"Kinky Boots" Fights Back

Two snaps up to Kinky Boots for forcing a conversation surrounding diversity. It seems that some conservatives slammed Macy's for having the show about tolerance and drag queens perform in the Thanksgiving Parade. So, according to the NYP, after yesterday's matinee performance, Harvey Fierstein and members of the cast donned in full costume headed to Macy's and created quite a stir on Black Friday. According to Mr. Fierstein:

You have to start a dialogue. And you can’t have a dialogue unless someone says something first.

Director's Notes - Bedlam "Saint Joan" Director: Eric Tucker

Here's our basic recipe: start with a well-written and compelling script. Add a few friends whom you trust and who trust you (trust is key). Give yourself enough time to properly explore the text and know it inside and out. Find a room in which to tell the story and fit the story to that room. Pray that folks will come out to hear it.

amNewYork's -- Best of New York Entertainment

The best NYC stages according to The Best of New York - Entertainment by free daily newspaper amNewYork: 

Best indoor venue to see a Shakespeare play: 
Polonsky Shakespeare Center 

Best outdoor venue to see a Shakespeare play:
Delacorte Theater  

Best place to grab a quick and affordable bit before a Broadway show: 
Cafe Edison

Lately, I Have Been Partaking in the Artistic Direction of Wynton Marsalis

That ain't no music. The notes is written out telling you what's goin come next.That's like wakin' up in the morning knowing you are going to be alive at the end of the day ~ From "Michigan Water" in Jelly's Last Jam.

Inside the Time Warner Center, a mere stone throw away from Lincoln Center's main campus, is Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC), where Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis is Managing and Artistic Director. Inside JALC are the Rose Theater, Dizzy's Jazz Club and the beautiful Allen Room, which overlooks Central Park South and Columbus Circle. What many may not know though is that JALC also houses the awesome Irene Diamond Education Center, where Swing University Jazz education courses are held throughout the year, and according to the WSJ, an online education video series though youtube will be launched later this year. 

Quote from George Bernard Shaw's "Saint Joan"

The Chaplain from Saint Joan:

I let them do it. If I had known, I would have torn her from their hands. You don't know: you havn't seen: it is so easy to talk when you don't know. You madden yourself with words: you damn yourself because it feels grand to throw oil on the flaming hell of your own temper. But when it is brought home to you; when you see the thing you have done; when it is blinding your eyes, stifling your nostrils, tearing your heart, then--then--O God, take away this sight from me! O Christ, deliver me from this fire that is consuming me!

After 20+ Years, I Return to "Radio City Christmas Spectacular"

I'm not sure what took me so long but after 20+ years, I returned to the 6,000 seat Radio City Music Hall to see the annual Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes. In 90 solid minutes, I had a 3D video game experience, saw some fireworks, stared up at snow and watched a couple of ice skaters. Of course, I also marveled at the precise synchronization of The Rockettes, the nativity (camel and all) and Santa. After 20 years, I was pleased to see that today's Christmas Spectacular balances the traditional and the modern. I didn't appreciate staring at sponsor Chase's blue logo the whole time, but in my opinion, the show remains a wonderful family experience this time of year. Let the holiday season begin!!   

Wedding Toast - Lin-Manuel Style

Other Posts 
Freestyling Transmogrification

Quote from David Ives "Venus in Fur"

Thomas from David Ives Venus in Fur: 

I love the size of these people's emotions. Nobody has emotions this size anymore. Outsized emotions. Operatic emotions...Nobody's in total thrall like this anymore. Nobody's overcome by passion like this,or go through this kind of rage.

Tony Kushner at the Whiting Writers’ Awards on October 21, 2013

All I really know about writing is that if you’re a writer, writing is what you do. The work, intellectual, emotional, physical work, is everything—the means, the ends, the justifications, and the doubts, the ignominy, acclaim, disappointment, and elation, everything that can happen will happen only when and if you write. 

Two 10PM Shows I Saw This Weekend

Want a bit of plot with your burlesque? Better yet, want plot and some Shakespeare-esque poetry with your burlesque? Then head over to the Tim Tam Room at ARS Nova, grab a drink from the bar, plant yourself in an uncomfortable cafe chair and experience Matthew-Lee Erlbach's and burlesque starlet Tansy's Eager to Lose. Between burlesque numbers, there is a quite a bit of scheming taking place backstage to take over the Tim Tam Room. A special shout out to the jazz quartet and a fun time...well worth the trip to the far West Side. 

The Stage Door: "After Midnight"

Special guest star Fantasia and feature actor Dulé Hill from Cotton Club revue After Midnight, which opens tomorrow at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway.

Random Happenings - October 2013

The People's Opera closes. Scientists say that Sprite is the best hangover cure. Healthcare website has glitches. Stagehand strike cancels Carnegie Hall opening. Famed Roseland Ballroom says that it will close in April. The Lion King hits a milestone - $1B in ticket revenues. Google's stock price crosses $1K mark for first time. Subway kittens Arthur and August are adopted by Brooklyn couple. Conde Nast plans to eliminate internship program and Wall Street plans to soften theirs. Graffiti artist Banksy tags NYC. New Yorkers remember Superstorm Sandy. Wicked celebrates 10th anniversary on Broadway.