WHAT ELSE DID APRIL BRING BESIDES THOSE SHOWERS?

WHAT ELSE DID APRIL BRING BESIDES THOSE SHOWERS?

This newsletter only covers activities from April 1 to 23, 2007. I shall type a detailed newsletter about my trip to New York City, April 23 to May 13, when I return.

HAPPENINGS IN BRIEF

SF PERFORMING ARTS LIBRARY & MUSEUM VERY GOOD
Enrico Banducci’s HUNGRY i
What a nostalgic exhibit this was: recognized most of the names that played this famous SF nightclub. Great black and white photos and the history of the place. The “i” stood for the word “id.” Great shots of Streisand singing there; as well as Mort Sahl getting his start there. Phyllis Diller was also there; her costumes and wigs are on display. Enjoyed the exhibit very much. Doubt if the youngsters of today would recognize some of the names of the performers who thrilled us in those days!

ASIAN MUSEUM EXCELLENT
Masters of Bamboo: Japanese Baskets & Sculpture from the Cotsen Collection
The baskets are just breathtaking to behold in this exhibit. All made of bamboo and with such intricate weaving and design. One could not help but linger over quite a few of the baskets and admire the work that had gone into them. The exhibit also explained the apprenticeship that goes on for years in order to reach this level of basket making.

PRINCES, PALACES & PASSION: THE ART OF GOOD
INDIA’S MEWAR KINGDOM
A little bit of this exhibit went a long way. It was quite repetitive. Colors were used quite well, but the artwork all looked the same after a while. Did not linger in this exhibit as I had at the Masters of Bamboo Exhibit.

MOVIE VIEWING:
“Babel” EXCELLENT
I loved the three stories that were interwoven in this excellent and engrossing movie. I really think this should have won the Oscar for Best Picture instead of “The Departed” (enjoyed that one also, but liked this one a bit better!). Brad Pitt was very good in this and the rest of the international cast was superb.

“Flags of Our Fathers” GOOD/FAIR
Very disappointed in this film. Too, too many battle scenes: we got the message after then first couple of battles that “war is hell.” That has not stopped the US for doing it! The actor who played the American Indian in the film was not quite up to the role. I am surprised that Clint Eastwood cast him. I am sure there are better actors out there who could have done a much better job! The film just dragged at the end and could not wait for it to be over. I have “Letters from Iwo Jima” on order and hope that it will be a better film.

“Blood Diamond” FAIR
I don’t know why, but I got very bored with this film. Too much violence and too much screaming and hollering! Story interesting, but it just did not “grip” me as much as I thought it would.

“Children of Men” GOOD
This movie is based on P.D. James’ novel about what the world will be like in Britain in 2027—not too far off, and the world is catching up rather quickly with the portrayal in this movie. A very grim and depressing film; it seems as if it is heading in the direction of the new “birth of the son of God” but that theme seems to get abandoned. Not an easy film to get through. Was not quite sure if the “journey” was quite worth it!! Nominated for several Oscars such as cinematography, etc.

“United 93” VERY GOOD
Saw this film about the plane that crashed in the Pennsylvania field on Sep 11. It began rather tediously, but when it concentrated on what was occurring on the plane, it was very good. They gathered material for the script from phone calls that had been made from the plane. Be warned: it is a tough film to get through!! Let’s hope it was a quick end for all of them.

AFTER THE WAR VERY GOOD
The true story of playwright, Philip Kan Gotanda’s family set in 1948 San Francisco. This all is set AFTER the Japanese have returned from the internment caps and the effect it has on the Japanese families. Act 1: nothing much happens on the fabulous set showing several rooms in a San Francisco Victorian house. The set rotates so that you actually get the feel of moving about the house. Act 2: so much happens that you just want to say “stop” so you can catch your breath and take it all in! Too much like a soap opera in the second half (although I love soap operas!!). By the end of the play, it ultimately does not work very well. The playwright dedicated this play to August Wilson who certainly portrayed his people with a 10-play cycle in the 20th Century.

