is the kind of show the whole family can go to see and is a great introduction to live theater for those who don't attend. Tickets aren't cheap but the price is worth it.
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FINAL GRADE: B (for surly old critics)
FINAL GRADE: A (everyone else)

Gazing Into The Crystal Ball: Fall TV 2011

2011-07-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try something daringly different for this post. (Mostly) sight-unseen I'm going to predict the fate of the new shows for television this fall. Will I have the Star Power (today;s fractal cookie) to accurately predict their fates? Come back at the end of May 2012 to find out! So--on with the predictions!
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MONDAY
2 BROKE GIRLS (CBS): comfortably sandwiched between How I Met Your Mother and Two-and-a-Half Men, on one of the network's strongest nights the show has a quirky charm that will endear as many people as it annoys. I love the fact that Kat Demming (who literally stole Thor from the bigger names) gets a star turn. FATE: I hope it succeeds but new comedies have a poor track record. May not survive the season.
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HEART OF DIXIE (CW): the fact that this show is on the CW may well be enough to sink the show. Still, the weblet has managed to score with a few sex-soaked soaps. The twist here is the show is set in 1957 Alabama and that may well be what sinks it. Older folks will love the presence of 80s starlets Ally Sheedy and Phoebe Cates but the much sought-after younger demographic will stay away in droves. FATE: this heart is transplanted to cancellation-land after one season.
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TERRA NOVA (FOX): a steamy mix of dinosaurs and family drama, this big-budget extravaganza has some big names backing it (including Steven Spielberg). What I've seen looks first rate but I worry that the ratings won't justify the expensive production costs. FATE: vanishes into the mists of time after one season.
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THE PLAYBOY CLUB (NBC): if imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery then the folks over at Mad Men (the little AMC drama that could) should truly be flattered. Retro-cool seems to be the latest craze on the big networks (and, of course that means that a lot of knock-offs are going to get knocked off). The Playboy Club might have worked if it were on a cable network (where they could really sex it up) but the tameness required of being on NBC will severely inhibit this show. FATE: this "Club" closes early.
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TUESDAY
LAST MAN STANDING (ABC): Tim Allen tries to duplicate the success he found on Home Improvement and even gets his old time slot back. I saw some previews and it looks like H.I.--minus the funny and warmth. FATE: this show won't be standing at the end of the season.
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MAN UP (ABC): three modern men try to get in touch with their "inner tough guy" in this comedy. It's a good pairing with Last Man Standing but the previews don't seem all that funny. FATE: Man Up goes down early.
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NEW GIRL (FOX): I like Zooey Deschanell and I hope she does well with this comedy where she becomes the single girl roommate of a bunch of 20-something guys. The previews look funny and quirky but Fox doesn't have a good track record with quirky/funny. FATE: this New Girl doesn't grow old on television.
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UNFORGETTABLE (NBC): a gimmick-y crime drama about a young woman with a trick memory (she can't forget anything and notices everything) who becomes a criminal investigator. It sounds like a less-funny version of Psych to me. FATE: Unforgettable is forgotten early.
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WEDNESDAY
FREE AGENTS (NBC): I don't know anything about the show other than that Hank Azaria is one of the stars. Azaria shines as a supporting player but I don't know if he has what it takes to be a star--especially if he can't drop into an outrageous character. FATE: no clue on this one but a weak lead-in (see Up All Night later in this section) doesn't bode well.
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H8R (CW): this show pairs "B" and "C" List Celebs with their biggest detractors. Once the "H8TR" meets the object at their disaffection will they end up not hating the celeb so much--or maybe even actually liking them? Tune in if you're interested--I'm not. FATE: the show doesn't cost a lot to produce so it lasts at least a year.
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I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (FOX): Jamie Presley stars in a show about a woman who realizes her daughter has turned into the kind of bully that made her high school years miserable. Yeah, I totally want to watch that (sarcasm--ON!) FATE: it's not the teenage daughter the audience hates--it's the show! It leaves the schedule early.
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REVENGE (ABC): I guess the title says it all here. Honestly, it''s going to take more than that to keep me interested. FATE: the audience takes revenge on the show by staying away in droves.
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SUBURGATORY (ABC): a hip "city kid" is exiled to the suburbs--and hilarity ensues! (Uh-huh!) FATE: forget Purgatory--this show goes to Hell early.
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THE X FACTOR (FOX): Simon Cowell brings his massive UK hit to America where Paula Abdul joins him as a judge and mentor.  FATE: "Idol" just hasn't been the same since Simon took his snarky, yet often on-the-nose, observations. Add to it the fact that Reality/Talent Competitions are still huge (in spite of the glut) guarantee this to be one of the "sure hits of the season.
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UP ALL NIGHT (NBC): Will Arnet and Christina Applegate share the trials and tribulations of raising an infant. While I enjoy Applegate's comedy I don't get what anyone sees in Arnet. The previews look schtick-y and just not very funny. FATE: like most "one note" comedies the show lacks the complexity to find an audience.
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THURSDAY
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (ABC): bringing back a classic series that spawned a couple of successful movies, this show has a fine pedigree (but a lot to live up to). Will it work? Only time will tell. FATE: no idea until I see a couple of episodes.
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HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN (CBS): a milquetoast man gets lessons in how to be a "modern" gentleman (i.e. a complete self-centered ass). FATE: on behalf of milquetoasts everywhere I hope this show dies a quick death.
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PERSON OF INTEREST (CBS): J.J. Abrams (the man behind Lost) brings us a show about a C.I.A. Hit Man and a Scientist who team up to prevent crimes before they happen. The show ought to be, at the very least, unique and worth a look. FATE: even if the show doesn't find a large audience, critical acclaim and tons of awards keep the show going for more than a season.
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THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW): it's a show about young witches. Sadly, with the exception of Bewitched and Charmed, shows about witches tend not to do well on television. FATE: the show won't likely hold on to The Vampire Diaries audience so the "circle" is broken by season's end.
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WHITNEY (NBC): what little I've seen doesn't give me a lot of hope. FATE: gone by year's end.
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FRIDAY
A GIFTED MAN (CBS): a Doctor sees dead people! With Medium gone I guess CBS needed somebody to fill that role... FATE: being on Friday night this show ain't gonna be a big hit. Older folks will like it but I don't know if the network (and star) will stick with it for more than a season.
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GRIMM (NBC): the fairy tales meet a gritty crime drama! FATE: this could be a HUGE hit--on cable. Put the show on SyFy or even USA and you'd have a real winner. But Friday's at 10:00 PM on a major network? Uh--no. Grimm will meet a grim fate early.
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ALLEN GREGORY (FOX): Jonah Hill gives voice to a kid even more precocious than "Stewie" Griffin!  It looks suitably twisted for Sunday night on Fox and I hope it goes well. FATE: The Simpsons are a huge hit but their other animated series don't seem to catch fire in the same way. I hope this one goes well: it looks fun.
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ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC): fairytale characters get exiled to the "real" world and must re-discover their true nature. FATE: like Grimm, this show ought to be on cable. Too quirky to last long.
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PAM AM (ABC): another retro-chic spectacular--this time centering around the glamorous world of Flight Attendants (whey they were Stewardesses). FATE: will need more than wings to fly for long.
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So there are my predictions. I guess we'll see how well I do in ten months.
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'nuff said.

Magical Epic's Magical End

2011-07-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

You may have already guessed that I'm going to give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 a good review simply by reading the title of this post. You weren't wrong: the movie is going to get a Gold Star from me so I picked Golden Star as today's fractal cookie! Now on with the review.
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What can I say about the latest (and last) Harry Potter movie other than wow? This commentary won't have any plot details: go see the movie--or better yet read the book if you need to know! Just know that even if you HAVEN'T seen/read any Harry Potter before you won't be completely lost (although it really helps if you have.) The good news is, after movies where the books get severely abridged (lest they run close to five hours) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows gets all the attention it deserves. Most details from the book make it to the screen and those that don't wouldn't be noticed except by the most devoted "Potter-head". The script has the fantastic battles you expect in a summer blockbuster but you also truly care about the characters and their struggles. You feel for those who died and rejoice with characters as they find inner strength they didn't know they had. All the questions are (finally) answered and all mysteries are solved.
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The actors truly inhabit their roles and you can't imagine anyone else playing these parts. It's also good to see so many characters from previous films popping up (for however short a time). The leads, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have grown in ability as well as size. Special note needs to be given to Ralph Fiennes in the thankless role of Voldermort: he's forced to speak in a whisper for most of the movie and is crushed under makeup that renders his face mostly immobile. Still, he conveys an air of menace and creepiness that literally leaps off the screen and grabs the viewer by the throat.
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Taken together Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts One and Two are far and away the best films of the franchise (and that's saying a lot). Are they movies that will stand the test of time? Yes! As they immortal? I don't know--but they are far and away the best movies of 2011 (at least so far). Go see these in the theater because you need to a big screen to properly appreciate the scope of the movie.
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FINAL GRADE: A+

Green Lantern Leaves Me A Little Blue

2011-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

I chose Green Eye as today's "fractal cookie" mainly because it's green (duh!) and because it reminds me a bit of the "Green Lantern Ring. (Again--duh!) So--sit back and enjoy the review (unless, of course, you have other plans).
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To be completely honest I was looking forward to seeing Green Lantern more than any other movie this summer. Why? He's always been one of my favorite characters and I enjoy Ryan Reynolds as an actor. Sadly, big expectations often lead to big disappointment and this movie was no different. It wasn't that the movie was BAD--it was just so un-GOOD!
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I can forgive a plot that doesn't take me anywhere particularly new (especially with a summer blockbuster) but I do wish my plot to take me somewhere in a timely fashion. Green Lantern has a lot of exposition that needs to be put out for those not familiar with the character. The story is pretty enough to watch but it acts as a wet blanket that suffocates a lot of the movie. When we finally meet Hal Jordan (Reynolds) we find him to be a self-doubting, generally unlovable schlub that makes it hard to care about. When the inevitable transformation from "zero to hero" the process isn't all that exciting or particularly believable.
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Reynolds tries hard but isn't given a lot to work with here. There's not much chemistry between him and his co-star Blake Lively (as Carol Ferris). We're told that Carol and Hal are B.F.F. (formerly with benefits) but it's hard to see what she might find attractive about the guy. Eventually her character morphs from spitfire to Damsel in Distress/Mooney Romantic and that doesn't work either.
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Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond goes from lovesick nerd to super villain and makes it work. Mark Strong as Sinestro chews the scenery as only a British Actor can but there's not much of a character arc for him. Geoffrey Rush and Michael Clark Duncan lend their voices to Green Lanterns Tomar Re and Killowog while Tim Robbins has the small but thankless role as Senator Hammond. Tom Kalamaku (a central character in the GL mythos) gets little play here. There were literally hundreds of Green Lanterns in various scenes but I didn't recognize any of them. Too bad for me.
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The movie looks good: Oa is suitably alien and spectacular to look at and what battle scenes there are fun to watch. (Too bad there isn't more to see.) The computer-animated Green Lantern costumes look great on everybody but there just isn't enough to balance the general lethargy that affects most of the film. All in all, there isn't a lot that will compel anyone to rush out and see the movie and certainly nothing that requires you to come back for a second viewing. The finish of the movie set up a sequel but, based on the Box Office (and the way this movie is sinking like a stone) I doubt we'll be seeing another live-action movie any time soon. For those wishing to see a Green Lantern movie check out one of the animated offerings available--those pretty good.
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FINAL GRADE: C

A Weiner Gets Bitten

2011-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

If you can't figure out why I chose an image called Zipzap to "grace" a post about Congressman Anthony Weiner please quit reading my blog and crawl back under the rock (under which you've obviously been living for quite a while). Of course, if you are beaming in from another country (and are interested in an American scandal) please feel free to enjoy today's rant.
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I had originally intended NOT to comment on "Weinergate" (after all--what more can anyone say?). Still, lest I get chastised by my right-wing readers (hey Tanya! hey Lance!) I felt compelled to say something (lest I be accused of indiscriminate "Republican bashing"). In the end--all I can think to ask is this one question: TONE-BONE! WHY DID YOU THINK YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THIS???
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Sexual escapes (and stupidity it seems) cross party lines. What makes these fools think they can do this with impunity? Back in the "good old days" (?!) the Press covered it but but today we need our scandal to distract us from economic woes, messy social issues and "unwinable" wars. It's sad that a promising career gets derailed for a few cheap thrills. Was it worth it Congressman? Especially in light of what happened to another Congressman who sent a bare-chested photo of himself to a female who wasn't his wife.
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What I find particularly disturbing is the way Rep. Weiner awkwardly lied when the scandal came out. Come one guy! You claimed your Twitter account was "hacked" but didn't request an investigation. Sorry--you lost me right there! Oh--and lets not forget about the part where he would neither confirm or deny whether the picture was of him. So, so very stupid. Once it was out there you should have realized there was no way out of this except to admit what you did and take the consequences. Luckily for Anthony Weiner stupidity isn't a criminal offense--otherwise he'd be in jail for a very long time.
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'nuff said.

