Joe Mack, moving in for the thrill! Donna D'Amore author and Reiki Master.
BOOK REVIEW
I appreciate spiritually themed movies and books, occasionally.
One of my favorite movies is, Flat Liners, its theme: When bad things happening to bad people.
Another I enjoyed, with a similar theme is, Frailty, if you haven't seen it, I beg you do… Like in Donna D'Amore's novel, Angels appear with a vengeance! But they are not sent to comfort the suffering, rather; their mission is to get good people to kill "Demons." (Evil people)
Miss. D'Amore's novel, Angel whispers and other Mystical Phenomena resonates with neither theme; though it is "chuck full" of Angels and various spiritual manifestations.
I began the volume with some trepidation, as I get bored easily, particularly with feel good new age banalities, usually with all the profundity of a fortune cookie.
However, though D'Amore delves deeply in such matters: Angels and Spiritual beings that supposedly follow up hapless humans through this, "Valley of Tears," I found it mostly satisfying because of the first few chapters.
She gets real personal, quick! I like people who, for lack of a better expression, "let it all hang out." Guarded "types" make me uptight.
An early interaction Donna had with an Angel came soon after some creep molested her on a family vacation. Her prose was quite moving and heartfelt. I find the betrayal of innocence particularly loathsome and am happy she found some relief.
Yet, I can recall in my own early years a similar betrayal, though not sexual. During my own trauma I prayed, probably just as fervently as Miss. D'Amore and had no relief at all.
Are Angels selective comforters? With all the sorrow in the world one would think so.
My only real problem with this book is that the spiritual comforters appear arbitrary.
And yet, maybe the problem is mine.
My early failed attempts for solace from Angels failed. But my disappointment with life is from a child's perspective.
Perhaps now, as an adult I should give it another try. And Donna D'Amore's book may be just the place to start.
Joe Mack
EAR CONING is used primarily for cleaning the ears, a technique used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Hopi Indians.
It requires a hollow candle that tapers at one end to fit into the ear.
The other end when lighted draws oxygen for the flame and as it pulls from the other side, this has the effect of pulling out residue and cleansing the sinus cavity and the mind.
I will travel to your home or office. The treatment takes about 40 minutes.
I became a true believer after I had it done to me. Call with questions
Joe Mack 626-840-5061
$50.00
Council hopeful, Ed Barwick. I didn't like him at first glance...He has on a multi-racial"children" tie.
I'm no Mr. Blackwell, it's just not my style.
However, after he called me up yesterday he's my pick for the 5th!
Gerrie Schipske and (incumbent) Jackie Kell shined me on.
They may very well be nice people, but I simply don't trust people who live and die by press releases.
You've all heard the adage, "In politics, telling the truth is considered a mistake."
I'll let you know how my interview with Ed goes, and if the other "hopefuls" change their minds.
Doesn't Dianne look nice in those pearls?
Very tasteful...
But don't let her "prim and proper" posing fool you.She was all decollatage on the coach with Sonny!
Yes...I looked!
Perrenial candidate, Peter Matthews seems engrossed. He won't talk to me either.
Here's yours truly, Joe Mack, probably saying something inappropriate.
Mr. Barwick responds...
Dear Joe
YES, even with the "childrens' tie". Who knows what you would have said had I worn my "sheeps" tie which has only one black sheep in the bunch.
Ed Barwick
"Sonny"
I inspiring Confidence...
EARNEST TRAVELING NOTARY PUBLIC
JoeMack
626-840-5061
An exhausted Sonny waits to go on! Was it the heat, or last night's monkey business?
Joe Mack and a "covered up" Dianne McNinch. Perhaps Joe shouldn't have
commented on her low cut top last week...
During my review of "Sisterhood of the Traveling pants"
Miss. McNinch volunteered that "all" girls like to share their clothes, as per
a scene in the Movie.
I asked Sonny if he ever found himself in a room with 4 other men, sans
pants. He gave me a very cryptic answer.
Old habits die hard. Doug Drumond, Former Cop and Mayoral candidate enjoys a donut.
