Now that the producers have worked out a deal with ABC to end the series (two more seasons, with 16 shows per season), they can map out the rest of the increasingly-confusing plot. They’ve left themselves a trail of confusing plot threads, which they will have to tie up pretty soon — including: What the hell is that smoke monster … Read More
Rating The Nielsen Ratings
I’m a member of the Nielsen family. Yup, they called and asked me to monitor my TV habits for one week, recording everything I watch in a diary that they sent. Glad to help, I said. What a pain in the ass. First of all, they send this big ass booklet. Paper and pencil — how quaint. How 20th century. … Read More
Theatre News Bites
(1) The New York Drama Critic’s Awards were announced last night. The winners were somewhat predictable: Best Play: The Coast of Utopia, by Tom StoppardBest American Play: Radio Golf, by August WilsonBest Musical: Spring Awakening, by Duncan Sheik and Steven SaterSpecial Citation: The Broadway revival of Journey’s End (2) The trend of turning movies into stage musicals continues at an … Read More
Pascal And Rapp To Rejoin “Rent” Cast On Broadway
Starting July 30. For six weeks only.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Nothing heals like laughter. Man, that’s so true, and I found that out Saturday evening, when I had the pleasure of seeing The Great American Trailer Park Musical performed by The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. It’s a sold-out run, and it’s easy to see why. I knew little about the show, but from the title, I expected it to be … Read More
Followup On The “Christian” Protest At A Theater
A few days ago, I wrote about (and posted the video) of an event that happened — live — during a performance of the play/monologue "Invincible Summer" — where 80+ people walked out mid-performance, and where one member of the audience went to the performer, Mike Diasey, and poured water on his notes, all because he used the word "fuck" … Read More
“Find Out What You’re Going To See Before You See It!”
At the American Reperatory Theatre in Cambridge (Massachusetts — one of the country’s top rep theaters), Mike Daisey’s one-man show/monologue, "Invincible Summer", is getting rave reviews: Even more than most theater artists, Mike Daisey must always rely on the kindness of strangers — or, more precisely, on their intelligence, alertness, and sense of humor. He depends on his audience because … Read More
Spiderman: The Broadway Musical
With music and lyrics by Bono and U2. I wish I was kidding. My spidey sense tells meThat something is amissI long for your touchI long for your kiss‘Cause I have youuuuuCaught in the web of my heaaaaartAnd the world around me grows darkerWho am I – just Peter Parker?Oh, I don’t knooooooooowOn Sundaaaay, bloody, SundaaaayOne more in the name … Read More
In Lieu Of The Friday iPod Random Ten
I offer a little classic Pat Benatar. Takes you back, eh? Here’s the plot, as far as I can tell. Pat is riding on the back of the bus, chanting. Nobody seems to care or notice. She turns to the passenger next to her and shouts "WHOA-OO-WHOA-OO-WHOA-OO-WHOA-OO-WHOOOOOAA!!", but it has no apparent effect. Flashback to Pat storming out of her … Read More
Our Long National Nightmare Is Over
Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.
The Imus Controversy: Day 8
Sweet Chocolate Jesus. Day Eight?!?
The Wider Conversation
Don Imus’ reference to the Rutgers’ womens’ basketball team as "nappy-headed ho’s" has opened up a wider conversation (see here and here and here) about the liyrics of many rappers, and they’re frequent allusions to ho’s, and so on. Why, for example, aren’t we condemning them? Is this one of those situations where blacks can use racial epithets on blacks, … Read More
Post Of The Day
Written at Suburban Guerilla: It used to be that sometimes I would wake up in the morning and Imus would be on the TV and then I’d change the channel and everything would be right again. Now when Imus is on the TV and I change the channel, he’s still on the TV and no matter how often or enthusiastically … Read More
Not Stopping To Smell The Roses
Take a man who is largely considered to be the best violinist in the world, put him (and his violin) in a DC subway station, and let him play. How much money gets thrown in to his open violin case by busy commuters? Answer: $32.17 after 43 minutes* Read the Washington Post story on Joshua Bell. * Does not include … Read More
Awesome
Chances are you’ll probably never see the Japanese drama/comedy/action film with absurdist overtones called Zatochi (2003). It’s about a blind nomad — a master swordsman — who saves a small town from ganglords. But at least you can see the last scene — one of the best tap numbers ever filmed (yes, they tap in traditional Japanese garb!)