X-Men: First Class (Almost) All The Way

2011-06-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

This seems like a particularly good choice as the "fractal cookie" for X-Men: First Class: you have the "X" and you have the classic X-Men blue-and-gold color scheme. So--now that you see why I made the choice on with the review!
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I went into X-Men: First Class with a certain sense of trepidation. Ever since the epic disaster that was the first (last?) three Star Wars movies I've had a certain sense of dread where prequels were concerned. The third X-Men movie was pretty bad and Wolverine could best be described as a disaster of Titanic proportions. Further, I worried that the movie would even further mangle comic-book continuity. (Yes, I can be a bit of a continuity snob--even when I say each version should be judged on their own individual merits.) Based on a cool-looking trailer (and Robyn's desire to see the movie) I agreed to go--and boy was I pleasantly surprised!
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WARNING: this review contains (at least minor) plot spoilers. If you don't want to get critical details READ NO FURTHER!!!
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Yes, X-Men: First Class gleefuly shreds Marvel continuity for it's own ends. Still, if you can get past that you have a pretty darn good movie. We get glimpses of Charles Xavier and Mystique as children as well as what started Erik Lenscher (Magneto) on the road to super villainy. Then we flash forward to the swinging 60s where Xavier has just graduated from Oxford (with a doctorate in genetics--specializing in mutation of course). We get to see him assemble his "first" team of X-Men (Mystique, Magneto, Beast, Havok, Banshee and "new mutants" (at least new to me) Angel and Darwin. They end up battling Sebastian Shaw (played with delicious vileness by Kevin Bacon) and his minion, Emma Frost, Azazel and Riptide. In this world Shaw is responsible for igniting the Cuban Missile Crisis in the hopes of accelerating the process of human mutation.
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James McAvoy brings a sense of fun and "hipness" that I've never seen before and Michael Fassbender is a succession to Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto. (His character arc is completely believable.) Moira McTaggert (as played by super-hottie Rose Byrne) gets made over from a Scottish scientist to an American C.I.A. Agent (whom the script doesn't serve well). January Jones gets reduced to evil "Girl Friday" in her role but she is so hot, Hot, HOT I'd watch her read the phone book (preferably in those fab, lingerie-inspired outfits). Nicholas Hoult nails the character of Beast but I found his "mutant makeover" (if I dare call it that) to look like a bad character costume from a Cats roadshow. Zoe Kravitz is a real stunner and looks cool (and with a different name I might not have hated her character so much). The addition of Azazel (Jason Flemyng) was at least semi-cool. I could have seriously done without Riptide though. I also felt the character of Darwin was a complete waste: his power was kind of stupid--and why is it that the black supporting character always seems to die in major motion pictures? Hugh Jackman's two-word cameo was a real moment of cool. (He also gets the movie's one "F-Bomb".)
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It wouldn't be a comic book movie without a few minor quibbles though. For example--it disturbed me how quickly Angel was willing to turn on her allies and why Darwin's "adaptation" ability didn't save him from Sebastian Shaw. I also found it mind-boggling that those around Shaw didn't point out how stupid and dangerous his plan was. (Yeah, the war might have made more mutants but the world they were born into wouldn't be a very nice place.) I also found it a bit disheartening at how quickly the humans on both sides were so quick to go after the mutants AFTER they had clearly averted a nuclear holocaust. (But, then again, it wouldn't be an X-Men movie if the humans didn't hate and fear mutants beyond reason.)
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Will there be a fifth X-Men movie? Considering how much money this movie stands to make worldwide I wouldn't be at all surprised. It'll be interesting to see if they keep with the current class (likely) and, if so, what story they tell. There's already been an epic (and, frankly, definitive) battle with Magneto so they'll probably have to come up with a new angle (even though I hope they don't lose Michael Fassbender). Guess I'll just have to wait a couple of years to find out.
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X-Men: First Class has all the action any summer blockbuster could wish for. The FX are first rate and the acting is clearly a cut above average for a movie of this sort. Yeah, there are plot points that it doesn't pay to spend too much time thinking about but the action never slows down enough to give you time to pick the movie apart. Yes, you can see it on the small screen but this flick looks great in a theater. Go in and have some fun for a couple of hours. You know you want to...
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FINAL GRADE: A-

Burn This Bore

2011-06-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

With a post title like Burn This Bore I'd need a fractal "cookie" having to do with fire. Right? Right! So what better than burn something than Cosmic Fire! Now--on with the review.
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I admit, I didn't go into Burn The Floor with the best of attitudes: we paid big bucks to see a series of BROADWAY MUSICALS--not some extended feature sequences from Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance. And really, that's all this show is. Yes, there's (at least a hint of) a story in each dance but after a while everything fades together. And lets be brutally honest--there are so many way a group of people can lift, twirl and bend each other. Without an underlying knowledge of the dance(s) you have no context. It became an exercise in "oh--look at that" and "wow--that--was cool!" but no concept of what I was watching. Still, I suppose we're just supposed to concentrate on the fact that a bunch of pretty people are gyrating in skimpy/and or ultra-tight outfits that show off those amazing bodies.
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There's no denying that the dancers on stage have a lot of energy and technical prowess (or so I suppose) but for someone who doesn't know a Cha Cha from a Cucaracha there isn't a lot of reference points. The show featured Pasha Koralev and Anya Garnis ( two past contestants on So You Think You Can Dance) but, honestly, after a while I couldn't tell the players without a scorecard. Nobody stood out as better (or worse) than anyone else and I didn't see any glaring mistakes so I guess that was to the good.
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The music (except for a drummer, percussionist and two singers was all pre-recorded (a minor negative for me) but at least there were no technical glitches and the sound mix was spot on through the whole show. Both singers (Peter Saul and Vonzell Solomon) had fine pop voices: they had a nice mix of songs to sing and didn't have to fight the backing track. Sound and lighting were first rate for the whole show. Costume changes were plentiful but there was nothing to outrageous on anyone.
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Burn The Floor is the type of show that is going to have a limited appeal. Fans of Ballroom and Latin Dancing are sure to love it--but I kind of think it will leave non-Fans feeling a little cold. Even though the show barely ran two hours (if that) I kind of felt like I was getting too much of (maybe) a good thing.
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FINAL GRADE: C+

More "Mondegreen" Madness!

2011-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

A post about "Mondegreens" requires a green image, yes? Yes! I think Alison (created for my "gal pal Al-bal") handles that quite nicely. So--on with today's silliness!
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Back on April 22, 2009 I wrote my first post on Mondegreens (misheard song lyrics). (Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://ronwrites.blogspot.com/search?q=mondegreen ). There are lots more mondegreens to cover so I decided to write another post. As always--SOME OF THESE CAN BE RAUNCHY SO IF YOU ARE OF DELICATE SENSIBILITIES LEAVE NOW!!!
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The latest fascination started out with the Kings of Leon song Sex On Fire. I heard: GIRL--your SNATCH is on fire. GIRL--GONNA WATCH YOU PERSPIRE! (If that particularly body part WAS burning the least she'd be doing is perspiring!) The real lyrics are supposed to be YOU, YOUR SEX is one fire/CONSUMED WITH WHAT'S TO TRANSPIRE. Uh-huh. I totally believe that...
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Some people report the ABBA song Dancing Queen says: you can dance. You can DIE... Katy Perry's Teenage Dream suggests: we can dance until we DINE... Given a choice I'd pick Option #2.
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Another random ABBA mondegreen: JACKIE CHAN'S On Me. Get off me Jackie! (If you're an ABBA fan--you know it's TAKE A CHANCE On ME.)
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Way back in the early 1980s The J. Geils Band told the world: my ANUS is the center HOLE. (So, where else would it be?) The real lyrics are, of course my ANGEL is the centerFOLD.
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How 'bout this mangled masterpiece from Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen? SCARY BUSH! SCARY BUSH! Can you do the BANNED TANGO? (The correct lyrics are SCARAMOUCHE! SCARAMOUCHE! Will you do the FANDANGO? Like that makes a lot of sense...)
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In the song Losing My Religion some people think R.E.M. suggests: LET'S PEE in the corner. LET'S PEE in the spotlight... Oh well, if that's what you're into I suppose.
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Perhaps it would be fun (like the Chaka Khan song suggests) to CLIMB Every Woman...
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Back in elementary school (and be honest now!) how many of us thought the folk song was: my BODY lies over the ocean/my BODY lies over the sea/my BODY lies over the ocean/oh bring back my BODY to me... ? I confess: I was one.
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Sir Elton John (a perennial source of Mondegreens) once suggested (to one person at least). Hold me closer TONY DANZA... Okie-dokie then! If that's what you really want... Or how about (from Crocodile Rock) I never had me a better time when I BOUGHT THAT TEXTILE MILL.
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Keeping the "Classic Rock" theme here are a couple of mondegreens from The Beatles. You WATCH T.V. (instead of You WON'T SEE ME.) And, instead of she gives me everything and tenderly (from And I Love Her) we get she gives me everything INTERNALLY. OK, that just conjures up a whole raft of sick images. What if She's Got A STICK IN HER EYE? (Ouch!) Maybe we should just go to CAMP BALMY Love.. (Are you a big enough Beatles fan to know the real title?)
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Here's one from the 60s classic (My Baby Sent Me A) Letter: give me a CHICKEN for an airplane... What--does the train not accept poultry in the passenger cars?
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Did Roberta Flack really sing Killing Me Softly With INSULTS? Most people know it is Killing Me Softly With HIS SONG--which makes about as much sense...
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How about that line from Angel Of The Morning: "just BRUSH MY TEETH before you leave me... ? Well--dental hygiene IS important I suppose...
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Linda Ronstadt offers this classically twisted advice for oldsters in her song It's So Easy (To Fall In THE TUB). Trust me: it is! (I know from bitter personal experience.)
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"Walter" (whoever he is) should be grateful in Simon and Garfunkel's famous line Like A Bridge Over TROUBLE WALTER, I will lay me down...
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From my own personal catalog of mondegreens: to this day I SWEAR the Atlanta Rhythm Section announces when you walked into the room--there was DOO-DOO in YOUR EYES. What a shitty situation!
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Steve Gold (my fellow Baritone from Circle City Chorale) suggested the song Don't Get Around Much Anymore with the famous character MISTER Saturday Dance... Dunno who he is but he sounds like a great guy!
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Here's a geography lesson Mondegreen style: in America the Beautiful someone thought the line was from sea to CHINESE Sea! (Where IS the Chinese Sea anyway? Obviously somewhere near China--but where exactly?) Or how about that soulful classic Crimean River? I didn't know there was such a place...
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Mixing geography and food--how about I love SPARERIBS in the springtime/I love SPARERIBS in the fall... Really--who doesn't love spareribs any time of the year (even if its supposed to be PARIS!)
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I could go on for days but the real world calls. Stay tuned for even MORE mondegreens!
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'nuff said.

Two Movie Reviews! ONE POST!!!

2011-05-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

This post has reviews of two movie sequels that are different as black and white. That's why I chose Opposites Flower as today's "fractal cookie. So sit back and enjoy the review of The Hangover Part 2 and Kung Fu Panda 2 (unless you have other plans--in which case what are you doing reading this blog?) So--on with the reviews!
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A MOVIE SO (NOT) NICE THEY MADE IT TWICE!
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Truth-in-blogging requires me to say that Robyn and I are two of the few people who didn't love The Hangover. Still, we were in the minority. If you happen to be one of those who liked The Hangover you're pretty much guaranteed to enjoy The Hangover Part 2 SINCE IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME MOVIE!!! (Make a timeline of both movies then place them side-by-side and see if it's not exactly the same movie.) There's no point in repeating the plot: if you saw the first movie you've seen the sequel.
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Bradley Cooper proves he has real "leading man" chops playing Phil, the ringleader of this merry band of misfits. Ed Helms is still completely schlubby as Stu (and, yes, he gets a song). Zach Galifanakis is even more of a passive-aggressive a##h#le in the sequel while Justin Bartha gets quickly pushed out of the action (just like the first movie). Ken Jeong has a larger role as Mr. Chow (and thus is more annoying). Even Mike Tyson shows up for another turn in the barrel. Only the tiger escapes this travesty (to be replaced by a drug-dealing chain-smoking monkey).
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The Hangover Part 2 pushes the bounds of outrageousness but I found most of the humor more cringe-inducing than laugh-out-loud (or even quietly) funny. There's plenty of shock value but not a lot to give you belly laughs. Still, the movie has the biggest opening-week Box Office ever so I must be missing something. Still, I'll be interested in seeing what the box office does next week. The movie isn't for kids (or a lot of adults) so let your opinion of the last movie help decided whether you want to see the sequel.
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I found The Hangover Part 2 particularly annoying. The actors weren't required to go anywhere new with their roles and all the scriptwriters had to do was bring up copies of the first script on their laptops and make a few small changes. All the Producers had to do was sit back and rake in the cash. This is just laziness of the worst sort so that, if for no other reason, is why I rated this a complete failure.
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FINAL GRADE: F-
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HOW TO MAKE A SEQUEL THE RIGHT WAY
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When I went to see Kung Fu Panda I wasn't expecting much: in fact I expected I'd hate it from start to finish: boy was I surprised! From start to finish the movie was a triumph. Going in to Kung Fu Panda 2 I was expecting a great deal--and I'm happy to report the movie exceeded expectations on almost all levels. Yes, you've seen the plot before but the movie has so much heart you quickly get sucked in and can forgive a lack of originality.
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Jack Black brings the perfect combination of comedy, heart and vulnerability to his portrayal of Panda Po. Too much comedy or too much pathos could have driven the performance into a ditch but he managed to walk the knife edge of excellence. Gary Oldman simply oozes evil, as only a classicaly-trained English Actor can, in the part of Lord Shen the albino peacock. Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and most of the original supporting cast reprise their roles and do first-rate jobs befitting top-drawer talent.
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Even if the script was complete crap the movie would be worth seeing on the big screen simply because of the sheer beauty of the art. With Kung Fu Panda 2, Dreamworks Animation has finally caught up (and maybe even passed) Disney Pixar. Whether the scene is loaded with action or simply a pastoral setting there's always something beautiful to see. The movie is sure to be nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar (and will probably win.)
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Kung Fu Panda 2 can be enjoyed by the whole family--from grandparents to young kids (who are old enough to sit through a movie at least). So what if there's a lack of original plotting? The formula is classic and it is executed to perfection. The movie would survive a small screen but the scope and beauty of the picture can best be appreciated on the big screen.
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FINAL GRADE: A+

Today's Taste Treat: Rapture Fudge!

2011-05-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

You knew I was going to talk about the nonsese about the once-and-future Rapture eventually! I tried to resist--really I did but the dude just--won't--go--away! Naturally, since we're talking religion (however peripherally) I had to go to the Stained Glass series for your fractal cookie. I chose Stained Glass 59 for today's post because the black and white colors represent the two opposite viewpoints and the spikes represent the thorniness of the issue. (OK, that's all BS: I picked it 'cause I think it's a cool picture!) Now--on with today's rant!
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I've always been secretly fascinated by predictions of the future: it started back in grade school when a local Pastor predicted that God would send a great earthquake that would sink California into the sea--drowning millions. (I don't remember the man's name but, in his defense, he wasn't the only one making the prediction back then.) I remember several kids in my class moving out with families selling everything so they would be safe from the destruction. Well, needless to say the "Big One" never came. Neither did Y2K or any other "end of days" prophecies.
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Harold Camping made a big splash predicting the world would end on May 21 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Needless to say--he was wrong... His web site (which had a "Countdown to Judgement Day" Clock) quickly scrubbed any mention of his Judgement Day prediction. Still, the guy couldn't leave well enough alone: he had to put himself back into the barrel for another round of ridicule. He recently announced that he was wrong because of a "mathematical error" and that the world will REALLY end on October 21. (Dunno if he predicted a time.) Further, we've already had our "spiritual Jugement Day" which has placed the world under Christ's judgement. What I find particularly funny is that he said there was now no longer any need to warn people since the judgement has been accomplished--yet Family Radio Network continues to broadcast.
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The sad part of the story is all the people who spent their own money (in some cases most of their retirement savings) to publicize the upcoming Rapture that never happened. You have to wonder how many other good (gullible) folks did foolish (and maybe dangerous) things because of this prediction. You also have to wonder how many potential Christians were turned away because this idiot had to shoot off his mouth in such a massively public way. (Is Harold Camping doing Satan's work? YOU decide!!!)
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Mr. Camping didn't come across as particularly humbled by his gaffe. His "I wasn't really wrong" didn't win him any friends. Will he repent when the world isn't destroyed on October 21? I kind of doub it. I have to wonder if he has some sort of neurotic need to make a public spectacle of himself and I don't think he cares about the collateral damage.
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So now I get to wait until October 21 for the world to end--and December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar says the world will end. But--remember this. In case of Rapture this blog will probably keep on publishing!
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'nuff said.

