Theatre, Culture, Politics & Stuff I Like

Another Freshly Brewed, with History

2012-02-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

An upcoming ALT event, this one on Sunday, Feb 26, 2012 at Opera America, with composer Anthony Davis. Since I'm feeling blog-lazy today in the midst of all my other projects, I'm simply copying and pasting parts of the press release! I'm a lazy lazy man. Ah, screw it, I have to finish this libretto and my taxes.

"American Lyric Theater (ALT) is pleased to announce that composer Anthony Davis will host the next event in the company's FRESHLY BREWED concert and master class series on Sunday, February 26th, 2012, at 1:00 PM.

The FRESHLY BREWED series was designed to give the public a chance to see inside the Composer Librettist Development Program studio. ALT's flagship program, the Composer Librettist Development Program (CLDP) is the only full time mentorship initiative for emerging operatic writers in the United States. Anthony Davis, internationally acclaimed composer of the operas X, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X, TANIA, AMISTAD, and WAKONDA'S DREAM, is a guest faculty member and artist mentor for the CLDP.

Davis is known around the globe for his exciting works that draw from the lives of historical figures. This month's FRESHLY BREWED event will be the culmination of his winter residency at ALT, during which composers and librettists in the CLDP have been exploring the challenges of dramatizing history for the opera stage. Guest singers from the country's leading opera houses join us for a program of newly written scenes based on real-life figures, including Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of Defense during Vietnam under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson; Henry Morton Stanley, the famous British explorer of Africa; (HEY THERE EVERYONE THIS ONE IS MINE, LOVE DAVID) Helen Suzman, the lone woman in South Africa’s parliament for 36 years, and a tireless dissenter against apartheid; and Salvador Allende, President of Chile from 1970-1973, and the first democratically elected Marxist to become president of a country in Latin America.

American Lyric Theater Resident Artists to be featured include composers Alla Borzova, Jeremy Beck, Theo Popov, Jorge Sosa, and Jeffrey Smith; and librettists Magda Bogin, Kate Light, Stephanie Fleischmann, David Johnston, and Laura Sosa."

"Tickets, which include a light brunch, are available for $20 through Smarttix. Advance purchase is required. Due to limited seating capacity at OPERA America, tickets are strictly limited and will not be sold on the day of the event. OPERA America is located at 330 Seventh Avenue (between 28th and 29th)."

A Quote of the Day from Joseph Mitchell

2012-02-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Somebody runs a Joseph Mitchell Facebook page, and periodically posts one of his wonderful, understated, pitch-perfect quotes.

“I believe the most interesting human beings, so far as talk is concerned, are anthropologists, farmers, prostitutes, psychiatrists, and an occasional bartender. The best talk is artless, the talk of people trying to reassure or comfort themselves, women in the sun, grouped around baby carriages, talking about their weeks in the hospital or the way meat has gone up, or men in the saloons, talking to combat the loneliness everyone feels.” From his collection of short pieces, My Ears Are Bent

Peter Bellamy Portraits

2012-01-10T13:34:00.001-08:00

Several years ago, Time Out NY had a feature on playwrights, and they sent a guy to my apartment to take a picture of me. At the time, my life was in a total uproar and when I met Peter at my door, I was wearing a hoodie and I don't think I'd shaved. He quietly said, "Do you want to change into something else? A lot of people are going to read this." I hustled off to put on something a little nicer.

We chatted and he did all those professional photographer things to put a subject at ease; talking about himself, drawing me into a conversation about something completely unrelated. (I don't like having my picture taken and it usually shows.)

He did take a very nice pic, though - one of my favorites of myself - and now it's up on his website. Definitely cool people on it; Andrea Lepcio, who I worked with at America-in-Play, Lynn Nottage, John Clancy, and David Ives with an excerpt from one of my favorite blues-killers, "Variations on the Death of Trotsky."

Roman Calendar and Entering the Breech

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

A few odds and ends...A NUMBER ON THE ROMAN CALENDAR, which was read at the Players Club in September, will be published by Applause Theatrebooks in their Best American Short Plays series next year. Thanks to Carter Jackson and Sarah Kate Jackson at d.i.r.t company, which produced the reading as part of their inaugural event. Also thanks to Jonna McElrath, Jim Ireland and Tom Lyons who are all so damn funny.

AND. First up event at American Lyric Theater's Composer Librettists Development Program. OK, that was long, what does that mean? My first work for opera, publicly presented; Freshly Brewed - The Art of the Aria, a Master Class with Mark Adamo. It's on Sunday, December 18, 1 PM at Opera America, 330 7th Avenue at 29th Street. I'm working with a wildly talented young composer, Theo Popov, and we'll be presenting an aria written for soprano Katherine Jolly. The whole thing is quite scary and exciting. Twenty bucks in advance, and ALT will throw in brunch.

Exorcism

2011-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. God. The New Yorker has unearthed an unpublished Eugene O'Neill play from 1920. Staged in 1920, it looks like O'Neill destroyed all the copies he thought existed to placate his father. Found in some screenwriter's papers, a copy - the gift of one of O'Neill's wives, Agnes Boulton. So. Cool. Life is good.

Heavy Petting Below Houston

2011-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Next up, my beloved pals at Blue Coyote Theater Group take over Playwrights for Pets with HEAVY PETTING.

This evening of short plays will feature Matthew Freeman's "The White Swallow" (a sick and satisfying little piece) and also an excerpt from my upcoming full-length, "Coney." Casting is pending, but the running time of approximately one hour. It's down at the Access Theater (natch) on Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28 at 8:00 pm.

Important How-to-Get-There-And-Get-Tickets-Stuff: the Access Theater is at 380 Broadway, 2 blocks south of Canal Street. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through SmartTix. You can call: (212) 868-4444 or visit this link on the website, which will take you directly to the HEAVY PETTING page.

Good Giving-Back-to-the-Community-Stuff: All ticket proceeds will be donated to Glen Wild Animal Rescue. Please visit their website to discover the wonderful work they do.

Mad World

2011-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

They're in previews now, but I just have to dash off a quick love letter for one of my favorite actors (and human beings) - Vince Gatton, who is currently playing King John at the Access Gallery downtown.

Vince and I have worked together many times -Candy & Dorothy, Busted Jesus Comix - and more readings of other works than I could remember or count. He's a consistently surprising, inventive and soulful actor. His toolbox is full and he's crafty as hell.

In the title role, he's petulant, needy, manipulative, vindictive and vulnerable; a would-be Richard the Third undone by his own incompetence and bad luck. You want to strangle him and you feel for him. John's a lousy rotten prick and he still doesn't deserve the damnation that crushes him. (Shakespeare gets his cake and eats it, too. Jerk.)

It's an early Shakespeare, but it's a fascinating study in political machinations and collateral damage. People form alliances, double-cross each other, make threats, make nice, all the while the country goes down the tubes. Ross Williams directs and it's strong and sharp. They use multi-media but it doesn't feel like a gimmick; it actually adds to the storytelling in interesting and creative ways. The set design is the best use of the Access Gallery I've ever seen. Get tickets soon for this - it's filling up in previews and it closes Oct. 2.

