See Our Town. Go online right now and get tickets.
Then, once you have the tickets and if you don’t live within driving distance of New York, buy your plane tickets.
I know. Our Town? Really? I must be kidding, right? That hoary chestnut?
The one.
The genius here, as directed by David Cromer, is a smartness and a sadness colluding into some sort of spiritual ecstasy. Again, not kidding.
At the very end of the play, one of the lines, and I paraphrase, is, “People live their lives without really seeing.” --I imagine David Cromer used this as the full metal spine for this particular back.
There is a sense in Act I of people living their lives, kindly, in a turn-of-the-last-century White Yankee New Hampshire Republicanism—while awaiting execution.
Act II, as you know, is all about the wedding. And it is not joyful. It is cause for hysterics. Oh that Mrs. Soames. (Order your tickets. Our Town)
Of course, Act III is the dead in the cemetery. But in this production, when Emily goes to visit her twelfth birthday---well, I can’t tell you! It was such a surprise. I just, I can’t say.
This was, certainly, a brave, fantastic production. And the actors, well, these New York stage actors are the best. It’s true. They are.
Get your tickets. Our Town keeps getting extended and I bet it will end up in some bigger venue (possibly ruined). See it downtown at the Barrow Street Theatre.
Tickets, Here:
Our Town
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Sinful Fish Tale
When I was a wee kid, I went to elementary school in Spring Valley, New York which was a great town of Jews. We got off for the major holidays, naturally.
It was always such a treat. You start school right after Labor Day and within a few weeks, there are days off!
And now for the fish (and since William Safire is dead, this is my wee homage to him).
Word Play: The atonement will arrive with fins!
I heard of Yom Kippur long before I heard of a kipper. But once I did learn of kippers, well, my mind immediately played that little trick where you start to think of kippers every time someone starts to atone.
So, here’s to Yom Kipper! (And, they used to pronounce it that way back in Spring Valley. And William Safire—what’s in a word?)
I hope everyone has looked inside their sinning selves and has taken note and figured out how to be better people from now on. Yahweh knows, we need it! And then, well, we will all feel lighter and have a better time. To all my Jews and non-Jews alike: Enjoy the kippers!
It was always such a treat. You start school right after Labor Day and within a few weeks, there are days off!
And now for the fish (and since William Safire is dead, this is my wee homage to him).
Word Play: The atonement will arrive with fins!
I heard of Yom Kippur long before I heard of a kipper. But once I did learn of kippers, well, my mind immediately played that little trick where you start to think of kippers every time someone starts to atone.
So, here’s to Yom Kipper! (And, they used to pronounce it that way back in Spring Valley. And William Safire—what’s in a word?)
I hope everyone has looked inside their sinning selves and has taken note and figured out how to be better people from now on. Yahweh knows, we need it! And then, well, we will all feel lighter and have a better time. To all my Jews and non-Jews alike: Enjoy the kippers!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Everyone Is Dead But I Feel So Alive
My sister turned to me last weekend when I was jumping up in down in joyous approval of this Northeastern Autumn air and said, “The weather is really a mood driver.”
She’s so right! Some people get depressed by dark winters. Not me. I get so cozy, so gemutliegkeit, I almost turn into a Hummel. Fall is so wonderful, you just want to be outside hugging the trees, in ecstasy.
Spring is hopeful and sexy. Just ask anyone.
And then, well, then there’s summer. And that’s when it gets dark for me. Being hot all the time. No thank you. Summers are made for wretches, mechanics and lunatics. I feel off in the summer and I think about all my relatives who are dead in the summer. I think about lonely, hot apartments and relatives that have expired, alone, in the summer. And it just seems so depressing.
But then, the weather gets better and all the relatives are still dead, but I feel so alive.
“The weather really is a mood driver.”
She’s so right! Some people get depressed by dark winters. Not me. I get so cozy, so gemutliegkeit, I almost turn into a Hummel. Fall is so wonderful, you just want to be outside hugging the trees, in ecstasy.
Spring is hopeful and sexy. Just ask anyone.
And then, well, then there’s summer. And that’s when it gets dark for me. Being hot all the time. No thank you. Summers are made for wretches, mechanics and lunatics. I feel off in the summer and I think about all my relatives who are dead in the summer. I think about lonely, hot apartments and relatives that have expired, alone, in the summer. And it just seems so depressing.
But then, the weather gets better and all the relatives are still dead, but I feel so alive.
“The weather really is a mood driver.”
Thursday, September 24, 2009
It's All About Movement
You sit in these New York apartments like veal…and every day, you think, “I GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!” So you hit the streets for hours at a time. Mostly eating.
Movement becomes very important here.
And with that, I give you these two clips. Because, you know, they’re great.
Chinese Bicycle Acrobatics
Movement becomes very important here.
And with that, I give you these two clips. Because, you know, they’re great.
Chinese Bicycle Acrobatics
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sand Animation? Yes
Okay
Maybe this is old news, but we interrupt this Wednesday to bring you UKRAINE'S GOT TALENT!
This is one of those things, like, if you've never had your country invaded, you might not get it...in sand animation.
But, there's something about this thing.
Thanks Sarah.
Maybe this is old news, but we interrupt this Wednesday to bring you UKRAINE'S GOT TALENT!
This is one of those things, like, if you've never had your country invaded, you might not get it...in sand animation.
But, there's something about this thing.
Thanks Sarah.
Monday, September 21, 2009
I Aspire
The coolest man on earth, on Letterman.
How does he remain so calm? So funny? So smart?
And black, too? Wink.
How does he remain so calm? So funny? So smart?
And black, too? Wink.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Manhattan: Land of the Beaver
When in New York, I highly recommend Mannahatta at the Museum of the City of New York.
It ends October 12.
Look, even if you don’t care that Manhattan was once a huge beaver pond with over a hundred streams and 23 micro climates, you should go just to see the cool 3-D relief map that has images projected upon it. They show where the Lenape camps were, all the streams, the huge ridges and the valleys. Manhattan really once was a beaver-infested garden of eden! (I bet there was a mosquito or two, too.) This land-o-islands-in-the-harbor is where the Arctic meets the sub-tropics.
Sort of.
So—go. It’s very cool. If you are at all interested in the earth-island upon which New York was built upon. What a difference four-hundred years makes.
It ends October 12.
Look, even if you don’t care that Manhattan was once a huge beaver pond with over a hundred streams and 23 micro climates, you should go just to see the cool 3-D relief map that has images projected upon it. They show where the Lenape camps were, all the streams, the huge ridges and the valleys. Manhattan really once was a beaver-infested garden of eden! (I bet there was a mosquito or two, too.) This land-o-islands-in-the-harbor is where the Arctic meets the sub-tropics.
Sort of.
So—go. It’s very cool. If you are at all interested in the earth-island upon which New York was built upon. What a difference four-hundred years makes.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
No Public Option
The Baucus Bill has no public option. But it does have the odd not-for-profit Coops…which, let’s face it, are sort of like the public option, but let’s face it, too, not really.
But let’s not get all stuck on one thing.
The deal is---if BY LAW an insurance company is not allowed to turn anyone away and must continue to pay out no matter how sick someone gets, well, I am all for it.
Bring it on Baucus!
Have you ever been to his home state of Montana? Beautiful place. Almost no one lives there. Worth the trip.
Come on Health Care!
You now Senator Snowe from Maine is going to sign on.
Montana and Maine, figuring in large. It takes people from really cold places to understand the need for communal action.
But let’s not get all stuck on one thing.
The deal is---if BY LAW an insurance company is not allowed to turn anyone away and must continue to pay out no matter how sick someone gets, well, I am all for it.
Bring it on Baucus!
Have you ever been to his home state of Montana? Beautiful place. Almost no one lives there. Worth the trip.
Come on Health Care!
You now Senator Snowe from Maine is going to sign on.
Montana and Maine, figuring in large. It takes people from really cold places to understand the need for communal action.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Twelve and a Half Percent
Reports, reports, reports. The recession is over, but it’s a jobless one, with 40 Million people living below the poverty line. Etc.
Funny, since I was a kid, the approximate number of poor people in our country has been 12.5% of the population.
I am a mathy type. So, I think about this and I ask the question, “Have we collectively decided that in order to be the richest country on earth, we need about one out of every eight people to be poor, to remind us to work even harder? Or steal even harder?”
Look---when it comes to money and the allocation of goods, you have to look at it in terms of math---and how you end up with that math. Human nature is at the bottom of it. We are a punitive bunch of beasts. “You’re kind of lazy and stupid? DIE!” “You have emotional problems and you weren’t raised right? DIE!” “You are a low skilled person? DIE!” “You snuck into our country illegally---DIE!”
And though it seems a little over the top and drama-queenish to type DIE! four times, with exclamation points…it is, really, what we are choosing for others. Their death. Because living in a crappy hole of a place (or no place of your own at all) next to an industrial slurry pit, with diseases breaking out all over your body, and no way to take care of it---well, that’s a death sentence. Surely, the poorer you are, the sooner you die. This is a fact.
So, we sentence to death poor people. Is this a natural culling? And if so, then should we not admit it? And if so, should we not also assume that these poor people, if we never help them, should not, naturally, rise up and help themselves? By force, if they must? I know I would.
Or is it a choice? Is it really a choice? Come on.
No baby born on earth asks to be raised next to a mountain of zinc tailings. No little child on earth asks for incest. No teenager asks for abuse and hunger and a lack of decent education. No adult asks for misery. For some people---it’s just the luck of the draw.
Me? I pulled a good card. What the hell do I care?
I do. I don’t know why I care. I mean---I don’t volunteer. I do vote for liberal candidates. I don’t send much money to charity. I do vote for higher taxes and programs for education and wealth redistribution.
Yes. Redistribute it. Why the hell not?
What do you really need?
12.5% That’s a lot of people. 21% is probably enough for a revolution. But 12.5%--- maybe not quite enough---just math. And maybe, 12.5% is the magic number---where you can actually control that many people with a certain size of police and a certain heft of prisons—and things work. And people are fine with it. Somehow, that 12.5% is fine.
I wonder why. Seems like a big number to me.
Funny, since I was a kid, the approximate number of poor people in our country has been 12.5% of the population.
I am a mathy type. So, I think about this and I ask the question, “Have we collectively decided that in order to be the richest country on earth, we need about one out of every eight people to be poor, to remind us to work even harder? Or steal even harder?”
Look---when it comes to money and the allocation of goods, you have to look at it in terms of math---and how you end up with that math. Human nature is at the bottom of it. We are a punitive bunch of beasts. “You’re kind of lazy and stupid? DIE!” “You have emotional problems and you weren’t raised right? DIE!” “You are a low skilled person? DIE!” “You snuck into our country illegally---DIE!”