Yo Ho-Hum A(nother) Pirate...

2011-05-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

A review of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie requires somthing do do with water or the Caribbean. Since I don't have anything Caribbean I chose Waterdeep as today's fractal cookie. Now--on with the review!
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So Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has rolled into a multiplex near you. Judging by the packed houses (and those waiting to get into the show) this movie is a critic-proof as the other three. (I fact, the domestic take was estimated nearly 350 million dollar world wide.) Fans of the series will find lots of their old favorites back again: Johnny Depp is still having fun as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa is still oozingly venomous.  Many popular supporting characters are back (at least for a bit). The movie is substantially shorter than "P of the C3" and it doesn't suffer for that. You have lots of action and classy effects to keep you on your seat and lots of clever bits to keep you amused when there's no fighting on screen. Penelope Cruz steps into the franchise as Blackbeard's daughter Angelica and she is, in many ways, a female version of Jack so she is an especially good foil for him.
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The not so good news is--you've seen this all before: the addition of a strong female character for Captain Jack to play against is a good things for the series but that's about all you can say for new material.  Yes, there's plenty of cleverness but there's nothing new to recommend it. I almost got the feeling that cast and crew alike were "phoning in" their performances: I don't know what I was looking for but I didn't find it here. Oh--they set up for a fifth installment so I guess we can expect even more Pirates come May 2013. Still, if you liked the first three (and aren't too judgemental) you'll probably like this one as well: there's plenty of time to enjoy the movie so go have some empty-headed fun if that's what you're looking for.
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FINAL GRADE: B-

Thor Fails To Bring The Thunder

2011-05-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Picking fractal "cookies" for these reviews is sometimes quite difficult: lucky for me there are times when it is simplicity itself. All I had to to was run over to the "Mythology" series in my fractal gallery and grab Thor for my review of--wait for it--THOR! So, on with the review.
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I'd better start this review with a bit of a confession: although I'm a comic-book fan, I've never been particularly enamored of Marvel's version of Thor. Not exactly sure why: maybe it was the costume or maybe the "Odinson" just seemed too powerful for the rest of the Avengers. Add to it a crowded theater (with way too many screaming kiddies) and I wasn't expecting a lot. Still, Robyn wanted to go so we went. What I got was about what I expected.
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Plot or character wise, Thor doesn't cover any new ground: the eponymous title character begins as a brash young man more ready to fight than think. After being manipulated into starting a war he is cast out of Asgard and forced to learn humility to regain his power (at just the right moment to save the day), developing a new relationship along the way. Chris Hemsworth certainly has the look to pull off Thor and doesn't come off looking too silly (given what he has to work with). Anthony Hopkins comes off curiously light weight as Odin.  Loki (thanks to some bad script decisions) is a complete mess with muddled motives and conflicting emotions that make no sense at all: Tom Hiddleston has anger and gravitas to spare but fails to bring charm or a sens of fun to the character (which, IMHO, Loki desperately needs to make him half-way believable.)  Meanwhile on Earth Natalie Portman gets shafted by the script: her Jane Foster is supposed to be a noted astrophysicist but her character is mostly reduced to being a sideline cheerleader and mooney damsel. Worse, she gets upstaged by sidekick Darcy (Kat Denning) who should be arrested for scene stealing (and she does it every time she's on camera). Stellan Skaarsgaard as Dr. Eric Selvig comes across as the Deus ex Machina who serves no purpose other than to get the writers out of awkward situations when their re-working of the characters paints them into a corner. Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson from the Iron Man franchise) is along to provide continuity and there's a brief, uncredited appearance by Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
Also uncredited is Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye (who will be in next year's Avengers movie). Kudos to Robyn for spotting this: I completely missed it.
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Yes, there are big battles in plenty and the FX are in line with what you'd expect for a summer blockbuster (even though they cover no new ground). We didn't see the movie in 3D and didn't feel like we missed anything by seeing it the "old fashioned' way. Asgard gets a "Sci Fi" makeover (and thus avoid pesky theological questions) that looked OK but didn't thrill me. I was a bit surprised to see a black Heimdall and one of the "Warriors Three" as an Asian but it worked in context. Still, if you can get past the contrivances of the script you'll probably have a good time.
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Thor is definitely one step (or more) below the Iron Man movies in quality but at least it has the virtue of a fairly short running time.   The movie had a huge opening weekend but I'll be interested to see what the "drop off" will be next week. Still, there's enough fun to make Thor worth a look (although you really won't miss a lot if you wait for the DVD (which should be out some time next month).
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FINAL GRADE: B-

Now That The "Bogey Man" Is Gone...

2011-05-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Since this post is about Osama bin Laden I doubt it surprises anyone I chose one of my "Arabic" fractals. I picked Squared Arabic 124 because the predominant red color signifies blood (although I would have prefered a red, black and white color palette--but I didn't have one of those). I chose one of the "Squared" series because now the USA is (at least somewhat) "squared" with al Qida. Now--on with the commentary.
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Let us all join in a rousing chorus of "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" (Ding Dong OSAMA'S dead! We put a bullet in his head! Ding dong we're glad bin Laden's dead...) Am I happy with it? Honestly, not really. I'm glad he's gone and the folk directly involved in the September 11 tragedy finally have some closure. I hope this will start a positive turn in the war on terror (although I have grave doubts). Frankly, I fear that the death will further inflame Islamic Fundamentalists and create a new wave of terror.
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Does bin Laden's death signal the end of al Quida? Don't bet on it: there are plenty of other crazies out there ready and willing to take up where he left off. And honestly, I worry that the death will push more young Islamic men into terrorist organizations. I just pray that in this I'm proven wrong.
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There are a couple of things that really disturb me about this story: it turns out that Osama bin Laden wasn't living in a cave on the Pakistan/Afganistan border but had a mansion about a thousand feet from the walls of the Pakistani equivelant of West Point. And worse--he'd been there for SEVERAL YEARS! Can you believe that??? How did our "friends" in Pakistan MISS that??? I can't prove it (and I doubt nobody else ever will) but I am--sure as I'm sittin' here--that folks high up in the Paki Military and Inteligence communities knew and didn't bother to share the info. (If they aren't sharing stuff like that--what else are they keeping from us?)
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I also find it disturbing that "enhanced interrogation techniques" (that's "Torture" in Politically-Correctspeak) were used on Guantanamo Bay "Detainees" to get the info the led to the raid on bin Laden's compound. One one level I think the "good people" of the USA should hold themselves to a higher standard

Mother of Mercy! Is This The END of the "Birthers"???

2011-04-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

The story takes another turn so I chose Wheels Within Wheels as the "fractal cookie" for today's rant. Enjoy it unless you have other plans.
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So, after years and years of kvetching by the Birthers Barack Obama FINALLY released a long-form Birth Certificate from the State of Hawaii which (if there's any rationality left in the world) should prove once and for all that he IS a Citizen of the United States--and thus able to hold the office of President. Will it silence the "Birthers" once and for all? Honestly, I hope so but my faith in sheer stubborn stupidity tells me they'll find something else equally spurious to latch onto so they can keep up their irrational campaign.
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Why it took Obama so long to actually RELEASE the long-form Birth Certificate I have no idea and right now I lack the imagination to speculate. That being said, I always thought things like Birth Certificates were a matter of public record: am I wrong to assume that ANYONE can go to a County Records Office and request a copy of a Birth Certificate? That should have been enough to silence the questions once and for all. And yet it wasn't...
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In my humble opinion Donald Trump really took a credibility hit by championing the Birther cause. He has said--in multiple interviews--that the investigators he hired were finding "astonishing things". I, for one, am still waiting to be astonished. Did they find ANYTHING? I think we all know the answer to that: no, they didn't find anything BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO FIND! Now that the long form Birth Certificate is out I'll be very interested to find out if Trump lets this drop. Further, I'll be interested if the Media decides to let this drop should Trump decide to run for the Presidency in 2012. (Anyone want to take bets?) So I guess we'll just have to wait for the next turn of the wheel to see how this story shakes out...
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'nuff said.

So I FINALLY Got Around To Writing The "Rio" Review

2011-04-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here's the logic for choosing Samba as today's fractal cookie: the Samba is a uniquely Brazilian dance that was created in Rio de Janero and Rio takes place there--thus the choice. Now you know, on with the review!
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Robyn and I finally saw Rio Friday April 23 but I didn't get around to writing the review until today. Plot-wise you've seen this movie before--unlikely couple find themselves forced together to overcome a bad situation and find love in this process all to a bouncy soundtrack complete with spectacular production numbers: this time it's done with tropical birds (Blue Macaws to be exact). What raises Rio above the average is the spectacular animation and voice casting who manage to bring the script to life.
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Visually, this movie is a love-letter to Rio de Janero: the beauty and squalor of the city are there as well as the boundless energy of the city. The jungle and the birds have never looked better and this is a movie that makes me wish I'd seen it in 3D instead of on the cheaper version: that being said, professional reviewers (most notably Sam Rubin of KTLA) says this movie DOESN'T need to be seen in 3D. (But honestly, what movie besides Avatar really does?)
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The voice cast is as close to perfection as you can come: nobody does appealing nerd better than Jesse Eisenberg and he manages to lend charm to the role of Blu (which could easily become quite annoying). Look up "spunky" and you're sure to find a picture of Anne Hathaway (a characteristic she has in spades a Jewel). George Lopez has another vocal star turn as Raphael (a Toucan in love with love and willing to share advice and guidance with the hapless Blu). Jemaine Clement has the deepest, plumiest voice since Cyril Richard and his turn as evil cockatoo Nigel is worthy of Captain Hook: too bad he can't sing his way out of a paper bag (but he "singspeaks" right up there with Rex Harrison). The rest of the cast (including some unexpected voices like Jamie Fox and Will i Am) are equally spectacular.
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The script is clever enough to hold your interest even if you've seen it all before. There's enough complexity to keep adults interested with enough action for the kids and not too much mushy stuff to turn them off. In short--this is the kind of movie the whole family can see and enjoy. Is it one of the greats? I dunno--but it certain ranks right up there with the extremely good.
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FINAL GRADE: A

Is She A Big Liar Or Just A Big Idiot?

2011-04-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

It is a thorny question indeed--and yet I feel the need to ask it of GOP Central Committee Representative Marilyn Davenport. Therefor I chose Thorned Rose as today's fractal cookie. Now--on with the rant!
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I didn't think I was going to comment on the situation involving Marilyn Davenport and the e-Mail she sent depicting President Barack Obama's face superimposed over a chimpanzee in a family grouping. I think we can all agree the "tacky factor" meter has COMPLETELY pegged and that this is the height of stupidity for ANYONE involved in politics. (I mean, when your own party calls for your resignation that should tell you something right?) Then the dear lady had to go open her mouth and make a few comments and I suddenly felt the need to put in my two cents. Here's what got my panties in a bunch...
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I'm cherry picking a few of her choicest comments from an Associated Press report.

"I feel that it was inappropriate and I offended people. I think it's only racist when the intent in my heart is to make it that way, and that was not the intent in my heart." Really--come on--really??? Is Ms. Davenport so oblivious that she doesn't get the completely racist overtones of something like this? Well maybe--the lady is 74 years old and is a product of a different time so maybe, just maybe, she didn't understand the ramifications of this kind of image (particularly in light of other e-mail scandals involving Obama.) Furthermore, she admitted that she hadn't sent it to certain friends (blacks and some whites) she knew would find the content offensive so obviously Ms. Davenport isn't completely unaware.
"It struck me as political satire." Someone is going to have to explain this to me. (The e-Mail is a picture of a chimpanzee family with Obama's face superimposed over the baby's above the caption "now you know why no birth certificate". You really have to wonder if someone would have sent pictures of a white President superimposed on an ape's body. I LOVE satire but I know the difference between satire and just plain filth.
"My position would be I am concerned, knowing what the responsibility is of a president. I guess we should know his origin, shouldn't we? ... I guess I wonder why he doesn't tell us." Honey Mike Huckabee (as conservative a Republican as they come) said it best. I can't quote it exactly but he said something like "if there was anything to the notion Hilary Clinton's team would have exploited it in the 2008 Primary." Not to mention the Republican political machine and the folks charged by the Constitution to certify the eligibility of a Presidential Candidate. And--as to why he didn't tell you--HE ALREADY DID!!! How many times does this controversy have to be addressed before it dies?

Finally, (and I dearly wish I had the whole quote here) Ms. Davenport described herself as "an imperfect Christian" but, I really have to wonder--why would anyone who labels themselves a Christian feel comfortable with sending something so hurtful and frankly hateful? Maybe I missed something in Sunday School.
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Here's the last quote from the AP Article: Davenport said constituents are asking her not to resign, and the feelings of those outside the 72nd Assembly District don't matter. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the situation. The simple truth is the feelings of those outside the 72nd District DO matter when it affects the perception of the Republican Party. Social Moderates will think less of the party if they tolerate this. This is a pretty little black eye for the GOP and Ms. Davenport would be wise to go quietly and leave the scene.
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'nuff said.