A Number on the Roman Calendar, at the Players Club

2011-09-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here are all the details.

On Monday, September 12th, d.i.r.t. company invites you to experience DIRTy SHORTs - our original short play staged-reading series to be held at The Players Club on historic Gramercy Square.

7 pm for cocktails and banter, followed by 3 original short plays.

This Mon September 12, short plays by Eric Fallen, David Johnston and Megan Mostyn-Brown.

After the readings, all are invited – encouraged, even - to stay and drink with the writers and cast, mixing and mingling conversations and friends till we close the place down.

A NUMBER ON THE ROMAN CALENDAR by David Johnston, features Jonna McElrath, Jim Ireleand and Tom Lyons.

Players Club address is 16 Gramercy Park South, which is E. 20th St between Park Ave South and 3rd Ave.

No reservations needed, and the reading is free.

Dress code is nice casual - jackets/ties, while welcome, are not required.

You're Just Cheap Uptown Dirt

2011-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

From my friends, Carter and Sarah:

"On Monday, September 12th, d.i.r.t. company invites you to experience DIRTy SHORTs - our original short play staged-reading series to be held at The Players Club on historic Gramercy Square. One night a month - from September through December – we welcome you to join us at 7 pm for cocktails and banter, followed by 3-4 original short plays written by our favorite playwrights and read by our favorite actors. After the readings, all are invited – encouraged, even - to stay and drink with the writers and cast, mixing and mingling conversations and friends till we close the place down. The inaugural DIRTy SHORTs features pieces by Eric Fallen, David Johnston and Megan Mostyn-Brown."

(Specifically, this one is the new-ish one-act, A NUMBER ON THE ROMAN CALENDAR. Should be fun. More info soon as I get it.)

Opera and American Lyric Theater

2011-08-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Very happy to make this announcement, which I've had to keep mum for a month. I've been chosen as one of the eight new resident artists for the American Lyric Theater's Composer Librettist Development Program. This will start in September and go until next June, with presentations at some cool places (like Symphony Space) and workshops with some amazing opera and theater people. Press release is here.

The roster of current Resident Artists - including those for 2011-12 - is here.

UPDATE: A nice write up from Rochelle at NYTE, and also an update on Tony Ansaro, who completed the ALT program and has been commissioned by them to write a new opera.

Quote of the Day

2011-08-05T09:34:00.001-07:00

"Puritanism - the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." - H.L. Mencken

"Candy & Dorothy" Closes

2011-08-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was able to get to Rockville this weekend and see the Saturday matinee and evening performances of "Candy & Dorothy" at Unexpected Stage. A big congrats to my terrific cast, director Chris Goodrich and producer Rachel Stroud-Goodrich, the designers I got to meet at the talkback and crew. Excellent jobs all around. Press was excellent, too - here and here. Talkback had a very interesting and engaged audience.

I'll be honest - I had no idea the play would work with two tables, two chairs, less than a dozen lighting instruments and an air mattress. Happy to see it did.

Chris Goodrich and Rachel Stroud-Goodrich on "Candy & Dorothy"

2011-07-14T06:30:00.001-07:00

A lovely interview with the husband-wife director-producer team of "Candy & Dorothy" at Unexpected Stage, Rockville, MD. From the Washington Examiner.

"I Say, Let 'Em Dig Their Own Gardens. Dig Their Own Gardens. It's a Common Expression."

2011-07-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

(Robert Sheire, right, as the iconic Andy Warhol superstar Candy Darling and Jean Hudson Miller as Catholic Worker Movement co-founder Dorothy Day in Unexpected Stage Company's Washington-area premiere of David Johnston's award-winning play ‘Candy and Dorothy.’ Photo by Chris Goodrich; courtesy Unexpected Stage Company)

Performances start next Tues at Unexpected Stage, Rockville, MD for the DC-area premiere of "Candy & Dorothy." Got your tickets yet?

The Episcopal Bishop of New York Does Not Feel "Oppressed," Thanks Very Much

2011-06-28T08:12:00.001-07:00

One of the most odious arguments against same sex marriage was that if civil marriages are recognized for gays and lesbians, it somehow "oppresses" the religious freedom of others.

I was pleased to receive this letter from Mark Sisk, the Episcopal Bishop of New York, and good guy:

****************

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It was with thanksgiving and joy that I received the news of the New York State legislature's affirmative action on the Marriage Equality legislation that it had been debating with such intensity.

The legislation, as enacted, appears to be closely aligned with the long standing views of this Diocese that the civil rights of all people should be respected equally before the law. In terms of the issue of marriage rights for gay and lesbian people that position was made most explicit in the resolution enacted at our 2009 Diocesan Convention.

The legislature's action in broadening the definition of marriage to include same sex unions has to do with civil law, as it properly should. It does not determine Church teaching about the nature of sacraments. That is our continuing work. However, nothing in the unfinished nature of that work should cause us to hesitate to give our most profound thanks for the step that has been taken in affording equal civil rights for our brothers and sisters.

*************

Simple, isn't it?

"A Lesson" from Smith & Kraus

2011-06-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

"A Lesson," part of "Standards of Decency 3: 300 Vaginas Before Breakfast," will be published by Smith & Kraus in THE BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS 2012. Coming in December 2012.

Jon Sobel at Blogcritics on SoD3

2011-06-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

"Another fine performance, and a dangerous one, comes from Jim Ireland as a volcanic, Svengali-like voice teacher in the mysterious A Lesson by David Johnston, whose Conversations on Russian Literature was such a success at Blue Coyote two years ago. Though we never find out what the teacher and his companion, played by the excellent Sarah Ireland, mean to do with (or to?) the young singing hopeful in the next room, the wild, character-driven story is transfixing." A very nice write up for the evening from Jon Sobel at Blogcritics.

Seventy-Five Years Ago, A Murder

2011-05-18T12:29:00.001-07:00

Seventy-five years ago, a state trooper was shot and killed during a bank robbery in Fork Union, VA. It happened at the Fluvanna County Bank. The bank job was done by three men; Spoon, Daugherty, and Mills. John Daugherty received the death penalty for the shooting. The trooper's name was Thompson.

The assistant bank teller at the time of the robbery and killing was Iva Loving White. She died in 1982, forty-six years after she witnessed this murder. She was my grandmother.

More on 300 Vaginas

2011-05-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Blue Coyote Theater Group and Access Theater are proud to announce the full roster of short plays for their upcoming STANDARDS OF DECENCY 3: 300 VAGINAS BEFORE BREAKFAST. Each play runs approximately 10 minutes.

A Lesson by David Johnston, directed by Gary Shrader
A dark but funny look at the risks of finding your singing instructor on Facebook.

300 by Adam Szymkowicz, directed by Kyle Ancowitz
A couple comes to terms with their sexual pasts with the aid of three hundred vaginas.

Date Night at Skintastic Dot Com by Mac Rogers, directed by Bob Buckwalter
A workaholic couple's attempt at scheduling quality time together is challenged by the never ending leaks of online celebrity skin--the skin their business depends on for its survival.