And though it seems a little over the top and drama-queenish to type DIE! four times, with exclamation points…it is, really, what we are choosing for others. Their death. Because living in a crappy hole of a place (or no place of your own at all) next to an industrial slurry pit, with diseases breaking out all over your body, and no way to take care of it---well, that’s a death sentence. Surely, the poorer you are, the sooner you die. This is a fact.
So, we sentence to death poor people. Is this a natural culling? And if so, then should we not admit it? And if so, should we not also assume that these poor people, if we never help them, should not, naturally, rise up and help themselves? By force, if they must? I know I would.
Or is it a choice? Is it really a choice? Come on.
No baby born on earth asks to be raised next to a mountain of zinc tailings. No little child on earth asks for incest. No teenager asks for abuse and hunger and a lack of decent education. No adult asks for misery. For some people---it’s just the luck of the draw.
Me? I pulled a good card. What the hell do I care?
I do. I don’t know why I care. I mean---I don’t volunteer. I do vote for liberal candidates. I don’t send much money to charity. I do vote for higher taxes and programs for education and wealth redistribution.
Yes. Redistribute it. Why the hell not?
What do you really need?
12.5% That’s a lot of people. 21% is probably enough for a revolution. But 12.5%--- maybe not quite enough---just math. And maybe, 12.5% is the magic number---where you can actually control that many people with a certain size of police and a certain heft of prisons—and things work. And people are fine with it. Somehow, that 12.5% is fine.
I wonder why. Seems like a big number to me.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
We All Love Our Bloggy Pudding
So---with Christmas approaching, sort of, I wanted to get a jump start on my list.
I only want two things, my elfin pals.
ONE Stop this damn recession. People have had enough. Jobs. Clean Green Good Ones.
TWO Health Care Reform that includes The Public Option. Bush Lied about Iraq. Obama is lying about The Public Option (Come on---if we have a Public Option---it won't be 5% that joins it. It will be 95%). Give me it. Every president gets one big lie. Health care, now.
That's it. Two things. It's only September 16. There's time to pull it together!
I only want two things, my elfin pals.
ONE Stop this damn recession. People have had enough. Jobs. Clean Green Good Ones.
TWO Health Care Reform that includes The Public Option. Bush Lied about Iraq. Obama is lying about The Public Option (Come on---if we have a Public Option---it won't be 5% that joins it. It will be 95%). Give me it. Every president gets one big lie. Health care, now.
That's it. Two things. It's only September 16. There's time to pull it together!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Helios Studio Plug
HELIOS STUDIO
From my friend, who has launched a fabulous new career, as people do (and I can get super vouchy about this. She’s great.):
After a long and fulfilling career in the music industry, I (Stacie Negas) have partnered with Gavin Jones at Helios Studio as a photo retoucher. Since leaving the music industry, I have been studying Photoshop and was fortunate enough to train with the very talented Gavin Jones, who perfected his skills while working with renowned photographer Dahlin. My experience working with designers and photographers on countless projects throughout my music career has provided me with ample experience to make the transition into photo retouching.
Helios Studio is a hands-on operation that brings a creative eye to the process along with competitive rates and the highest quality work, while always meeting your deadlines. We are a post-production photographic studio specializing in beauty, advertising, fashion and product retouching.
If you have any need of our services, please contact us.
From Don again: THIS IS MY FRIEND who worked closely with Bono and a whole lot of other musicians over the years, making sure their CD packaging was stellar. So, you know, if she’s good enough for Bono, maybe she’s good enough for you. Get your stuff retouched.
HELIOS STUDIO
From my friend, who has launched a fabulous new career, as people do (and I can get super vouchy about this. She’s great.):
After a long and fulfilling career in the music industry, I (Stacie Negas) have partnered with Gavin Jones at Helios Studio as a photo retoucher. Since leaving the music industry, I have been studying Photoshop and was fortunate enough to train with the very talented Gavin Jones, who perfected his skills while working with renowned photographer Dahlin. My experience working with designers and photographers on countless projects throughout my music career has provided me with ample experience to make the transition into photo retouching.
Helios Studio is a hands-on operation that brings a creative eye to the process along with competitive rates and the highest quality work, while always meeting your deadlines. We are a post-production photographic studio specializing in beauty, advertising, fashion and product retouching.
If you have any need of our services, please contact us.
From Don again: THIS IS MY FRIEND who worked closely with Bono and a whole lot of other musicians over the years, making sure their CD packaging was stellar. So, you know, if she’s good enough for Bono, maybe she’s good enough for you. Get your stuff retouched.
HELIOS STUDIO
Sunday, September 13, 2009
St. Teresa. But Which One?
We took our usual Sunday neighborhood crawl. We pick an area to see in New York, get on some shoes, and take a good 8 mile walk.
Today, we did a C shaped tour of Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn is confusing. You kind of think you really want to live there because there are these extremely beautiful neighborhoods and some of these neighborhoods have the sweetest stores and restaurants. But then, it all looks a little bit like Downtown Disney and you want to, maybe, run.
Carroll Gardens, an old Italian neighborhood, is now incredibly gentrified. We ran into a parade today. The Saint Day parade of Saint Teresa. It was like something out of deep Sicily. We saw the saint statue coming down the road and I asked one of the old Italian lady paraders (matching in all black with a gold sash like all the others) which saint this parade was for--she responded, happily, with a big smile, "Teresa."
I went to Wikipedia. Apparently, there are six Saint Teresa's, so I have no idea which one this parade was for. But, these old Italian people, they want their saints, their traditions, their parades.
I find Brooklyn confusing, but mostly because I haven't lived in New York and was not around to watch it happen. The transformation. It is sort of fantastic that Brooklyn has been so violently gentrified. It is understandable. The housing stock is past charming. It is romantic and beautiful, practically Southern and Gothic. So, of course, the world moved in.
But, frankly, it's too South for me. I want to be able to escape to Canada, if necessary.
The Gowanus is going to be the next thing. It is going to be like the 10th arrondissement in Paris, with it's barge canal, all industrial-turned-arty. You can see it about to happen. And YOU WANT neighborhoods to get safer, better, richer, with better food and stores and to be colorful and delicious and well maintained. And then it happens. And then you get a little sad about it.
Because it's a kind of sameness. A wine bar, cheese store, gourment burger kind of, Northern Italian cuisine, Asian fusion kind of sameness and you have to ask yourself, "Is it really all about ME and MY comfort?"
Or something. And forget the strollers. As targets, they are too easy. But too big, too. I mean, these babies come at you like Cadillacs on the sidewalk. You just don’t know if you are going to survive. But at the last minute, they swerve.
But man, o-fancy man-o , S. Portland Street in Fort Greene. It is the most beautiful place on earth. Just go there. The trees. The parlor floors with their original stamped and decorated ceilings. The lights. The whole thing. Dark and light, at once.
But back to Carroll Gardens. I am struck by the Italians In Carroll Gardens. Being half Italian, but never really caring too much about it, even feeling alienated from it as my family did everything they could to become "American", it was quite something to see these old Italians in the streets with their idoltry Saint I-Don't-Know-Which-One-Teresa, a drum beating, and everyone marching along, oddly miedeval, with the statue up high. It was joyful, sure, for them. But to me, it was also sort of scary and pagan and irrational.
These must be Sicilians.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Stormy Weather
In order to maintain my high spirits on this eight year anniversary of the collapse of innocence in the Western Hemisphere, I have decided to focus on one of the great things that I love about the natural world: The weather.
I was a frogs-tornadoes-streams kind of kid. And maps. I like the outdoors. And lucky for me, I am living in a place in New York that has a lot of air and trees: bulky Queens. Tonight, a Noreaster is blowing and teasing. You have to love them. They feel like real local weather coming in, as opposed to the blanket of strange happenings that blow over us from the West.
Though my windows are wide open to let in the breeze, I still wanted context and narrative, so I went to The Weather Channel online because, you know, I wanted to see a swirly map. AND GUESS WHAT? Frank Batten is DEAD!
You don’t know who Frank Batten is? Neither did I. He is the founder of The Weather Channel—the great cable TV upstart of 1982.
Thanks for everything, Frank. I love that I can type in a zip code or a city with the state and find out what the hell is going on. Cats and Dogs? Dry wild fires? Snow on the heath?
Of course, I can just look out the window, which I do. But mostly, when I want to know the outside temperature (for coat reasons), I look it up online on your channel and I feel like I help the environment by NOT buying a thermometer with all that scary mercury in it. Plus, I find interesting, newsy tidbits about the earth's natural (or unnatural at this point) state.
Frank---here’s the forecast: Chance of cold death, with no possible jet stream of return. Hope it feels like a May Day in Southern California. Thanks for The Weather Channel. Dorks like me, we can’t get enough of it. Also, sounds like you were greatly admired. Congratulations on the weather empire. What a great business idea. Weather never goes away and it’s always interesting. Everyone DOESN'T necessarily know it's Windy.
I was a frogs-tornadoes-streams kind of kid. And maps. I like the outdoors. And lucky for me, I am living in a place in New York that has a lot of air and trees: bulky Queens. Tonight, a Noreaster is blowing and teasing. You have to love them. They feel like real local weather coming in, as opposed to the blanket of strange happenings that blow over us from the West.
Though my windows are wide open to let in the breeze, I still wanted context and narrative, so I went to The Weather Channel online because, you know, I wanted to see a swirly map. AND GUESS WHAT? Frank Batten is DEAD!
You don’t know who Frank Batten is? Neither did I. He is the founder of The Weather Channel—the great cable TV upstart of 1982.
Thanks for everything, Frank. I love that I can type in a zip code or a city with the state and find out what the hell is going on. Cats and Dogs? Dry wild fires? Snow on the heath?
Of course, I can just look out the window, which I do. But mostly, when I want to know the outside temperature (for coat reasons), I look it up online on your channel and I feel like I help the environment by NOT buying a thermometer with all that scary mercury in it. Plus, I find interesting, newsy tidbits about the earth's natural (or unnatural at this point) state.
Frank---here’s the forecast: Chance of cold death, with no possible jet stream of return. Hope it feels like a May Day in Southern California. Thanks for The Weather Channel. Dorks like me, we can’t get enough of it. Also, sounds like you were greatly admired. Congratulations on the weather empire. What a great business idea. Weather never goes away and it’s always interesting. Everyone DOESN'T necessarily know it's Windy.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
He Lies?
Funny, the news is obsessed with Joe Wilson, Republican from a Carolina, who yelled out, YOU LIE! after President Obama said the new laws would not cover illegal immigrants.