Curtains: Less Than The Sum Of Its Parts

2011-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

I chose Topspin 2 as today's fractal cookie for two reasons. First the scipt takes many twists and turns and secondly the colors resemble several costume color palettes in the show. So--on with today's review.
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There were several clues that I was doomed to be disappointed by Curtains. Although it was the last show written by Kander and Ebb (creators of Cabaret and Chicago) it failed to take home any of the musical Tony Awards. Secondly, the show closed after a relatively short Broadway run with an equally short national tour that never made it to Southern California. Last, but not least, the show was released to Regional Theaters with surprising speed. All of those should have been clues that I wasn't going to be in for one of the great shows of a lifetime but, for reasons I can no longer recall, I decided I wanted to see it. (I wanted to see the show so badly I bought an entire season to Performance Riverside). And, maybe--just maybe, I didn't enjoy curtains because I went to the theater with a blinding sinus headache. Still, the Baroness didn't enjoy the show as much as she might have (and when Robyn, the most UN-critical person on the planet doesn't love something you know there's a problem).
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Curtains is billed as a musical whodunit (except there really aren't any clues to help the audience figure out who the culprit might be). I fingered the killer mainly because I looked at the plot and figured out who was on stage LEAST (not a good way to solve a mystery). The script has a lot of funny bits (and an equal number of bits that fall flat). There are some truly classic songs, (the poignant Lunch Counter Mornings And Coffe Shop Nights and the romantic duet Tough Act To Follow to name just two). Sadly, there are a few songs, (mostly big numbers) that sink like a lead ballon (Thataway and Wide Open Spaces for example) but, by and large, the music is the best part of the show.
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Frankly, I was very disappointed by lead Actor Jason Webb in the role of theater-crazed Lt. Frank Cioffi. As an accent-hobbyist I can tell when an accent wanders (and his wandered from Charleston to London with occasional stops in Brookly (but seldom landing anywhere NEAR Boston). (A SIMPLE RULE OF ACTING: if you can't get an accent right--and hold it--DON'T DO IT!!!)  Still, his singing and dancing are more than adequate so his performance wasn't completely excruciating.
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As the song-writing team (and exes) Aaron Fox and Georgia Hendricks Angel Castellanos and Rachel McLaughlin were a bit hard to swallow. (He looked like he was twelve and she on the dark side of 65--Sarcasm ON) but they sang, danced and acted nicely. Debbie Prutsman as, brassy Producer Carmen Bernstein struck all the right notes in her strong, supporting role. Dustin Ceithamer is weirdly-tall (and toothpick thin) but there's no denying he can sing and dance like a champ in the role of Choreographer Bobby Pepper. Jeff Wilson brought his best "fussy queen" as Director Christopher Belling: yes, his performance was frankly sterreotypical but he made it work for him. I found Noelle Marion's thanksless role as inginue Nikki Harris to be completely sterreotypical and frankly grating. Still, she's pretty and can sing and dance so maybe I shouldn't complain that she failed to rise above the script.
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It wouldn't be a Performance Riverside production if there weren't some technical problems: usually the shows are so over mic-ed that they drown out the band--but in Curtains they were so UNDER mic-ed the singers (in every chorus number) were drowned out by the band. Oh, and speaking of the band, the Orchestra, led by Scott Smith (who became a character in the show) were top-notch as usual. Sets ranged from adequate to excellent but the costumes looked cheap and flimsy (and quite a number were in obvious need of repair). The choreography was mostly marching around but on the few occasions when the cast actually got to DANCE most of them did a good job.
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Curtains, while hardly as classic, has enough good moments to save it from being completely excruciating: it didn't hurt that we didn't have to pay a lot to see the show. Honestly, the show isn't BAD--it's just so "un"good... Should you beat feet to see the show, probably not--but Curtains isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon or evening if you haven't anything better to do.
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FINAL GRADE: C

"Wicked" Little Changes

2011-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hmm--this blog seems to be in a "green" mood of late... That being said it's time to explain why I chose Stella Triangularis as the "fractal cookie" for today's review of Wicked. If you've seen the poster for the show you know it's black, white and green--like this image (and that's why I chose it). So--on with the review!
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I'm an unabashed (and completely unapologetic) fan of the Broadway musical Wicked. The story of perennial outsider Elphaba who never seems to catch a break somehow resonate with me. Further the show asks important questions on the nature of Good and Evil.  Is it real or merely a matter of perception? (In these turbulent times it's an important question to ask). Most of the complexities of the book have been altered or eliminated altogether but it works on stage. The show can be enjoyed without delving into the deeper layers of the plot but they are there for those who choose to look.  A few small changes have been made in the script but they only serve to tighten up the show and clarify a few points that were left a bit murky in the older productions.
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All the musical numbers you know (or will know) and love are left in tact and the six-piece touring orchestra is augmented by nine local musicians giving the show a much fuller sound than many touring musicals. The special effects are there and work as well (if not better) this time around. There seem to be a few fewer chorus members than I remember from the first time I saw the show and they aren't quite as musically able either. (Still, you'd have to be a trained musician or have a real familiarity with the show's music.) I find Natalie Daradich to be ever-so-slightly disappointing as Galinda; her reading of the character is way too similar to Billie Burke's "Good Witch of the North (from The Wizard of Oz) for my personal taste and she had a tendancy to go a bit sharp on her big notes.  Anne Brummel as Elphaba had her own issues with the music as well but she usually managed to cheat her way through the songs without the majority of the audience noticing. The rest of the cast ranged from quite good to excellent (although I didn't spot any standouts). The sets and costumes are first rate even if the choreography was a bit less than spectacular. Still, these are minor quibbles and you'd have to have a shriveled little soul NOT to be moved by the show (I'll leave you to decide whether my soul is shriveled or not.) Robyn and I saw the show with our friend Art Plinski (a Wicked virgin) and he seemed to really enjoy it.
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No doubt it's only a matter of time until Wicked is released to Regional Theaters and then local productions. I'm not sure how well they will be able to pull off the special effects in the show so I'd suggest you see the show in all it's glory if you get an opportunity.  I guarantee you won't regret it.
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FINAL GRADE: A

Sure An' It's All Th' Bad St. Patrick's Day Jokes Ye'll Ever Need

2011-03-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's a post that's (sorta) for Saint Patrick's Day so naturally I decided to use Irish Cross as today's fractal cookie. That being said--on with the jokes!
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Q: what's green and sits out in the back yard all summer?
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A: Paddy O'Furniture!
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If you iron a Four-leaf Clover on Saint Patrick's Day you're pressing your luck.

An Irishman visited a local faire and found a man claiming he had an elephant which could accurately guess his age. "Sure an' there's no way that great creature could guess me age!" the Irishman said. "If he's wrong the boothie replied, "I'll give you your money back!" This seemed like too good a deal to resist so the Irishman put down his money and the elephant sniffed him indelicately with his trunk. A moment later the elephant broke wind and then stamped his foot twice. "Faith an' begorrah!" the Irishman exclaimed. "How could he know I'm farty-two???"

Imagine the scene as Saint Patrick comes out to his parents: "Mom, Dad, I'm Gaelic..."

An Irishman named O'Malley proposed to his colleen on St. Patrick's Day. The ring contained a CZ instead of a diamond. Taking the ring to her father, a jeweler, the girl discovered the deception and returned to her swain enraged. "Sure an' I did it honor of St. Patrick's Day" he told her earnestly. "I gave ye a sham rock!"

Q: why does the Irish Stew recipe require 239 beans?

A: because one more would make it two farty!

Q: what would you call an eight-foot tall leprechaun carry a 200 pound club?

A: Sir!

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Q: what do you get when you cross Quasimodo with an Irish Football Player?
A: the Halfback of Notre Dame

Q: why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?

A: because they're always a little short!

There are tons more Irish/St. Pat's jokes out there. But these are all the ones you really need. In the meantime have a wonderful day and stay away from the green beer!

'nuff said.

Reflections On "You Might Be A Teabagger If..."

2011-03-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

So today I'm sort of randomly posting and there was really no image that I had ready to use as your fractal cookie. Therefor I had to come up with some random reasoning for why I chose Araby 65. It, like the post I'm reflecting on is slightly bent and it's mainly green (as is tea). Yes, I know this is a flimsy justification but it's all I got folks. Take it or leave it.
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Recently one of my Facebook friends posted a link to a post called You Might Be a Teabagger If... from the The Pragmatic Progressive Forum. I won't be linking to said post because I'm copy it in it's entirety here. It don't know who wrote this so I apologize in advance for not giving you proper credit. Still, I found this to be a delightful bit of satire. My comments will be in gold and the original text will be in bold green. So--read on if you dare!
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YOU MIGHT BE A TEABAGGER IF...

1) You’re offended at any suggestion that the Tea Party is racist, even though nobody objects when people show up at your rallies with blatantly racist signs and slogans. Time and again Tea Party representatives have said something along the lines of "we're not about racism--we're about tax problems." I get that. Still, I find it disturbing that the Tea Party seems to encourage racist extremists. Does the one preclude the other? Honestly, I don't know...

2) Ronald Reagan is your hero because he was against raising taxes and big government… even though he raised taxes 11 times, doubled the national debt, and tripled the size of government. All I have to say is, check the record folks--it's in there!

3) You mocked Nancy Pelosi for getting emotional when she reflected on the murder of her friend, Mayor George Mosconi, but you think it’s manly when John Boehner blubbers when he watches reruns of Flipper. Even Sarah Palin has commented on the double standard in American politics. Personally, I think the "Weeper of the House" tends to cry a bit too much (and for all the wrong reasons) but if guys get a pass for showing their emotions SO SHOULD THE LADIES!
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4) You were all in favor of George Bush bringing “Democracy” to Iraq by invading and killing hundreds of thousands of women and children, but you think Obama “blew it” by staying out of it when the people of Tunisia and Egypt toppled their dictators in popular revolts. Me, I just find myself wondering why so many folks think the United States has some sort of moral obligation to be the world's police officer. If we left these people to solve their own problems we'd be far better off financially.
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5) You think Climate Change is a big hoax because Senator James Inhofe, firmly in the pocket of the oil companies says it’s bogus. Global Warming is a FACT--deal with it. Yes, there is some doubt whether people are responsible or it's just part of a normal planetary cycle. (We've had global warmings before--some that nearly cooked the planet.) Whatever the cause, this is something that our children are going to have to deal with.
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6) You think president Obama’s birth certificate is a forgery, and that he managed to fool the CIA, FBI, NSA, Secret Service and the entire US government archive of documents with one Photoshopped image. This one particularly bothers me because so many people JUST DON'T BELIEVE IT! Tine to let this tempest in a teapot go once and for all. If you want to hate Obama--there are so many better reasons!
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7) You think president Obama is a socialist, because he wants all Americans to pay their share of taxes, including the rich, and all Americans to enjoy the same benefits of an equitable society, including the same health care that Congress enjoys. Do I really need to comment? No, I don't think so.
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You think Glenn Beck’s theory of a Code Pink/Muslim/Communist alliance conspiracy to take over the world in a 21st Century caliphate makes perfect sense. If there really is such a theory out there all I can say is that somebody has been smoking something seriously good!
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9) You believe the Citizens United decision was all about corporate “free speech,” yet you’re against the Fairness Doctrine being reenacted, because you think it’s contrary to “free speech.” I've already said in this blog that I think the Supreme Court's decision in favor of Citizens United is going to be a disaster of epic proportion for all American--whether you are Republican OR Democrat. Attacking the Fairness Doctrine (which requires broadcasters to present controversial issues in an honest, equitable and balanced fashion seems a bit--odd. Preventing open and honest debate (and failure to get info from all sides) is never a good idea!
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10) You are absolutely pro-life, under all circumstances — except when an abortion doctor is executed in his church, because he asked for it. Testify!
-11) You thought it was cool when Sarah Palin “targeted” Democratic seats on her website with crosshairs, including Gaby Giffords. But when Giffords was shot in Arizona, you didn’t see any connection. Sorry--I have to disagree here. (I even wrote a post about it.) The connection here is, at best, vague, and Liberals lose credibility when they try to harp on this issue.
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12) You think Sarah Palin would make a good president because she’s a feisty conservative, but that Diane Feinstein should be run out of town, because she’s a feisty liberal.
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13) You think George Soros, a Hungarian born American citizen, is an enemy of freedom because he uses his vast wealth to meddle in foreign affairs. But you think it’s great that Rupert Murdoch, an Australian citizen, uses his vast wealth to meddle in American affairs. So true!
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14) The main reason you despise George Soros, is because he helped bring down three foreign governments; the Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, and Soviet Georgia. Three communist regimes. Ronald Reagan on the other hand, took down one communist regime: Grenada… Reagan: 1, Soros: 3. Ergo, Soros is an un-American commie. Besides, Sean Hannity said so. I have to admit, I know nothing about this--but I DO worry when so many folks on both sides tend to get their info from limited sources without even bothering to check the facts!
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15) You think being a Teabagger makes you more patriotic than liberals, because you own more guns than them wussies. This has been bothering me for quite a while (since right after 9/11 in fact). The growing tendancy to imply that those in the left are somehow less patriotic or love our country less because we happen to disagree with their viewpoint. What happened to an America where ALL viewpoints were represented?
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16) You screamed bloody murder when president Obama rescued GM and Chrysler, because they were “going to fail anyway.” But now that they’re both on the road to recovery, you think George W. Bush deserves most of the credit. Can't WAIT to hear the reply to this one!
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17) When Barack Obama was sworn in, the Dow Jones was at 6500. Today, it’s at 12,400, almost double where it was. And at that time, the economy was shedding 700,000 jobs per month, a trend that has been arrested and reversed ever since. From that, you deduce Obama’s the one who wrecked the economy. And this one...
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18) You still believe Saddam had WMDs. Yeah, this one! When former CIA Director George Tenet admits in his book that when General Colin Powell was speaking before the United Nations General Assembly (and you can see Georgie Porgie sitting in the audience right behind him) that the CIA KNEW there weren't any such weapons in Iraq that should be enough to end it right there. And yet this epic lie is still out there...
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19) You are dead-set against “judicial activist” judges, but you were okay with it when the five conservative justices of the Supreme Court voted in favor of Citizens United, effectively guaranteeing our politicians will be bought by the highest bidder, rather than elected by the people. And now you know why I so strongly object to the Citizens United decision.
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20) You’re strongly opposed to gay rights, because you claim it’s not biblical. Except in the case of Ken Mehlman, Mary Cheney, and Ted Haggard, because they still vote “right” on the issues. No comment. (None needed.)
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21) You want all illegal immigrants rounded up and deported, ASAP, no exceptions, period, period, PERIOD. But you don’t want any criminal charges filed against the corporations that have been hiring them en masse in violation of law. Think about it folks. Really...
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22) One of your stated concerns with Barack Obama’s candidacy, was that he was too inexperienced for the job, yet you want Sarah Palin to challenge him next year. Honestly, I think the author may have gotten this one wrong: Sarah Palin at least had some experience governing a state. Obama only had two years in the House. That being said, who can truly be prepared to be President of the United States? Too many variables in the job make it virtually impossible to be prepared for everything.
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23) You hate tax cheats, and people who abuse their status for personal advancement — but you admire Clarence Thomas, and have no problem with his wife “speaking on behalf of her husband” at the Heritage Foundation, a far right-wing organization. Don't know enough about this to comment.
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24) You went ballistic when an illegal immigrant murdered an American in Texas two years ago, and you demanded justice. But when three members connected to the Tea Party murdered 9 year old Brisenia Flores, you and your right-wing media barely even mentioned it, nor the conviction. Now this one I'm half-way willing to put down to the fact that it was only a local-interest story. And, in all honesty, I can only find a tenuous connection to the Tea Party. Still, the murders of a Mexican-American family in their home deserved more coverage.
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25) You equate being a “community organizer” to being a Marxist, yet you claim to worship a God whose entire life was being a community organizer.
-26) You claim Barack Obama is soft of terrorism and that he’s sympathetic to Muslim extremists. Yet during his first two years in office, his administration captured or killed more terrorists than George Bush did in all eight years of his presidency. I'm going to have to see proof before I sign off on this claim. Just sayin' folks. Gotta keep it real here...
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27) You cheered as Andrew Breitbart and his faux journalists brought down ACORN. But when Breitbart got caught doctoring footage of Shirley Sherrod, which brought into question his veracity, you accused her of waging a “race war.” I have nothing but contempt for anyone who deliberately doctors footage in order to "make a point." IMHO Breitbart didn't get half the crap he deserved. Further, I'm pretty sure we haven't heard the last of him: he'll be back mucking around sooner or later. (Lets just hope that folks take a closer look at his so called "journalism.")
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28) You support Israel’s policies regarding the West Bank and Gaza, because Israel is a democracy, like us. But when Arabs democratically voted in anti-American and anti-Israeli governments, it bewildered you. Sorry to tell you this folks but democracy includes the right to be anti-American.
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29) Your spiritual hero, the Grande Dame of the conservative movement, is Ayn Rand; the dedicated anti-socialist. And yet, she herself in her later years, had no problem secretly cashing in on social security and Medicare. So many people fall into this trap...
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30) You still think fascism and socialism are the same thing, because Glenn Beck has convinced you of that with his magic blackboard. This way, nobody can accuse you of being similar to the Nazis… even though you are. Honestly, I didn't really understand what Fascism was until I looked it up for this post. If you're not certain maybe you should look it up and see for yourself. You might be surprised...
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'nuff said.

