30May10 Sex and the City 2
Posted by in Movies | Tagged , ,

The first Sex and the City film was the perfect companion to one of my favorite TV series of all time. The film allowed each of the four women a moment in the spotlight, allowed a new character (played by Jennifer Hudson) to have a good story and offered up a lot of drama. I laughed a lot, I cried a lot and I left the theater completely satisfied.

I was fearful when I heard there was going to be a sequel. I couldn’t imagine what they could do to equal or better the first. Sadly it would seem the creative team couldn’t figure it out either.

I did enjoy meeting up with the characters again. I laughed quite a lot. But there was really not much story here. Remember back in the 70s and 80s when TV sitcoms went on vacation for sweeps month? That’s essentially what this is–a chance for the girls to get away to a new location, dress up in all kinds of crazy clothes (why, exactly was Samantha dressed up with Adam Lambert shoulder pads?) and not deal too much with their real lives. For me, however, it’s those real life kind of stories that is the core of what makes Sex and the City so good.

There are a few moments of real story — Carrie and Big navigating married life, Miranda figuring out she can get a better career at another firm, Charlotte getting frayed by motherhood. Two vignettes stood out for me: Charlotte and Miranda discussing the good and bad of being a parent and Carrie learning a few things about marriage from Guarau, her hotel butler who spends months at a time away from his wife because of his job.

I thought the movie was 20-30 minutes too long. Just when it seemed like they were about to leave Abu Dhabi they end up in another run around the city because Carrie misplaced her passport. There’s a nice moment at the end of this scene, but I’m not sure it was worth the whole trip since there were several places in the script this moment could’ve been placed just as easily.

I hope there’s a third movie so we have a chance to see these characters back in a hearty, fulfilling movie rather than this piece of fun fluff that leaves me wanting something more substantial for these women.

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26May10 Seducing C.C. by Ariel Tachna
Posted by in Books | Tagged , , , ,

Talk about a perfect book to kick off summer reading. Ariel Tachna’s Seducing C.C. takes place at summer camp and spans the weeks of the summer session. Roger, who quickly earns the nickname Astro for his knowledge of the stars, is the new camp counselor who specializes in the ropes course and repelling. He’s come to camp to get away from his normal life as a grad student and to recover from a broken heart.

Among the other camp counselors is Sam, nicknamed C.C., who has worked at the camp for a few years. Astro finds C.C. attractive with a great personality. The only problem is Astro promised himself he wasn’t looking for another boyfriend this soon. And that’s what he wants–a boyfriend, not a random hookup or one night stand. Unfortuntely, from what Astro sees, that’s exactly what C.C. specalizes in.

Even with that knowledge, Astro can’t deny his attraction to the other man. This produces some excellent conflict as C.C. keeps trying to snag a date with Astro and Astro keeps saying no. But after a heart to heart while the two are stuck in the staff house during a thunderstorm they finally talk it out and come to an understanding that let’s their relationship move on to the next level.

Tachna does a good job of setting Astro and C.C. into conflict. Even once they’re together there is the looming question of what happens when the summer is over. The push and pull between these two was fun to read. Add in the supporting cast of the other camp counselors who are rooting for the two of them (but watch out, camp pranks are a tradition) and you’ve got a delightful cast of characters.

The camp is a great setting for the story as it gives the opportunity for both Astro and C.C. to shine as we get to know them. For Astro you see how genuine and caring he is while he’s working with the campers to help them learn how to run the ropes course. Plus he’s always eager to help out the other counselors. C.C., meanwhile, is an EMT who is in charge of the infirmary and he is passionate and dedicated to his job of keeping the campers safe and healthy.

The only thing that could have made this a better read is if I could’ve done it on a beach, which is where any good summertime book should be read.

Up next: I’m not sure yet…

25May10 DWTS Season 10, Week 10: Nicole vs. Erin vs. Evan
Posted by in TV | Tagged

It’s week 10 and that means it’s time for the finals. It’s come down to Nicole, Erin and Evan and each had some surprises in store during the show. Unfortuantley some of those surprises were not good.

Each couple did two dances during the Monday performance show and still had two more judged dances to do in the Tuesday finale. For the Monday show each had to do a redemption dance–a style the judges felt the celebrity should do over because it wasn’t so good the first time–and a freestyle. Freestyle are such a mixed bag for me. As I’ve written before, to me the freestyle is the final exam and time to show the breadth of what you learned on the show. It’s not the time to go crazy and go off the rails to do something unrelated to DWTS. I got a mix bag this season, some I loved and some I did not.