The Metaphor by Matthew Freeman, directed by Kyle Ancowitz
A man seeks help for his Internet porn addiction from an unconventional Episcopal priest.

Plato’s Retreat by David Foley, directed by Gary Shrader
Three Greek lads are beguiled by the naughty shadows on the cave's wall. The goddess of Wisdom wants them to see the light.

any one by Jordan Seavey, directed by Bob Buckwalter
The question of what is connection, and how do we achieve it, is explored over the course of one very busy New Yorker's day.

Romance by Jackie Christy, directed by Kyle Ancowitz
After a pornographic homework submission, an awkward parent-teacher conference ensues.

Bits by Bruce Goldstone, directed by Gary Shrader
Even your computer itself, its bits and bytes, has a love/hate relationship with porn.

Camera Four by Cheri Magid, directed by Gary Shrader
A doorman's security camera exposes the city's surprising secret kinks.

STANDARDS OF DECENCY 3: 300 VAGINAS BEFORE BREAKFAST is the latest chapter in Blue Coyote’s downtown cult series Standards of Decency. Taking its title from the profundity of indie rock god John Mayer, STANDARDS OF DECENCY 3: 300 VAGINAS BEFORE BREAKFAST begins performances on Tuesday, May 31 for a limited engagement through Saturday, June 18. The performance schedule is Wednesday – Sunday at 8 PM, with an added performance on Tuesday, May 31 at 8 PM. Press Opening is Thursday, June 2 at 8 PM. Performances are at the Access Theater (380 Broadway, two blocks below Canal, just north of White Street). Tickets are $25 and are available by calling SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com.

AND...here's a great article on downtown theater, with an interview with Kyle Ancowitz. (And a nice pic from my short play "Yes Yes Yes" from the previous Standards of Decency.)

The Human Comedy at Astoria Performing Arts Center

2011-05-09T10:26:00.001-07:00

My review of the terrific "Human Comedy" at NYTheatre.com.

Dorothy Parker's Call Slips

2011-05-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

I'm a geek, but I thought this article was fascinating. It's library history, as seen through the call slips of notable researchers and literary personalities, like Dorothy Parker, John Dos Passos, and the guy who invented "ethnomycology" - the history of humanity, as seen through their ingestion of mushrooms and other fungi.

That takes me back.

I Continue to Promote Myself

2011-05-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

From Plays and Playwrights Blog. More dirty dirty self-promotion. Of my own work. Yes! I am encouraging you to click on links which will take you to MORE information on my upcoming work. Click it. CLICK it damn you!

300 Vaginas Before Breakfast

2011-04-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's the name of the new evening of one-acts at Blue Coyote Theater Group. It's "Standards of Decency 3: 300 Vaginas Before Breakfast." Kind of like "Scream 4." My new piece is entitled "A Lesson." Stay tuned for more information.

"Candy & Dorothy" - DC Premiere

2011-04-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

CANDY & DOROTHY will have its DC-area premiere this summer, at Unexpected Stage, directed by Christopher Goodrich. I'll post details as production details are confirmed.

Lost Hammett

2011-04-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

This is from my friend, Scott. Fifteen lost Dashiell Hammett short stories were found in the literary archives at the University of Texas in Austin. Something of a mystery as to how they ended up there: "(Andrew)Gulli said he had no idea how or why the works were in the Texas archive or when they were written as none are dated. "They could have been written anytime in the 1920s or 1930s or 1940s," he said."

"Monodramas" at City Opera

2011-03-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

It is not going to be everyone's cuppa joe, but last night I went with pal Matthew Principe to "Monodramas" at New York City Opera, the new production of three one-act modernist operas. (Are you still reading?)

The three pieces have stunning female leads and are designed and directed to within an inch of their lives. One is by John Zorn, inspired by drawings of Artaud. And there's no text! None! It's crazy.

Second is the Schoenberg "Erwartung," and last is Morton Feldman's hour-long setting of eighty-five words by Samuel Beckett. There's lots of projections, mannequins in burkhas, people flying, floating silver boxes. What does it mean? No idea, but I enjoyed the hell out of it. It's an evening at the opera where everyone heads to the bar after to argue, question, scream, weep or rave.

I kept turning to Matthew and murmuring "hell YEAH" and the couple behind me were muttering "oh god when is this over," as they rattled jewelry and canes. That kind of evening. Either a little slice of delicious buttery avant-garde or a good nap ruined, take your pick. What's inarguable, though, is that George Steele has a brass set on him for producing this evening at Lincoln Center. There are three more performances.

Open House New York

2011-02-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

My friend Matt turned me onto this group. We took a tour of the restored St. Francis Xavier Church in Chelsea a few weeks ago that Open House New York sponsored. They have a very neat blog with a lot of photos and history of cool buildings in New York.

Santorum on Stools

2011-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Rick Santorum, who lost his Senate seat by double digits, is apparently running for President. As President, he wants to make sure no one gets an abortion or gay-married. He also gets angry when people don't understand stools.

"I don't think he understands what conservatism is all about," said Santorum of Daniels. "I don't think he understands that Reagan's three-legged stool is not just that we have three legs of the stool, the social conservative, the fiscal conservative and national security conservatives, but that the material made of all three parts of the stool is the same. And it's a moral and cultural heritage of this country, is what that stool, the material itself that the stool is made of."

I read this and thought, how true. The problem with conservatism is that people do not understand it's a stool. And it's also this country. America - and conservatism - is a stool. Our culture is a stool. Our heritage is a stool. Reagan knew this. Reagan knew stools. Why can't you socialists and homosexuals see that?

Rick Santorum is now and has always been a fucking idiot.

David Kato

2011-02-02T08:26:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking and reading a great deal about David Kato, his murder and the plight of gays and lesbians in Uganda. (Not to mention the role of prominent US Evangelicals in promoting anti-gay policy to Ugandan lawmakers.)

A few days ago, Mark Sisk, the Anglican Bishop of New York, released a statement which I think is worth posting.

**************************

Statement on the Murder of David Kato
by the Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of New York

28 January 2011

Like many around the world, we are horrified to learn of the vicious murder of Ugandan LGBT rights activist David Kato in Mukono, Kampala. Though the circumstances of Mr. Kato's death are still under investigation, we know that he, along with other activists in Uganda have lived under the threat of violence and imprisonment in recent times. Mr. Kato, who was the advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda, as well as Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo and many others, was targeted last fall in a Ugandan magazine. All LGBT persons along with their advocates are at risk due to the general hostility toward them in Uganda and, in particular, due to pending legislation which would call for imprisonment or even death.

We call upon all people of good will, and especially the people of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and our sister and brother Anglicans around the world, to stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, and to resist language, laws and actions which marginalize and even criminalize their relationships. Further, given the current hostile climate in Uganda, we call upon the Anglican church of Uganda to speak up for human rights for all God's children. Further, we call upon the United States government to grant asylum to LGBT persons from Uganda and other nations where the threat of violence is great.

We pray for the repose of the soul of David Kato, for his family and friends as they mourn, and for the LGBT community in Uganda and their allies as they struggle for an end to the fear and violence, which threaten them every day.

