The Roaring 20s Book Club met yesterday. Our assignment was “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway. We had selected it at the conclusion of our robust discussion on “The Great Gatsby.” I highly anticipated reading it because I had just completed “My Paris Wife.” WIFE is historical fiction of Hemingway’s stint in Paris from his first ...
“Miss Marx” (Strawdog Theatre): Extraordinary Tribute
Strawdog Theatre presents the World Premiere of Philip Dawkins’ MISS MARX: OR THE INVOLUNTARY SIDE EFFECT OF LIVING. Eleanor is a socialist, an actress and an intellectual. She is a modern woman. She speaks seven different languages. And has even been contracted to translate, among other things, Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary and the plays of Henrik Ibsen. She is the daughter ...
“Rusalka” (Lyric Opera): Enchanting Spectacle
Lyric Opera presents RUSALKA. The water nymph Rusalka falls for the prince of her dreams. She decides to coerce the local witch into making her human. Jezebaba will conjure up the spell with a few conditions. First, Rusalka must give up her power of speech. Second, if Rusalka fails in her love quest, she and the prince ...
If I get a knee replacement, I want the bionic version
Yesterday, I woke up with a bum knee. I’d like to say I blew it out scoring the winning goal in that night’s soccer match. Alas, somehow I just twisted it in my sleep. I imagine I was kicking someone’s ass in my dreams.... You should see the other guy. I’ve been living on borrowed knee ...
Dear mom and dad, wish you were here!
“I miss my mom,” I moaned. “When did she pass?” he said. “They passed the equator on Tuesday. They won’t be back from their cruise for three more weeks.” I’m 50 and I want my mommy. I’m not having any type of life crisis. I’m just spoiled by her and my dad’s accessibility. If I want to just ...
I fork up all the time
During my weekly brunch shift, I inevitably have to ask someone: which side does the fork goes on? I also do this every holiday that my mom makes me set the table for. Silverware placement is not something I’m focused on. I know it sounds like I must eat with my hands quite a bit. ...
“Golden Boy” (Griffin Theatre): Bittersweet
Griffin Theatre presents Revival of GOLDEN BOY. Upon theatre arrival, the massive backdrop commands attention. Set Designer Dan Stratton has created a mosaic of stained glass rectangles. During the show, the colorful walls slide back and forth creating different locales. Lighting Designer Rebecca Barrett silhouettes pivotal moments behind these screens. Director Jonathan Berry orchestrates this boxing play ...
I had early adult onset
In honor of the upcoming Oscars, I give you my “Thankyou Speech” delivered on May 30, 1978 at my St. Thomas School 8th grade graduation. It’s very hard to thank eight years of wonderful people in a few short minutes but I will try my best. Eight years ago we entered 1st grade as little children who ...
EXTENDED “A Tale of Two Cities” (Lifeline Theatre): I laughed, I cried, I loved
Lifetime Theatre presents the world premiere adaptation of A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Playwright Christopher M. Walsh (no relation) adapted Charles Dickens story of the French Revolution. A former aristocrat flees Paris to find a new life and love in London. When his honor forces him to return to Paris to defend an innocent man, he is ...
A Hand for the Hands
My hands are small I know But they're not yours, they are my own But they're not yours, they are my own And I am never broken -Jewel “Hands” I love that Jewel song. (It also has my life mantra: “In the end ...