A dapper looking Joe Mack embraces Tracy Kittinger. Did you know that for many years, Tracy was Frank Colonna's campaign manager and advisor? A la George Bush's advisor, Karl Rove, Mrs. Kittinger was sometimes called, Colonna's Brain.
Eric Sarraf on the left, Darren Gaber, director, giving off a Captain Kirk "Star Trek" vibe.
A "bohemian looking" Dianne McNinch. She's rushing to a Jazz Concert right after the show.
Joe Mack in his element. Hire him, "Sophisticated Sounds for your Coffee House, or Party.
Sometimes described as, "Show Tunes are ME!"
Joe Mack, before he saw the new movie, Grizzly Man
AFTER...
This film was one I truly needed to see.
The bio-pic, filmed by the (hero)? Tim Treadwell and edited by the great director, Mr. Werner Herzog, hit a little too close to home for me. Treadwell, along with his (reluctant) girl friend spent many summers in Alaska filming and living among the great bears.
Besides spectacular shots, we are treated to many "rants." Tim, (some might say he was emotionally disturbed) rallied fervently against the Government in general and people in particular, preferring his 'furry friends."
Anyone who knows me, (even superficially) understands how I feel about animals, dogs, especially and "jerks" I mean most people. I could certainly put myself in Mr. Treadwell's place.
The girl-friend, though frightened of bears, probably confined to her pals, "Well, at least he's not seeing other women!"
For me, the most frightening moment of the film was when Herzog remarked that, though Tim seemed to have made a very emotional connection, the bears themselves seemed to be quite indifferent...
I didn't like hearing that!
It reminded me of a scene in the Tennessee Williams Play, Night off the Iguana, when the Reverend, "Shannon" finally cracks up at the pulpit and screams, "God, (NATURE), is cruel!"
But then, perhaps [He] didn't crack up at all, but merely came to his senses...
Joe Mack
ATTENTION: POLITICOS PLEASE READ!
As Diane Jacobs calls it, 'THE SILLY SEASON' is upon us, once again.
Thus, politicos will be frantically scurrying around the different venues in an attempt to get their message out.
The management here at, THE SONNY BOZEMAN SHOW, wish to assure all candidates that JOEMACK, the theater critic/vocalist, will NOT be allowed access to any of you!
He will neither ask you questions, nor attempt to ambush you.
In his own words...
"I am grateful for the opportunity Sonny has given me to critique and sing occasionally.
I consider myself a serious minded person.
I do NOT need to speak to any candidate to write columns.
Please visit the Sonny Bozeman show with my personal assurance that you will be treated with Southern cordiality by Mr. Bozeman, and pleasant indifference from myself.
Sincerely and Earnestly,
Joe Mack
JUSTIN, SURROUNDED BY A BEVY OF BEAUTIES!
Sonny setting up a shot with the Director, Darren.
Sonny, making friends with, Rosie.
I asked, Justin, "
"Why do you pull Rosie in a go cart. Is she infirm"
"No, not at all, he said, it's just that Rosie can't walk that fast and it's just easier to pull her along."
Here is Dianne Mc Ninch, reading, all the news that's fit to print!
I invited her to peruse my own, VIEWS AND REVIEWS...She declined...
Justin Rudd's dog, "Rosie."
Breaking his own rule, Joe Mack attempts to ask Doug Drummond a question, the [GREAT MAN] uses his cell phone to call campaign manager, Tracy Kittinger to find out what to do!
A defiant Joe Mack being ignored by Sonny and Dianne.
Pete is a new addition; a very important aide to our leader, Sonny Bozeman, and arguable the best looking guy on the show.
QUICK HIT!
I have no desire to see King Kong. Why would I want to see some poor hapless gorilla killed. Joe Mack
CB Realty
BUY SELLRE-FINANCE
Over 20 years in Bellflower.
Annette
562.866.4240
"She's been a real pal and VERY supportive to me. Please
call her first, see if she can help you." Joe Mack
Michael "THE BOY WONDER" Klopfer, seems overwhelmed by 1970's computer technology!