+Mark

The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk
Bishop of New York

Well, Why Didn't Somebody Ask Her?

2011-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

My review of Brian Friel's "Molly Sweeney," on NYTheatre.com.

Is It a "Gaggle" of Bigots? A "Covey?" What's the Term?

2011-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

Republicans, who clammed up about their obsession with gay marriage long enough to rack up some seats last fall, are feeling their oats again. Yeah, they say they're all about fiscal discipline, getting the government out of your life, personal responsibility, blah blah blah, but after they're all sworn in, it's thumpin' on the homos season.

Rep. Jim Jordan, some douche from Cleveland with a mug only a mother could love, wants to repeal gay marriage in the District of Columbia. Because - you know - I'm sure that's a concern for everyone in Cleveland who's at home watching "The View" for two years because they can't get a damn job.

True to form, these guys force a vote on health care repeal, try to repeal gay marriage in DC when the Supreme Court already refused to touch it...oh yeah, and reading the Constitution out loud, except for the cringe-y parts about blacks being three-fifth of a human being or something. And why do Republicans do these things?

Because conservative Republicans love cheap, ineffective gestures that will fail. That serve no purpose. That are a waste of time. This proves to the people back home that they're - I don't know - not gay? Who knows.

With any luck, in a few years, this ass end of a dog will be back in Cleveland and out of work, and then maybe he'll have a clue.

Betty AKA Dena Blog

2011-01-25T07:46:00.001-08:00

My old summer stock pal Dena has her own blog up, after much drunken hectoring from me. (Russian Vodka Room. Nuff said.) Check it out and let her know what you think.

Blessings of Anger and Foolishness

2011-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

I'd never heard this prayer before, then Vicki Sirota used it at the closing yesterday at St. John's. It's attributed to St. Francis. I think it's appropriate for today, what would have been Martin Luther King's 82nd birthday.

"May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."

This is a Trick. Anyone Can Do It.

2011-01-17T09:15:00.001-08:00

Saw this on Saturday night at the Players Theater and loved it. Todd Robbins, an old Coney Island hand, explains serial killers and fake mediums, in a show co-written and directed by Teller, of Penn & Teller fame. Robbins does pulls off a few stomach-churning stunts - one with "sulfuric acid" - and recreates an old seance, a la Mina Crandon or her predecessor, the wicked Eusapia Palladino.

For people who like carnivals and spook shows and crappy horror movies, it's catnip. I've heard rumors Stephen Sondheim is a fan, too. I'm looking forward to going again.

Theater Blogs and John Adams

2010-12-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Considering my laziness and recalcitrance vis a vis blogging, it's nice to make someone's top 50. (Especially considering she included some real blogs, like the inexhaustible Adam Szymkowicz, who's now interviewed some 300 playwrights.)

And by the by, this book had been recommended to me by Kevin Newbury, and some other friends, and it's very smart, funny, self-deprecating and has some intriguing things to say about a hard won creative life; John Adams' "Hallelujah Junction." I was a big fan of his "Doctor Atomic" at the Met, and this is a great one to read while dashing around town, doing last-minute holiday shopping.

A Damned Shame

2010-11-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

"The Scottsboro Boys" will play its last performance on Dec. 12. I thought this show, one of the last works of musical theater masters, Kander & Ebb, was a brilliant attempt to theatricalize one of the more monstrous chapters in American history.

"She Goes About Using Sex as a Sort of Shrimping Net"

2010-11-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

I've been reading a lot of Noel Coward recently, and the above line is one from "Hay Fever" that made me laugh out loud - have also read for the first time,"The Vortex" and "Nude With Violin." Even on the page, these plays are incredibly entertaining.

I read somewhere once that Sean O'Casey used to spit spiders at the mention of Coward's name. Shallow, trivial commercial stuff, you know. But I can't recall the last time I read O'Casey for pleasure.

This However, Makes Me Smile

2010-11-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

An Italian art historian, Elena Lazzarini, says in a new book that male figures in Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" fresco are based on the bodies of prostitutes and laborers he encountered in the bathhouses and brothels of Rome.

"One of the damned is dragged down to Hell by his testicles, and amongst those who are blessed there are kisses and embraces, undoubtedly homosexual in nature," said Miss Lazzarini, whose book is called "Nudity, art and decorum: aesthetic changes in the art of the 16th century".

This Makes Me Very Sad

2010-11-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, is stepping down. From CNN: "Death threats and a life plagued with controversy have taken their toll on the 63-year-old, leading him to announce this week he will be stepping down as bishop in 2013, seven years before the mandatory retirement age of 72."

I've never met Bishop Robinson, but have heard of him through the church and through friends who have met or worked with him. They all speak of his kindness and grace. I wish him well.

Exploring the Metropolis

2010-11-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Go here to like Exploring the Metropolis on Facebook.

Go here to sign up for our e-blast!

Huzzah!

A Quiet Place

2010-11-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

I went last night to City Opera's A Quiet Place, the New York premiere of a full-length opera by Leonard Bernstein. If you can believe that sentence. But it's true - written almost thirty years ago, it's now making its debut in his hometown.

A Quiet Place is long-ish, and overstuffed with musical ideas and I loved it. The music is almost too beautiful and the performances are lovely, across the board. The first act takes place at a funeral, and it feels like every fucked up memorial service you've ever been to, only set to Bernstein music. (The chorus even sings at one point, "What a fucked up family!")

The staging is by Christopher Alden, one of my new favorite directors, after this and last season's Don Giovanni at City Opera. He's got a knack for staging that manifests the psychology of the characters, in ways that never seem obvious or ham-fisted. Or goes against the grain of the music.

I walked up to the window two weeks ago and got a twelve dollar ticket, fifth ring. (The acoustics there always sound better to me than fourth ring, further to the back of the house.) It's gotten rapturous reviews, but the place didn't look full to me. There are five more performances, so go and listen. This man was a giant and it's great to see this work getting its due.

Three Faiths

2010-11-03T08:40:00.001-07:00

An absolutely gorgeous exhibition over at the main branch of the NYPL. They have a King James Bible from 1611, the Gutenberg, early medieval Islamic prayer books and beautiful illuminated Ethiopian gospels. You can look at the exhibition online here.

The Coney Island We're About to Lose

2010-11-02T08:15:00.001-07:00

This is terrible news. Beer Island, Ruby's and Shoot the Freak.

A Great Weekend

2010-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Marymere from American Opera Projects.

"Psycho" with Jane.

Edward Albee's Me, Myself & I. I know, a lot of people didn't like this show. I love Albee and I'm a bit of a completist when it comes to seeing his work. And any excuse to watch Brian Murray.

The Walking Dead. Lots of fun, especially the scene where the streets of Atlanta are taken over by zombies.

Ever read this book? Me, neither. It's great.

The Scottsboro Boys

2010-10-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Saw a preview of "The Scottsboro Boys" last night at the Lyceum (thanks to my friend Bobby at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS) and it blew me away. It's nasty, dark, brutal and almost too entertaining.

For all of us downtown theater types who think we're so risky and out there - Kander and Ebb makes us look like a bunch of babies.