People (TV) likes a fight.
Of all the things that came out of Obama’s speech, what does the media focus on?
Some over emotional idiot, yelling out like he’s in the Sixth grade.
The pushers of news just want you to look at the fight. It is disgusting.
Obama’s speech was brilliant. Was all of it true? I have no idea. I still hold that having a public option WILL do exactly what the Republicans fear---people will run to it like Wilma and Betty in The Flintstones with charge cards, decimating private insurance.
But who can blame them? It is one thing to let the invisible hand of the market take care of bicycle sales and toothpaste. But for your liver? Or your tumor? The market? For that? Are you tired old white people insane?
President B. Obama was wise to conjure the spirit Ted Kennedy. You could feel our recently departed, beloved senator’s compassion and moral standing in the room. Is it called the Ted Kennedy bill? It should be.
I do not understand Republicans who sit, all grumpy, against progress. It all looks like greed to me. If you regulate an industry, you diminish its power to concentrate cash, which is just terrifying to the piggies. But WHY oh WHY do these people think it is a good idea to send so much cash toward one industry? Okay, they know this is not a good thing. But then, why do they not come up with any solutions other than obstructionism? Fearful. Goodbye to them. They are to be ignored.
It feels like the momentum for healthcare reform is there and something will happen, soon. Obama leads. He leads as a smart, measured guy with real humanity. Is this thing all hammered out? Obviously not. But it is getting there. And I will say it again: I am ALL FOR the public option---I hate insurance companies—been denied too many times for a preexisting condition (allergy shots, my friends) and I will gladly join the ranks of the rank and file for low budget Post Office style national insurance so the monthly shots I get will not be followed by the ritual I currently face after each visit: three phone calls. One, returning the doctor’s office call about my denied eligibility. Two, calling the eligibility department to tell them to flip the switch, ‘cause my Cobra is all paid up. Then, three, the claims department, after the bill arrives, telling them to reprocess. All this? What a colossal waste of time. Give me the post office. I know the line is long. But I know once I get through the line, the package is on its way to Duluth and I NEVER have to hear about it again.
Big question---why four years? One hopes, when it comes to a time frame, Obama is under promising and will over deliver. I want my public option insurance next Tuesday!
Congratulations, President Obama. You did what is needed. Now, keep fighting like a dog. A mean dog. Please.
People (TV) likes a fight.
Of all the things that came out of Obama’s speech, what does the media focus on?
Some over emotional idiot, yelling out like he’s in the Sixth grade.
The pushers of news just want you to look at the fight. It is disgusting.
Obama’s speech was brilliant. Was all of it true? I have no idea. I still hold that having a public option WILL do exactly what the Republicans fear---people will run to it like Wilma and Betty in The Flintstones with charge cards, decimating private insurance.
But who can blame them? It is one thing to let the invisible hand of the market take care of bicycle sales and toothpaste. But for your liver? Or your tumor? The market? For that? Are you tired old white people insane?
President B. Obama was wise to conjure the spirit Ted Kennedy. You could feel our recently departed, beloved senator’s compassion and moral standing in the room. Is it called the Ted Kennedy bill? It should be.
I do not understand Republicans who sit, all grumpy, against progress. It all looks like greed to me. If you regulate an industry, you diminish its power to concentrate cash, which is just terrifying to the piggies. But WHY oh WHY do these people think it is a good idea to send so much cash toward one industry? Okay, they know this is not a good thing. But then, why do they not come up with any solutions other than obstructionism? Fearful. Goodbye to them. They are to be ignored.
It feels like the momentum for healthcare reform is there and something will happen, soon. Obama leads. He leads as a smart, measured guy with real humanity. Is this thing all hammered out? Obviously not. But it is getting there. And I will say it again: I am ALL FOR the public option---I hate insurance companies—been denied too many times for a preexisting condition (allergy shots, my friends) and I will gladly join the ranks of the rank and file for low budget Post Office style national insurance so the monthly shots I get will not be followed by the ritual I currently face after each visit: three phone calls. One, returning the doctor’s office call about my denied eligibility. Two, calling the eligibility department to tell them to flip the switch, ‘cause my Cobra is all paid up. Then, three, the claims department, after the bill arrives, telling them to reprocess. All this? What a colossal waste of time. Give me the post office. I know the line is long. But I know once I get through the line, the package is on its way to Duluth and I NEVER have to hear about it again.
Big question---why four years? One hopes, when it comes to a time frame, Obama is under promising and will over deliver. I want my public option insurance next Tuesday!
Congratulations, President Obama. You did what is needed. Now, keep fighting like a dog. A mean dog. Please.
It's Obama Eve!
I am excited. The leader of the free world (a fine salesman) is about to get in our faces and tell us what is good for us. I'm clearly on board.
I would like the Public Option. I really would.
Imagine? Anyone can slide into the Public Option at anytime and get their shit fixed!
Sounds sane to me.
I would like the Public Option. I really would.
Imagine? Anyone can slide into the Public Option at anytime and get their shit fixed!
Sounds sane to me.
Monday, September 07, 2009
HAIR
Finally saw HAIR this weekend for my Recognized-by-the-State-of-California-Domestic-Partner, Adam’s birthday. All that hair, and I still can’t get married in the state of New York or California?
Woodstock, Monterey, you name it. Be-IN, Love-IN, Freedom, Happiness?
Okay, to the play. I love the music. I do. And the play, basically, is about a bunch of kids who want to be kids and don’t want to go to war to get killed. And who can blame them? WHAT ON EARTH WAS VIETNAM? I mean, really. When I was a kid, it was just a strange word. Hippies were everywhere. My cousin who was living with us in the suburbs of New York did come back from Woodstock covered with mud in her green Volkswagon. So the lore goes.
The cast of HAIR was sublime. One of the great things about overpopulation is it does create more and more talented people who have to compete even harder for fewer spots on earth. By the time someone gets to sing on Broadway, they have completely risen past the ranks of the medium good, the very good, and the best. It’s quite something.
Directed by Diane Paulus (I’m a big fan), this play was a big romp, the cast in the audience, clothes off at intermission, hippie vaudeville, great movement, solid humor, and the singing, as I’ve said.
For me, the show was pretty much about golden voiced Gavin Creel. I would say this is because I am a letch, if I thought Gavin was still a kid…but of course, like most musicals, the kids are being played by full blown adults. This is something I don’t love. Mostly because a younger cast might still be full of rage and piss. Older professionals, you can tell they are pounding through their careers and this is one of their stops along the way. Tant pis pour eux! We get to enjoy their talent. And, well, if they do look like current day well-taken-care-of American kids---it’s not their fault. I do wonder, though, if they really get what they’re doing. I bet the old folks of the Seventeenth Century probably thought the Hamlet of 1660 was just not that authentic.
The music of Galt MacDermot is the star here. It is one amazing song after another, as we all know. I especially like the long pieces in Act 2 from Black Boys to White Boys to Walking in Space all the way through Ain’t Got No.
I remember my Uncle Gene had the record when I was a kid and my parents wouldn’t let me listen to it. In college, I was cast in the play which was performed at Harvard’s Kennedy Center---I dropped out because it was pretty silly and shoddy (with an updated script by a student---making most of the action all flashback. Songs cut, etc.) Then as a youngster in New York---I was cast in a European tour…as the understudy of Berger, during the Christmas break. I didn’t do it. How can I be away from my American Christians at Christmas? Alas, I was never in the play and have contented myself with banging the songs out on the piano for years on end.
If you come to New York and you want to hear some amazing music in a sharp, polished production, head on over to HAIR. It’s solid.
Woodstock, Monterey, you name it. Be-IN, Love-IN, Freedom, Happiness?
Okay, to the play. I love the music. I do. And the play, basically, is about a bunch of kids who want to be kids and don’t want to go to war to get killed. And who can blame them? WHAT ON EARTH WAS VIETNAM? I mean, really. When I was a kid, it was just a strange word. Hippies were everywhere. My cousin who was living with us in the suburbs of New York did come back from Woodstock covered with mud in her green Volkswagon. So the lore goes.
The cast of HAIR was sublime. One of the great things about overpopulation is it does create more and more talented people who have to compete even harder for fewer spots on earth. By the time someone gets to sing on Broadway, they have completely risen past the ranks of the medium good, the very good, and the best. It’s quite something.
Directed by Diane Paulus (I’m a big fan), this play was a big romp, the cast in the audience, clothes off at intermission, hippie vaudeville, great movement, solid humor, and the singing, as I’ve said.
For me, the show was pretty much about golden voiced Gavin Creel. I would say this is because I am a letch, if I thought Gavin was still a kid…but of course, like most musicals, the kids are being played by full blown adults. This is something I don’t love. Mostly because a younger cast might still be full of rage and piss. Older professionals, you can tell they are pounding through their careers and this is one of their stops along the way. Tant pis pour eux! We get to enjoy their talent. And, well, if they do look like current day well-taken-care-of American kids---it’s not their fault. I do wonder, though, if they really get what they’re doing. I bet the old folks of the Seventeenth Century probably thought the Hamlet of 1660 was just not that authentic.
The music of Galt MacDermot is the star here. It is one amazing song after another, as we all know. I especially like the long pieces in Act 2 from Black Boys to White Boys to Walking in Space all the way through Ain’t Got No.
I remember my Uncle Gene had the record when I was a kid and my parents wouldn’t let me listen to it. In college, I was cast in the play which was performed at Harvard’s Kennedy Center---I dropped out because it was pretty silly and shoddy (with an updated script by a student---making most of the action all flashback. Songs cut, etc.) Then as a youngster in New York---I was cast in a European tour…as the understudy of Berger, during the Christmas break. I didn’t do it. How can I be away from my American Christians at Christmas? Alas, I was never in the play and have contented myself with banging the songs out on the piano for years on end.
If you come to New York and you want to hear some amazing music in a sharp, polished production, head on over to HAIR. It’s solid.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Many Ways to Strap it On
In our black and white thinking world of the United States, everything ends up a simple face off. Sunday Football. Old Westerns. Right and Left. HealthCare fights.
What is so terribly sad is the culture of constant combat in this country.
Obama is a smart man and he is fighting, because he has to. And there’s a part of me that wants to shriek, “Strap it on, man. Give it the hero’s rhetoric and run with it. And mow down the opposition.”
And you know what? He might be doing that in his way. Sometimes, when everyone gets real loud, it’s the quiet one gets things done.
It will be interesting to hear the address next week.
I understand it is a combination of a certain brain tendency mixed with brain conditioning, but I have such a hard time accepting the fear-of-change radicalism of conservatives. They seem like little babies, terrified of I don’t know what.