  • Erin & Maks (Samba): Finally Erin looks relaxed while she dances and this samba was so much better than the first one. Erin had great, sharp movement and good musicality. I loved the playfulness at the beginning where she kept Maks’ clothes on. It was a huge improvement  and also got the highest judges scores of the night with a 10-10-9. (Freestyle) Such a huge risk inviting Mandy Moore to choreography some lyrical contemporary piece. It was like So You Think  You Can Dance came to Dancing with the Stars… and I LOVED it. It didn’t show off ballroom technique, but it did show off dancing technique and it was a gorgeous piece with some very complex moves that by and large Erin did quite well. I’m not sure it should be legit that someone from outside the show can come in and do what Mandy did, but it was a risky move that I thought paid off.
  • Evan & Anna (Viennese Waltz): This was improved from Evan’s first Viennese, but it was still lacking in the chemistry department for me until the last third or so where Evan really seemed to engage. However, the choreography and the technical performance were incredible and I was moved even while Evan wasn’t fully connected with Anna. (Freestyle) Here’s an example of what a freestyle shouldn’t be. To me this whole thing added up to seeing how much Evan could toss Anna around and how much they could jump about the stage. This was very disappointing and for all the drama they whipped up over the freestyle in the rehearsal package it just didn’t pay off.
  • Nicole & Derek (Rumba): Incredible! This was sexy, romantic, vulnerable and absolutely beautiful. It was so much more than the first tentative rumba Nicole did a few weeks ago. So disappointed that the lift happened before the music had completely stopped because that kept them from a 10 from Carrie Anne. (Freestyle) This is exactly what a freestyle should be. It was great that Derek incorporated so many different styles from the show. I imagine this would’ve been a perfect 30 had there not been the flub in the final lift.

Prediction: Nicole wins this hands down in my opinion. Evan, however, had enough issues in the Monday show that I think he will come in third and Erin’s spectacular performance on Monday will get her into the number two slot.

Winner: As expected Nicole won the mirror ball (congrats, Nicole!). While I haven’t seen the finale yet, unless Evan pulled out something spectacular, I’m disappointed he came in second to Erin’s third. I’ll talk more about the finale program after I watch it Wednesday night.

The finale: As usual the finale was a mixed bag. The opening number was a mish-mash and ending with Kate, who looked like she didn’t want to be there at all, was lame. I’m glad Tony doesn’t have to deal with her any more. I loved that Nicole, Erin and Evan all redid their Argentine Tangos because they were so great. I still feel like Evan’s could have been more and that Erin should’ve come in second there.

I loved Pam and Nicey’s dance and it was my favorite new thing in the finale. Making Buzz dress up in a sparkly space suit and “beam” in to the dance floor was lame and embarrassing. Of all the other returning cast, the only other one I was happy to see was Shannen back with Mark and doing something new. The ending to the college competition was great and Utah definitely deserved the win there. Their number was incredible.

Now it’s time to move on to So You Think You Can Dance. The blogging for that will likely start up during the Vegas episodes.

23May10 Bad Night for Green
Posted by in Hockey | Tagged ,

The Wizards and Blizzard both failed to put up any goals and, therefore, ended up on the losing side of last night’s games.

The Wizards played first coming up against the Snowmen. The good news is that the Wizards played a better and more team oriented game this week. Unfortunately, even though we had a decent presence in the offensive zone, we simply could not pick up a goal.

It was a close game, only 2-0. The first goal was actually off of me. A high shot bounced off my glove and flew over Peter’s shoulder. Their second one came in the final minute as we had pulled the goalie and were trying to get a goal to tie it up. Overall, despite that first goal, I felt like I had a good game. I did the best I could keeping it in the offensive zone and taking care of penalty kills. I had a couple wiffs on the puck, but nothing that cost us. This was the second week I played with Jonathan as a D partner and I really enjoy that. Continue Reading »

23May10 Promises, Promises
Posted by in Theatre | Tagged , , ,

The revival of the 1968 Burt Bacharach/Hal David/Neil Simon musical Promises, Promises received mix reviews when it opened last month, but I found it to be a delightful afternoon’s entertainment. Not only does it boast the always wonderful Kristin Chenoweth, but also a tremendous star turn from former Will & Grace co-star Sean Hayes. There’s also scene stealer Katie Finneran who makes the absolute most of her 15 minutes of stage time.