"Certified Public Accountant? NO! Cleaning, Pressing and Alteration!"

2010-10-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

My review is up of a completely delightful show at Baruch, "Fyvush Finkel Live!"

The Student of Prague in Gowanus

2010-10-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Went to a very interesting music event last night. (First, I snagged Trumbull to come with me to get drinks beforehand.) Evan Mazunik, who heads the ZAHA Ensemble, was performing his score for a silent film from 1913, "The Student of Prague." "Student" is a very creepy old variation on the Doppelganger story and the 40 minute film - nearly a hundred years old - manages to be charming, quaint, and kind of nightmare-icky all at the same time.

Evan is a member of the Douglass Street Music Collective, performing in their teensy space at Gowanus. The Doppelganger score was really great - a lot of electronic/modern sounds layered over top of this old film, but still managing to find this weird heightened core of emotion.

Blogs for Theatre Lovers

2010-10-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

For some unexplainable reason, I've been included in a list of 50 Best Blogs for Theatre Lovers.

I say unexplainable, since I blog little these days and many times just post pictures of my Dad at a game of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

I'm notable!

Guest Blogging for NY Innovative Theater and Why I Hate Self-Help Books

2010-09-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

The lovely folks over at the NY Innovative Theater Foundation asked me to guest blog this week. Suckers.

Is This Place on the Map?

2010-09-13T10:09:00.001-07:00

My review of the experimental work, "Border Towns" at HERE Arts Center.

Letter from the Bishop

2010-08-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I got this in my email box over the weekend, and wanted to share.

*********************

A letter from the Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Diocese of New York

I am writing to tell you that I wholeheartedly join other religious and civic leaders in calling on all parties involved in the dispute over the planned lower Manhattan Islamic community center and mosque to convert a situation that has sadly become ever more divisive into, as Archbishop Timothy Dolan recently stated, "an opportunity for a civil, rational, loving, respectful discussion."

The plan to build this center is, without doubt, an emotionally highly-charged issue. But as a nation with tolerance and religious freedom at its very foundation, we must not let our emotions lead us into the error of persecuting or condemning an entire religion for the sins of its most misguided adherents.

The worldwide Islamic community is no more inclined to violence that any other. Within it, however, a struggle is going on - between the majority who seek to follow a moderate, loving religion and the few who would transform it into an intolerant theocracy intent on persecuting anyone, Muslim or otherwise, with whom they disagree. We should all, as Christians, reach out in friendship and love to the peaceful Islamic majority and do all in our power to build and strengthen bridges between our faiths. We should also all remember that the violence and hateful behavior of the extremist are not confined to any one religion. Over the centuries we Christians have numbered more than a few among us who have perpetrated unspeakable atrocities in Christ's name.

I must admit that I also have a more personal connection with this issue. At the Episcopal Diocese of New York we know the leaders of this project, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and his wife Daisy Khan. We know that they are loving, gentle people, who epitomize Islamic moderation. We know that as Sufis, they are members of an Islamic sect that teaches a universal belief in man's relationship to God that is not dissimilar from mystic elements in certain strains of Judaism and Christianity. Feisal Abdul Rauf and Daisy Khan are, without question, people to whom Christians of good will should reach out with the hand of hospitality and friendship, as they reach out to us. I understand and support their desire to build an Islamic center, intended in part to promote understanding and tolerance among different religions.

For these reasons I applaud the positions taken by Governor Patterson, Mayor Bloomberg and others and look forward to furthering the efforts to resolve this issue. I am convinced, aided and guided by the One God who is creator of all, that people of goodwill can find a solution that will strengthen, rather than divide, the human condition,

+Mark
The Right Reverend Mark S. Sisk
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of New York

Go to This Damn Party

2010-08-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Enfant terrible Matt Freeman is having a fundraiser tomorrow night for his new show, "Brandywine Distillery Fire." Ten bucks gets you in at the door at some chi chi pad in Williamsburg owned by some guy who made money in TV. (All right, it's Steve Burns - he's in the show and I've seen him, he's pretty funny.)

Ten bucks at the door, all you can drink (what a leap of faith these people are taking - I know their guest list)- fortune tellers, raffles, cocktails, a vj, and naked amazing hookers of your choice giving it away for free! OK, I made that last one up, but Matt tells me there will be a raffle.

It's August. Don't even pretend you have something better to do.

Photo of the Day

2010-07-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

My Dad on Tuesday night at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game, with Larry Bruce, a former VCU basketball star who just signed a pro contract.

Death and the Maiden

2010-07-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

My review of "Alcestis" up on NYTheatre.com

"Firebird is a Stallion."

2010-07-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Brando, Brando. Was anyone ever able to use a prop to convey such longing? When he puts on Eva Marie Saint’s little white glove in “Waterfront.” There’s a similar bit in “Reflections on a Golden Eye” when he picks up an empty cigarette pack that Robert Forster, the silent sexy private, has dropped. Brando - as the repressed army man Penderton - picks it up like it’s a piece of Waterford crystal. You later see him in his study, carefully smoothing out all of the wrinkles in the cig pack, hiding it away in a box of treasured mementos. You see him as he hears Forster coming up the stairs in his house, smoothing his hair and looking like a nervous virgin on her wedding night.

So interesting to look at Brando in that role next to Stanley in “Streetcar.” Stanley is such an animal, someone who so delights in his own body, his own movements. Penderton is so deeply uncomfortable in his own skin. It’s like he’s forced to exist in a frame that isn’t his, a rented body.

“Reflections” is a Carson McCullers freak show; Julie Harris plays the colonel’s wife who’s cut off her nipples with garden shears after a baby dies. She keeps a flaming queen of a Filipino house boy, and they sit around doing water colors in the evening. Elizabeth Taylor is wonderful as the life force Leonora, so ripe she’d burst if you touched her. She’s great in the scene where she horsewhips her impotent husband in front of a roomful of guests. In “Reflections” she shows how good she could be with good material, co-stars and a director like Huston.

Harris nails one scene in particular. She comes back into her own house, after seeing Forster enter Penderton’s house and thinking he’s her husband. She slowly climbs the stairs as a torrent comes out of her, aimed at her husband, Brian Keith; she’s divorcing him, he needs to loan her five hundred dollars which she will pay back at five percent interest, she is leaving in the morning and will never set foot in this house again; all the time she’s climbing the stairs slowly, gripping the rail with Keith slack-jawed at the bottom. It’s a breathtaking moment, when you finally see this character shatter and an avalanche comes out of her mouth.

Harper Lee Speaks to a Journalist

2010-06-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

One of the great American writers, Harper Lee, actually spoke to a journalist while feeding ducks near a pond in Monroeville, Alabama. I know, I know. But I love this lady.

And Coming Up Next...

2010-06-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

...Cherry Picking on July 12 at the Cherry Pit downtown. A new short piece for the evening entitled DELICIOUS BROWNIES.

Here's What I've Been Up to This Month...

2010-06-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

...just back from Marshall University, where I worked with Stephen Speights and my old summer stock pal, Bruce Rous. A good productive week with the students and folks from the community.

