Maureen and I attended the Jazz Nutcracker last night. It was presented by the Point Park University Conservatory Dance Company at the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Duke Ellington in the 1950's composed a jazz rendition of "The Nutcracker Suite," including "The Magical Chinaman," "The Flapper and Dude," "The Arabesque Cookies" (after the Arabian Dancers), and "The Sugar Rum Fairy," all danced by the vaudevillan guests at Clara's theatrical family. Another recognizable Tchaikovsky cum jazz riff included "The Cabaret Awakens" at the beginning of Act II. The "It Don't Mean a Thing Swing" was a pure joyful jazz number right after the "Floreador Finale," followed by Clara's journey home.
The music was spectacular, the numbers beautifully crafted by Doug Bentz, a friend of Maureen's, and the dancers talented and appropriately in character, setting the mood and tone of each scene. The part of Clara last night was danced by Ashley Zimmerman, a ballet major who got the part over other students with less classical, more jazzier training. Bravi!
This rendition of the Nutcracker made me realize that this story is basically about two parents that hold a party, invite all their friends, and invite "Uncle" Drosselmeyer, who is an expert hypnotist, to the party. He hypnotizes the party, save sixteen-year-old Clara, whom he dances with, and to whom he gives a Nutcracker. The Uncle then encourages Clara to partner-dance with the now-life-sized wooden doll, and they go to a nightclub/cabaret to see recreations of the vaudeville acts of the party guests. The depiction of the Uncle was appropriately eerie at times, and only added to the overall effect. ~~~~~ Afterwards, Maureen and I went to Eat N Park for a burger and liver and onions.
Watched most of South Pacific on WQED-TV yesterday afternoon. Here is a video clip from the production. I actually like the way Rodgers and Hammerstein handled some of the socio-political issues (more than in Miss Saigon).
The show is a revival and is in its last few days of this run on Broadway. The energy between Kelli O'Hara (Nellie Forbush) and Paulo Szot (Emile de Becque) was nothing short of electric in the live broadcast from Lincoln Center.
For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
I acquired tickets to Yasmina Reza's ART downtown at the O'Reilly Theater. Dad and I went to the performance, and the performance was about a man (Serge)'s purchase of a white canvas work of art, and his ensuing discussions with his friends. Scathing!
The piece had the flavor of a Jerry Seinfeld episode, moments of a Neil Simon play, and, about 2/3 of the way through, of Sartre's Huis Clos/No Exit. The actors portryaed their characters with full engagement with each other. (In order of appearance:) Marc was played by Rob Breckenridge Serge was played by Darren Eliker Yvan was portrayed by Harry Bouver
~~~ Started a weight management program today. Initially recommended for me was a 1500 Calorie intake. I don't think I can do that, as my average intake for 7 out of 8 of the past days has been ~2000 Calories. My low end was ~1700, and my high was ~2600 for the past week. <1700 was recommended for me this morning.
~~~ I also went to physical therapy this afternoon. Cara gently stepped up the duration of my workout by adding to sets of (initially) 10 until they were 15.
Alva and I departed for the Benedum Theatre this evening to see Miss Saigon. Wonderfully produced and acted, the cast and crew (including the sound engineers) produced a balanced show.
We discussed the show all the way home, and enjoyed the way home.
Mom and Dad indicated that they had seen the production with Lea Salonga. They also indicated that the second hour of tonight's America's Got Talent was produced in New York City.
~~~ I had gotten up early this morning, at about 4.00, and couldn't get back to sleep, so I did laundry at about 7.30. How exciting.
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~ 14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010 I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Mom and I went to the French bakery in Millvale, the bakery in Shadyside, and spoke to a friend about planning family issues. I went to work--the class was on-task and finished early. I'm calling my insurance about what medical appointments I need to make by the end of this calendar year. ~~~ 22.30 Mom, Dad, and I just returned from our evening out with ~85 others from Saint Paul Cathedral to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. On the way there, we waited at ~18.00 for the bus with Donna and the two Rosemarys. We were joined by many more people and we retrieved our tickets from Roseann and Pat P. and boarded the second bus. We took a route through downtown past the creche (singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") and were dropped off by BJ (the choir director for St. Benedict's parish and our bus driver tonight) in front of the Benedum.
The sound was cranked up for the audience, we enjoyed the touring company of the Rockettes, the dances were great, and there were wonderful Christmas story tableaux with live sheep and a camel, and a scrolling Christmas story at the end.
Our bus stopped for ten minutes in front of Macy's windows, and those few of us who braved the newly minted winter weather enjoyed the window dressing.
Mom, Dad, and I walked back home after the bus dropped us off.