We all know that reasoning is useless. And trying to get at their compassionate side has proven to be futile, too. We just have to bomb past them. At this point, they must be ignored.
What is so terribly sad is the culture of constant combat in this country.
Obama is a smart man and he is fighting, because he has to. And there’s a part of me that wants to shriek, “Strap it on, man. Give it the hero’s rhetoric and run with it. And mow down the opposition.”
And you know what? He might be doing that in his way. Sometimes, when everyone gets real loud, it’s the quiet one gets things done.
It will be interesting to hear the address next week.
I understand it is a combination of a certain brain tendency mixed with brain conditioning, but I have such a hard time accepting the fear-of-change radicalism of conservatives. They seem like little babies, terrified of I don’t know what.
We all know that reasoning is useless. And trying to get at their compassionate side has proven to be futile, too. We just have to bomb past them. At this point, they must be ignored.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Do NOT Run for the Hills! & Some Religion
Thank you, Ramona, for this picture.
Los Angeles--come on now. Bring it down.
People invented religion because they were impatient.
Monday, August 31, 2009
A Strong Car, a Strong Blog, Those Devil Winds
A Clarification, a cause for celebration and a shout out to the Devil’s Taint
To my baker’s dozens of readers:
1) The blog is not going anywhere. Though I did have a blog entry that was entitled:
You Ever Feel Blogged Out? I should have clarified: it was just a momentary loss of ideas. The blog keeps blogging.
2) The car was fixed today in New Jersey at a gas station near you. (Actually, near my sister.) Lovely work. Alternator. We knew that’s what it was going to be. And it was. And now, it’s fixed. Put some air in the tires, too. The car is rolling. Some people hate a car breakdown. I took it as a clue to sleep ten hours.
Okay, let’s get onto the real stuff here. Frigging Los Angeles is a burning mess. First of all, in my self protective way (I have allergies, man!)—I am so glad I am not there. But second of all—all my amazing friends are! And many of them have children. And, well, there are millions of people living in Los Angeles and it just sucks for them all. Is it constant wet towels at the door jams? Is it air conditioning, air conditioning, air conditioning (which simply makes the earth grow hotter—but I have my machine blowing night and day, too)?
Fire season in Los Angeles is annual, we all know it. My memory is that at some point, when you simply cannot take it any longer, when the table in the yard has a layer of gray ash all over it, your head is pounding and everything seems impermanent and highly flammable, the air shifts, whisping in from the ocean and then it rains a little. A relief.
Mud Slide Season is just a few months away. Get out your waders.
I love nature. I do.
To my baker’s dozens of readers:
1) The blog is not going anywhere. Though I did have a blog entry that was entitled:
You Ever Feel Blogged Out? I should have clarified: it was just a momentary loss of ideas. The blog keeps blogging.
2) The car was fixed today in New Jersey at a gas station near you. (Actually, near my sister.) Lovely work. Alternator. We knew that’s what it was going to be. And it was. And now, it’s fixed. Put some air in the tires, too. The car is rolling. Some people hate a car breakdown. I took it as a clue to sleep ten hours.
Okay, let’s get onto the real stuff here. Frigging Los Angeles is a burning mess. First of all, in my self protective way (I have allergies, man!)—I am so glad I am not there. But second of all—all my amazing friends are! And many of them have children. And, well, there are millions of people living in Los Angeles and it just sucks for them all. Is it constant wet towels at the door jams? Is it air conditioning, air conditioning, air conditioning (which simply makes the earth grow hotter—but I have my machine blowing night and day, too)?
Fire season in Los Angeles is annual, we all know it. My memory is that at some point, when you simply cannot take it any longer, when the table in the yard has a layer of gray ash all over it, your head is pounding and everything seems impermanent and highly flammable, the air shifts, whisping in from the ocean and then it rains a little. A relief.
Mud Slide Season is just a few months away. Get out your waders.
I love nature. I do.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
You Ever Feel Blogged Out?
Are blogs tyrranical?
Do things take their course? It’s really about aging, isn’t it? You have this idea that you are going to be young forever, that your excitement for what you are doing RIGHT NOW will never wane…and the day comes along and you start a blog.
One night, like tonight, you sit down and you have absolutely nothing to say. Oh sure, I started a blog about Reagan’s trickle down bullshit and how I was quite infuriated even when it all began. That blog ended up very short. I had nothing to add.
When I was in junior high, I dated. Yes, it’s true. Girls. And they were all so lovely. And I thought, “When I get older, I am still going to like these girls. I’m never going to like older girls. I won’t change.”
But you change. Monstrously.
Do things take their course? It’s really about aging, isn’t it? You have this idea that you are going to be young forever, that your excitement for what you are doing RIGHT NOW will never wane…and the day comes along and you start a blog.
One night, like tonight, you sit down and you have absolutely nothing to say. Oh sure, I started a blog about Reagan’s trickle down bullshit and how I was quite infuriated even when it all began. That blog ended up very short. I had nothing to add.
When I was in junior high, I dated. Yes, it’s true. Girls. And they were all so lovely. And I thought, “When I get older, I am still going to like these girls. I’m never going to like older girls. I won’t change.”
But you change. Monstrously.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Screaming Baby Birds
Go see Megan Karlen's show at The Ansonia Pharmacy. The main painting in the center is called "When You Don't Know What You're Want, You End Up Looking Like An Egg"
Go to the store and buy stuff. Sixth Avenue and Tenth Street. Northeast Corner. Day and Night. It's so wonderful.
Go to the store and buy stuff. Sixth Avenue and Tenth Street. Northeast Corner. Day and Night. It's so wonderful.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Post Review Review
I am feeling so sad about the review I posted last night about The Bacchae for two reasons.
1) People work so hard to do things. And as Tony Randall once said to me, “No one sets out to make a piece of shit.”
And
2) Vanity: I don’t like to come off as a nasty guy bandying aspersions.
So, I applaud all efforts. And even though things didn’t turn out well, I support those who really give it a try.
Let’s hope they really gave it a try.
1) People work so hard to do things. And as Tony Randall once said to me, “No one sets out to make a piece of shit.”
And
2) Vanity: I don’t like to come off as a nasty guy bandying aspersions.
So, I applaud all efforts. And even though things didn’t turn out well, I support those who really give it a try.
Let’s hope they really gave it a try.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ye Gods!
I saw The Bacchae tonight at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It was beautiful outside. Autumn will arrive. You can feel it.
No shortage of raccoons running around.
The play: Dionysus wants to establish his identity in Thebes so he arrives as a mortal and a whole mountain of women (the Chorus) fall in ecstasy. The powerful royal leader, Pantheus (his cousin), will have none of it. He jails Dinonysus and is quickly repaid by Dinonysus’ escape, followed by succumbing to cross dressing to infiltrate the women’s camp and sort of falling in love with Dionysus, followed by being torn apart into pieces by his own mother who was rendered mad.
Look, I don’t like Greek plays. Though the plays of Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus were the precursors to all modern drama, I actually feel like those plays were merely the first precursors to organized drama. Little human primates were running around making believe, telling stories, forever. These Greek plays feel very formalized to me as if, “It’s time we formalize all this fooling around. We’re a serious society now.” Agitprop for the Gods? Cautionary tales to keep people in line, in fear, down? Maybe the only way a democracy can work?
Things do arise. Societies mature, somehow.
I am amazed how Dionysus, unlike Jesus, was so intent on being recognized as the son of God that he made no qualms about inciting mayhem and bloody death. Makes me believe that there were a lot of crazy people running around in days of Greek yore claiming they were Gods. Adds to my theory that Jesus was most likely schizophrenic.
Now, to the production. As my hilarious opera singer step-niece has called certain undesirable performing opportunities---but referring to opera singing, naturally—this was a whole lot of park and bark. So many monologues. So much action not seen or heard.
Jonathan Groff was sweet, but in no way came off as an angry Greek-God-come-to-earth to me. He was more Disney rock star. But I hear, through others, that he is the nicest guy on earth and that everyone loves him. Nice.
Joanne Akalaitis, former artistic director of the Public Theater, founder of Mabou Mines, ex-wife of Philip Glass, directed this thing in some sort of compact of reconciliation with her past from her being fired from The Public Theater. She is abstract and performancy. Things arise from a visual, “Wouldn’t this look cool?” temperament. This is one of my least favorite styles of direction. She turned everything, including laughter and anger, into staged gestures so that, really, nothing was experienced in any way that could be called human. The audience was being kind (or Emperor’s New Clothes-ish sheep-like) not to guffaw at the grotesque responses of the actors on the big, gorgeous set (with silver choral risers in an upward swing).
The music by Philip Glass was very 1956 Hollywood creepy. It was fine, but it felt and sounded like a commission.
Are you turned off yet?
Don’t be, if you like Greek plays, singing choristers, orange outfits, the cute-nice Jonathan Groff, a crack in the stage that goes a bit on fire, raccoons, the feeling that you should take your plays like medicine.
No shortage of raccoons running around.
The play: Dionysus wants to establish his identity in Thebes so he arrives as a mortal and a whole mountain of women (the Chorus) fall in ecstasy. The powerful royal leader, Pantheus (his cousin), will have none of it. He jails Dinonysus and is quickly repaid by Dinonysus’ escape, followed by succumbing to cross dressing to infiltrate the women’s camp and sort of falling in love with Dionysus, followed by being torn apart into pieces by his own mother who was rendered mad.
Look, I don’t like Greek plays. Though the plays of Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus were the precursors to all modern drama, I actually feel like those plays were merely the first precursors to organized drama. Little human primates were running around making believe, telling stories, forever. These Greek plays feel very formalized to me as if, “It’s time we formalize all this fooling around. We’re a serious society now.” Agitprop for the Gods? Cautionary tales to keep people in line, in fear, down? Maybe the only way a democracy can work?
Things do arise. Societies mature, somehow.
I am amazed how Dionysus, unlike Jesus, was so intent on being recognized as the son of God that he made no qualms about inciting mayhem and bloody death. Makes me believe that there were a lot of crazy people running around in days of Greek yore claiming they were Gods. Adds to my theory that Jesus was most likely schizophrenic.
Now, to the production. As my hilarious opera singer step-niece has called certain undesirable performing opportunities---but referring to opera singing, naturally—this was a whole lot of park and bark. So many monologues. So much action not seen or heard.
Jonathan Groff was sweet, but in no way came off as an angry Greek-God-come-to-earth to me. He was more Disney rock star. But I hear, through others, that he is the nicest guy on earth and that everyone loves him. Nice.
