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………………..
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………………..
posted by Gennaro (Gerry) DeVito | 6:48 AM
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