PRIVATE JOKES, PUBLIC PLACES ` FAIR
This play seemed like Tom Stoppard “sideways”!! Not quite as intellectually stimulating as a Stoppard play, but it tried. It gets too much into the farce category without all the doorways and running around. A Korean architect student is having her senior project evaluated by a German and English professor. Her own professor is with her. All their egos take over and they seem to forget why they are there. She has designed a public swimming pool which the evaluators just “tear apart.” I though it was quite pretentious and did not laugh very much. Merrill was with me for this play and just loved it! Different strokes for different folks: that’s why we have vanilla and chocolate ice cream!

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG GOOD
Stephen Sondheim always had a problem picking someone with great talent to write the books for his shows (SWEENEY TODD is probably the exception!?). George Furth led this show down the wrong path and the book is just a blithering muddle of mush!! The score, on the other hand, is wonderful! The songs, “Old Friend” and “Not A Day Goes By” hold up very nicely as do the rest of the numbers. Some are too long. I saw a revival of this show off-Broadway at St. Peter’s Church in NYC; it was done in all bright colors (mostly white and powder blue). This production was done with very dark sets and costumes. The lead was all wrong for the part; not good looking enough to cause all this commotion with the women in his life! Choreography was march, march, march. Not very creative. Great to see the show once more, but TheatreWorks was supposed to put on FOLLIES, but their budget would not permit it. We got this one instead. I wish someone would do ANYONE CAN WHISTLE AGAIN which only ran a week on Broadway. At least MERRILY had a two-week run!

THE MUSIC MAN GOOD
This production at Walnut Creek had lovely-to-look-at sets and costumes, but the casting could have been stronger. Professor Harold Hill was ok; he just did not seem to believe in the words he was singing. The look on his face gave off the impression that he was so glad to get through some of the classic patter songs that Merideth Wilson wrote! Marion, the Librarian, was fine. Most of the supporting cast did a competent job and some stood out as very amateurish. How wonderful to hear the score for this splendid show that still holds up very well. An enjoyable afternoon; stronger casting would have made it something special.

Cole Porter’s GAY DIVORCE VERY GOOD
This was Fred Astaire’s first Broadway show in 1932 without his sister, Adele. Porter convinced him to go it alone by playing two songs for Astaire that he was hoping would be big hits: “After You, Who?” and “How’s Your Romance?” After the show opened, the song that became the big hit was the one Porter ignored (not even a snipet of it in the overture!), “Night and Day.” After the run of this show, Astaire decided to try something new and was off to Hollywood to film a small role with a young actress called Ginger Rogers and then the film version of this show—the rest is history!! Not a bad show; were we ever that innocent in life. Quite daring in some parts with the jokes of the day. 42nd Street Moon had a fine cast and the book by Dwight Taylor (?) was quite good. Ashamed we do not have a Fred Astaire around these days to do the role!!

Easter Dinner at Mary & Denny Miller’s
Mary always has the most wonderful decorations for the holidays: this time at each place was a bird’s nest with a big chocolate egg in it! She made them herself out of twigs. The straw under the egg in the nest was edible: made out of sugar! The runner on the table was real grass turf with fake insects and eggs decorating it! All of these decorations were quite unique!!!

The guests at table: Merrill, myself, Bill Hiebert (Mary’s brother) & Ken Bragg from Rock Island, IL, Fred from Minneapolis, Dennis Butler and Joey Butler, our neighbors from across the hall, Merryll Saylon, and, of course, our hosts, Mary & Denny Miller.

We sat down at about 4:30 p.m. and began our Easter feast:

We began with a Pea Soup that was cooked with lettuce in it (Asian style) and ginger with a design of crème fresch. Quite tasty!
That was followed by individual carrot souflees with goat cheese.
Then came Halibut Filet over Japanese noodles; chopped fennel; grilled asparagus
To cleanse the palate, came a springtime, homemade lavender sorbet
We continued with a fresh mixed green salad with sliced fresh beets and candied
mangos sprayed with chili pepper to add a bit of spice!
Dessert was a family favorite of Mary’s: rhubarb-custard meringue pie. Heaven!
We enjoyed white wine with the meal. Cappucino to end it all.
As an extra added treat: a chocolate Easter Egg from an Italian bakery in Rock Island, IL
One smashes the chocolate egg covering with a hammer and there are
all little wrapped candies in the egg with tasty fillings!
A lovely meal with lots of wonderful flavors and such good company!! It was a gorgeous, sunny afternoon and by the time we completed the meal, it was dark!!