Joanne Akalaitis, former artistic director of the Public Theater, founder of Mabou Mines, ex-wife of Philip Glass, directed this thing in some sort of compact of reconciliation with her past from her being fired from The Public Theater. She is abstract and performancy. Things arise from a visual, “Wouldn’t this look cool?” temperament. This is one of my least favorite styles of direction. She turned everything, including laughter and anger, into staged gestures so that, really, nothing was experienced in any way that could be called human. The audience was being kind (or Emperor’s New Clothes-ish sheep-like) not to guffaw at the grotesque responses of the actors on the big, gorgeous set (with silver choral risers in an upward swing).
The music by Philip Glass was very 1956 Hollywood creepy. It was fine, but it felt and sounded like a commission.
Are you turned off yet?
Don’t be, if you like Greek plays, singing choristers, orange outfits, the cute-nice Jonathan Groff, a crack in the stage that goes a bit on fire, raccoons, the feeling that you should take your plays like medicine.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Who Am I to Review the Oceans?
Friends, the Atlantic Ocean, down here at the Southern Tip of New Jersey (Cape May) is warm, clearish and pushes up some very serious waves. Not quite tubes.
The Pacific scenery is more dramatic, sure. But The Alaska Current keeps it cold.
The Atlantic, she’s a flat warm drink.
The Pacific scenery is more dramatic, sure. But The Alaska Current keeps it cold.
The Atlantic, she’s a flat warm drink.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Let's Talk Right Wing
I have a best friend from childhood that I respect and love—and sometimes, she votes Republican. GASP! It’s true.
Look…I am a Democrat in full force. But I am middle aged and I am moderate. So I can listen to the other side. I understand.
My point? I love personal responsibility. I am SO INTO personal responsibility. And I can even forgive the Republicans for their black and white thinking because I agree with self discipline and hard work. Shit, I even think in black and white terms sometimes: “She’s bad, She’s good. Clams, yes. Scallops, no.”
So, I get the whole specific TAKING A LOOK at the individual and putting it all on the individual’s shoulder thing and being really sharp and clear.
But friends---I think a little collective caring is so COOL AND JOYFUL. Just do it. It rises above all that. It takes the edge off. It makes life better.
It simply does.
Peace and Love and prosperity,
Don
Look…I am a Democrat in full force. But I am middle aged and I am moderate. So I can listen to the other side. I understand.
My point? I love personal responsibility. I am SO INTO personal responsibility. And I can even forgive the Republicans for their black and white thinking because I agree with self discipline and hard work. Shit, I even think in black and white terms sometimes: “She’s bad, She’s good. Clams, yes. Scallops, no.”
So, I get the whole specific TAKING A LOOK at the individual and putting it all on the individual’s shoulder thing and being really sharp and clear.
But friends---I think a little collective caring is so COOL AND JOYFUL. Just do it. It rises above all that. It takes the edge off. It makes life better.
It simply does.
Peace and Love and prosperity,
Don
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Say Goodbye to Hollywood
From the roof of our house. Then, a Red Eye to Queens.
Click the Pic to get the Larger View.
Click the Pic to get the Larger View.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Taking Stock
Okay---Now hear this. My stock is back to its original investment. First of all, I don’t even want to say I have stock. But I do. Because I was born in this country, I do this thing that other Americans do---I have an IRA and I buy stocks. Blech. But what else can you do? Boats? Real Estate? Ponies?
So---I have stock. And it has returned. And---jobs will return, too.
Then, we’ll take a trip to Paris. Sometimes, when you need a shift, it is good to take a trip to Paris. You can have a cigarette, drink some chocolat or plain ol’ tea. You can go to the Pompidou. You can take a long walk through the Sixth and remember when it was mostly booksellers. You can remember books. You can have an omelet.
Money frees you up so you can get in touch with your pleasure again. Balancing it, always.
The stocks are back.
So---I have stock. And it has returned. And---jobs will return, too.
Then, we’ll take a trip to Paris. Sometimes, when you need a shift, it is good to take a trip to Paris. You can have a cigarette, drink some chocolat or plain ol’ tea. You can go to the Pompidou. You can take a long walk through the Sixth and remember when it was mostly booksellers. You can remember books. You can have an omelet.
Money frees you up so you can get in touch with your pleasure again. Balancing it, always.
The stocks are back.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
The Gold, The Pineapple, The Golden Pineapple
Friends, thank you so much for your support. Truth is, we won the Golden Pineapple! The excitement was huge. How often do you get a piece of spray painted plastic fruit?
About 30 plays. We got the most votes. You know--competitions are disgusting, until you win one.
It was a bit of a surprise because it was all about getting audience there. And so many other plays had such big audiences. But we won anyway.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT!
My cast was fabulous. The Cringe Festival was completely enjoyable. The community aspect was light, fun and subversive.
ADDED BONUS: David Youse won the first runner up Jack Lemon award for playing the role of John, the nasty.
The Pineapple--I now have something new to toss on top of the memorabilia pile. And it won't break.
Carla Barnett, David Youse, Me and Flip Laffoon.
Long live Piss Play!
About 30 plays. We got the most votes. You know--competitions are disgusting, until you win one.
It was a bit of a surprise because it was all about getting audience there. And so many other plays had such big audiences. But we won anyway.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT!
My cast was fabulous. The Cringe Festival was completely enjoyable. The community aspect was light, fun and subversive.
ADDED BONUS: David Youse won the first runner up Jack Lemon award for playing the role of John, the nasty.
The Pineapple--I now have something new to toss on top of the memorabilia pile. And it won't break.
Carla Barnett, David Youse, Me and Flip Laffoon.
Long live Piss Play!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Piss Play: Closing Night
COME SEE
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
CLOSING NIGHT.
Friends---We are up for the Golden Pineapple. Come see Piss Play. If you can. One Last Performance.
At the International Cringefest ‘09
August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
CLOSING NIGHT.
Friends---We are up for the Golden Pineapple. Come see Piss Play. If you can. One Last Performance.
At the International Cringefest ‘09
August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Taking a Chance
With no blog idea in mind, I simply opened up blogger and started typing.
This naturally lends itself to random listing:
1) We are moving to New York for a good chunk. Rented out the LA house for a year. Going to spend more time on the east coast. But then, you know, who knows. I do like the city.
2) The humidity of New York City is ridiculous. This is the biggest adjustment.
3) Physical therapists are fabulous creatures.
4) I like artichokes.
5) And cheese. Even cheap cheese.
6) I am glad I learned how to type.
7) Facebook is questionable. I'd rather sit in the town square in Weimar and talk to an old lady. But I am grateful for the huge hooking up.
8) I fear garlic.
9) I need a dog.
10) This filthy earth. I don't believe in sterilization, but I do. But then, you can't figure out how to administer it, so you can't do it. So, I don't know. I have to release control. I'll be dead before the poles are rain forests.
This naturally lends itself to random listing:
1) We are moving to New York for a good chunk. Rented out the LA house for a year. Going to spend more time on the east coast. But then, you know, who knows. I do like the city.
2) The humidity of New York City is ridiculous. This is the biggest adjustment.
3) Physical therapists are fabulous creatures.
4) I like artichokes.
5) And cheese. Even cheap cheese.
6) I am glad I learned how to type.
7) Facebook is questionable. I'd rather sit in the town square in Weimar and talk to an old lady. But I am grateful for the huge hooking up.
8) I fear garlic.
9) I need a dog.
10) This filthy earth. I don't believe in sterilization, but I do. But then, you can't figure out how to administer it, so you can't do it. So, I don't know. I have to release control. I'll be dead before the poles are rain forests.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
We Will Not Be Undersold! Insider's Price Now Available
From the PRODUCER of CRINGE FESTIVAL:
If you have any potential audience that is having trouble with the ticket price, you can now offer them an Insider price of $20. Just tell them to call the office and use code INSIDER or they can state that at the box office if they don't already have tickets.
CRINGE FEST
JUST TWO PERFORMANCES LEFT!
TONIGHT! AUGUST 3 @ 8PM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8 @ 8PM
Come share the Piss.
If you have any potential audience that is having trouble with the ticket price, you can now offer them an Insider price of $20. Just tell them to call the office and use code INSIDER or they can state that at the box office if they don't already have tickets.
CRINGE FEST
JUST TWO PERFORMANCES LEFT!
TONIGHT! AUGUST 3 @ 8PM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8 @ 8PM
Come share the Piss.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Swamp Hos, Piss, and Nuns in Drag Dominate
PRESS RELEASE
CRINGE FEST
Swamp Ho's, Piss, and Nuns in Drag Dominate
International CringeFest '09
Neck and neck (or other appropriate appendages) in the race for the International CringeFest's coveted Golden Pineapple at the Grand Theatre, Producers' Club, are:
SWAMP HO (by David C. Hayes, dir. Tom Amici) in the theme evening of Sex Encounters of the Absurd Kind, playing two more performances, August 2 & 7 at 8 p.m.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT written & directed by Don Cummings -- theme evening: Your Money or Your Art; three performances: July 29, August 3 & 8 at 8 p.m.
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked! -- by Michael Wanzie, dir. Kenny Howard), theme evening: Go Genital into That Good Night; two more performances: August 1 & 8 on the late-night Saturday shows at 10:30. TIP: If you attend the 8 p.m. Saturday show at full price ($25), you can get into the late-night for $15!
This year, the festival includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the closing party and bestowing of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, Bronze Banana, and Jack Lemons, August 9 at 6 p.m. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with... Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singer Tina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with... legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with... Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with... Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! Some wild special events beyond the regular insanity include: Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs, e.g., Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Fruit Cup Awards. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by... by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO! by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDY by Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXES by Joseph Sorrentino (film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMY by Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). For those attending the 8 p.m. Saturday show at full price, there is a discounted ticket of $15 for the late-night 10:30 show. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
This email was sent by NY ARTISTS UNLIMITED, 212 West 14 Street, Suite 2A, New York, NY 10011, using Express Email Marketing. You were added to this list as djcummings@sbcglobal.net on 6/16/2009.
Express Email Marketing supports permission-based email marketing. You can change your preferences or unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
CRINGE FEST
Swamp Ho's, Piss, and Nuns in Drag Dominate
International CringeFest '09
Neck and neck (or other appropriate appendages) in the race for the International CringeFest's coveted Golden Pineapple at the Grand Theatre, Producers' Club, are:
SWAMP HO (by David C. Hayes, dir. Tom Amici) in the theme evening of Sex Encounters of the Absurd Kind, playing two more performances, August 2 & 7 at 8 p.m.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT written & directed by Don Cummings -- theme evening: Your Money or Your Art; three performances: July 29, August 3 & 8 at 8 p.m.