Huzzah!

2010-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

"Short Plays to Long Remember" was a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award, Anthology Category. Available at Drama Book Shop and Amazon.

Quote of the Week

2010-04-30T10:25:00.001-07:00

"Hollywood is easy to hate, easy to sneer at, easy to lampoon. Some of the best lampooning has been done by people who have never walked through a studio gate, some of the best sneering by egocentric geniuses who departed huffily - not forgetting to collect their last pay check- leaving behind them nothing but the exquisite aroma of their personalities and a botched job for the tired hacks to clear up." - Raymond Chandler

B.H. Barry Gets a Tony

2010-04-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Very exciting press release on the Tonys for this year. In addition to Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (a great organization), Tom Viola of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (where my pal Bob works - also a fantastic organization) - a teacher of mine from Circle in the Square is being honored. Years ago, I was taught stage combat at Circle by a magic man named B.H. Barry. He was a pioneer in teaching stage combat, and I still remember some of the things he told us.

"What I teach is about making ten percent effort for a hundred percent effect. This is the easiest stuff in the world. If you can't learn this, then I'm a bad teacher. Anyone can do this."

He said this about leaping around with swords, tumbling, taking a fall, stage punches. And you know what? We all learned how to do it. Even incredibly clumsy, un-athletic me. He really could teach anyone. We all looked forward to his Friday afternoon classes. It was always the perfect end to the week.

So congratulations, B.H. You are the master.

Gary and AIDSWALK

2010-04-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

This is an email from my old college pal, Gary Cowling, on AIDSWALK.

Dear William & Mary and Friends Team - AIDS Walk NY 2009,

Thursday I went to an AIDS Walk thank you lunch. Over the years there have been many team leader events, so I was surprised to see such a small elite gathering (at a nice, swanky place). Then I was really surprised when presented with an award for our team.

1st Place Fundraising Team
From a School or University Team.

I knew we had (for the first time) raised more than any other school group - but didn't know there was a prize!

*****

If you haven't sponsored anyone for AIDSWALK yet, why not me?

And if you'd like to join our award-winning W&M team - click here.

4Play at the LGBT Center

2010-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

"Saturday with Martin," part of "Short Plays to Long Remember," tonight at the LGBT Center.

AIP last night at University Settlement, where Leanne Hutchison did a lovely job on "Sadie Lou Tells Her Own Side of That Unfortunate Business..." Also, Carrington Vilmont singing "McNally's Row of Flats" and essaying about a dozen roles for the AIP writers. Upcoming events include the Martin Segal Center at CUNY and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Admission is free.

And by all means, go see Martin Casella's The Irish Curse, running at Soho Playhouse. A very funny, touching play, with an excellent cast. I saw Bill Timoney in Dan Butler's role, and didn't realize until after the performance that he was the understudy when someone told me. And Austin Peck is far funnier than someone that good-looking should be allowed to be. Tickets are available here.

Confirmation

2010-04-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

A shot taken by Jonna at confirmation last Saturday night, the Easter Vigil at St. John's. That's me, Alex Coffey and Nolan. Great night.

Rochelle at Plays & Playwrights

2010-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Rochelle Denton posted info on the "Saturday with Martin" reading and the upcoming "America in Play" project at University Settlement. More info is here.

Upcoming Events, More on "Beautiful Darling"

2010-04-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Come to the LGBT Community Center, Tuesday April 13, 2010 at 6:30PM. (The Center is at 208 West 13th Street, near 7th Ave.) As part of the Center’s 2nd Tuesdays Cultural Series, "4Play," featuring readings from "Short Plays to Long Remember." And - the evening includes a reading of "Saturday with Martin," featuring George Hosmer and Brian Fuqua, who originated the roles in 2003 for Blue Coyote. Original direction by Kyle Ancowitz. Ten bucks at the door. This is a script I'm very fond of, and I'm very excited I get to hear George & Bri go at each other again. UPDATE: Reservations at the Center are available here.

On Monday, April 12 at 6:30, America in Play presents "Crossing Over" at University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street. While I haven't been able to be as active with AIP this spring, the evening does include some of my material and it's a terrific group of writers, led by Lynn Thomson. More info here. Admission is free.

And "Beautiful Darling" - the Candy Darling documentary years in the making - screened at MOMA on Friday night, part of the New Directors series for Film at Lincoln Center. OK, I was disappointed they cut my interviews for the film - but it's a gorgeous, touching piece of work. Lots of film footage and interviews that have never been heard or seen before. It was kind of overwhelming for me to hear Tennessee Williams' voice talk about working with Candy in "Small Craft Warnings," know what I mean? I hope this one has a long long life.

UPDATE: "Short Plays to Long Remember" is up on Amazon. Hell, as long as you're on Amazon, why not buy "Playing with Canons," which includes my adaptation of "The Eumenides?" Why NOT? And "A Funeral Home in Brooklyn," part of Best 10-Minute Plays of 2008, got a nice write up on Barnes and Noble.com Buy it and give it to a loved one. OK, maybe not that, but buy it.

AIDSWALK

2010-04-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

It must be spring, 'cause I'm back raising money for AIDSWALK. Click on the link to donate. And thanks.

Great News

2010-04-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

...about a show I really enjoyed at the York. Yank is moving to Broadway.

Sony Masterworks

2010-03-31T10:13:00.001-07:00

My friend Scott Farthing at Sony has a new website he's been working on - it's the Sony back catalog of over 400 Broadway cast albums. They'll be launching tomorrow so check it out.

Hooray!

2010-03-25T11:50:00.001-07:00

Ringling Bros. Circus is coming back to Coney Island this summer.

Upcoming Events for "Short Plays to Long Remember"

2010-03-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

They'll be doing selections from the book on Monday March 22 at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble, 65th and Broadway, for an event called NIFTY AFTER FIFTY at 7:30. Stop by, pick up a copy and hear selections from Daniel P. Quinn and Jane Chambers.

Also, stop by the RAINBOW BOOK FAIR at CUNY at 34th St. and 5th Ave on Mar 27th. At 1:30, Francine Trevens, editor and publisher of SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER, will be part of a panel discussion on gay theater at the Fair at 1:30. Both of these events are free.

And in April, I'm excited to say, Brian Fuqua and George Hosmer, who originated the roles, will be doing a one-time reading of SATURDAY WITH MARTIN, at the LGBT Center at West 13th. 6:30 April 13, so mark your calendars.

An Evening of "Deeply Offensive" Theater

2010-03-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Matt's play, Glee Club - which I've gone on about - did get a very interesting review from Edge New York. Which included a nice shout-out from playwright Jonathan Leaf at the end.

If you haven't seen the show yet, GoSeeGleeClub.

If you haven't gotten a chance, go see Bette Bourne at St. Ann's before it closes. I saw him at Theater for the New City years ago, and he's a spellbinding storyteller.