The story is based on the 1960 Billy Wilder film The Apartment, which focused on a neebish office worker who yearned to become a junior executive. He ended up on the exec track by loaning out his apartment to other execs so they’d have a place to take their mistresses. This arrangement works well until the young exec discovers a woman he’s interested in is one of the mistresses.

Hayes completely looses his Jack McFarland character here and instead plays the lovelorn, mostly invisible exec wannabe with sincerity and humor. At times he channels Jerry Lewis, who he played for a TV movie in 2002 (a role he earned a SAG Award nomination for), when things go more slapstick. Hayes has a great voice and captured the audience from the get go with a winning stage presence. He held his own easily with Chenoweth and Finneran too, which was not easy at times as the women had some meaty roles. He deserves the Tony Award nomination he earned for this role, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins it.

Chenoweth is a delight. This was the first time I’ve seen her on stage since she was in Wicked and I loved hearing her do some Bacharach/David classics like “I Say A Little Prayer” (which was not part of the original score, but added for this revival), “A House Is Not A Home” (which she recently sang a few lines of in the “Home” episode of Glee), “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Knowing When to Leave.”

There were three standouts in the supporting cast. As I mentioned Finneran rules the stage at the top of Act II as Hayes’ character comes across her in a bar where they are both drowning their sorrows on Christmas Eve. Her rapid fire dialogue and excellent comic dialogue are a treat. I think she’ll be winning the Tony she’s nominated for as well. Dick Latessa plays the next door neighbor doctor and he has some good scenes with Hayes and Chenoweth. I was also glad to see Seán Martin Hingston on stage again for the first time since I saw him (and crushed on him) in Contact. He’s one of the execs using the apartment and he gets some great comedy with his fellow execs, but it was his dancing during “Turkey Lurkey Time” that I asboltuley loved.

Speaking of dancing, director/choreographer Rob Marshall hit a choreography home run here. The 60s infused style is awesome from the dancing during the overture to “Turkey Lurkey” to the bar scene at the top of Act II to the curtain call it is all excellent. I wish there could’ve been more, even though I have to admit there’d really be no place for more. This is another Tony I hope the show picks up in a couple weeks.

I can see why audiences are packing the Broadway Theatre even with the mixed critical notices. Promises, Promises is a perfect crowd pleaser. Two wonderful stars in Hayes and Chenoweth, a supporting performance from Finneran that is not to be missed and the great Bacharach/David songs. I suspect this will winning over audiences for months to come.

18May10 DWTS Season 10, Week 9: Semi-Finals
Posted by in TV | Tagged

Another week with ballroom and latin rounds and some odd judges scores in my opinion. This was also the week all the stars had to do solos within their latin dances. I like when it comes to that because it’s a chance to see what they can do when no pros are around. Luckily most of them held up very well under the solo scrutiny.

Here’s a look at how the four remaining competitors did in the semi-final week:

  • Erin & Maks (Viennese Waltz): I love the Viennese Waltz. It’s one of the most beautiful ballroom dances with the fluidity and rises and falls. This fell woefully short for me. It was choppy. It was clear Erin was nervous. Frankly Maks choreography didn’t do much for me either. I’m stunned it got a 28. (Paso Doble) Luckily Erin redeemed herself in my eyes with a solid paso. It wasn’t her best dance ever, but at least it was semi-final good. I did find it odd to have to do a solo in a paso since it’s so much about the point and counter-point. Here it looked awkward.
  • Nicole & Derek (Argentine Tango): Best Argentine Tango I’ve ever seen on this show. Derek produced stunning choreography and they danced it sublimely. The moves down the stairs were quite something and I loved all the flicks and kicks. A well deserved 30! (Cha Cha Cha): I agreed with Len that the solo on the chair wasn’t really cha cha cha material, but the rest of the dance was excellent. Watching these two shake their hips is oh so fun.
  • Chad & Cheryl (Waltz): This was better in every way over Erin’s waltz. Different styles, yes. But this had what Erin’s lacked: beautiful choreography and fluidity… a fluidity I didn’t know Chad was capable of. My only question here: Why did it look like he was wearing pajamas? (Samba): I loved it. I thought his solo was very good… and I was expecting him to be at a loss without Cheryl nearby. Overall a very good performance. I’m surprised it was scored so low. It was far better than 24.
  • Evan & Anna (Foxtrot): Look at Evan finally spring to life. I think this is the first time he’s looked happy during a dance. It was great to see him emotionally engaged in a dance that doesn’t require a blank or serious face. Technically it was darn good too. (Paso Doble) Wow! Great number to close out the evening. Evan had the best in-style solo too. Kudos to Anna for really nailing what the solo was supposed to be, even in a paso. This is my favorite paso of the season. Full of sharp moves and good drama.