OTHER HAPPENINGS

Bill Hiebert & Ken Bragg were with us for five days; Bill is Mary’s brother. Good to see them both. ….. Dad continues to adjust to the nursing facility. Had a conference with the staff as all is going as well as can be expected. …… Took on the 50th Anniversary Reunion Plans (2012) and hope I can get it all done. Typed out a 34-page report which I have forwarded to the college. They will not update and try to find missing alumni. When I return from NYC, hoping there will be some information for me. I must get on Google to try to find “lost” alumni. …… The Broadway Spring Theatre Season seems to be dull, dull, dull. THE PIRATE QUEEN got panned royally and mediocre reviews were given out for Vanessa Redgrave as well as Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehey in a revival of INHERIT THE WIND. ….. Returned to the Spanish Restaurant, Colibri Mexican Bistro, for lunch: wonderful guacamole with warm, freshly made, corn tortillas; then a great chicken chic pea soup with condiments of lettuce, raw sweet onion, oregano, and cilantro. Very tasty. Then had Mexican rice pudding with sweet yellow raisins: all in a wonderful liquor. …… Returned to one of our favorite restaurants in the Bay Area, Lalime’s. It was tapa night, but decided to order off the regular menu: began with a lovely pizzetta with garlic pesto, black olives and mozzerela cheese. Then two pieces of petrale sole done in brown butter and plenty of lemon with cauliflower and a salad on the side with the most wonderful vinegarette. For dessert had a lemon custard-chocolate crusted tart. We were celebrating David Snow’s 70th Birthday. ….. We have truly reached the 21st Century: Tivo has been installed and I hope this will work when I travel. I try to set up programs to record before I leave on the VCR and also have Merrill follow through, but something invariably goes wrong and it gets all messed up! We shall see what happens when I am on this trip to NYC!? ….. Kitty Carlisle Hart passed away at age 96! What a great life she led. She is truly the last link to the wonderful theatre days of the 20s, 30s and 40s. I met her a few times in NYC at the Tony Awards and at several Memorial Services for deceased theatre people. She always had a kind word and looked so wonderful. May she rest in peace! …… Marcello’s still makes the best pizza in town. Had lunch there one day before leaving on my NYC trip. NYC pizza is quite different. ….. Getting details planned for future trips coming up in May, June, August and Sep/October. I thought I would be cutting down on my traveling this year, but it looks like I shall be on the go after all. ….. Still behind in our rainy season. Doubt if we shall get caught up to the 23” of rainfall that we need; so far we have received almost 13” of rain. The rainy season should be ending by the end of April. ….. Sandy & Karl Stauffer were with us for dinner one evening. They shall be going off to their house at Fallen Leaf Lake the end of this month; they usually stay up there until the end of October. Maybe we shall get up there for a long weekend in the fall. ….. 32 dead at Virginia Tech is an American tragedy, but gun legislation must be passed in this country or someone will try to break the record of 32!! Counselors in schools have their hands tied dealing with “crazy” students: afraid of lawsuits! Parents protect their children even when the children desperately need help. …..

I shall be away from April 23 to May 13 (HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY) so please do not send e-mails!? Hoping the weather in NYC will improve and that I will be able to see a lot of shows.

HAPPY SPRINGTIME
and
will be in touch again in May!!!!!!!

March 2007 Happenings

MARCH 2007 HAPPENINGS

I think for March’s Newsletter I shall begin with the Theatre Events

and

then continue with other happenings in the month of March. I have already covered our Cabaret Overnighter and my Six Days in Los Angeles Getaway in separate newsletters. A long, but pleasant month!