Two Church Ladies, Apostle Pam and Dee Dee "Blondie" Parker. As I recall their visit, I am reminded of the lyric from Eleanor Rigby,
"Father McKenzie, wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave...no one was saved...
Our very charming, pretty and demure camera-lady,
Leslie Lambert. Every week I ask her to try to make me look thinner..."There's only so much technology can do", she says.
Joe Mack chatting with "giggling" Leslie before the show.
Sonny with famous cook, Michael Wray He cooked shrimp during the show! He is purported to be the best Chef in America!
We all, guests and hosts alike had to stand during the whole show! At times, it took on the appearance of a 3 ring Circus!
Michael, "the Boy-Wonder gave me and Sonny a bottle of home-made beer. I took mine home that night and got, "hammered!"
Joe Mack
These two gentlemen are part of our highly-qualified technical staff. One can well understand why Cable TV-groupies often cluster back stage behind the spot-lights.
Here's Sonny with Republican candidate, Steven Mark Sion, State Assembly 42nd District. I didn't get a chance to chat with him.But, I will call him up and report any comments of interest...
Joe Mack : Commentary
I find that often the best-part of the show takes place behind the cameras
waiting to go on. Yesterday was no exception.
Sonny Bozeman held court, relating his experience with
a colon-exam. I haven't had the procedure myself, thinking
that perhaps I've already lived long enough, thank you!
We talked about what we've learned about life. Sonny, my senior by
a few years said he has learned to not count on anything, and/or anybody
.I've been obsessing on this topic since then. I believe in being grateful
for a favor and return said in-kind. That is my leitmotif. Be grateful!
You won't have the opportunity that often, believe me!
But, don't be a sucker. Be nice to people who deserve it.
As a corollary, only vote for candidates who deserve it, and
if there ardent any, don't vote! Or, run for office, yourself.
You couldn't tell my looking, but Curtis Hood is a drag-queen among other things...He's also an amusing fellow, quick witted and iconoclastic. Sonny sometimes calls him, 'BIG-BIRD" You'll see why if you watch the show.
If you want a really good laugh...ask Sonny to talk about Dan Baker's
Gay-Resort in Costa Rica.
I never laughed so hard in my life. Joe
Here I am, Joe Mack, getting made-up for the show by Make-up lady, Cecilia Musat...a real looker!!!
I told her to lay the pancake on heavy as I wanted to look as good as I possibly could. She suggestedI might try running around the block a few times, and cutting down on the Crispy-Creme's.
IN show-biz parlance, this is known as a sight-gag!
Here's Sonny with special guests Christopher Moulden and make-up artist,
Cecilia Musat.
Mr. Moulden owns and operates a very swanky hair-salon:
I let it be known that I frequent, Super Cuts. Both Christopher and Cecilia said they believed me!
I must visit, 10, soon... Joe Mack
Here's Sonny with a real-live Police Sgt. Wayne Bilowit.
One could easily imagine him saying, "Just the facts, ma'am...just the facts...
It isn't all cameras and make-up...Here Joe Mack demonstrates another aspect of show-prep...
Are you talking to....me?
Asking Scott to autograph is book Dogged and Determined, for me. I am aware of the value of first editions, and if he drops dead soon, it might be valuable!
Joe
Sonny conferring with Rev. Lasisi...working out the particulars as per his charity, OUT FLOW. The Rev. agreed to join forces fighting Aids here and in his native land, Africa. Mr. Bozeman also asked him if he could save Joe's immortal soul. They both agreed that erradicating the dread disease would be easier!
Rev. Lasisi's charming wife, Grace is in the middle.
She's also a minister. The other two are congregants. He dragged along the white-guy to prove his Church was, INCLUSIVE.
Joe, thanks for your friendship. I would like you to correct the section that says “I do not understand the white people in America”. This is because some of my best friends at the graduate study level were white folks. Even some white folks have visited our church to show their support. It is only the three white people that are frustrating our attempt to get the church-zoning permit that I do not really understand. Thanks.
Dr. Lasisi
A while back, I watched that great bio-pic on sex-researcher, Dr. Kinsey.