Results Show: Coming out of the performance show, I really thought Erin was going to go home. She lost points in my eyes last night and it looked like Chad peaked at just the right time with two great numbers. I also figured Chad had more of a fan base than Erin. I hope Erin brings it in the finals next week because I think Chad certainly would have.

I loved Jonathan and Anna performing with Sarah McLachlan. I hated the design-a-dance. It just looked like a mess–from the choreography to the costumes to the performance. It’s a shame that was under the Macy’s Stars of Dance banner. If that’s how America designs a dance, they shouldn’t be allowed that option again. Meanwhile in the college dance off the crew from Utah was absolutely fantastic!

My big wish now is to see superb freestyles next week. Nothing bonkers, but a good look at what Nicole, Evan and Erin have learned in the ballroom.

16May10 Romeo & Hamlet presented by GayFest NYC 2010
Posted by in Theatre | Tagged , , , , ,

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Hamlet is the sun.

Hamlet is the sun? What? Welcome to Romeo & Hamlet, written by R. Jonathan Chapman and Kevin Stefan using a mix of their own words, original Shakespeare lines as well as altered Shakespeare text like the above. The show, making its U.S. premiere as part of GayFest NYC 2010, merges Romeo & Juliet with Hamlet to put its own spin on Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell and gay marriage.

Here’s Juliet is supposed to be wed to Hamlet in a plot by King Claudius to unite Verona and Rome. The montagues aren’t a family here, but the gay society in Verona. Romeo, the leader of the monteagues, along with Mercutio and Benvolio, attend a ball where Hamlet and Juliet meet. However, things take a turn when Hamlet and Romeo lock eyes on each other. The two end up married in a secret ceremony. Hamlet still uses a show to help uncover who murdered his father (who it turns out was a montague too). Juliet, meanwhile feels spurned that Hamlet has gone to Romeo and when she tries to kill Romeo she drowns in the river. The king uses her death as a reason for Romeo and Hamlet to fight to the death. Of course, a plan is set in motion to make it look like Romeo is dead, but that plain goes awry leaving Romeo, Hamlet, the King and many others dead.

The duo playing Romeo and Hamlet were excellent. Chris Bannow (on the right side of the photo) played a wide-eyes, head over heels in love Romeo while Craig Wesley Divino is a Hamlet who is both madly in love both also driven to prove that Claudius murdered his father. These two had great chemistry on stage from the first starstruck moment at the ball to a West Side Story infused duel. You want their love to work out, even though you know that just doesn’t happen in a Shakespeare tradgey.

The supporting cast is excellent also. Phillip Taratula and Maechi Aharanwa were magnificent as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Meanwhile Amy Jackson and Eve Danzeisen were hysterical as Mercutio and Benvolio. Queen Gertrude was a wonderful Kate Levy and Juliet was played by Ellen Adair, who has played the Juliet in several productions of the original play.

The playwrights are to be commended for their skillful meshing of the original texts with their own. Every now and then it came close to being over the top (such as too many riffs on “to be or not to be”). Some in the audience for the performance we were at (which happened to be the closing performance) found more humor in the word play than I did. Yes there was some genuine humor there, just as Shakespeare intended. However, some of the audience laughter seemed misplaced, as if how the words were rearranged was itself funny.

I think I was taking most the show at its tragic face value because I did find there to be quite a bit of poignancy to the proceedings. It was a delightful, and at times quite powerful, retelling of two Shakespeare masterworks with a nice layer of modern day issues added to the mix.

GayFest NYC 2010 runs through June 6 with four other productions. The festival benefits New York’s Harvey Milk High School, a very worthwhile cause.

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