I noted that the costumes in the 1970's were more like swimsuits---the Rockettes costumes are more modest now, making it possible for a dancer with hip surgery to dance with them. Also, there are ethnic minority women dancing with them, as well.
Karina and I drove through the driving rain to Carnegie Mellon to experience Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath as adapted by Frank Galati. We saw Natalie before the pre-show entertainment, and she described that she had coached the students in the play. The pre-show entertainment included folk tunes (W. Guthrie, etc.) sung and performed by the players (in front of two homemade quilts), who played everything from fiddle, to guitar, to banjo, to accordian, to spoons. Music was an integral part of setting the mood throughout the production. The director (Barbara McKenzie-Wood) whilst casting required those auditioning to play a modern-day instrument.
The performers were talented, and the team worked well together. A particularly outstanding performance was by Ma (Caitlyn Kimball), who seemed to be as nurturing to the other players off the set as on. The stage was sparse, with a bas relief wall hanging which appeared to be mountains, clouds, and hard-baked earth in different lighting moods. The truck for traveling was built of ramshackle parts of a barn and kitchen. The changing moods as we travel through the book and travel from Oklahoma to California with the performers were captured brilliantly, and rang out from the set.
A wonderfully emotion-laden play that makes our hearts sing as well as weep.
It was great fun the last day in Toronto...Uncle Alex, Auntie Baby, Mom, Dad, and I went to the dinner theatre to see the Neil Sedaka tribute show. The buffet food was good, and the show entertaining, which was set in the Catskills. Afterwards, we met up with Lourdette and her youngest son. We spent quite a bit of time chatting with them, and then Dad drove home via Niagara and Buffalo.
This morning we received an email from Allan about the visit...we all vowed that we would not let another decade plus pass before contact from our branch of the family.
Mom, Dad, and I returned to Pittsburgh late yesterday afternoon. It was good to:
See Donough again, See Gaby, Chrissy, Uncle Dodong, Maria, and Anna, See (and stay with) Kelly in her neighborhood Shop at China Town, Manhattan See Angela Lansbury in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit Go to the Met (Museum) Enjoy Mother's Day in New York Shop around NYU (including at Strand Books and the street fair) Listen to an organ meditation at Grace Church See (and stay with) Ben & Benita, Linda, Bill, and Alex at their home Be treated to amazing food by Foodie relatives Drive back with minimal precipitation/rain Be back in time for choir practice yesterday evening Nap practically every day
Nancy C. and I went to Eugene O'Neill's play, A Moon for the Misbegotten at the O'Reilly Theatre downtown. It was brilliantly directed by Pamela Berlin, and the casting of Beth Wittig as Josie Hogan was superb. She held her lilting Irish brogue throughout the play's two acts, and was a believable tenant farmer's daughter. Our seatmate commented throughout the play (but in response to the action, so thus was believable):
"You tell him sister!" "Go ahead and have another drink" [upon the departure of Jim Tyrone's character] "Tha's love."
I saw mom & dad's neighbors Sally D., Nancy Co. and her friend after the show.
William and I went to the Philip Chosky Theatre at the Purnell Center at Carnegie Mellon. We saw The Illusion last night, by Pierre Corneille and freely adapted by Tony Kushner. As the play's director, Allegra Libonati, noted in the Play Notes, "the play is a fusion of these two writers, separated by centuries, but united in purpose: To venture deep into the cave of illusions to see what truth they may find."
Throughout the play one of the characters comments on the shifting nature of the magical scenes before him. I caught myself trying to determine "true" relations between the characters time and again during the play. The play went against the grain of Classical theater, and helped to usher in neo-Classical and Baroque theatre.
Brilliantly acted and produced, the piece raises questions about plays (pieces de theatre) and life (la vie).
Yesterday late afternoon, after a quick salad and sandwich (and a discussion where we agreed to meet Don for a brief sight-reading session at 6:45pm), S and I headed to choir practice. S and Don started the choir rehearsal evening with a performance of a two-movement piano & violin romance by Gade (a Danish composer)[see below for first movement]. S then sat and listened to our choir practice.
We practiced music for this Sunday, and then we had a group discussion about the excitement this past Sunday. Many suggestions were made. I suggested that we enlist help from Pittsburgh Mediation Center, if necessary. Then, it was time for apple/fig/grape cake and rice salad by Paolo's wife. We enjoyed discussing over this delicious spread, and S and Christoph enjoyed talking to each other. K. had even said that she appreciated S's sense of style/fashion. We headed home, tired, and chatted for a bit longer before we called it a night.