He stated that people are not exactly all straight or all gay. From a range of
1-to-5, one being gay and 5 being straight, most people find themselves somewhere on either side.
I thought about it for about a second and decided that on that scale, I was a, 5...a hard 5.
I wrote to some of my pals and asked them where they felt most comfortable. Sonny Bozeman said, "One." Former cop and Councilman,Jerry Shultz and Press Telegram columnist Tom Hennessy declared themselves a hard 5, like yours truly.
Women I spoke to were less specific, and Political strategist Tracy Kittinger said she was probably a 3.
A long way of saying, you ladies might enjoy getting together at:
Jet Automotive
(Greg Logan and Adrian Majera owners)
1081 Long Beach, Blvd.
(562) 436-1366
FREE 411!
Sonny told me about it. Just call,
800-373-3411. Listen to a short infomercial and you get FREE operator directory! I've tried it and it works on everything: Land-lines,
Our intrepid Director, Darren, also hosts a Country Muscis Show at Long Beach City College!
Isn't that a cute top Dianne has on? The co-host brought in home-made lemon cup cakes for Sonny's Birthday. Happy Birthday, Sonny!!!
Scott shares his pop-corn with Joe Mack.
He just popped in from the movie theater with a review of, Amazing Grace.
If you want to hear him tell it, tune in for next week's repeat!
Though Scott and I look friendly enough in this photo, we did have, 'words' just last week!
However, though we may not agree politically. He is an animal lover so I can't stay mad. And besides all he did was say he was going to BOYCOTT my free political web site!!!
This bald-fellow, Cory Herter is purported to be a, healer. I don't know what the hot looking girl sitting next to him does...Maybe she just, looks hot!
In the brief time I chatted with him I did not notice any supernatural powers. However, I left before he got interviewed...
You can get more info at:
newwavetechnology.ca
Look at Steve Sion
jump up to greet someone who just walked in.
Yup! He's a politician...
Though he lost this last time, I'm sure you'll join me in saying, "Better luck next time!"
Sure...it's funny! But it's something, else.
Talented, Amy Simon, waxes philosophic about her own on-going mother-hood. Her trials, triumphs, tragedy's and evolutionary insights.
Maybe I was just in one of, those moods...
As I sat there in the dark, laughing along with everyone else, nibbling on a (hot) cup-cake that she bakes, (live) on stage and passes out to the audience; I heard her say something I hadn't paid attention to, when I saw the show, before.
Amy talked about our contemporary culture. Muggings, shootings, riots, etc. And, how she wished she could go back in time. Not to the real 50's, but the fantasy-50's of the popular TV sit-com's, The Donna Reed Show, Father's Knows best, etc.
I grew up in the 1950's. I was born in 1951.
My family was as non-functional as anybody's!
Yet, though my family lived in a lower middle-class neighborhood. The problems we lived through, then, in retrospect (and in comparison to today), seem like a virtual, shangri-la!
A long way of saying, you will laugh, cry and think.
Joe Mack
THE ROCKETTES!
AND
THEIR CHRISTMASSTOCKINGS! by Joe MACK
I had a number of questions I wanted to ask...but, I was tongue tied! It felt as though all the blood in my brain was diverted, elsewhere! Joe Mack
The ROCKETTE'S Show, is for thewholefamily!
The Orange County Performing Arts Center, will for the first time, host the world famous ROCKETTE'S. December 13-30, 2007.
When I arrived at the auditorium, I was quite impressed. Instead of a boring press-kit, I received a gift-bag, chuck-full of ROCKETTE'S memorabilia. Among with other things, a Christmas Tree ornament!
The presentation consisted of a short-film, and, 8-ROCKETTE'S, in costume.
I thought it was classy of their organization to fly-over girls who were from, here; Irvine, Huntington Beach, etc. So that, along with meeting the Press, they could also visit friends and family.
Each member made a short statement. Allstressed that this was for the whole family. Translation: It isn't just beautiful, tall, long-legged beauties, kicking! Not that there's anything wrong with, that!!!