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked! -- by Michael Wanzie, dir. Kenny Howard), theme evening: Go Genital into That Good Night; two more performances: August 1 & 8 on the late-night Saturday shows at 10:30. TIP: If you attend the 8 p.m. Saturday show at full price ($25), you can get into the late-night for $15!
This year, the festival includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the closing party and bestowing of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, Bronze Banana, and Jack Lemons, August 9 at 6 p.m. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with... Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singer Tina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with... legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with... Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with... Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! Some wild special events beyond the regular insanity include: Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs, e.g., Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Fruit Cup Awards. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by... by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO! by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDY by Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXES by Joseph Sorrentino (film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMY by Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). For those attending the 8 p.m. Saturday show at full price, there is a discounted ticket of $15 for the late-night 10:30 show. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
This email was sent by NY ARTISTS UNLIMITED, 212 West 14 Street, Suite 2A, New York, NY 10011, using Express Email Marketing. You were added to this list as djcummings@sbcglobal.net on 6/16/2009.
Express Email Marketing supports permission-based email marketing. You can change your preferences or unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
500 Days of Summer
This movie was greatly oversold to me. So I arrived thinking I was in for a treat.
Precious beast of a thing.
First of all, I do love movies. But movie-makers who love movies who try to make me love movies the way they love movies, well, this is a rough experience.
Many gimmicks in this movie. Kitchen sink practically thrown in. I liked the post-sex dance sequence, did not like the send-up fantasy movie clip asides, found the bouncing around in time to be of little use, thought the little sister’s uncanny canny advice was twee but I liked the music.
I felt it was one of those movies where there was so much filming going on, that someone forgot how people really are. So the poor actors, who were great and beautiful—Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (a favorite of mine)—were simply being yanked around, in different LA locales, but repeating the same moment again and again.
You know, all this talk about Indie being dead…I see why there is the talking. It has become repetitive, this style of young people sort of, kind of connecting but not really, with a good soundtrack. It would be so great to see something more revealing, braver. But maybe this is what you get for $12.50 per ticket at the Cineplex and I just have to endure it with a smile.
I was happy to be at a movie and I did not wish I was somewhere else. So I am grateful for the experience of being in the moment. It was a little summer vacation.
Rain rain rain.
Precious beast of a thing.
First of all, I do love movies. But movie-makers who love movies who try to make me love movies the way they love movies, well, this is a rough experience.
Many gimmicks in this movie. Kitchen sink practically thrown in. I liked the post-sex dance sequence, did not like the send-up fantasy movie clip asides, found the bouncing around in time to be of little use, thought the little sister’s uncanny canny advice was twee but I liked the music.
I felt it was one of those movies where there was so much filming going on, that someone forgot how people really are. So the poor actors, who were great and beautiful—Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (a favorite of mine)—were simply being yanked around, in different LA locales, but repeating the same moment again and again.
You know, all this talk about Indie being dead…I see why there is the talking. It has become repetitive, this style of young people sort of, kind of connecting but not really, with a good soundtrack. It would be so great to see something more revealing, braver. But maybe this is what you get for $12.50 per ticket at the Cineplex and I just have to endure it with a smile.
I was happy to be at a movie and I did not wish I was somewhere else. So I am grateful for the experience of being in the moment. It was a little summer vacation.
Rain rain rain.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Northern Boulevard Blog
Things are swampy in the big city. It gets very humid and then there are big thunderstorms. I don’t mind, except that I keep forgetting to bring an umbrella. It’s leftover Los Angeles behavior. So I’ll stand under an awning and watch it.
Last night, the rain poured down so hard that all the subways had to slow down and/or reroute. This happened while I was in the subway so I never saw the rain, but did experience the slow train. We changed routes a couple of times.
Had snacks and tea with my writer friend, Joanna T., at Cannelle Patisserie, this weekend. I highly recommend it. Brilliant place. Joanna knows a thing or two about food. The chef is from the Waldorf-Astoria. It’s in a strip mall parking lot in Queens about a ten minute walk from my apartment. The anchor is Waldbaum’s. The whole complex looks like something out of Burbank. There is a huge Valley Sky over the parking lot. Wide open space. And 1972 prices. Queens is, afterall, still on the rise when it comes to fancy food. If you are ever in the neighborhood, you must go. I love it. And, oh yes, I will mention again—fantastic prices. Frenchy stuff.
Speaking of which. I am not a cook. I mean, I will do it if forced. But I am never forced. I eat on the fly. Tonight, I had the good intention of making myself a big green salad with a grilled chicken breast plopped on top. Oil, vinegar, some grated cheese. Easy. I can do that. It got late. The local grocery store was closed and I just said, “Fuck it, I’m going to White Castle.”
I have never been, and my good friend, Michael S., he once stayed here in this apartment and told me how I had to go to White Castle for “A sack of ten.” Many of you might already know how this works at White Castle. You can buy a whole bag of mini-burgers (are they really burgers?) for very little cash. So, I walked up Northern Boulevard, past the Columbian neighborhood shops, to the border of the Peruvian neighborhood shops, past at least five Hamburguesa places, a car wash, a few 99cent stores, the fire house, the Rite Aid, and across from the brand new CVS stood White Castle. I couldn’t buy a sack. I went a la carte. Because when you’re a somewhat upscale dude trawling for meat on downscale Northern Boulevard, you simply must insist on the a la carte experience. I ordered one burger slider, one chicken slider and some onion rings. Four bucks.
I texted Michael S. to let him know what I was up to. He called me, immediately, excited and supportive! It’s always good to have a little conversation with someone when you are eating. Helps the digestion. Monkey ritual thing. After I ate my White Castle on that swampy, ugly Northern Boulevard, I went up to the counter—I was the only customer in the place—and I asked the question that so many before me must have asked after slathering down their sliders, “Is there an open liquor store around here?”
A happy woman near some sort of food machine told me it was a half a block away. I asked, “On the same side of the street?” “YES!” She was so happy for me that I didn’t have to cross the street. She was not the woman who took my order, but more of a back-in-the-office type who had come up to check on things. I think she was impressed that I was white and had on a button down shirt.
I walked the half block to the liquor store. It was one of those places that sell big jugs of wine for 8.99 and bottles of other stuff that should be called, “Nothing but pain in the morning.” I bought a red wine on special. In order to pay, I had to tunnel the bottle through a large mouse hole that opened sideways through the bullet proof glass. Paid cash and lugged it home. It’s for tomorrow. I still have a little left in another bottle.
This move to New York (we are moving to New York now) is full-on full.
I really was ready to leave Los Angeles. But I do miss my friends, my house and the weather.
I am at the peak of my career. I’m eating White Castle on Northern Boulevard.
I have never felt more creative. I mostly fill out internet fields for banks and vendors informing them of my email and mailing address change.
We have great assets. We have no cash.
We live apart. I have never felt closer.
I hate writing that does this best of times, worst of times shit. I do it anyway.
Lucky me.
Northern Boulevard is really ugly. But it is so honest.
Last night, the rain poured down so hard that all the subways had to slow down and/or reroute. This happened while I was in the subway so I never saw the rain, but did experience the slow train. We changed routes a couple of times.
Had snacks and tea with my writer friend, Joanna T., at Cannelle Patisserie, this weekend. I highly recommend it. Brilliant place. Joanna knows a thing or two about food. The chef is from the Waldorf-Astoria. It’s in a strip mall parking lot in Queens about a ten minute walk from my apartment. The anchor is Waldbaum’s. The whole complex looks like something out of Burbank. There is a huge Valley Sky over the parking lot. Wide open space. And 1972 prices. Queens is, afterall, still on the rise when it comes to fancy food. If you are ever in the neighborhood, you must go. I love it. And, oh yes, I will mention again—fantastic prices. Frenchy stuff.
Speaking of which. I am not a cook. I mean, I will do it if forced. But I am never forced. I eat on the fly. Tonight, I had the good intention of making myself a big green salad with a grilled chicken breast plopped on top. Oil, vinegar, some grated cheese. Easy. I can do that. It got late. The local grocery store was closed and I just said, “Fuck it, I’m going to White Castle.”
I have never been, and my good friend, Michael S., he once stayed here in this apartment and told me how I had to go to White Castle for “A sack of ten.” Many of you might already know how this works at White Castle. You can buy a whole bag of mini-burgers (are they really burgers?) for very little cash. So, I walked up Northern Boulevard, past the Columbian neighborhood shops, to the border of the Peruvian neighborhood shops, past at least five Hamburguesa places, a car wash, a few 99cent stores, the fire house, the Rite Aid, and across from the brand new CVS stood White Castle. I couldn’t buy a sack. I went a la carte. Because when you’re a somewhat upscale dude trawling for meat on downscale Northern Boulevard, you simply must insist on the a la carte experience. I ordered one burger slider, one chicken slider and some onion rings. Four bucks.
I texted Michael S. to let him know what I was up to. He called me, immediately, excited and supportive! It’s always good to have a little conversation with someone when you are eating. Helps the digestion. Monkey ritual thing. After I ate my White Castle on that swampy, ugly Northern Boulevard, I went up to the counter—I was the only customer in the place—and I asked the question that so many before me must have asked after slathering down their sliders, “Is there an open liquor store around here?”
A happy woman near some sort of food machine told me it was a half a block away. I asked, “On the same side of the street?” “YES!” She was so happy for me that I didn’t have to cross the street. She was not the woman who took my order, but more of a back-in-the-office type who had come up to check on things. I think she was impressed that I was white and had on a button down shirt.
I walked the half block to the liquor store. It was one of those places that sell big jugs of wine for 8.99 and bottles of other stuff that should be called, “Nothing but pain in the morning.” I bought a red wine on special. In order to pay, I had to tunnel the bottle through a large mouse hole that opened sideways through the bullet proof glass. Paid cash and lugged it home. It’s for tomorrow. I still have a little left in another bottle.
This move to New York (we are moving to New York now) is full-on full.
I really was ready to leave Los Angeles. But I do miss my friends, my house and the weather.
I am at the peak of my career. I’m eating White Castle on Northern Boulevard.
I have never felt more creative. I mostly fill out internet fields for banks and vendors informing them of my email and mailing address change.
We have great assets. We have no cash.
We live apart. I have never felt closer.
I hate writing that does this best of times, worst of times shit. I do it anyway.
Lucky me.
Northern Boulevard is really ugly. But it is so honest.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
PISS PLAY opens TONIGHT!