~~~ Today we arose early (my first day of vacation) and had our showers, tea, and breakfast. After a few hours of practice with both violins, S packed the bags (asking me what I thought the difference between the two violins are); and S and I headed out for air, sun, and walking to have sorbets (which I brought from home), coffee, and a brownie at Maggie's Mercantile. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our snack. Then, it was time to head home to get the bags to go to the bus stop for the 14:00 bus...We caught the bus to the airport. Due to sufficient emotion management (and a couple hugs), there were no emotional cryfests. S did self check-in at the United kiosk, and I saw S go through security at the main security checkpoint. We waved several times, blew kisses, and saw the wand technique of the TSA worker before a final wave and a blown kiss.
I boarded the next bus back to Oakland, and met Lynna there, who just came from presenting at high school admissions fairs. We chatted about various things, including the phenomenon of the Network, and as you get older, more people know you through the Network. She knows William, and I told her about how Joyce and Greg met.
Landing at Mom & Dad's, Mom said she was happy to see me.
~~~ 17:20 William and Marissa just called me to invite me to a Tony Kushner play at Carnegie Mellon tonight...Marissa is tired, so I'll meet up w/ William. After I meet Karina at the Newman Center, I'll meet him there tonight.
Nancy and I met up with Karina and Jennifer and friends Keith and Jeff for dinner at the Newman Center. I inquired about Mass intentions for the Oratory.
Nancy and I watched Angels in America, Part I, Millenium Approaches tonight. We agreed that the script, casting, acting, and special effects were top-notch. Nancy and I agreed that we would watch the second part of the series.
Monday, I went to Bible study with Fr. Mike at the Oratory. Jennifer from the MPH program was there, and we read and discussed to Galatians 2:11.
Wednesday Dad and I babysat in the evening for Beatrice and Solomon until the intermission of the play William and Marissa went.
Thursday I had physical therapy, and choir practice afterwards. Mom and Dad dropped me off, and picked me up, too.
Today I had an appointment in Monroeville, during which Dad and Mom met the PA and doctor. After, Mom and I got supplies at Michael's Craft store, too. We had homemade lo mein for lunch. I just watched "Leopards take Manhattan," on On Demand cable television, about a youth percussion group from Louisville Kentucky that travels to a jazz educators' conference in NYC.
In a few hours Nancy C. from choir and I will watch Angels in America (Part I) at the Charity Randall theatre on campus.
Tuesday night Nancy C., Amy C.-M., and I attended the show at the O'Reilly Theatre, The Lady with All the Answers. It is the one- woman show of Helena Ruoti as Ann Landers, that famous advice columnist who quietly questioned American attitudes while upholding its conscience and sensibility. She, along with her twin sister, "Dear Abby," provided advice to various people from varied walks of life. A Playbill review is here.
As it was Amy's last week in Pittsburgh, we took her to see the creche that is the replica of the one in Vatican City. Nancy dropped me off, with a wind-up radio in hand, and I gave Amy a fond hug for being a friend.
Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beatrice and Solomon yesterday afternoon while William and Marissa saw Sondheim's "Into the Woods" at Carnegie Mellon University. Solomon caught a nap at the end, and Beatrice enjoyed playing with the maracas, piano, keyboard, and bells.
Dad (a FAAP board member) and I (a special board member) attended the FAAP board meeting last night at Dr. Pat's home. We enjoyed appetizers, wine, and drinks. The meeting commenced at 7:15PM and ran until 11 PM. I reported near the end of the meeting on the upcoming Philippine Nationality Room Open House ("briefly," as insisted by Warren). Some of us stayed to chat into the wee hours of the night afterwards; it was a good,productive, congenial meeting.
After a long afternoon nap, Nancy C. and I went to the Studio Theatre at the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh for the Repertory Theatre's version of Lysistrata by Aristophenes, and directed by Kaitlyn Wittig, who was last seen in Big Love last season, which Nancy and I also saw. We enjoyed some dishes (paneer for me) at Victor's restaurant afterwards.
Dad, Mom, and I went to Penn Hills for Mom's haircut. We also went shopping, donated, and had lunch there. Mary Jane styled Mom's hair quite well. We discussed hip replacements as well as searching for scholarships for her daughter.
After taking my prophylactic antibiotics, I went to the dentist's office for my six-month cleaning. A new person cleaned my teeth today--Theresa. We chatted about Broadway theatre in Pittsburgh.
Dad drove Mom and me to the Benedum Center for "The Wedding Singer" musical comedy. William's family had given me tix to Don Carlos at CMU, but I pointed out that I would be out of town during the time...so they substituted the Wedding Singer tickets. Mom and I enjoyed the show---a walk back in time to the mid-1980's in New Jersey. The Vegas impersonators included a shoebox-wielding Imelda Marcos, and a great, shakin' Tina Turner.
We had tea at Christo's, having hot drinks, the spanakopeta, and got the signature house dessert! Dad was nice to pick us up after our afternoon outing.