Admittedly, the show is a long ways off. But, do you think I'll be deleting the photo of me and the 2 ROCKETTE'S any time, soon?
There are many specials and discounts if you order early.
"Friend of Sonny" Check for him on the show and don't forget to support the home team!
Mama Mia: an odd love story...
I sat stone faced through 2/3's of the first act.
When the music finally kicked in, I began to tap my foot, not to mention my fingers on the arm-rest.
Have you ever seen the Maury Povich show? He spot-lights "ladies" whom can't find the father of their off-spring. Often, Maury and crew must test 20-plus possibilities and STILL the poppa is not found!
That theme, (to a lesser degree) is Mama Mia's story-line.
Act One: scene One: An young innocent girl waxes philosophic, and sentimentally. about her up-coming marriage.
However she is sad she has no father to give her away...
Her mother was sexually-active back in the day, and the daughter decides to invite 3 likely candidates.
The playright was much less successful telling the story, than Abba was supplying the tunes.
I felt sorry for the actors...Much of the dialogue consisted of very unfunny, sexual innuendo.
The choreography was good.
I particularaly enjoyed a dance-piece consisting of men in
scuba-gear stomping to an upbeat tune.
Dancing Queen, (Abba's best known song) could not have been performed often enough for me. Each time I felt myself nodding off, that tune got me back into the, zone!
There was absolutely NO chemistry between the engaged couple. None. I blame that on the script. They barely had any lines between themselves.
Oh, did I mention the groom-to-be was, African?
On the whole Greek Island, the bride-to-be found, probably, the only black-guy!
However, it was, not a factor among the characters...and the audience did not "gasp" when he was introduced.
Isn't it great how all of us are so progressive? No one noticed!
Well...truth be known, I did...
Lot's of menopausal-ladies in the audience jumped-up and danced in the aisles. Maybe this is chick-play.
During the 15 minute break, I noticed lot's of (humor-less)
God is fundamental, but, human relationships are all important.
And, if we don't have any, they are worth persuing.
That seemed to be the main theme of La Mirada's current production, Ring of Fire.
If timing is everything, our country's present struggles make the show all the more relevant. As if it's themes are ever out of date? Expect the Old-Rugged-Cross,not pop-Christianity, i.e. creating wealth and prosperity through the Bible.
The cast consists of 2 men and 2 women, plus an extraordinary group of musicians.
Jason Edwards and Troy Burgess seemed to channel Cash's spirit.
They don't attempt their own spin on the songs, but, rather sing them as written!
I was VERY grateful. I wish other entertainers,
(particularly those whom perform the Star Spangled Banner) would put aside their own egos and acknowledge that the original writers don't need them adding nor altering the notes written!
Michelle Duffy and Christina Jackson both had their moments, and complimented the guys.
BRANTLEY KEARNS was a revelation as the fiddle-player.
JOHN W. MARSHALL (string bass) played a solo to open act two which I found absolutley astounding!
The rest of the country-band was superb as well.
John Lacovelli's set consisted of a country house with a porch upon which much of the action took place.
I left the theatre somewhat melancholy and happy. Cash's life displayed in pictures, songs and commentary touched me personally.
The standing-ovation at the end seemed to bond the audience to each other. Our mutual struggles, joys and tragedies were laid bare on the stage. I felt more connected to my fellow-man and less alone.
Among other revelations, you will learn why Johnny Cash always wore black.
If I have to pick a favorite number it would be, I've been everywhere. I counted 10 guitar-player singers lined up in an relay-song-fest.
It's a pleasure when the emotional depth of the material trumps the theatrics.
The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents:
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
(mostly)
Truly Scrumptious!
I didn't know that!
There actually was a car named, Chitty Bang Bang. I'm thinking they named the Play Chitty Chitty Bang Bangbecause it's an easier phrase to use in a song...but I'm just guessing.
I'm particularly fond of this kind of show...
Boy meets girl, they (initially) can't stand each other!
We all can guess what happens next, right?
The children leads are double-cast so mentioning their names would be problematic. However, the
opening-night girl who played Jemima Potts was wonderful!