Pimping the New Anthology

2010-03-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

TnT Classics, publisher of the just-released "Short Plays to Long Remember," will be at the NYCIP Independent Book Fair this weekend. It's Saturday March 6 and Sunday March 7 at 20 West 44th Street, Room 404, from 11 to 5. This is the anthology which includes "Saturday with Martin," as well as works by Doric Wilson and Jane Chambers. Our intrepid publisher, Francine Trevens, who operates TnT, will be giving a talk on Sunday from 12:30 to 1 PM, on the arts and aches of putting together an anthology. She'll also be reading from some of her own works included in the anthology. Stop by and pick up a copy and say hey to Francine.

Go See Glee Club Now

2010-03-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

OK, I talked about Matt Freeman's Glee Club last summer, when it played at the Brick's Anti-Depressant Festival. It's now in previews at Blue Coyote for a full run downtown at the Access. We all know the drill here - your friends tell you about shows, they're showcases, we all wait until the last weekend, slap our heads and say "oh crap, I have to get to it this weekend before it closes." We go begging for houses the first two weeks and then turn people away the last weekend.

This is not gonna work here. Go book a ticket now. It was full up on the first preview last night. No one's full at first preview. The Wooster Group is not full up at first previews. That's when you try a wrangle a comp. Trust me, this will fill up fast.

It's dark, it's mean, it's funny as hell, and it's the most fun you'll ever have with people who are this rotten.

And hey - this meant nothing to me because I was not watching children's programming in the nineties - but the guy from "Blue's Clues" is in it.

I hope children who remember him from the thing with the cartoon dog do NOT show up at this. It might be traumatizing for them to hear their lovable childhood pal talk about the difficulties of getting through a scrotum without power tools.

Radiohole Just Wants to Have Fun

2010-02-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

My review of sloppy disrespectful and fabulous Radiohole at NYTheatre.com

The Halls of the Madhouses are Filled with Governesses

2010-02-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Pal and muse Vince Gatton is appearing in this through tomorrow night - Jeffrey Hatcher's creepy two-handed adaptation of "The Turn of the Screw." This production places the show - set in the 1870s - in the Merchant House Museum on East Fourth Street, built in the 1830s. It's an inspired choice for this material and they even brought in a 'historical lighting consultant' to approximate the look of gaslight and kerosene without setting the place on fire. Some things are too historically accurate, you know?

I'd tell you to go see it, but the joint only seats about 34 people for the performance, and all the tickets are sold. But Vince said those who show up for cancellations are getting in. There's one show tonight and two on Saturday night.

This was excellent, trust me. I loathe Henry James and I loved it.

I Had a Snow Day Off So I Bought a Shitload of Used Jazz CDs

2010-02-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

The World Wide Intraweb told me that Academy Records on West 18th Street had a much better selection of classical than jazz. Apparently, you have to go further downtown to dig that cool jazz. Perhaps this is true and if I had tromped in the snow to East 12th, I would have been even nuttier. But I gotta tell you - I found more than enough neat stuff at the 18th Street location to waste a whole winter afternoon. And they have good classical, too, it just wasn't what I was jonesing for yesterday.

And I ended up putting a lot of Eric Dolphy, Mel Torme and Dave Brubeck back because it was just getting out of control.

She Wouldn't Take the Dress Off

2010-02-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

My review of Karen Finley's new show, a meditation on Jackie Kennedy, fame and assassination kitsch.

I Can't Wait to Go to This!

2010-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to the Jazz Loft series on NPR, and of course I'm totally smitten with the whole damn thing. Now I find out the NYPL is having an exhibition of over 200 photos taken at the Jazz Loft and I can't believe I have to wait like what - twelve days? - for them to hang the shit up so I can see it.

"Saturday with Martin" in TnT Anthology, Coming out in March

2010-01-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Below is the official press release for "Short Plays to Long Remember," which includes "Saturday with Martin," originally presented by Blue Coyote with George Hosmer and Brian Fuqua. I'll keep you posted on more details as we get closer to reading events in March.

NEW RELEASE from TnT CLASSIC BOOKS
SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER

Compiled and edited by Francine L. Trevens due out in March

An eclectic anthology of plays ranging in playing time from seven minutes to over forty minutes. They cover the full gamut of styles and subjects, from atheism to zen, from actual incidents to zoological impossibilities, from aesthetics to zeitgeist, from apathy to zealotry. The 27 play collection has works from 14 authors, including Jane Chambers, among whose many awards in the seventies were Connecticut Educational TV. Award, Eugene O'Neill fellowship, National Writer’s Guild Award, and in the eighties, L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Award, a Proclamation from L. A. for Outstanding Theatre and Fund for Human Dignity Award. First play in the book is by Doric Wilson who won the 2007 IT Award for Artistic Achievement; and in 2009, the ATHE Career Achievement Award for Professional Theatre. Its other award winning authors are, Perry Brass, Michael Devereaux, Paul Dexter, Victor Gluck, (noted lecturer on theatre and an esteemed theatre critic), David Brendan Hopes, David Johnston, David J. Mauriello, Sidney Morris, William F. Poleri, Daniel P. Quinn and George Zarr, a noted radio drama expert.

Designed for colleges, universities, libraries and theatres seeking short plays, SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER ISBN 978-1-886586-14-7 $16.95 retail, pre-publication orders accepted now directly from publisher. Email tntclassics@aol.com.

SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER will be featured in the Greater New York Independent Publishers NIFTY AFTER FIFTY program at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Square March 22. Selected gay plays from the anthology will be in a 2nd Tuesday program on April 12, called 4 PLAY and featuring 4 plays and authors, at the Center on 13th Street.

Vision Quest at Observatory

2010-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

My friend Pam's show, opening this weekend in Brooklyn! If you don't follow her blog, you're a chump.

And Remember...

2010-01-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

If you're having a bad day. It could be worse.

You could be in the clutches of Eclipso.

2 AM in LA

2009-12-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

The short film "2 AM," with James Dumont and Lisa Goodman, directed by Barbara Tarbuck, will be shown in LA Wednesday Jan 6. Details below.

El Cid Short Film Night Wednesday January 6th -- Timeline

8:00pm Pre-Show Cocktail mixer/Dinner party ($8 Cover)
9:00pm Show

El Cid (Silverlake)
4212 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles 90029

Very excited about this, as Lisa and James have been relentlessly promoting. "2 AM" is based on my short play, "A Phone Call from Washington State, Late at Night," with a screenplay adaptation by myself and Barbara. The whole project was excellently done, and I'll love it if any LA friends can go see it and give a report back.

"I Was a Friend of Harry Lime."

2009-12-22T08:55:00.001-08:00

What to say about this movie? This print looks fabulous. Every shot is genius.

