new beau February 28, 2007

One of the things that make Manhattan wonderful is that for a relatively small island, it’s just chock full of unexpected things and people. You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet by walking up a different block than usual. On our way to the subway, Erin and I ran into this fellow. Isn’t he cute? Don’t we make a great couple? Try not to be too jealous. I mean, yeah, he smokes, but who hasn’t got a flaw, right? And he gave me flowers on our first date! (the flowers are actually a birthday bouquet from my friends who sure know how to spoil a girl)

OK, kidding aside, my friend, Sally, actually did find a man to marry in this city (crazy, I know), and they are finalists in a contest for a dream wedding by Bridal Guide. I figure, what’s the point of having a blog if not to help my friend get her dream wedding, right? So please click on either photo to vote for Sally and Tim (couple #1) - you can vote as many times as you like from now until March 7th.

me no likey February 27, 2007

Here’s a new cover that will be premiered on a 3-in-1 edition right before the movie comes out.

ick.

joining the club February 26, 2007

I finally, finally, read a Terry Pratchett book. As I was pretty sure I would, I liked it. For some reason, I’ve just never gotten around to reading any of his books, even though my brother has long assured me I would enjoy them. Well if he has a fan club, sign me up. I found it very funny and thoroughly entertaining. Luckily for me, there are quite a few more for me to choose from.

Translations February 26, 2007

I got myself to Manhattan Theatre Club to see this Brian Friel play, and I’m glad I did.  It’s my second time seeing a Friel play in performance, and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  While Irish plays do have a tendency to be a bit depressing, they usually give you quite a few scenes to laugh at first, which is always appreciated.  I confess, the reason I made such an effort to see this play was purely for Susan Lynch (I have a mild Secret of Roan Inish obsession), and I was not disappointed.  All of the performers were top notch, and and since this play is about Irish peasants (charming to the extreme when one doesn’t happen to be one), I was quite happy, even when the ending was so dismal and unrelenting.

The most interesting thing about this play, for me, was how they dealt with the language.  The play centers around Britain sort of invading Irish culture, and the transition to English becoming the predominant language.  The play begins with a lengthy scene taking place in “Irish” (rather English, of course for the audience’s benefit, but it was “Irish”), and towards the end British soldiers enter with a translator.  I assumed at that point, the Irish characters would start speaking in Irish (which I would have enjoyed, actually) so we could hear the contrast between the two languages.  Instead, they both spoke English, and the characters just couldn’t understand each other, does that make sense?  This convention was used throughout the play, and it was really quite effective.  There was an especially lovely love scene between Chandler Williams and Susan Lynch where they can’t understand what the other one’s saying, and they saying the same thing.  If I was still in an acting class (Laura – hint, hint), I would grab this scene immediately.  So charming.

February 24, 2007

Dame Judi sings an R&H classic

Hey, in a big enough house, this could work…

shoe deal February 22, 2007

I have a problem. A shoe buying problem. Technically, I really don’t need to buy another pair for several years, but I love to. This is an admission only, not a cry for help, as I don’t intend to stop. That being said. look at my new shoes!! I’m looking forward to wearing them this spring/summer. Not only do I think they’re really cute, but I actually got a good deal on them. Some people are really good at finding great shoe and clothing deals. I am not. I try not to buy things at full price, but it’s rare that I find something that I like, that’s my size, and a phenomenal price. I’ve been drooling over these shoes for several weeks at endless.com. This week, I finally decided I was just going to buy them because if I didn’t, they would be gone (this has happened to me several times before), and I would be very sad. Well, what do you know, but when I went to the website, they were on sale for almost 50% off! Not only that, but they were offering overnight shipping for -$5 (that’s free shipping and a further $5 off my shoes). At last, the shopping gods have smiled upon me. They knew how happy I’m going to be in these shoes, and how much we need to be together. For that, I will happily plug endless.com to all 10 of my readership – if you happen to be in the market for some new shoes right now, buy them from this website quick before the shipping dealio ends!

why I’m a geek: reason #438 February 22, 2007

I’m putting together a contact sheet for The Public Theater’s production of King Lear, and I started giggling as I typed William Shakespeare in the “Author” slot of the table.  Not that I think it’s funny that he wrote it, but I thought it’d be pretty cool if we could actually contact him, as we will be doing everyone else on the sheet.  Unfortunately, Mr. Shakespeare did not provide us with a mailing address or a telephone number.  Jerk.

deante changes February 20, 2007

The new Deante Dance infomercial is up and running, or so I hear. Click on the pictures for a link to the official website where you can see part of the infomercial, and my thrilling testimonial. I am so grateful to this program for helping me to lose 50 lbs, (can you believe it? I really did!), and now I need to get myself back in gear to lose the rest…

*yes, that’s me in this before/after photo. Crazy, huh?

oh, the theatre I’ve seen February 20, 2007

I’ve seen a few plays I haven’t told you about. Firstly, I went to see Mary Rose at the Vineyard, and had a great time. I read the J.M. Barrie play some time ago, and while it’s not life-changing, it’s a fun way to spend the evening. Especially if you’re like me and easily entertained by multiple accents (this play has an Australian, a Scotsman, and many Englishmen). This production stars Ron Howard’s daughter, Paige. She looks just like her sister (the lucky girls), and was charming. Not utterly, but then, who is? If you’re in Manhattan, I highly recommend this delightful off-Broadway production.

Well, The Coast of Utopia: Salvage. Not sure I have much left to say. Love Tom Stoppard, would watch anything he wrote. Overall, this isn’t my favorite Stoppard play. I’m glad I saw it, the actors were all great, I learned a little about Russian literature, philosophy, and history. I’ll probably never read or watch this play again in my life, and that’s fine by me.

I saw the very first preview of this revival, and I really enjoyed it. The set is a little involved for my tastes, but I’m sure they’ll shave down the scene change times as they get used to running. The performers were all from TV-land, which as a stage acting snob I sneer at, but was actually kind of fun as all of their faces were familiar.  Special shout-out to Alan Tudyk who did a wonderful job, and is now forever in my good graces from his performance and involvement in Firefly.

February 16, 2007

new favorite commercial

I’m sad Valentine’s Day is over, because that means I can’t watch this commercial on tv anymore.

Toledo Surprise! February 7, 2007

There’s a great sweepstakes to enter to come and see the best show on Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone! If any of you win, I’m sure you’ll have the good sense to take me as your date (hint, hint).

Also, they’re making 1,000 copies of the soundtrack on vinyl. The cost is steep ($50), but what an incredible collector’s item! I have a sneaky suspicion I’ll be getting this for my birthday. Why? Because I’m going to get it for myself! I know myself so well; I always get myself the best gifts…

*Click on photos for links*

Golden Compass action figures February 6, 2007

Please read this article about the upcoming Golden Compass action figures. This immediately brought two concerns to my mind:

1) Why is there no Iorek Byrnison action figure listed?

2) How am I going to deal with all of the merchandising? I’m sure I won’t like some of it, but I’m even surer that I will like and want a great deal of it (as foreshadowed by the fact I bought one of every souvenir offered by the National Theatre when I went to see the stage version) making me wonder how I can be sure I’m on top of all things offered, and how will I afford it?

And having typed those last two questions, a third comes to mind; am I doomed to a life of sci-fi fan freakdom?