THEATRE EVENTS

Berkeley Rep’s TO THE LIGHTHOUSE VERY GOOD

Trying to make Virginia Woolf’s novella into a play is nearly an impossible task. This book was about one’s mind, the psyche. The Berkeley Rep Theatre gives it a try and comes up with a brilliantly directed play. It has actors speaking their thoughts and in a 20-minute dinner scene that was riveting, the actors speak their thoughts but are miming what is going on at the dinner table! Brilliant!! The mood music was played by a chamber quartet in the Phillip Glass mode. It all reminded me of an Ingmar Bergman film since it took place around the turn of the 20th Century. This all does not really work as a play. but definitely works as a showpiece for the director’s brilliant staging.

CONNIE FRANCIS VERY GOOD

Can we ever go back to our youth!? Sometimes we can especially if we keep our eyes closed! Dear Connie Francis looks a wreck these days with all the wrong clothes, jewelry, makup and hair. However, her voice holds up quite well for being 69! I was in seventh heaven, nonetheless, at the concert since it brought back such great memories of my teenage years! I bought every one of her records! Connie still has a great sense of humor and sang her heart out for over two hours. One thing I learned from this concert with clips and films on the huge Castro Theatre screen: she was compared to Judy Garland. When she sang a few Garland songs, she was “right on” with them. The voice holds up quite well. It all could have been worse, but really was not! However, I also learned that one CANNOT really go back to the way it was!!

August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE VERY GOOD

This is one of August Wilson’s darkest plays in his 10-play cycle about blacks in the 20th Century. This one takes place in the teens. Joe Turner is trying to find his wife. His daughter is with him and they are runaway slaves and stopping in Pittsburgh to catch their breath and figure out what to do and where to go. The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre in San Francisco did a wonderful job with this play. Am looking forward to readings of August Wilson’s plays in chronological order in March 2008 at Washington D. C.’s Kennedy Center. Some of the cast has been announced in THE NEW YORK TIMES, but the schedule for reading them has not. It would be wonderful to see all ten in their time sequence. I have seen all of his plays, but some I have not seen in many, many years! I need a “catch up”!


42ND Street Moon’s PLAIN AND FANCY VERY GOOD

Here we go with nostalgia once more! I had seen this musical on Broadway when I was 17 years old. Barbara Cook had a small role, but made quite an impression. From this show she went on to make quite a name for herself in the musical, CANDIDE, and then on to Marion, the Librarian in THE MUSIC MAN with Robert Preston. Those were the good ol’ days!! I am surprised that this show has not been revived since we are in the age of the revival on Broadway! The book is still quite funny and the score is wonderful with the hit song “Young and Foolish” standing out! The entire show is quite charming! It is the story of the Amish meeting the big city slickers from Manhattan and how love conquers all! A delightful and entertaining evening!

TheatreWorks’ TRYING EXCELLENT

This is the true story of Francis Biddle, Attorney General for FDR, and his new secretary during the last year of his life. The playwright was actually his secretary and this play recalls her year with him. Quite humorous and quite touching in places. It took a while, but became completely engrossed in it all. Veteran actor from the Bay Area, Ken Ruta, gives a marvelous performance as Biddle. He does not miss a nuance anywhere. One of the better plays TheatreWorks has put on recently.


JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN EXCELLENT

What wonderful writing here by playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, whose OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET was also quite good. Every scene builds to an emotional climax and the actors have a field day in their roles! Story of two prisoners: one believes in God and the other does not. This will bring out some wonderful discussions about theology and the existence of God?!?! TV actor, Carl Lumbly was riveting in his role as the prisoner who has viciously murdered eight people and believes in God. Actor Daveed Diggs gives Lumbly a run for his money as the prisoner who does not believe in God! The supporting cast was just great; one of the best acting ensembles I have seen in the Bay Area in quite some time. SF Playhouse has done it again with another fine production! They are turning into one of the best theatre groups in the Bay Area!!