UPDATE! Her name is, Camille Mancuso.Caracatus Potts, Steve Wilson,
(a talented comic-singer-dancer), is the widowed inventor.
He has two adorable (young) children.
They need a mother!
A comely-lass comes wheeling by in a motor-bike.
Her name is Truly Scumptious, Kelley Mc Cormick.
Ms. Mc Cormick lit up the stage and portrayed the character in such a wholesome, sweet manner, that I could scarcely believe a word she said!
But that was ok! I wanted to suspend belief as I do with all my favorite Musicals.
This lavish-production will mostly be enjoyed by the very young and the very old.
Children, because they haven't yet been exposed to life's relentless dissapointments, and the very old because they have, and now romanticize the past.
It is, (of course) a work of fiction.
Fiction, as defined by Oscar Wilde, is: "When the good are rewarded and the evil, punished."
Isn't that the leit-motiff of all old-fashioned Musicals?
The two evil spys from Vulgaria: Boris, Dirk Lumbard and Goran, Scott Cote,
(intent on stealing the car) are almost one dimensional.
That does not stop the duo from being quite entertaining!
Speaking of Vulgaria...
It is populated by Geman-accented subjects...their flag is black, red and white, 'Children'
(hunted by a black-leather-jacketed creepy Government official), are hidden in attics by
good Vulgarians...
Hmmm, it reminds one of some of the worse-excesses of WW II.
The car is absolutley wonderful. Besides flying in the air, (as is expected), the show
ingeniously gets it to drive past joggers, bike-riders, etc. You will love the car!
I haven't read the book, (Oddy, written by Ian Fleming of James Bond fame) but the
first few words may very well be, "Once upon a time..."
Be assured, all the 'nice-people' live happily ever after.
I left the Theatre very happy. Many people were smiling...I got just what I needed and you will too.
TOPOL
is
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF'S
TRADITION!
Back in 1971, he stared in the movie. Now, 30 odd years later he's
starring again at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
It reminds me of a story I read about the great, Robert Preston of Music Man fame... Preston said he was often asked to revive the Harold Hill role. He refused stating that the character, Professor Harold Hill, was 25 years old.
Happily for all of us, Topol has been able to age to perfection with 'Tevye.'
Oh, maybe he looks a bit more like the family's grandfather than father, but, you wouldn't know it from his energy level. He moved about the stage with the stamina of a man much younger than his 74 years.
It was great fun watching him argue with God over his predicament. He shined in If I were a Rich man. And not a few of us probably wondered why God had bestowed on us financial hardships. To which Teyve states, "It's no shame to be poor... but it's not great honor either!"
Reana Strobel was wonderful as Tevye's daughter,Tzeitel, along with her suitor, Motel,
Erik Leiberman.
Their marriage scene under a canopy was a high-light.
Mary Stout, masterfully portrayed matchmaker, Yente.
Choreographer, Ken Daigle is worth noting for the superb dance numbers. I held my breath during one intricate number involving men with cups balanced precariously on their heads.
Director, Sammy Dallas Bayes kept the action and quips coming at a fast pace!
All through the show Teyve tries to make sense of life.
Of course, it's sometimes not all that funny! Faced with change,and trying to make some sense of it all he was apt to say, "On the other hand...
As a reviewer in regards to this production there is no, "On the other hand."
Topol is chicken-soup for the theatre lover's soul.
Here is the lovely Samantha Jean.
She is the very talented hair-stylist at,
KIMARGE
European Boutique Salon
1400 N. Virgil Ave
Hollywood CA 90027
You may call her directly for an appt;
661-210-6433.
I usually prefer not to chat while getting my hair cut.
Of course, I'm usually at Supercuts...
KIMARGE is a much classier place, with charming, intelligent associates.
They cut by appointment only. And you are not at all hurried. I scarcely recognized myself I looked so good!
Joe Mack
WANTED: ARTISTS!
The Salon is soliciting original works of art to hang on the walls.
Please call: 323-515-4517
Please check back for the web site.