The First "Must See" Movie of 2011!

2011-03-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

I chose Circulo Antigua as today's fractal cookie for two reasons: the colors are the same ones used to render the title character Rango and the title carries something of the atmosphere of the movie. So--on with today's review!
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Rango is that rarest of birds--a movie that is actually BETTER than the trailers and ads. (All too often the best stuff gets put in the previews and the rest of the movie is drek--but not here.) Rango is both homage and send-up of of every Western ever made, classic or otherwise. Yes, the plot of a stranger saving a town in distress (populated by the usual character archetypes) is as old of the hills but the writers manage to give it a delightfully twisted quality that is rarely seen. (Dunno what everyone involved with this movie was on when they were making it but it had to be some seriously good sh#t!) Even the most familiar scenes take a turn for the bizarre.
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Johnny Depp, provides the leading voice (and inspiration?) for Rango and is matched in twisted glory but the other players Isla Fisher (Beans), Abigail Breslin (Priscilla), Alfred Molina (Roadkill), and Stephen Root (Merrimack). The villains of the piece (voiced by Ned Beatty as the Mayor and Bill Nighy as Rattlesnake Jack). The movie is directed by Gore Verbinski who has worked with Depp and Nighy on some of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
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In spite of the fact that Rango is animated--this is NOT a kid flick: I saw a matinee with children and adults--and the kids didn't get most of the jokes. There are a few moments where the kids laughed but mostly it was the adults who were belly-laughing. The computer animation is effective (and sometimes starkly beautiful) if not ground-breaking. Is there a deeper message in the script? Honestly I don't know (and I don't really care). AII I can tell you is that Rango works on the big screen and I'm sure it would work equally well on television. There's a lot to enjoy for a lot of folks--so long as they are old enough to appreciate the movie. In my opinion, Rango is the first "must see" of 2011!
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FINAL GRADE: A+

2011 Academy A"Bore"S

2011-02-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

The stars came out for the 2011 Academy Awards (broadcast as usual on ABC). Since my dear friend, "the lusciously-shrieking Al-Bal" needs my take I decided to review. The fractal cookie is Simple Gold Star--and now that you know that on with the review!
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I long for the days when there was a tiny bit of surprise in the Academy Awards. The stunning upset in a major category, a Presenter going off-script and sending the show into a ditch, a Recipient doing something controversial, a total fashion disaster--anything to relieve the tedium. Sadly, this show didn't have it. Yes, co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway fell flat but I almost ended up to waiting for the next train wreck of a script. Hathaway had no fewer than eight costume changes and looked fabulous in all of them (even the Tux) and gave it a game try even when the material was drek (and there was much drek in the show). I'd say Franco "phone in" his performance (but I think his phone broke early in the show). He'd clearly given up before the first hour had rolled by.
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As for the awards, there were no surprises their either: The King's Speech took Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay awards and Colin Firth snagged the Best Actor statuette. Only Geoffrey Rush lost out (to Christian Bale) in the Best Supporting Actor category. Natalie Portman, as expected, won Best Actress for Black Swan (and looked utterly fabulous in her draped purple gown.) Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo dropped the "F" Bomb but she dropped an even BIGGER bomb with a gown that looked like a bunch of doilies crocheted together.
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Speaking of fashion--my "Best Dressed for the night was 14 year-old Hailee Steinfeld looking awesome (and age-appropriate in a beaded pink tea-length gown and diamond headband. There were reports she helped design the dress (and if this is true she could certainly show a lot of older gals how to do it for later awards shows). Other standouts on the carpet included Penelope Cruz (in flaming red fabulosity): Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway's arrival gowns were varying shades ofred and all great looking. Another favorite (for me at least--although many "fashionistas" might disagree was MIla Kunis in lavender and lace. (To quote Garth <Dana Carvey> in a recent SNL skit "I could make a mila off her kunis!")
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There were a lot of looks that were OK but didn't make me go gaga. Halle Berry (in a nude-colored ruffle and crystal encrusted confection), Reece Witherspoon (looking retro-chic), and Jennifer Hudson (showing off her bangin' body in tangerine satin). Gwyneth Paltrow donned a sparkly silver column dress with flatironed hair that was straight out of 1966 (and carried it off): too bad she felt a need to sing on the show. Michelle Williams looked like a ghost in a dress that was the same shade as her skin and hair.
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As far as "worst-dressed goes" there were no utter disasters: even Helena Bonhomme Carter's steampunk-influenced corset and pouffy black-velvet skirt wasn't utterly horrible. Russell Brand didn't approach Mickey Roarke horror in his black and blue ensemble but at least he gave the folks something to talk about. Sharon Stone had a bad pompadour and an explosion on one boob but I didn't hate it utterly: the same could be said for Marissa Tomei's ill-fitting vintage gown. A lot of fashionistas loved Cate Blanchett in her fashion-forward purple and yellow: me, I thought it looked like a wedding cake threw up on her. Florence Welch would have looked fabulous--at a wedding in 1977 (I think my sister Tanya worse pretty close to this dress at her wedding) but it didn't work on the Red Carpet.
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There was one interesting (at least semi-controversial) bit during the show: it came during the acceptance speech for Best Documentary. Charles Fergusson had just won for Inside Job (commenting on the recent financial meltdown) began his speech by saying: "forgive me, I must start by pointing out that three years after our horrific financial crisis caused by massive fraud, not a single financial executive has gone to jail, and that's wrong." Yes, it's political (and, yes, I find myself agreeing it to this) but, more than anything, I'm just glad there was a bit of excitement in the show!
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So, there you have it, this year's Oscars in a nutshell. Hopefully next year will be even better!
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'nuff said.

Putting The "Duh" In "Dumb" (dare I say it) PART DUH!

2011-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

I chose Squared Arabic 30 as today's fractal image mainly because it's a cool image and because I think the color is a little like a tiger. Why is that important? Check out today's post to find out!
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It seems that "photo follies" aren't restricted to the Republican side of the Congressional aisle. Now Representative David Wu (D-OR) has his own "scandalette" to deal with. For reasons unknown and unexplained (other than by "I wasn't in a good place then") the man sent photos of himself wearing a tiger costume (at 1:00 AM from his private congressional account). Yesterday I had a good link to the story from The Washington Post but I can't find it today: still--here's a link to their follow-up on the story. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022206844.html .
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IMHO this wasn't as "white trash" as the married congressman who sent shirtless pix of himself to a woman not his wife but it's still decidedly DUMB! In the Post article Wu says "I think a take-home lesson from this is while they were very, very unprofessional, you shouldn't ever send photographs of yourself in a Halloween costume." Dude--duh! This sort of things makes folks question your judgement: if you do something this dumb in one aspect of your professional life (not matter how stressful your personal life might be) it's going to cause repercussions.
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Wu said he sought "professional help" for his trouble and I truly hope he did. Dunno anything about the guy (other than that he's a 7 term Congressman from his district--which means the folk ther like him). Still, this is truly stupid: luckily for him stupidity isn't a criminal offense--otherwise this guy would be doing a looon stretch in the hoosegow. Let's hope he gets better.
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'nuff said.

Say "Yes" To Gno(meo and Juliet)

2011-02-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

Since Gnomeo and Juliet takes place mostly in a garden I chose In The Garden as today's fractal cookie. (Notice also the prominence of red and blue in the image--which highlights an important point of the movie. So, on with the review!
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Lets start with a tawdry confession: I hate to admit it but I don't find Garden Gnomes at all cute. In fact, I think they're kind of creepy (and I'm not EVEN going to get into a discussion of the people who feel the need to display these horrid little critters as yard art). As such, I didn't have high hopes for Gnomeo and Juliet. Furthermore, Romeo and Juliet has been re-set countless times and ways (West Side Story and The Fantastics to name two) Still, Robyn wanted to go and the afternoon was cold and rainy so off to the theater we went. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a pretty good little movie.
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Yes, you've heard the story before (the plot was probably old when William Shakespeare wrote the source material) and yes, the endless "gnome" jokes and wordplay can be a bit labored at times. Likewise, some of the Elton John songs seems a bit shoehorned in but that's surprisingly OK. The voice cast is where Gnomeo and Juliet really shines. James McAvoy gives Gnomeo the right combination of sweetness and swagger while Emily Blunt as Juliet sells pluck and cuteness wholesale. Jim Cummings as Featherstone the daft, love-crazed Flamingo channels Father Guido Sarducci but it totally works. Jason Satham oozes "badass" as Tybalt (about the only "nasty" character in the flick). Fine supporting work is turned in by Michael Caine (Lord Redbrick) and Maggie Smith (Lady Bluebury), the heads of the rival clans of gnomes. The addition of Ozzy Osbourne gives Fawn a weird mix of menace and addlepatedness. Hulk Hogan has a shriekingly funny cameo as the pitchman for the Terrafirminator. Patrick Stewart channels his American Dad character for the voice of Bill Shakespeare.
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Is Gnomeo and Juliet a great movie? No, but it's a pretty good little movie. The kids can enjoy the action while the adults can find lots of humor to enjoy. The pace never lags so you don't have to start thinking about where the film slips. This is a good movie for Mom and Dad to enjoy with the kids but don't feel like you need to run out and see it before it comes out on DVD.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Just Say It Already Dammit!

2011-02-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today's fractal "cookie" is Shadowrose. I picked it because it is a fairly simple, black-and-white image--quite similar to the issue on which I will be ranting. That being said, lets get on with it, shall we?
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Saw something on this today's Good Morning America (2/17/11) that I found equally fascinating and horrifying. George Stephanopolous interviewed Congressman (and Tea Party Caucus head honcho) Michelle Bachmann (R-MN). Most of the commentary was pretty much "business as usual" (which I honestly don't have a problem with) but there were a couple of things which really made my head want to explode. Here's a link to the entire interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkX8EnkfEVg . First she was asked about her criticism of First Lady Michelle Obama advocating breast feeding to prevent obesity, (stating it promoted a "Nanny State"). When asked about the commentary Bachmann turned it into some strange diatribe on "Governmental Social Engineering" and the Tax Code--without really answering the question. (I get not wanting "governmental social engineering" but I just don't get why anyone--Republican or Democrat--would object to the First Lady coming out in favor of breast feeding.)
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Shortly afterward she was asked about the "Birther" issue. For those of you living under a rock, this is the prevalent belief among a lot of folks--primarily Republican but not exclusively--that President Obama wasn't born in the United States (making him not a citizen) and isn't a Christian. (A recent poll had 58% of Republicans in Iowa actually believing this nonsense.)  Although asked several times, Bachmann dodged the issue, refusing to give a direct answer. While researching this post I found another clip (this one from Larry King Live) where she pretty much did the same thing. (For those of you who doubt me, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkX8EnkfEVg ). Her answer was "I have to take the President at his word"--which addresses without answering the question.
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The issues aside (although there's material for several posts in there), I'm getting thoroughly disgusted with Politicians who simply don't seem to be able to give straight answers to direct questions. I first noticed this during the last Vice Presidential Debates (Sarah Palin was notorious for this.) Sadly, the disease seems to be catching on in all candidates. What on Earth is wrong with answering a direct question with a simple "yes I do" or "no I don't"?  Has the fear of "offending their base" become so prevalent that no Politician will go on record for anything--no matter how basic? (In the case of Obama's citizenship it's a matter of Public Record NOT opinion.)
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It's mind-boggling to me that we even have to be discussing this in this day and age.  Facts are facts and there shouldn't be a need for equivocation. I'd love to go back to good old days where Politicians just said what they thought but, sadly, I guess this won't happen.
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Think about it.
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'nuff said.

Putting the "Duh" In "Dumb"

2011-02-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

I chose 4 Red Rings as today's fractal "cookie" because of the red, white and blue color scheme. It's "all-American"--just like this rant! So--if you love juicy scandal just as much as I do, sit back and enjoy this one!
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Ran across an interesting story earlier this morning: Republican Chris Lee from upstate New York suddenly resigned after gossip web site Gawker.com published a shirtless photo he sent to a woman he met at a "women seeking men" posting on Craigslist. (Here's the link to the story I published on my Facebook page: http://znmoment.amplify.com/2011/02/09/i-am-too-sexy-for-my-shirt-congressman-resigns-amid-craigslist-scandal/ .) My FB friends can find a really interesting and lengthy conversation regarding the scandal.
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Gawker.com had the photos and e-Mail for a week before publishing (in order to verify their authenticity). Still, 3 1/2 hours after the story and pictures broke Representative Lee resigned. His resignation letter said: "It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Western New York. I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents. I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all. I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness."
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What wasn't obvious as the story broke was a few interesting details that didn't make it into the early reportage. Representative Lee tried to be clever (my opinion) by not using his real name and by not admitting to profession in his flirtation. Still, he sent this lady the shirtless pic and the photo that was on his professional web site. Dunno why the lady in question felt the need to run them through a photo matching program to see who he really was. I also don't know why she felt the need to send them to Gawker but I'm sure glad she did! (I love the smell of scandal in the morning.) Further, there are reports that House Speaker John Boehner (R/Ohio) had warned him about partying with femal lobbyists. Oh, and one more bit of delightful dirt, turns out Representative Lee had recently spoken to a group of youngster regarding the "dangers of the Internet". Too bad he didn't listen to his own advice. Talk about putting the "duh!" in dumb!
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In all honesty, I've got to say I feel sorry for the guy's wife and child. They don't deserve what's going to happen to them because of Representative Lee's "little mistake." But, also in all honesty, I have to say that I love it when folks who cloak themselves in "family values" and wrap themselves in the flag get brought low by their own stupidity. The fact that he was so quick to quit makes me wonder what else is going to come out about the guy--but I guess we're just going to have to wait to see what, if anything, falls out.
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You'd think politicians would learn: times have changed! These days there is no such thing as a "cloak of invisibility." The press isn't going to cover up your indiscritions like they did in the good old days.  Step out of line, you're going to get caught! Still, Representative Lee has one thing he can take comfort in--he looks half way good without a shirt.  That pic is going to be out there for a very long time--and it would be even worse if he looked bad! Who knows? Maybe he'll have a new career as a centerfold...
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'nuff said.