The ferris wheel at the park, where they have their meeting. Trevor Howard and his crisp delivery – “I don’t want any more murders in this case, and you were born to be murdered.” The scene in the children’s hospital in Vienna, with the unseen victims of Harry Lime. “It got meningitis. They gave it some of Lime’s penicillin. Pity, isn’t it?” with the creepy, smiling nuns floating around cheerfully, ministering to these unseen things. Greene’s moral universe where if you murder people you never see, it doesn’t count does it? Kind of like today’s predator drones. The brilliantly overlapping dialogue in the ferris wheel. The first shot of Lime, cat between his feet. (“He only liked Harry.”) The crease of his pants just so, hitting the right mark on the shoes. A man dead for two weeks and his pants are still faultlessly pressed. His hail-fellow well met cheery dialogue, covering up his murderous eyes. The last shot, Anna Schmidt walking down the road, Joseph Cotten off to the left, leaves falling as she walks past without acknowledgment. Even after his act of heroism, he can’t get a date. That cloying bouncy zither music punctuating the action – the most counter-intuitive music choice ever for a film, up there with Duke Ellington’s score for “Anatomy of a Murder.” The music is so intrusive, it’s practically another character, and yet somehow perfect.

Kapow

2009-12-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

My review of the Brick Theater's "Evolution", part of Fight Fest, is up on NYTheatre.com.

Last Reviews Before Closing

2009-12-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

All the reviews are in from Busted Jesus Comix in London, which closed on Saturday.

Four stars here.

QX Magazine here.

And The Stage here.

Civil Rights Reborn

2009-11-20T13:49:00.001-08:00

Wow. Those evangelicals who hate on the gays are just like Martin Luther King.

The Exposition

2009-11-17T10:26:00.001-08:00

Playwright/blogger/Holmes-to-my-Moriarty Matthew Freeman has a new show opening Thurs PM at the Brick. You can get your tickets here for "The Exposition."

David Cote talks to him here about the process, his director, and his complete inability to express himself in concrete terms.

Robert Johnson's Home

2009-11-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

This is a very cool article that came up today. They've verified the birthplace of bluesman Robert Johnson, in Hazelhurst, MS.

Pictures of London

2009-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend, Barbara Tarbuck, for these pictures.

Happy Birthday, Frank.

Weekend

2009-11-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Stravinsky's Petrushka. Peggy Lee's Beauty and the Beat with George Shearing. Season 2 of Weeds. Family Plot. Nivedita Shivraj.

Next up: Puccini, "Esther," and Miss Coco Peru.

First Review In

2009-11-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

From the Comica '09 in London, no less.

Opening in London

2009-11-02T07:41:00.001-08:00

Opening night of "Busted Jesus Comix" in London is SOLD OUT.

I'm feeling sassy.

Greetings from Missitucky

2009-10-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

Go see "Finian's Rainbow." You'll have a blast.

I double dog dare you not to pee yourself when Chuck Cooper realizes he's black.

Christian Radical Blog

2009-10-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

An announcement on "Candy & Dorothy" from the Desert Sun, picked up by the CW Christian Radical blog. Which is kind of neat.

Quote of the Day

2009-10-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

"I believe the most interesting human beings, so far as talk is concerned, are anthropologists, farmers, prostitutes, psychiatrists, and an occasional bartender." - Joseph Mitchell, "My Ear is Bent"

Mothra, the Film. Oh - Wait.

2009-10-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Contracts signed off on a short film adaptation for "Mothra is Waiting," done by Blue Coyote Theater Group last March, in "Conversations on Russian Literature Plus Three More Plays." I'll be working on this adaptation with Kevin Newbury, who directed "Candy & Dorothy" and "The Eumenides."

Coming Attractions

2009-10-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip of rehearsals for "Busted Jesus Comix," opening at Above the Stag in London on Nov. 3. It's also up on the London International Comics Festival site, pg. 1

"Candy & Dorothy," opening this Friday in Palm Springs.

And a shout-out on the Plays & Playwrights NYTE blog from Rochelle & Martin.

Went to Hartford this weekend with Dave, Jonna and Scott to see the 9-hr Horton Foote cycle. I want to write more about it soon - one of the most amazing times I've spent in a theater, and highly recommended. It's one more week at Hartford Stage, then it moves to the Signature.

UPDATE: Another nice bit of PR from Palm Springs.

MORE UPDATE! I just found out - didn't know this - that the artwork for the London production of BJC - flying hero baby - is by none other than Mike Diana. Which is pretty cool. In case you're unfamiliar with his work - don't open the above link when you're at the office. OK?

Quote of the Day

2009-10-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

"On any person who desires such queer prizes, New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy." E.B. White, "Here is New York"

Theatre, Culture, Politics & Stuff I Like

Another Freshly Brewed, with History

A Quote of the Day from Joseph Mitchell

Peter Bellamy Portraits

Roman Calendar and Entering the Breech

Exorcism

Heavy Petting Below Houston

Mad World

A Number on the Roman Calendar, at the Players Club

You're Just Cheap Uptown Dirt

Opera and American Lyric Theater

Quote of the Day

"Candy & Dorothy" Closes

Chris Goodrich and Rachel Stroud-Goodrich on "Candy & Dorothy"

"I Say, Let 'Em Dig Their Own Gardens. Dig Their Own Gardens. It's a Common Expression."

The Episcopal Bishop of New York Does Not Feel "Oppressed," Thanks Very Much

"A Lesson" from Smith & Kraus

Jon Sobel at Blogcritics on SoD3

Seventy-Five Years Ago, A Murder

More on 300 Vaginas

The Human Comedy at Astoria Performing Arts Center

Dorothy Parker's Call Slips

I Continue to Promote Myself

300 Vaginas Before Breakfast

"Candy & Dorothy" - DC Premiere

Lost Hammett

"Monodramas" at City Opera

Open House New York

Santorum on Stools

David Kato

Well, Why Didn't Somebody Ask Her?

Is It a "Gaggle" of Bigots? A "Covey?" What's the Term?

Betty AKA Dena Blog

Blessings of Anger and Foolishness

This is a Trick. Anyone Can Do It.

Theater Blogs and John Adams

A Damned Shame

"She Goes About Using Sex as a Sort of Shrimping Net"

This However, Makes Me Smile

This Makes Me Very Sad

Exploring the Metropolis

A Quiet Place

Three Faiths

The Coney Island We're About to Lose

A Great Weekend

The Scottsboro Boys

"Certified Public Accountant? NO! Cleaning, Pressing and Alteration!"

The Student of Prague in Gowanus

Blogs for Theatre Lovers

Guest Blogging for NY Innovative Theater and Why I Hate Self-Help Books

Is This Place on the Map?

Letter from the Bishop

Go to This Damn Party

Photo of the Day

More Fabulous Facts from the NY Post

Death and the Maiden

"Firebird is a Stallion."

Harper Lee Speaks to a Journalist

And Coming Up Next...

Here's What I've Been Up to This Month...

Huzzah!

Quote of the Week

B.H. Barry Gets a Tony

Gary and AIDSWALK

4Play at the LGBT Center

Confirmation

Rochelle at Plays & Playwrights

Upcoming Events, More on "Beautiful Darling"

AIDSWALK

Great News

Sony Masterworks

Hooray!

Upcoming Events for "Short Plays to Long Remember"

An Evening of "Deeply Offensive" Theater

Pimping the New Anthology

Go See Glee Club Now

Radiohole Just Wants to Have Fun

The Halls of the Madhouses are Filled with Governesses

I Had a Snow Day Off So I Bought a Shitload of Used Jazz CDs

She Wouldn't Take the Dress Off