COME SEE
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
At the International Cringefest ‘09
July 24 (Fri) & July 29 (Wed)
August 3 (Mon) & August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
At the International Cringefest ‘09
July 24 (Fri) & July 29 (Wed)
August 3 (Mon) & August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
What I Skip Whenever I Read the Paper
Iraqi Dead.
Iranian Dead.
No more than one business article, too grim.
Sports.
Music Reviews.
Local Murders.
Letters to the editor.
Obituaries.
The dying journalism trade.
When I look at this list, it tends toward the dead. I don’t want to read too much about the dead and the dying.
I miss the Los Angeles Times of 1999. It was so funny and snarky back then. Now, I only read the New York Times and whatever little feeds end up on Google Mail that interest me.
Also, let’s face it, the Righties are right…newspapers, in general, skew to the left in this country. There is not so much to attack when your hero is in office.
Feels like I can get through the New York Times online in fifteen minutes. Except for Sunday, of course.
So now we have time for other things.
If I were to run into this blog post (which is about journalism), I wouldn’t read it!
Iranian Dead.
No more than one business article, too grim.
Sports.
Music Reviews.
Local Murders.
Letters to the editor.
Obituaries.
The dying journalism trade.
When I look at this list, it tends toward the dead. I don’t want to read too much about the dead and the dying.
I miss the Los Angeles Times of 1999. It was so funny and snarky back then. Now, I only read the New York Times and whatever little feeds end up on Google Mail that interest me.
Also, let’s face it, the Righties are right…newspapers, in general, skew to the left in this country. There is not so much to attack when your hero is in office.
Feels like I can get through the New York Times online in fifteen minutes. Except for Sunday, of course.
So now we have time for other things.
If I were to run into this blog post (which is about journalism), I wouldn’t read it!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Money Talk
Things are going to get almost bullish.
There is talk of recovery.
Obama is getting strong and tough.
People are sick of the unemployment and the endless hot dog dinners. And the cycle is about to turn to rosier times.
As monkeys, we really are creatures of the moment. Sure, we plan. But our emotional reactions are quite mammalian, no different than that of a cow or a badger. We respond to current clues. So it is hard to imagine a “cycle”. We aren’t really wired to emotionally understand them.
But at some point, and that point is soon, the wheel turns to the new numbers and colors.
Brace yourself for the recovery. It’s coming. Put down that jug of 4.99 wine and get on your work boots. There is stuff to do. And the new stuff, we think, will be cleaner and more efficient.
There is talk of recovery.
Obama is getting strong and tough.
People are sick of the unemployment and the endless hot dog dinners. And the cycle is about to turn to rosier times.
As monkeys, we really are creatures of the moment. Sure, we plan. But our emotional reactions are quite mammalian, no different than that of a cow or a badger. We respond to current clues. So it is hard to imagine a “cycle”. We aren’t really wired to emotionally understand them.
But at some point, and that point is soon, the wheel turns to the new numbers and colors.
Brace yourself for the recovery. It’s coming. Put down that jug of 4.99 wine and get on your work boots. There is stuff to do. And the new stuff, we think, will be cleaner and more efficient.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Hazy Hot Humid & Goldman Sachs
Friends,
It’s New York in the summer and it’s not just hot out there, it’s kind of greasy.
I like the humidity for my contact lenses and my sinuses. But for everything else, it’s sort of vile.
In the hot meantime, the rich are finding ways to get richer again, which is fine with me. But what is not so fine is how all this cash is concentrating within a couple of companies. One hopes we become innovative again and create sparkling yet smooth demand that splinters the money around instead of putting it in the hands of a few.
But it just feels like we are in a bust, then one day we will boom, only to bust again.
Nothing new under the sun. You just have to keep washing your face.
It’s New York in the summer and it’s not just hot out there, it’s kind of greasy.
I like the humidity for my contact lenses and my sinuses. But for everything else, it’s sort of vile.
In the hot meantime, the rich are finding ways to get richer again, which is fine with me. But what is not so fine is how all this cash is concentrating within a couple of companies. One hopes we become innovative again and create sparkling yet smooth demand that splinters the money around instead of putting it in the hands of a few.
But it just feels like we are in a bust, then one day we will boom, only to bust again.
Nothing new under the sun. You just have to keep washing your face.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
PISS PLAY July 24, 29, August 3, 8
COME SEE
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
At the International Cringefest ‘09
July 24 (Fri) & July 29 (Wed)
August 3 (Mon) & August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Written and Directed by Don Cummings
With David Youse, Carla Barnett & Flip Laffoon
At the International Cringefest ‘09
July 24 (Fri) & July 29 (Wed)
August 3 (Mon) & August 8 (Sat)
8PM
The Producers’ Club
358 W. 44 St.
New York City 10036
25 bucks general admission
$15 for students
$50 for Gala night with the “Stars” (Mink Stole & More) July 24
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES SO IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT:
The Arts Council must pick one lucky recipient to win the big funding prize! Who will it be? This farce of urinary proportions sends up the ridiculous nature of arts funding and who actually gets the cash. Run by two self-involved nuts that put three applicants through the paces for the booty, only one hopeful has the courage to steel his nerve and give what is greatly desired: The streaming shame of what it means to be "less than" in society. This nasty farce, with its heart in its kidneys, is sure to tickle even the most politically correct.
FOR TICKETS ONLINE:
www.theatermania.com
www.nyartists.org
WHAT DO A MINK STOLE & A GOLDEN PINEAPPLE HAVE IN COMMON?
John Waters superstar MINK STOLE is the latest celeb summoned to be crowned with an Honorary Golden Pineapple on Friday, July 24, at International CringeFest '09. Often cast as the foil for Divine in such cult classics as Hairspray, Female Trouble and Pink Flamingos, she also appeared with Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom. She joins an illustrious quartet of awardees at CringeFest: Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/ New York, legendary talk show host Joe Franklin, Village Voice celebrity columnist Michael Musto, and Warhol star Taylor Mead. The ceremony is part of the Rags 'n Riches benefit for the dedicated outreach work of NY Artists Unlimited, the company that created the five-year-old festival. In '07, the honoree was legendary director Tom O'Horgan (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar) and in '08, stage-screen-small screen star Marilyn Sokol, cabaret superstar Sidney Myer, and Warhol muse/ visual artist Ultra Violet. Benefit tickets are $50, including 4 plays, awards ceremony, and party in the Grand Theatre at the Producers' Club--
358 West 44 Street.
The benefit theme evokes the struggle of the artist, especially in an economic downturn, and all the plays that evening are razor-sharp theatre-oriented comedies: A Dark & Stormy Night (producer tortures writer 'for his own good'), The Poorly-Written Play Festival (lambasts whilst demonstrating bad playwriting), Worst. Play. Ever. (live radio drama with a maniacal twist),and Piss Play Is about Minorities, So It's Really Important (just how far will one go for funding?). The last is written & directed by Don Cummings, who enjoyed an industry reading in June of another of his plays "A Good Smoke" at the Public Theater with Meryl Streep, Henry Wolfe Gummer & Grace Gummer (Meryl's children), and Debra Monk, directed by Pam MacKinnon.
Rags 'n Riches also includes a silent auction, currently on the Internet and continuing through the party in the Producers' Club Lounge after the Pineapple awards. Some of the more intriguing offerings are: "Coffee with… Ginger!" (luminous actress-nightclub singerTina Louise, best known as Ginger the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"), "Coffee with… legendary actor-writer-director Austin Pendleton," "Coffee with… Richard Pryor Jr." (actor-singer and, yes, son of Richard/ brother of Rain), "Coffee with… Broadway producer Pat Addiss," and more. Further bidding will be for an Ipod touch donated & inscribed by Yoko Ono, 3 movie posters donated & signed by John Waters, signed NYC Ballet soloist toeshoes, designer clothes by Teri Jon, Shin Choi, Twisted Heart, Velvet; dance packages, restaurant certificates, family outings, hotel stays, Broadway/ Off-Broadway tickets, original artwork, autographed photos & books, and more. To get on the auction mailing list: Info@nyartists.org.
The International CringeFest, playing July 20-August 9, is subtitled bad plays, bad musicals, bad films, but these are REALLY GOOD & HILARIOUS works that are irreverent, politically incorrect, naughty, and utterly zany. Don't we all need that these days?! This year introduces some wild special events beyond the regular insanity: late-night Saturday shows, including a naked holy ghost and a mysterious little contraption called the Li'l Red Ridin' Hood… AND Unholy Sunday Film Matinees at $15 with popcorn and talk-backs: Taylor Mead & legendary filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26, and Miss Sammy, a Floridian female impersonator, on August 9. Festival entre actes include regulars: musician-comedian Huck DeMilo, sound effects comedian Zero Boy, plus surprise guests. Audiences vote every night for winners of the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato, & Bronze Banana, plus Jack Lemons for the actors. For one ticket, you see 4-5 works arranged in theme evenings:
IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET? (Dir. Tony Spinosa) July 20, July 25, July 30, August 4
RANK ROID RITE, Samurai Proctologist by Zurbon Gish
BHIBHATSYA: Disgusting Beyond Words by Norman Bert
THE HISTORY OF HATE (entre acte by Jean Hart)
THE FLAMING OF THE SHREW by David Schrag
THE MISSION (MUSICAL) by Kevin Bleau
THE SCOTTISH PLAY sponsored by… by Kurt Kleinmann
CHILDREN & (OTHER) SHARP OBJECTS (Dir. Kenny Wade Marshall) July 21, July 26, July 31, August 5
PLAYTHINGS by Rob Taylor
SANTA TELLS A STORY by Tami Canaday
THE CLOSET by Aoise Stratford
JUST A BREATH MORE VANILLA by Barbara H. Macchia
BITTERELLA (MUSICAL) by Mark LaPierre
DAMES AT SEA July 22, July 27, August 1, August 6
TERROR OF COCKROACH BEACH (short film by Albert Pergande)
A NEW BEGINNING by Josh McIlvain, dir. Robyne Parrish
THE ADVENTURES OF RAY NOIR, BEACH DETECTIVE by Dick Budin, dir. Tony Spinosa
WHEN BIMBOS ATTACK by Jean Hart, dir. Kenny Howard
THE BLUE LAGOON: A Musical by Jonathan Padget, dir. Kenny Howard
SEX ENCOUNTERS OF THE ABSURD KIND (Dir. Tom Amici) July 23, July 28, August 2, August 7
FAME CONFUSIONS by John Hendel
NO TALKING ON THE FIRST DATE by Steven Schutzman
BOOTY BANDITS by Kesa Maya Soul
SWAMP HO by David C. Hayes
YOUR MONEY OR YOUR ART July 24, July 29, August 3, August 8
A DARK & STORMY NIGHT by Michael Wilmot (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
THE POORLY-WRITTEN PLAY FESTIVAL by Carolyn Gage (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
WORST. PLAY. EVER. by Sam Wallin (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
PISS PLAY IS ABOUT MINORITIES, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT (Writer-Dir. Don Cummings)
GO GENITAL INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Late-night Saturdays, July 25, August 1, August 8, at 10:30 pm
GRAMPA HITLER & THE LI'L RED RIDIN' HOOD (MUSICAL) by Leroi B. Di Milo (Dir. Robyne Parrish)
DRAGNESS OF GOD & THE NAKED HOLY GHOST (yes, naked!) by Michael Wanzie (Dir. Kenny Howard)
UNHOLY SUNDAY FILM MATINEE July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, at 2 pm ($15 w/ bag of popcorn & talk-backs with filmmakers & stars)
SHUT UP, APOLLO!by Apollo Braun aka Doron Braunshtein
CANDY & DADDYby Anton Perich (with Warhol filmstars Candy Darling & Taylor Mead) (talk-back with Taylor Mead & filmmaker Anton Perich on July 26)
DEATH & TAXESby Joseph Sorrentino(film noir)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMYby Michael Wanzie & Jason Piecarski (talk-back with Miss Sammy & the filmmakers Aug. 9)
NY Artists Unlimited is a 26 year old nonprofit organization that provides theatre and art to under-served audiences. The company is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Nancy Quinn Fund, Puffin Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, corporate and individual contributors. These festivals, in their own wacky way, support the mission to serve the community and to reopen the company's homebase, Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. The movers 'n shakers behind this insanity are: Melba LaRose, Artistic Director; Court Sweeting, Technical Director, and playwright Jean Hart of the Honorary Golden Pineapple Committee; plus myriad interns and volunteers that make the whole thing happen.