"Idol"izing Hair

2011-02-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

This Floral Fantasy fractal pretty much screams 60s. That's why I chose it for my review of Hair. Hmm--that was remarkably simple... Ah well--on with the review!
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I've been fascinated by Hair (the musical not the stuff that grows on heads and other places) since my early teens: I had become aware of the musical through movies like The Music Man, West Side Story and Gypsy which used to play pretty regularly on Thursday Night at the Movies. (Does anyone remember those?) Still, Broadway was a long way away from the sleepy little desert town where I grew up--and there was no way I was going to go. Still, my next door neighbor Donald Ray Hale had an 8-Track tape of the show (dunno how he got it or why) but it seemed to be playing almost every time I was over there--hence I got pretty familiar with the show. Then Hair came to Los Angeles for an extended run (like two years) at the Aquarius Theater. Turned out my sister Syn Dee lived not too far from that storied venue (yeah right!) and we'd drive by it several times whenever we went to visit. For the first time there was the possibility I could see a real, live Broadway Show!
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But sadly, that dream was never to be: my sisters (with the possible exception of Tanya--who I never asked) weren't interested in seeing the show and I doubt my parents would have wanted me to see anything that glorified sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll (and lets not forget the NUDITY!!!) Soon enough the 60s faded and Hair, the Tribal-Love Rock Musical (as it was called back then) faded with them. There was an ill-conceived movie version in the early 80s but it was nothing short of horrible. Eventually though, like everything else, the endless recycling of pop culture brought back to the Broadway stage in 2009--a generation after it first premiered.
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I was surprised to see how many people attended the Saturday matinee (and even more surprised to see how many people were my age or older: guess they saw it the it the first time around). The new production gets the American Idol treatment with bigger voices, higher notes, more complex runs and generally amped-up production values. The plot is barely sketched in and the characters are little more than stick (some might say schtick) figures but the songs we remember and all the irreverence that made the original so controversial back in the day are still there in spades. The second act is completely confusing (and much of it is pretty forgettable) and the show ends on an ambiguous (yet equally effective and disturbing) image that gives you a lot to ponder.
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You can't fault the cast for their singing or acting (or their general willingness to "go there"). Everyone has good "rock-anthem" voices and nice lithe bodies for the dancing. We had seats in the Orchestra section so the cast spent some time in the aisles interacting with the audience. The costumes hearken back to a bygone day and the 11 piece on-stage band is first rate. There is a lot of irreverence (the nude scene is preserved although it's not featured nearly as prominently as the original--but maybe that was just because the show was in Orange County). The set was minimal but effective and the lighting was effective as any rock show.
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Watching the show was a strange, bittersweet experience for me. (I was almost there back in the day.) The "Hippie" movement eventually helped end the Viet Nam War and gave rise to Women's Lib and Gay Liberation (good things in my book). Sadly, their children were the Yuppies (who gave rise to the ultimate in "me"-driven crass consumerism).  It was an odd experience for me to look back on the good--and--bad--times back then. (The reality is that everything wasn't all "peace/love/joy")
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Still, if you were "there" in the 60s (and want to remember) or even if, like me, you just wish you were, Hair is a fun trip down memory lane.  Right-Wingers won't like it because of the anti-Establishment message not to mention the "disrespect" to the American Flag but if you can get past that I suggest you catch the show while you can.
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FINAL GRADE: A

The Soud Of (A Nearly Perfect) Music(al)

2011-01-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

I chose Peppermint Star as today's fractal cookie mainly because the show I'll be reviewing is a stellar effort and a sweet experience for all concerned. (But, then again, y'all pretty much had to guess that from the title of the review--right?)
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Frankly, I was dreading Performance Riverside's production of The Sound of Music. The day was cold and an early rain was dripping out of a leaden sky. Worse--the first two shows I'd seen them do had their share of problems. Still, we had the tickets so I was going to use them. Still, a Rogers and Hammerstein show is hard to screw up so I hoped for the best.
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And, really, The Sound of Music has it all--memorable (yet very singable) songs, a sweet, brave story (suitable for the entire family) a passle of cute kiddies and an easy-to-follow plot. What more could you ask from a show? Yes, you have to have skilled singers on stage and a good pit orchestra to send the show to the stratosphere (but luckily this show has that in spades). From start to finish your ears are in for a real treat.
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Cassandra Murphy as Maria brings back fond memories of Julie Andrews in the same role. She's a pretty girl with a big smile and has the strong voice and winsome charm that couldn't fail to entrance even the hardest-hearted old curmudgeon. John LaLonde as Baron von Trapp has a fine tenor voice but I found his characterizatiosn maybe a bit too extreme. (Still the script requires him to go from grump to mushy love in a matter of pages and he carries it off.) As the Mother Abbess, Renee Jensen brings a kiler soprano and a gentle sternness to her role. She leads a "nun chorus" of 20 (not counting the three Sisters with speaking roles). The chorus (which shows up several times in the show) gives a performance that is nothing short of spectacular. (Six part classical music perfectly sung acapella--in the aisles no less! is a truly wonderous sight to behold.) The remaineder of the cast serves their roles adequately to very well.
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As for the children, Kristina Brown (as Liesel) is a delightful inginue although I found Michael Milligan's Rolf rather less than believeable. (Still, he's far and away the best dancer in the cast and he gets a brief chance to shine in one number.) As Friedrich, Jordan Gomez seems a bit old for the part but he sings well enough in the ensemble. Berlynn Milliken brings the right mix of pluck and sweetness to the part of Brigitta but Taylor Snow (Marta) and Tayler Lynch (Louisa) get a bit lost in the crowd. Young Tyler Jenkins forgot his words in one solo but he kept right on going in character and never let it phase him or the audience. (God job, boyo!) Last, but certainly not least, youngest child Gretl (Rena M. Madura) is cute as a bug.
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Yes, there are a few problems with this production: some accents are frankly less than perfect (and one or two actors don't even bother trying for an accent). The pacing of the show is fine but scenes are a bit jerky (the fault of the script not the production). Several minutes (and at least one song reprise) have been cut from the original script (to bring it more in line with the movie version) but I didn't find it at all troubling. The sets were minimal but not minimalist and of a much higher quality than what I've seen in past shows here. Still, considering the problems with sound mixing (among other issues) this show has really raised the quality-bar for Performance Riverside. Robyn and I thoroughly enjoyed the show but our friend Mary Lou Andrews had more problems with the production than we did. (Still, you'll have to find a review she wrote to see what she thoughtt.) As for me, (like I said in the title) this is pretty close to a perfect musical for the entire family. GO SEE IT!
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FINAL GRADE: A

A "Real" Reason For Concern

2011-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Almost any Christianity-related post gets a "Stained Glass" fractal so it should be no surprise that something related to Islam should get an "Arabesque" fractal cookie. I chose Arabesque 56 for this rant mainly because I don't think I've used this before. ANYway--enjoy the post (unless you have other plans) and here's hoping I don't get in trouble with the Concerned American Citizens group.
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Recently a proposed Mosque in the lovely city of Temecula got my attention when a group calling itself Concerned American Citizens raised opposition to the building. Why? First, you go with the obvious (adding traffic to a residential area, parking problems, flooding) then then they add in concerns for "public safety"--whatever that may be. I get that there just MIGHT be some validity to the claim (having attended a church in a residential area I get that neighbors might have some legitimate concerns about parking). Still, where I start taking objection is the issue of public safety.
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What got me was a comment by one unidentified woman saying the Mosque's leadership "refused to disavow Hammas". (The leadership of the Mosque says it's not ABOUT Hammas--it's about whether or not the city has a legal right to prevent construction.) About all they could really bring to the table was that some Islamic Centers support "insurrection and jihad". (Mind you--there's NO INDICATION that the Mosque in Temecula supported this other than the leadership being unwilling to engage in a political debate). We know that Timothy McVeigh (who was responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing) was a Christian Fundamentalist: does that mean all Christian Churches should be restricted? Obviously not: the same goes for Mosques or any other form of worship center--for ANY denomination!
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Here is the commentary from Concerned American Citizens on the Temecula issue. http://concernedamericancitizens.wordpress.com/
It's both interesting and frightening: check out the first reply. (I love how things get bent and featured disproportionally.) Here's their companion site that comments on the entire religion of Islam. http://actforamerica.wordpress.com/ . On one level--I completely get it but then I realize the guy is talking about a VERY extreme version of Islam. We SHOULD be concerned about folks like this (and a foreign policy that encourage Islamic Extremists). But we shouldn't be any more concerned about them than we should be about Christian Extremists. American citizens--you DO have a right to be concerned! Maybe you're just not concerned about the right things...
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Think about it.

Did She Or Didn't She? Only The Crazy Knows For Sure

2011-01-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

I chose Queen Bee as today's fractal cookie mainly because Sarah Palin is the uncroowned Queen of the Mamma Grizzlies. This post concerns her (at least tangentially) and, really, there just isn't a better fractal image to choose. So--on with the rant!
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What can I say sabout the Saturday (January 8) shooting that severely wounded Representative Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others--including a Federal Judge, a nine year-old girl and two senior citizens? Really--nothing that hasn't already been said other places (and probably better). Still, a wrinkle in the story has got my back up a bit and inspired me to write. Several month ago Sarah Palin put up an image on her Facebook page showing nine congressional districts (including Giffords') covered with crosshairs. Palin is also famous for her repeated comment "don't retreat--re-load!"
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In fariness to Sarah Palin--she wasn't the only one to use this imagery and she quickly took the "offending" image down after scathing criticism (even from staunch Republicans). Now the only question that remains--did these images have anything to do with fueling the insanity of Jared Lee Loughner? I haven't heard one way or another but media speculation is running rampant. I do know the Palin camp was quick to announce that the images were in no way intended to inspire violence. So far there has been no indication whether this factored into the decision to shoot the Congresswoman.
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I do know this thugh: blaming Sarah Palin (for the facts are in) is just plain WRONG! True, she's not one of my favorite Politicians but I have to give her the benefit of the doubt on this one. That being said--providing fuel to crazies (however unintentionally) is NEVER a good idea. There's no beating crazy but, really, there's no benefit in giving them fuel for their crazy fire. Ads featuring violent imagery do nothing to foster civility, reasoned debate and respectful disagreement in our society--qualities that are in short supply these days.
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Yes, I hear the arguement--most people know the difference between violent images and real violence. Believe me--I get it: I watched my share of Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons back in the day and I don't feel the knew to hand my enemies an exploding carrot or drop an anvil on their head. I KNOW the difference between fantasy and reality. But we're not talking about the reasonable, intelligent folk (like the good people who read my blog) we're talking about nutbags. Don't you think it's better to err on the side of caution? I know I certainly do...
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Think about it.

Third Trip To "Narnia" Worth It For Some (But Definitely Not All...)

2011-01-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

I chose Waterdeep as today's fractal cookie mainly because the movie because it takes place mostly at sea. What is today's review? Why, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, of course. (As if you couldn't tell from the title of tthis poost!) So--on with the review!
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The "Narnia" franchise has run a twisty course: after a spectacular first movie (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe), the second outing (Prince Caspian) was a critical and Box Office disaster. Disney dropped the franchise after taaking a major bath with the movie but 20th Centruy Fox (for reasons unknown and perhaps unknowable) took up the franchise. What they produced was a pretty good "quest" movie although purists won't care for it much: this "Voyage" often veers away from the C.S. Lewis story.
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Peter and Susan (the two older children from the first two movies) have gone off to America with their parents leaving Edmund and Lucy (the younger kids--now well into their teens) in the care of cousins. For this trip to Narnia they are joined by cousin Eustace (played to priggish perfection by Will Poulter). Like Edmund before him, Eustace is transfromed by his visit to Narnia (literally and figuratively) and he comes out better for it. Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) is back and Liam Neeson gives voice to Aslan the animated lion. Even Tilda Swinton's White Witch shows up briefly. Simon Pegg gives voice to Reepicheep, the impossibly brave and ceaselessly cheerful mouse (and he actually turns the little guy into an admirable character you want to root for).
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Plot-wise, this is a standard "quest" movie. You can't fail to know how everything is going to turn out even before the movie starts. There are several "huh?" moments (where elements are introduced in a major way--then completely dropped). The costuming and sets are suitaly fantastic and the FX are first rate. I do have one major quibble however: Robyn and I saw this in 3D (paying $4.00 a piece extra for the "privelage"). 3D adds NOTHING (but a lot of extra expense) to this movie! In fact, the effects are rarely even noticeable--but maybe that's just me. Still, I found the extra expense rather hampered my enjoyment of the movie.
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Purists are sure to be annoyed by the serious working-over the writers gave the plot but IMHO this was a good thing. (The book was awfuly "talky" and didn't have a lot of action to hold my interest.) Don't bother with the extra expense of a 3D showing unless you are seriously rich or seriously into 3D. Otherwise go and enjoy the movie.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Two Bridges In One

