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March 8, 2015 — Attention Deficit

March 8, 2015 — Attention Deficit

 

We’re all sick of explaining the MORMON lottery to our out-of-town air mattress-guests—I generally point lottery ticket seekers here:

http://www.nytix.com/Links/Broadway/lotteryschedule.html

OR debating BEAUTIFUL vs JERSEY BOYS to the woefully undecided, or giving Dame Helen Dench-Mirren her Best Actress Tony for DOWNTON AUDIENCE before it even opens (tonight). Some news items just continually get attention—for whatever reasons—while other gems (and some semi—precious and downright fakes, as well) never receive so much as a Playbill.com mention, aside from the uncelebrated “listing”. Let’s take a look at some of those wallflower shows (and a few that just haven’t opened), easing their way into the corner of the high school gymnasium all-decorated for the Spring Fling. Yeah… we’ll give the 4-H Club girls some attention for a change.

Everyone has been reeling over the revolving door of celeb Sally Bowleseseses as of late and no one has been buzzing much about Studio 54’s upcoming AN ACT OF GOD, the new Jim Parsons vehicle based on a book that comically (TBD) explores the oft controversial mysteries of the bible. While I love JP on BBT—who doesn’t?—his Emmy acceptance speech a few years back—the one where he pretty much snubbed the writers in favor of his own ego—left this writer not loving his off-camera/stage personality so, so much. Luckily, the stage show is said to run about 90 minutes, which is about as long as I could stand hearing a televangelist answer the same questions that this show poses in what I imagine to be some Jon Stewart-y way. I have a feeling JP’s dry wit will work well in this piece, which is based on THE LAST TESTAMENT: A MEMOIR BY GOD—especially since, he thinks he kind of is one. Begins June 1st.

 

A scene from DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
A scene from DOCTOR ZHIVAGO

 

My adorable, fellow ukulele (and, like, every other string instrument)-playing friend, Spencer, is part of the cast of the epic DOCTOR ZHIVAGO musical. I do love a Russian musical! The subject matter initially gave me pause as the novel is so dense and musicals—particularly, period musicals—do seem to go on endlessly—and are rarely edited appropriately. Des McAnuff is directing; he’s directed some of my favorite productions including THE SECRET GARDEN and TITANIC. His resume is so colossal, we can forgive him for DRACULA, THE MUSICAL and FOOTLOOSE, the worst Broadway audition I’ve ever had. That was the first and last time I ever sang SAY GOODBYE TO HOLLYWOOD. The cranky auditioners in the room couldn’t wait to say goodbye to me. Begins May 27th.

 

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Speaking of Epic, enter WOLF HALL PARTS ONE AND TWO (Royal Shakespeare Company’s rendition ABOVE). Apparently, you will be able to see both parts with a dinner break in between for those willing to endure some of the torture described in this 14th Century-set piece. The story details Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the Court of King Henry VIII. Let me be honest—like I ever sugar coat anything: it sounds incredibly dry. This could go one of two ways: Either, it will be critically lauded til the cows fall to one knee in a showing of well researched and actors-with-accents-must-be-brilliant-because-I-can-barely-understand-them enthusiasm (I blame David Attenborough for making us think all British people are somehow learned or insightful), or people will snore through this historical drama and regret not seeing GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE… Writer Hilary Mantell (suspiciously missing a second “l”)’s novel adapted for the stage has a cast most audiences have never heard of and the curse of the post-MAMMA MIA! Winter Garden. Begins April 15th.

 

NYTW's THE EVENTS
NYTW’s THE EVENTS

 

Directed by Ramin Gray, New York Theatre Workshop is currently offering THE EVENTS, the story of a tragedy, and how to cope with the confusion, change, sadness and anger in its aftermath. The fun—and yes, it’s gimmicky (not a judgement, if GYPSY taught us anything)—concept inherent is that every performance features a different choir. Seems as though this play is all about FAITH. And that just makes me think of 1980s George Michael. I’m sure the artistic director at NYTW was thinking the exact same thing when this show was chosen for the season. Began February 4th.

 

Great color palette in the set design of POSTERITY
Great color palette in the set design of POSTERITY

 

In the spirit of RED, I’m curious about Atlantic Theater Company’s POSTERITY, the story of an acclaimed Scandinavian sculptor who is commissioned to create of bust of famed playwright, Norway’s own, Henrik Ibsen, who turns out to be as likeable as Marcia Gay Harden in a room full of extras. Full priced tickets are more than $60, which will keep me from attending, minus a discount-miracle; but nonetheless, I’m interested in Ibsen’s life, which we hear so little about compared to Chekhov, Marlowe and others.

 

Apparently, this is what a Hungarian haberdashery looks like
Apparently, this is what a Hungarian haberdashery looks like

 

You already know I am OBSESSED with the city of Budapest. I keep dreaming of spending a month there to do some writing, which probably means it will happen within eighteen months—I’m dreadfully predictable that way. Set at a haberdashery in that fair city, FASHIONS FOR MEN explores the trials of Peter (with an unpronouncable last name in that charming Hungarian way), who lives life looking through the lens of those much sung and written about rose-colored glasses. His own wife even steals from him. The question is: will all this human target-living change him or not? I’m awfully curious about this piece, written by playwright Ferenc Molnár and playing only through March at the Mint.

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