BRICKTOP FAIR/GOOD

So much talent up there on that stage, BUT who could hear them with the volume so damn loud!!!!?? Why? Are people deaf? Why must everything be blasted in our ears? Can’t we listen any more? The sound system ruined this show for me. It was quite interesting: the story of Bricktop and her nightclub in Paris. She was great friends with two jazz legends: Mabel Mercer and Alberta Hunter. They appeared at Bricktops for years in the 20s and 30s. Then came the Nazi uprising. They all returned to the US until the nightmare in Europe was over. It turned out that Bricktop, Mercer and Hunter died in 1984 just within months of each other! Let’s hope they’re in the other dimension singing their hearts out. The book of the show was a bit “muddled”; they would skip back and forth in time which caused some confusion. Most jokes were missed because of the volume. I would like to see this show again at a normal sound level. One of the supporting players’ microphone kept going out on him: he was the lucky one!!!! I paid attention to every word he had to say! A missed opportunity because of our modern technology! I doubt if Bricktop’s nightclub was wired for sound!!!!


WHAT ELSE HAS OCCURRED?

Some sadness once more in the month of March: acquaintance Emmit Nolan passed away in New York City very suddenly after climbing two flights of stairs to his walkup apartment. Another sudden death in Palm Springs: Bob Wheaton passed away suddenly after a minor tumor removal operation at age 84. ….. My 2006 Income Tax was ready and for the first time in about 15 years I was getting some money back! What happened? ….. My Dad is adjusting to Oakridge Care Center and all has calmed down. After visiting at least 12 other state-funded homes, we found that where he is now is actually not that bad! ….. We see our neighbors, Dennis & Joey, for dinners “across the hall.” Dennis just got a new job which he begins the middle of April—he is so happy about it! ….. Had dinner with Richard & John at Malacca’s new location on Market near Castro Street. Indonesian cuisine….began with a coconut soup which was flavorful but spicy; then a vegetarian paella: also quite tasty and a bit spicy; dessert was a coconut cheese cake—too bland! ….. A get together at Mary & Denny Miller’s which also included Merryll Saylon who has been traveling and teacher her trade, woodcutting, since her husband died a few years ago. ….. Enjoying the TV Season which reaches its height before leading up to the season finales. Most of the shows I enjoyed were taken off the air before the new year. I still enjoy “Friday Night Lights,” “Rome,” “The L Word,” “Prison Break,” “Lost,” “ER” when it is on, “Grey’s Anatomy” with the “faggot hater” who was not fired from the program; he’s in some type of “rehab,” the new soap, “October Road” isn’t the greatest, but it’s watchable, “Cold Case,” “The Amazing Race” which is the only “reality show” I watch, “Without A Trace” with the fabulous Anthony LaPaglia, and “Medium” which I watch every now and then. ….. Recently read a biography of the 1950s & 60s actress, Kim Stanley, whose life was filled with torment and lots of alcohol. It ruined her stage career. She did make two movies and one was on TCM (Turner Classic Movies): Paddy Chaefsky’s “The Goddess” loosely based on the life and career of Marilyn Monroe. Acting styles have changed, but enjoyed seeing the movie once more. Had seen Ms. Stanley on the stage and TV when I was a teenager and she was my idol!! ….. To celebrate Dennis’ new job, he treated us to Gary Danko’s Restaurant which is now considered one of the best West of the Mississippi! It really earns its reputation; we found it wonderful in every way, especially the quality of the food and service. Had the four course fixed price menu (not bad actually for only $77 considering what you are receiving in return!). Before we ordered, we had a bottle of champagne to toast Dennis’ new job! Began with a tasty risotto with lobster and zucchini which was so flavorful! With this course, had a lovely white wine which was a bit sweet for some. As an entrée had the Maine lobster tails with very buttery, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes and a few vegetables on the plate for eating and decoration: very delicious! Intermingled the entrée and cheese course with two bottles of red wine. Then it was time for the cheese course: a waitress explained ALL 24 cheeses that were on the cart; the smells were fabulous and it was so difficult to choose. I chose three cheeses and had her choose one for me: an outstanding selection!!! A lovely experience for this course!!! Enjoyed every bite! Dessert was the Meyer lemon soufflé with a vanilla sauce with sorbet on the side (why?). Service was impeccable and we never had to wait for a thing: service without hovering! When we left, my cane was handed to me, doors were opened, our car was out front from valet parking, and car doors were opened and we whisked away! A dining experience that will be long remembered. We must get back there soon: if one goes easy on the wines, the prices are not too bad! ….. :Lovely Daylight Saving Time began and I knew that Spring/Summer had arrived! ….. Joined the Blockbuster Total Access Movie Club; going to start to become somewhat of a movie fan again. Hate actually going to the movie theatre: too much talking, crunching of all types of food, and slurping of all types of “super-size” drinks! I would rather see movies on my 56” television!!! So far have seen:

Borat Fair Would have been better with two martinis! Silly & very sophomoric

The Departed Very good. A great double cross of a double cross gangster film.

Oscar worthy and finally Scorcese received his well-deserved Oscar

Joyeaux Noel Good Had seen this at the Palm Springs Film Festival a couple of years

ago. Too “pat” and the soldiers are all so clean and well-shaven. Liked

the film though, but a “feel good” type war film.

More films to come. We asked for the “two-a-month plan”! ….. Had several Dinner Parties which we always enjoy having. ….. Have taken on a project that I might be sorry for as time goes on: Planning a 2012 50th Anniversary Class of 1962 Reunion. Our Class President does not want to take on the task: I wrote to him and the College wrote to him: a firm “no” was his written reply. I spoke to the Alumni Association Office and they are very cooperative. They sent me a recent list of Active Graduate Names, Lost Graduates, and Dead Graduates. Am comparing all of this with the 1962 Yearbook. Will send out a message to the Active Graduates between Thanksgiving and Christmas to see if they can update me with those that are lost and dead. We’ll see what occurs: have 4 years and 8 months to go! ….. Making final arrangement for Travel Plans for the rest of 2007. So far:

New York City April 23 to May 13, 2007

Palm Springs May 23 to 30

Wisconsin Sightseeing & Theatre Historical Society’s Annual Conclave

with Merrill & Eric The Milwaukee to Minneapolis Adventure

June 11 to 18 June 19 to 25 with Eric

River Cruise: Moscow to St. Petersburg August 21 to September 6

Tour of Seven Presidential Libraries Very tentative at this time October 14 to 25

Am not traveling quite as much this year. Looking forward to my 50th High School Reunion (Class of 1958) in September 2008. Their Reunion Committee is on the ball and already have things planned and have called to get an idea of who will be attending! I shall be there with bells on if I am still alive and hobbling along!! …… We often say “you never can go back” but sometimes you CAN. We had not been to a French restaurant in about 12 years that someone suddenly recommended again! We decided to try it: Anjou Restaurant in an alley way type street that reminded me of Paris and Greenwich Village in NYC. We did not have a reservation on a Saturday night, so we ate at the bar. Only four high chairs there; a Chinese “foodie” couple were sitting next to us. It turned out that he has a Website called “Cooking for Engineers” which he described as “a cooking website for the analytically minded”! I have to check it out soon. Anyway, the restaurant is still very popular; not an empty table and they no sooner cleaned up one table and it would fill up again. The good was as good as I had remembered: began with their tasty onion soup gratinee. Very flavorful. However, they could have had a few more onions in the broth. Then had a medallion of salmon and tuna over a bed of cooked spinach with lemon, olive oil and garlic—was that ever a superb combination. Several vegs were on the plate for eating and decoration. Had a “fruity” Napa red wine to go with it all; their wine list was rather “pricey” or we would have ordered a French red wine. For dessert we shared a big portion of the house specialty: cooked pears (room temperature) with a most delicious zabione sauce! A lovely dining experience on a Saturday night in San Francisco! ….. Macy’s 61st Annual Easter Flower Show: INDIA which was so much better than last year’s show. This was very colorful and they used the lovely Indian fabrics intermingled with the flowers. Great displays and use of color. …..

HAVE A WONDERFUL SPRINGTIME

Be well and hope you’ll be able to travel………………..