2010-12-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

I chose Opposites Flower because this post has two reviews. Both star Jeff Bridges and the movies are both quite similar and yet quite different. So--on with the reviews!
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This past weekend I caught two movies, True Grit and Tron. As I said in the previous paragraph--both star Jeff Bridges and there are both big similarities and big differences. First I'll deal with True Grit.
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I had seen the first True Grit way back in 1969 and, although not a big Western OR John Wayne fan, I really enjoyed the movie. This new version has been completely re-concieved and it is just as good as the original. This True Grit is frankly grittier than the first version. The older movie was bathed in bright colors altogether cleaner. The new version was washed in sepia tones (rather like a faded color photograph. The cowboys aren't nearly as handsome (although both Rooster Cogburns have clearly seen better days). The new version sticks closer to the book in plot and language but there is plenty of quirkiness as you'd expect in any Coen brothers film.
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Jeff Bridges is morally ambiguous as Rooster but he still makes you root for him. The single-biggest standout in the cast though is relative newcommer Hailee Steinfeld: her Maddy Ross is stubborn and single-minded and she too is entirely believeable. Matt Damon has some of his good looks toned down but his texas accent is flawless. Josh Brolin is hardly recognizable as Tom Chaney but he is creepy and does "bad guy" to perfection. The rest of the cast handles the difficult script with aplomb: they never distract from the tone and character of the movie.
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If there is any justice in the world True Grit will nominated for multiiple Oscars. A "Best Picture" nod is certain (but with ten slots to fill how could it not? Still--this is a highly worthy contender.) Best Actor/Actress nominations are also a lock for Bridges and Steinmetz and I expect a Directorial nod for the Coen brothers. There should also be a slew of other awards for writing, set and costume design, cinematography and other categories. True Grit is well worth the trip to your local cineplex (just leave the kiddies at home).
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FINAL GRADE: A+
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Tron was a critical and financial flop way back in 1982 although it spawned a large and deeply-devoted cult following. (I wasn't quite a "Tron" Cultist but I really enjoyed it.) When I heard they were making a sequel I had high hopes. Sadly, I went to see the movie...
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I so wanted Tron Legacy to work: if it wasn't for the script I'd really have enjoyed the movie.  The "light cycle" "I.D. Disk" Gladiator battles are back and the visual effects have been ramped out so they are truly a thing of beauty to behold. Male lead Garrett Hedlund needs a thorough ass kicking (at least his character does). He gives it the old college try but it would take an actor of more talent and experience to rise above the drek that is this script.  Jeff Bridges' character from the original has discovered (in the words of my young friend Eris Young) "Zen and shit" but it just doesn't work here.  His philosophising just drags an already weighty movie into the toilet.
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I could spent literally hours cataloging the faults of this movie but why prolog the pain? Suffice it to say this movie is just, plain, BAD. It is a pretty movie but, like a dumb, blonde, there's nothing inside. It's nice to look at but ultimately unengaging.  If you MUST see Tron Legacy park your brain (and any higher expectattions) at the door. Sneak in after watching a better movie or, better yet, wait to this comes out and rent it. Even waiting for the network TV debut wouldn't be a bad idea.
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FINAL GRADE: C- (and that's being kind)

Christmas Music 2010

2010-12-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year--the time where I talk about the latest additons to my ever-growing Christmas Album collection. Thus I chose Christmas Bells as today's fractal cookie. Now that's out of the way--lets get on with the review!
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Faithful readers of this blog will know I really like my Christmas music. (I know, you're still surprised--deal with it.)  Once upon I said I'd have one Christmas Album for each year I'm alive--but that ship sailed long ago.  (Of course, I have been weeding out my collection--but I'm not going to talk about that.) This year I found myself going toward popular artists. The results were--interesting (to say the least!)  So, here are the reviews...
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A Christmas Corncucopia by Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox, the female half of the Eurythmics, has released an album of mostly traditional material. There is a decided Eurythmics "vibe" to the music and arrangements (although Dave Stewart is nowhere in evidence). She's never had the world's best voice and the years haven't been kind to her vocal cords and a lot of the songs seem more shouted than sung. Still, somehow she manages to make it work: combining techno and world music elements with these familiar (and a few not-so-familiar) old carols makes for an excellent listen. There's nary a mention of Santa or anything else secular--and I found that rather refreshing. The one original song, Universal Child, isn't holiday-themed at all--but rather talks about suffering children. All the procedes of this song are going to charity so I can't really knock (even though the sentiment has been expressed many times before--and better). If you were a fan of the Eurythmics, "synth-pop" or even just holiday music that isn't a carbon copy of evertyhing else you've heard done to death A Christmas Cornucopia is a worthy choice.
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FINAL GRADE: A
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A Cherry Cherry Christmas by Neil Diamond
In a lot of ways this album is the polar opposite of the one reviewed above: with two exceptions (Joy To The World and Amazing Grace) this is a decidedly secular outing. A lot of the songs are lushly orchestrated and you have deal with Diamond's often cheesey (which sometimes seems to veery way too close to self parody) that send some of the songs that threaten to send the album into the land of Utter Crapdom. (His version of White Christmas needs to be taken out in the alley and shot and Jingle Bell Rock couldn't be saved by Jesus Christ himself.) The three new songs included here are nice but nothing special: there are no new Christmas Classics here Still, there are a few songs that save the album from the toilet. The self-referential title track is chock-full of shout outs to Neil Diamond songs and albums: it's pure fun (but, like, any novelty song might grow tiresome after a few hearings) His gospel-drenched Joy To The World harkens back to Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show and there seems to be some real emotion and sentiment here. The strangest song on the closer--The Chanukah Song (yes, the one by Adam Sandler!).  I didn't think he could pull it off but somehow he makes it work (and it's one of the better cuts on the whole album). Neil Diamond fans will eat this up like candy and fans of mainstream music will probablhy enjoy it more than I did. This is one of those times I really wanted to cherry pick the best cuts on i-Tunes and ignore the rest.
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FINAL GRADE: B-
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Joy by Jim Brickman
New Age Pianist Jim Brickman is back with his third Christmas Album featuring more gooey goodness for the holidays.  This has a nice mix of traditional carols and one or two new pieces done mostly with solo piano (with the occasional instrumental or vocal added in for spice).  Unless you are a serious piano fan you don't actually need to listen to anything on here--but it makes for great background music. (This is perfect music for a holiday party or to read a book by the fire.) The original songs are more forgetable than those on the previous two albums but that's OK.  All in all, this album isn't bad for what it is--if you don't expect a lot.
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Final Grade: C+
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Christmas Wishes by Aureole
Technically, this isn't a "new" Christmas album at all (although it is new to me). It was released back in 2004 but I didn't know of its existance until a few days ago while listening to Holiday Pops on satelite radio. That got me curious enough to search my usual musical haunts: I found it only at Amazon.com but it was cheap so I bought a copy.  Three hot babes playing flute, viola and harp travel through mostly traditional, and quite familiar, music: some of the arrangements a very traditional and some have a decidely jazzy, very modern-day vibe. The mix makes for an interesting combination you can actually listen to or simply put on as background music for a holiday party. There aren't any "oh my gawd that song is awesome!" moments on the album--but neither are there any "Jeez--that song sucks major!" moments either. For those who like their holiday music out of the mainstream this album is well worth tracking down.
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FINAL GRADE: A-
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Holly Happy Days by the Indigo Girls
And now for something completely different--starting with the packaging! This album doesn't ship in the usual plastic "jewel case" but instead comes with inside a cardboard "present" along with three free-standing "ornaments" (so they could include the liner notes). This is a fairly low-fi, folksy album with a decidely country flair. Unlike the other albums I've reviewed today, seven of the eleven tunes are originals (that vary from the pretty darn good to merely OK). Songs like the rollicking I Feel The Christmas Spirit and the joyful Your Holiday Song are the stand-outs in the bunch although there's much to recommend the hauting lullaby Peace Child. The traditonal songs are where the album falls down a bit: their version of O Holy Night isn't quite a howler but their bawling version doesn't do justice to one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written and there cheesed-up version of I'll Be Home For Christmas is a total groaner. In The Bleak Midwinter is entirely too spritely for my taste but the harmonies and instrumentation at least make it interesting to listen to. Not sure why they felt the need to include Happy Joyous Hanukah but their version is loaded with fun and good cheer and fits right in with the tone of the other songs. It is an altogether worthy additon to the collection. At least they follow it up and end the album with a pretty good Angels We Have Heard On High. Again, this is an album out of the mainstream but this is something more than just background music. Holly Happy Days has its flaws but the highs well outnumber the lows: all in all it is well worth the listen.
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FINAL GRADE: A-

A Good Reason To Institute "Shunning" In American Society

2010-12-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Any post that deals with a religious theme (even peripherally) gets a "Stained Glass" fractal. This post deals with a matter that is purely "black and white" (in my mind at least) so I chose Stained Glass 13 as today's cookie: I'm just sorry the image is so pretty because what I'll be talking about is frankly ugly.
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CNN reports those "delightful people" (SARCASM ON) at the Westboro Baptist Church have announced they will be picketing the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards. These are the same people who used to picked funerals of those who died of AIDS then decided they could get more coverage picketing funerals of American soldiers killed in action. If you need to read the story here's a link you can check out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/09/elizabeth-edwards-funeral-westboro-baptist-church_n_794333.html . (WARNING: this is disgusting--and it's me who's saying that!!!)
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I have a good vocabulary yet I find I can't find the words to sufficiently condem such utter and complete NONSENSE!!! Forget the fact that these fools have obvious never cracked the New Testament of the Holy Bible or that they have never heard of the words "Christian forgiveness." How can people who presume to call themselves a Christian Church have the NERVE to claim they know the mind of God? (Come on people--confining someone to HELL??? I thought only God could do that...) These people give Christians a bad name throughout the entire world.
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Normally, there's no greater advocate of Free Speech then me. Honestly, I believe they have a right to put this (pardon my French) utter shit out there: I just wonder who keeps feeling the need to continually bring these people (and folks like them) back to the national spotlight. What possible good does the Media feel can be done by giving them coverage? They are a tiny, fringe group that even many Fundamentalist Christians find hard to take: they add nothing to the national dialog and frankly don't deserve coverage.
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Therefor I have a suggestion that should be given serious consideration: lets introduce the Amish concept of "Shunning" to american society--and lets begin with the Westboro Baptist Church. When someone in the Amish community commits a serious offense they are completely ignored by the community as a whole. The offender is not spoken TO or OF: the community does there best to pretend the shunned individual never existed.
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Since I suggested the idea I'm going to be the first one to put it into practice: henceforward I promise that those people will never again be mentioned by me in this blog--or anywhere else. Let them say what they want and DO what they want: I won't comment and will pretend they don't exist. Never again will I waste metephorical ink or even a though on those people. Won't you join me?
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Think about it.

Tangled Mess

2010-11-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

I chose Openwork 4 as today's fractal "cookie" because it is a tangled, candy-colored image and Tangled is a candy-colored movie! (I was desperate to find something--anything--worked and was too lazy to try and create a new image.) So--on with the review!
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The Disney marketing machine has a habit of milking the proverbial cow until it's dry--and they've done it no more than with the (in)famous "Disney Princesses" we know and love (?) so well. It seems the "Princess Cow" is coming to an end--not with a bang but a whimper. All that being said, Tangled isn't a BAD movie--it's just not all that good...
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Generally, I go into a movie hoping for the best but I went into Tangled hoping it just wouldn't be too bad. And, as I said in the previous paragraph--it's not bad. You have a familiar plot (if you know Rapunzel you know the story) jazzed up a bit for a modern audience. The all-too familiar characters are ably voiced by a cadre of well-know talents and seasoned professionals but there are no particularly standout performances in the whole lot. Most of the music is forgetable (even as you're listening to it). The animation is solid, craftsman-like work (pretty and well-rendered without being particularly memorable). Being Disney's 50th animated movie, I hoped for more but Tangled simply doesn't deliver.
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Tangled is perfect for young Princesses and their parents will probably be able to tolerate the movie--even if they don't love it. It's a toss up whether you bring the Princess's brothers to the movie (there's some action and a cute horse they're sure to love but a lot of gooshy romantic stuff to wade through. Animation fans need not go since there's nothing new and exciting for them and it will play just as well (maybe better) on DVD. Adults don't need to go unless they're mad Disney fans.
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FINAL GRADE: C+

Lates "Harry Potter" Takes A Dark Turn

2010-11-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

A review of any "Harry Potter" movie requires a fractal cookie with something do to with magic. Hence I chose Magic Syne--and the coloor palette even goes with the film.
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Harry Potter films have grown longer and more complex with each film but really that's no surprise considering the books grew longer with each offering. Still, the long, thickly-stuffed films couldn't include nearly all the details in the books and the films came close to incomprehensible for non-fans. That's partly why the last film was divided into two parts: like the book.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a dark and complex offering. Fans will find the film satisfying: non-fans might find it a bit confusing with so many characters you need a playbook to figure out who's who and how they are related. Still, dividing the movie into two parts helps clear up details left unexplalined in earlier offerings (although there is still a lot of details left out). The movie's dark and brooding tone matches the book. As always, the acting is fine and the special effects are first-rate. Still, there are a few things missing from this film: Hogwarts never appears and there is, of course, no spectacular Quidditch scenes to dazzle. Likewise missing are the humor and sense of cammeraderie that made the earlier books and movie such a wonderful experience. Even so, this fits with the book and, somber as it was, I found myself being sorry the I'll have to wait until July to see the rest.
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Fans and those who have read the books are sure to enjoy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. It deserves to be seen on a big screen with good sound. Others may well find the movie confusing, long and a bit dull (but they probably wouldn't be jumping on the bandwagon at this late date). You know which group you belong to and that will determine whether you see the film.
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FINAL GRADE: A

This "Little Shop" Isn't Horrible

2010-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Why is Kudzu an appropriate fractal cookie for a review of Little Shop Of Horrors? If you've seen the movie or the show you can probably figure it out: if you haven't check it out and the similarities should become clear. (If it's not clear after that you probably shouldn't be reading this blog. So--on with the review!
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Little Shop Of Horrors has made a long journey from the begining as a "Grade Z" black and white film directed by "Schlockmeister" Roger Corman way back in 1960. (These days the film is noted for the performance of a then-unknow Jack Nicholson.) The film quickly came and went leaving little impression but somebody got the bright idea to turn the property into a musical send-up of Sci Fi and Broadway musicals. Thanks largely to a clever script and awesome songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Mencken (who later went on to major fame as the musical force behind such hits as Disney's Litle Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and many others). The show ran Off-Broadway for five years and spawned a second movie (staring Rick Moranis). Since then the show has surfaced periodically in regional theaters throughout the nation.
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Little Shop of Horrors is a perfect show for a group like Performance Riverside: the cast is small and doesn't require a big band or major effects (with the exception of the puppetry required to manipulate Audrey 2). Still, the show DOES require everyone involved to be high-caliber talent--and this Performance Riverside has in plenty and they miss few opportunities to milk the show for all its worth. Seymour (Morgan Reynolds) is does "loveable nebbish" and he can seriously belt when he needs to (and that's pretty often in the show). Alyssa Marie has the big voice, great face and fine figure required for Audrey (but her outifts are way to understated for the character). Isaac James comes off as a bit to flamingly gay in his myriad roles (Orin the Dentist and several other minor parts) but his manic energy is effective and charming. (If they ever do Batman as a Broadway musical he'd be a magnificent Joker.) The "Urchins" are as fine a girl-group as the Crystals, Chiffons or Ronettes: they keep the show rolling along. Audrey 2 is given voice by M. Darnell Suttles and movement by Jason Graham. It wouoldn't be a show at the Landis without techncal problems and Audrey 2 gets the worst of it. Still, everything works (at least mostly) and they soldiered on no matter what.
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I need to give the cast exceptional "props": we show the show as a Sunday Matinee with an audience that was thoroughly uninvolved. Still, the cast gave 100% in spite of everything and a good time was had by all. The script and songs are clever and almost never let the pace flag: they never let the technical issues get the best of them. Little Shop Of Horros (at least this production is well worth the price of admission.
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FINAL GRADE: A-