Tickets $25 full admission; $15 students with ID; $15 film matinees (w/ popcorn & talk-backs). Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or reservations by mail, call 212-242-6036 or visit www.nyartists.org. For online ticketing: www.theatermania.com. Grand Theatre at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44 St., betw. Eighth/Ninth Aves., July 20-August 9, M-Sat. @ 8, Sun. @ 2 (films) & 7, late show Saturday @ 10:30. Each theme runs 1¾ to 2 hours in toto, including intermission.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bruno
Saw Bruno today.
Watch the trailer, you get the idea.
Look—I don’t know how he did it after Borat, since one would imagine everyone is onto him. This movie did seem more set up and controlled than the last one.
At first, I thought the super-duper, over-the-top gay thing in Bruno was so 1981. But the big point of the movie is: You people can’t take a big effeminate, gay man…but you are totally cool with violence.
Which is a great comment and quite profound, but also banal and sad.
Actually, a sadness runs deep in this movie. Like Vietnam sad. Underneath the humor.
Sasha B. Cohen looked eerily like my nephew, which was odd to endure.
Bruno, a big, funny, sad movie.
Watch the trailer, you get the idea.
Look—I don’t know how he did it after Borat, since one would imagine everyone is onto him. This movie did seem more set up and controlled than the last one.
At first, I thought the super-duper, over-the-top gay thing in Bruno was so 1981. But the big point of the movie is: You people can’t take a big effeminate, gay man…but you are totally cool with violence.
Which is a great comment and quite profound, but also banal and sad.
Actually, a sadness runs deep in this movie. Like Vietnam sad. Underneath the humor.
Sasha B. Cohen looked eerily like my nephew, which was odd to endure.
Bruno, a big, funny, sad movie.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Overheard in Queens, Today
“Get off my face, Eileen!”
--an old woman yelled at her other old woman friend, Eileen. Eileen had already signed the petition and wanted to get a move on.
The yeller continued, “Just ‘cause you’re done doesn’t mean I am.”
It was a beautiful day in Queens, today. Lots of Sunday dogs out on their walks.
But Eileen was in a rush.
--an old woman yelled at her other old woman friend, Eileen. Eileen had already signed the petition and wanted to get a move on.
The yeller continued, “Just ‘cause you’re done doesn’t mean I am.”
It was a beautiful day in Queens, today. Lots of Sunday dogs out on their walks.
But Eileen was in a rush.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Immediate Concern
Going to New York for a while to work on some things. And after tonight, being enshrouded by eighty-seven cobwebs as I crossed the street to look at the gigantic podicarpus tree that is baobbabing my house, I thought, “I will be very happy to spend much less time with these sticky velvet fibers clinging to my face.”
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
She Rolled Off the Lot Today
Noah Massey stopped by today and bought my lovely old car. I drove that 1992 Geo Prizm to Los Angeles in 1993. Noah is a graphic designer and a D.J. He is going to use the car to take his daughter to school and to haul equipment to DJ gigs. I love this transition.
When I arrived in Los Angeles, besides some clothes, I basically had four things: the Geo Prizm, a brand new Martin guitar, a Brother Word Processor and two-thousand dollars.
The only remaining item is the Martin guitar. That Geo, that Chevrolet version of a Toyota Corolla, was a tank. Once, about six years ago, she conked out coming up the grapevine (I-5, north of Los Angeles about seventy miles) and it turned out to be the transmission. It died. The garage just across the alley from my house sent up a tow truck and hauled me home. They replaced the tranny for thirteen-hundred bucks.
About three alternators, five batteries, thirteen or fourteen tires and countless brake pads later, she keeps purring, okay, not purring, but GOING. Go have some great gigs, car. You're loaded with life.
When I arrived in Los Angeles, besides some clothes, I basically had four things: the Geo Prizm, a brand new Martin guitar, a Brother Word Processor and two-thousand dollars.
The only remaining item is the Martin guitar. That Geo, that Chevrolet version of a Toyota Corolla, was a tank. Once, about six years ago, she conked out coming up the grapevine (I-5, north of Los Angeles about seventy miles) and it turned out to be the transmission. It died. The garage just across the alley from my house sent up a tow truck and hauled me home. They replaced the tranny for thirteen-hundred bucks.
About three alternators, five batteries, thirteen or fourteen tires and countless brake pads later, she keeps purring, okay, not purring, but GOING. Go have some great gigs, car. You're loaded with life.
Monday, July 06, 2009
GAS SIPPING CAR for SALE: 1992 Geo Prizm SOLD
GREAT 1992 GEO PRIZM SIPS GAS SLOWLY
1992 Geo Prizm for Sale 151 Thousand Miles.
Blu Book value: 1300
Selling it for 1150
AMAZING on GAS----Goes forevever (About 340 miles, city) on 10 gallons.
All electrical is faboo.
Automatic Transmission
Bucket Seats
Rear Window Defogger
Solid engine with never any trouble
Transmission was replaced five years ago.
A/C works great.
Heat comes and goes.
AM-FM radio with Cassette Pioneer KE-3838
Couple of inner door handles have a piece missing…but all doors open, no problem. Piece is replaceable and inexpensive.
Roll down windows
Power steering and Power brakes
Some dings and one dent on the outside but NO RUST.
White exterior
Cloth powder blue seats interior.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir no longer exists, but wipers work fine,
Floor carpets and upholstery are in great shape.
She’s a solid tank of a car---with some cosmetic wear and tear. I've treated her like a princess.
SOLD
GREAT 1992 GEO PRIZM SIPS GAS SLOWLY
1992 Geo Prizm for Sale 151 Thousand Miles.
Blu Book value: 1300
Selling it for 1150
AMAZING on GAS----Goes forevever (About 340 miles, city) on 10 gallons.
All electrical is faboo.
Automatic Transmission
Bucket Seats
Rear Window Defogger
Solid engine with never any trouble
Transmission was replaced five years ago.
A/C works great.
Heat comes and goes.
AM-FM radio with Cassette Pioneer KE-3838
Couple of inner door handles have a piece missing…but all doors open, no problem. Piece is replaceable and inexpensive.
Roll down windows
Power steering and Power brakes
Some dings and one dent on the outside but NO RUST.
White exterior
Cloth powder blue seats interior.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir no longer exists, but wipers work fine,
Floor carpets and upholstery are in great shape.
She’s a solid tank of a car---with some cosmetic wear and tear. I've treated her like a princess.
SOLD
GREAT 1992 GEO PRIZM SIPS GAS SLOWLY
Full Moon and Werewolves
The full moon tonight is so enlivening, I can only think of my childhood wish to be a werewolf.
I wanted it so bad. To turn all furry, spur claws, fangs and run around wild.
My father called me Irving when I was a kid. I wore glasses and spent most of my time alone with books.
I imagined being a werewolf was my way out. I hope I succeed.
I wanted it so bad. To turn all furry, spur claws, fangs and run around wild.
My father called me Irving when I was a kid. I wore glasses and spent most of my time alone with books.
I imagined being a werewolf was my way out. I hope I succeed.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Like War, Crime is Boring: Public Enemies
While eating with my good cousins at The Grove—an outdoor fake-town mall in Los Angeles, we looked up at the marquis of the movie theatre across the way and a scowling Johnny Depp beckoned, so we decided to go see—Public Enemies.
Let’s keep this simple:
Mortgage funds for all involved.
Beautifully shot.
Bad sound.
Almost every single man in the movie has pale skin and chestnut hair, so, you figure that out.
Lots of on-the-lam stuff, a few bank robberies, no suspense.
Fine acting, surely.
Cameos by lots of actors you like. You get the sense that they didn’t know they were cameos and were shot a whole lot more and then chopped out of the movie.
The thing slogs on for hours on end.
Have fun.
Let’s keep this simple:
Mortgage funds for all involved.
Beautifully shot.
Bad sound.
Almost every single man in the movie has pale skin and chestnut hair, so, you figure that out.
Lots of on-the-lam stuff, a few bank robberies, no suspense.
Fine acting, surely.
Cameos by lots of actors you like. You get the sense that they didn’t know they were cameos and were shot a whole lot more and then chopped out of the movie.
The thing slogs on for hours on end.
Have fun.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Welcome, A.F.
Let’s all welcome Al Franken to the senate for that 60th vote spot which will certainly assure our new health care plan.
Al, I once saw you at the Fairway restaurant, on Broadway on the Upper West Side, eating an egg salad sandwich and it looked like you were having quite a robust experience. You were huger than life.
Life just gets bigger.
To Washington! Godspeed! (What on earth does Godspeed mean?)
Al, I once saw you at the Fairway restaurant, on Broadway on the Upper West Side, eating an egg salad sandwich and it looked like you were having quite a robust experience. You were huger than life.
Life just gets bigger.
To Washington! Godspeed! (What on earth does Godspeed mean?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)