New Customers:
25 % discount
We also will include a blow-dry and treatment with every service because we are all about not only just creating the best colour and cuts, but also we are about keeping the health and integrity of everyone's hair.
La Mirada Theatre's Steel Magnolia's a triumph!
"Like real-life, only with better lines."
The play was written by Robert Harling, a man.
I was a bit surprised. The all-woman cast spoke in such honest dialogue, I truly felt I was listening in on real people. Mr. Harling must have studied the Mars/Venus books, and/or, has an insight into the female mind to which I will never attain!
If you've seen the movie, don't worry. It is not a verbatim transfer, you have not heard all of the sparkling-dialogue. It's a chatty piece to be sure. But, it was so smart and funny the time flew by. And, since the curtain call I've been pondering some of it's lessons.
"People make plans and the gods laugh."
One of the more poignant statements: A character expressed the belief that things couldn't possible get any worse. A woman piped up: "Oh yes they can!"
The whole show's like that. A wonderful blend of comedy and tragedy: real-life?
We see it every day in our own lives and others. But, as Oscar Wilde observed, "Life is a Play, but, it's (mostly) poorly cast." Happily this Play is cast wonderfully!
La Mirada Theater co/owner:Cathy Rigby portrays the ernest-mother with
smoldering-concern. Her daughter, Amy Sloan (ignoring the advice of her physicians) was energetic and sympathetic.
One of my favorite actress', Michael Learned, does a flamboyant Ouiser Boudreaux. She pulls it off without being over the top.
All the characters retained their humanity and there were no one-dimensional moments, neither in the acting nor the prose.
The laughter generated was belly-laugh inducing. The tragedy? At the curtain, I saw more than a few the audience crying.
I'd call it reality, with style!
Director, Brian Kite's direction was superb.
There were no theatrical loose-ends; just in our own lives.
I'm talking about the consequences of tragedy's, well, depending on one's point of view. I wouldn't want to come across as judgmental. The hapless landlord, with or without the police is unable to evict this group!
Drug addiction, violence, homo (and other) sexuality, mental illness and homelessness, to name a few, are dealt with by the youthful cast with a "can do" attitude reminiscent of the Andy Hardy movies of long ago. Remember, Mickey Rooney saying to Judy Garland, "Let's put on a Play!"
I recall a previous production where a character actually dies...Not in this one!
In many ways it plays like an old-fashioned musical. However, the boy-gets-girl theme is passe...
Though gritty, the relationships are genuinely touching and romantic.
The original Theatre and movie-stars, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprise their roles.
There were more than a few show stoppers, Seasons of love, of course.
Would you light my candle, a flirty-song performed by Adam Pascal and Lexi Lawson was particularly touching. As the romantic-dance started and stalled the candle's flame extinguished was re-lit and the wax dripped...
A homeless bag-lady Gwen Stewart confronts the youthful-bohemians, and criticizes what she perceives as benevolent posturing.
I think at that point of the play, we know that they have very little in common with her. As, they, mostly upper middle class kids can leave the garret, and return to school, or move back home with their parents. That escape is not available to all street-people.
One of my favorite songs was, It's beginning to snow.
Despite all the problems faced, at least in their case, I wouldn't at all have been surprised if the cast had begun singing that song from the Musical, Annie:
The Sun will come out tomorrow. Because in their case, it will!
The rock-band was superb and loud. Happily, on the ballads one could understand the
lyrics.
The Orange county performing Arts center, my favorite venue, continues to attract the best shows. It's nice one needn't drive all the way to L.A. for Broadway quality productions.
The show runs through Oct 25th. I urge you to go!
Joe Mack
ANNIE!
I am excited to tell you that Annie will be at the Orange County Performing Arts Center this Friday, Jan. 29 for only 3 days.
Besides the catchy songs, I truly appreciate Plays that incorporate Historical figures, in this case, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
The story takes place in the middle of the Great-Depression. I guess it's more or less topical...too bad. But, you will not leave depressed, rather confident that, indeed, the Sun will come out tomorrow!
QUICK HIT!