Not Worth The Trek

2010-10-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

A review of the Star Trek Exhibition requires a star-themed fractal--or so it seems to me. I chose Starcircle mainly because the colors reminded me of that odd mustard shirt Captain Kirk used to wear in the original series.
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I'm no "Trekker" (and certainly not a "Trekkie") but I've been a pretty big fan of Star Trek since Day One. I only got to see a few first run episodes in my youth but I devoured the reruns from the moment we got cable (and to this day tune in when to some of my favorite episodes when they're broadcast). I was there through all of Star Trek: the Next Generation and caught up with ruruns of DS-9 and Voyager. I wasn't a huge fan of Enterprise (the last/first Star Trek show but I was over-the-moon for the re-boot a couple of years ago. Needless to say I'd been wanting to see the Star Trek Exhibiton since it was first created but circumstances always conspired against me and wasn't able to make it. I missed the show in Long Beach, I missed it in Vegas and I missed it in Los Angeles. Today I finally got to see it.
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What a letdown...
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Maybe it was the fact that we parked four blocks away (there being nothing closer) or maybe it was because I went hiking in dress shoes.  (It rained here last night and I didn't want to risk my nice suede causual shoes in puddles--of which there were many). Maybe it was the early lunch in a crowded, noisy (not to mention expensive) little restaurant or maybe I was just in a pissy mood. Still, tickets to the show was what I asked for as my birthday gift and I was bound and determined to enjoy myself.
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The exhibition offerings were pretty slim--nothing from the pilot episodes and only a few costumes from the original series. (William Shatner is a TINY man BTW...)  Like any costume you don't want to get too close because then you can see all the little imperfectsions (of which there were many in the first show). Still, it was good to get a look at the old stuff. "TNG" was much better represented (having run for seven years and by then Paramount knew this stuff would be valueable one day) and "Voyager" gets a brief mention. There were re-constructions of the "Enterprise D" Medical Bay and Engineering Section which was kind of cool as well.
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Still, the show is notable for what it leaves out. There are no models of any of the ships (they've long been sold off to collectors) and the assembly of costumes seems frankly random.  Kirk gets a lot of coverage but Spock barely gets a mention and the rest of the crew gets mentioned not at all. There are several Picard costumes and a few Troi ensembles but not much from the other characters in TNG. Katherine Janeway has one ensemble but that's about it for Voyager. Enterprise and the re-boot don't even get mentioned.
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Trekkers have seen this stuff before (and probably better examples) at conventions and those not utterly devoted to the series won't find a lot to inspire them.  Mind you--the Star Trek Exhiition isn't all that BAD (particcularly considering it only cost $15.00 to get in) but it's really not all that good either. See it if you have a few extra bucks and nothing better to do...
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FINAL GRADE: C-

"South Pacific" Worth The Trip

2010-10-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't really come up with a perfect fit for today's fractal cookie so I decided to go the "free association" route. Here's the chain: South Pacific is part of an ocean, oceans have waves--thus Wave On Wave becomes today's cookie. Now--on with the review!
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What can you say about an endearing and enduring classic like South Pacific? From start to finish the show is literally stuffed with memorable (and, more importantly, humable) tunes. Yes, there are some plot issues, chief among them Nellie being able to get past Emile's killing a man and the age difference but not being able to get past the fact that he had two "colored" children. Still, the show is a product of its time and way back then it was an issue. Looking at it from a "relativeist" point-of-view South Pacific made some valid points that resonate even today.
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The new National Tour of South Pacific has decided to re-create (as best they can) what the original Broadway production looked like. A massive (by touring standards) Orchestra (25 touring players augmented by local musicians) lays out a fantastic foundation for the able cast. The large cast doesn't skimp on talent and the Producers don't skimp on the details--whether it be Navy uniforms or the fact that black servicemen are pretty much always segregated. One thing the Producers did (which IMHO wasn't necessary) was add back in deleted music that hasn't been heard on stage since nearly the begining. Sadly, these are mostly reprises and only serve to make a long show even longer: they don't add anything but they don't really take anything away from the show either.
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Much of the credit for the tour's success goes to leads David Pittsinger and Carmen Cusak. Pittsinger (Emille Dubeque) is an Oera-trained Basso Profundo and literally everything stops each time this guy opens his mouth. (Yes, he's THAT good!) Sadly, his French accent sometimes wanders toward Transylvania but that is a minor quibble. Cusak (Nellie) is a more-than-suitable match for him in the pipes department: her put-on "country" accent was a bit off-putting (to me at least) when she is obviously so highly trained. Still, there's no denying her vocal chops, her acting ability or the fact that she's as cute as can be--everything a Nellie Forbush needs to be!
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Anderson Davis as Lt. Joe Cable doesn't fare quite so well: yes, he has the all-American good looks of a leading man but he blew "big notes" in TWO different songs! (In a cast this good, that's pretty much an unforgivealbe sin.) I also found his affair with Liat a tad creepy: Liat is played by Sume Maeda and she is a tiny little thing who looks, maybe, fourteen. I'd have much rather seen Cable getting it on with a lush Polynesia beauty than what looks distressingly like child molestation. The rest of the cast acquits themselves well and there's not a loser in the bunch.
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South Pacific is just about a perfect show: the plot is completely accessable and the music is perfectly crafted the singing and acting are first rate and there's nothing like a show with a full orchestra. Theater "Virgins" will have an experience like few others and only the most jaded "Veteran" won't find a lot to appreciate here. Tours like this don't come around very often so go see it while you can. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!
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FINAL GRADE: A+

A "Bloody Good" RED

2010-10-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes choosing a fractal for these posts is virtually impossible. Other times it's as easy as falling off a long. For RED it was the latter: all I had to do was pick out an image that was mostly red. That's Why I chose Satin Arabesque 66(B) for today's image. Now--on with the review!
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There are few things better (at least at the movies) than a "really good" Action Comedy: likewise, there are few things harder to pull off. Lucky for me Red manages to work on both levels--action AND comedy. Yes, the plot has more holes than a thousand-pound wheel of premium Swiss Cheese but you don't go to these movies for the plot intracies: you go for the big battle scenes and witty banter--and this RED has in plenty. The action moves along so quickly you don't get a chance to worry over the sketchy plot unttil well after you've left the theater (and maybe not even then). Sadly, anybody with half a brain can figure out the details of tthe entire plot--but that's OK (unless maybe you have the soul of a Critic).
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Leading man Bruce Willis actually shows up to perform in this movie rather than phoning in his performance (and that's a refreshing change). His "Sad Sack" character with a hunger for love and bullets comes off as completely believeable and he's actually fun to watch for a change. Morgan Freeman is always reliable but doesn't get as much screen time as he deserves. You pretty much know going in that he won't survive: (the "oldster" never gets to see the end of an action movie--even in a movie filled with oldsters.) John Malkovich has turned crazy into his own personal franchise and he excels here. Aristocratic Helen Mirren is all class and deliciously murderous in her part and she can show "wannabes" like Angelina Jolie how it's donee. (Her mowing down the bad guys in an evening gown and combat boots is almost worth the price of admission.) Mary Louise Parker gets stuck as a "damsel in distress" for the first 2/3 of the movie but she finally gets to break out and go beyond the bonds of the conventional. Brian Cox plays a Russian but his accent wanders but he has a certain bearish charm in his cardboard character. Richard Dreyfuss shows up breifly and he does "weasel" quite well.
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RED is based on a DC Comics Graphic Novel (that I'd never heard of) but it doesn't translate as comic book at all. Makers of action movies (be they comedic or not) should have this movie as required viewing before they release on of their own. For the "ordinary" person Red is a wonderful fun outing in the theater. It's a great "date night" and fun for older folks who seldeom get to see characters like them portrayed in a positive light.
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FINAL GRADE: A

Not This Movie Again--PLEASE Not This Movie Again

2010-09-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a particular image to go with this blog but thanks to "improvements" made to Webshots I couldn't find it: I did blunder across an image titled Double Ring which seemed suitable for a review of a movie with a wedding theme. So sit back and enjoy the review of You Again--unless of course you've made other plans...
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I found I identified with Marni (played by cutie-bie Kristin Bell) at the start of You Again. She was an "ugly duckling" looking in on the High School experience as an outsider who made a tranformation in college. No, I didn't become a successful Press Agent with desginer clothes and a $300 haircut but I did manage to re-invent myself (a bit) and learned how to make peace with my inner geek. That's why it was so easy for me to spot the fakery and outright dishonesty of this movie. For those of you wise enough to avoid this movie here's a brief plot synopsis.
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After a tormented High School experience Marni re-invents herself in college and moves on to a wonderful, successful life. All that changes though when she returns to her small hometown to attend her "perfect" older brother's wedding to Joamma (Odette Justman) who was Marni's chief tormentor. Arriving at home she discovers her entire family has fallen under Joanna's spell and, worst of all, Joanna doesn't seem to even REMEMBER her: once again Marni finds herself on the outside looking in and things just get worse as the movie goes along.
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This is where the movie lost me: all Marni needed to do was simply say (at the first meeting around the family dinner table) was "you made my life miserable all through high school and it still hurts". Then Joanna could respond: "I know and I'm truly sorry" (but that would have ended the movie before it started). Instead Marni goes through a series of humiliations as she plots to get the truth out. When it finally DOES come out Joanna brushes her off and is quick to revert to her "mean girl" ways (which inevitably results in Joanna being exposed and a girl fight before the tacked-on reconciliation and happyily-ever-after ending required of all Disney releases.)
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Oh, and before I forget there's a parallel story involving Marni's Mom Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis--rocking her super-short gray hair and "Activia" body) and Joanna's Aunt Mona--who were best friends until something happened. Sigurney Weaver makes it work but she labors mightly to produce little result.
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The always-reliable Betty White prevents this movie from going completely into the toilet: her scenes are always funny even though one of them is totally cringe-worthy. Kristin Chenowith doesn't have much impact as ditzy celebrity Wedding Planner Georgia King. Kyle Bornheimer looks sad as Joanna's jilted boyfriend Tim and every scene he's in gave me severe "butt cringe". Generally, I like this guy but I find anything remotely redeemable in this performance. (Kyle--if you have a brain in your pointy little head you'll disavow this movie and find a way to delete any mention of your performance.)
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This movie doesn't have a shred of honesty, integrity or originality. It's a badly-written sitcom masquerading as a movie. This is a "chick flick" that any "chick" with half a brain will RUN from. DON'T waste your time going to the theater to see this movie (no matter how hot it is outside) DON'T rent the movie and DEFINITELY don't buy it! If you are crazy for Betty White rent the movie (once) and fast forward through her scenes. (Then take a long shower with industrial-strength cleaner and hope you can wash the stink off.)
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FINAL GRADE: F+

My Busy Theater Weekend

2010-09-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy weekend here in the Barony. The stars aligned so we had not one but TWO shows to see. Neither of them has anything to do with the Aztecs but since there were two of them and they are virtually polar opposites I chose Aztec Calendar 2 as today's fractal cookie. Oh--you probably want to know what we saw: it was Young Frankenstein and Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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There's a strange balance between Young Frankenstein and "Joseph": "YF" was written at the end of Mel Brooks' long and illustrious career while "Joseph" was at the start of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career. Both musicals are adaptions of other stories and have a lot of frankly corny material. "Joseph" is so squeaky clean it could be put on at a High School but NO H.S. in their right minds would dare to mount "YF" even if they had the money. "YF" was scaled back from the Broadway original (if it this production was the first and probably last National Tour) while "Joesph" has been vastly expanded (even for a regional theater.) In the end you can see a lot of parallels.
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First Young Frankeinstein...
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After the runaway success of The Producers on Broadway it was only a matter of time bfefore another Mel Brooks movie got the same treatment: Young Frankenstein was an obvious choice. It was at least as well known and The Producers and had a large and devoted fan base. The resulting show became the most expensive ticket on Broadway just as the economy was crashing--which resulted in the show closing after barely a year-and-a-half. (That's short for a major Broadway show.) Realizing this was no Phantom of the Opera, the backers stripped down the show a bit for the National Tour: still, the result was a worthy effort.
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Fans of the movie will find a lot to appreciate in the stage show: all the running gags and hoary old jokes are in place. The script closely follows the movie with a few clever expansion. (Frau Blucher's single line "he vas my boyfriend" becomes the best song in the show). The cast is fairly small for such a large-scale show but the no-name Actors all do a first-ratekb job whether they are singing, dancing or acting. The 3-person orchestra (all keyboards and synthesizers) produces a remarkably full sound. The special effects were minimal but they went off without a hitch and that's a good thing.
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Young Frankenstein is a great choice for the theater virgin: the material is familiar and completely accessable. The show's pace never legs and jokes come along as regularly as a main-line city bus.  Sophisticates who like their theater dry and serious won't enjoy this show. Neither will those with little tolerance for raunchy humor: everybody else will have a rip-roaring good time.
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FINAL GRADE: A
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It's hard to hate Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: the show is fast-paced and clever with infinitely-accessable music. The show is almost impossible to fatally screw up.  Running time is under two hours (including a 15 minute commercial for Performance Riverside that seemed to go on for DAYS), intermission and the tacked-on "Megamix" at the end of the show (and a short running time makes it all the better).   The good news is, Performance Riverside didn't fatally screw up the show--the bad news is they didn't go nearly as far as they could to make the show great. So--what went right with the show and what went wrong?
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This production was based with a solid band and a workman chorus: the kids chorus was cute as can be and they never distracted from the show. Sadly, the chorus was often over-mic'ed to the point the band could barely be heard. Likewise, the adult "Go" Choir was a good idea but they had no amplification at all so they could barely be heard. The sets were nicely realized if not particularly sophisticated but they served their purpose. My main problem with the show was the leads.
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Derek Klena (who I don't remember from his brief stint on American Idol) as Joseph suffered from "Idol Syndrome" (a fatal tendancy to oversing virtually every note that came out of his mouth. At least he was nice to look at and there's no denying his vocal ability.  Stepnanie Burkett Gerson was a bit too "cruise ship" with a plastic smile that never left her lips as the Narrator. Still, she's got a great body and can sing and dance. Jason Webb's Pharoah was a very weak Elvis impersonation but you have to give him credit for putting it all out in the performance.
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I've seen Joseph so many times I practically have the whole thing memorized (so it makes it easier for me to pick out the flaws) and this show has many. Amplification issues plagued the entire second act but the cast soldiered on manfully. In the end, the good outweighed the band and the show turned out to be a pleasant afternoon's entertainment. This wasn't the greatest production of the show I'd ever seen but it wasn't the worst either.
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FINAL GRADE B-