2 weeks...

...from today...

Next to Normal - A Review

Next to Normal, winner of 3 Tony Awards is a stroke of brilliance. Currently playing on Broadway at the Booth Theatre, Next to Normal is an emotional roller coaster where poignant songs and emotional story-telling meet soaring performances and brilliant design. One question, why this show wasn't the winner of a few more Tonys, especially "best musical"? With all that award nonsense aside, Next to Normal is one of the best musical experiences in recent memory. This show does not sacrifice substance for style, the primary focus is the story and the music, design and cast frame that story to perfection, a rare feat these days.

Alice Ripley is a tour de force as Diana, I can't get over how brilliant she was in this show. I feel honored to have seen this fine leading lady in top form. Kudos to the rest of the cast for their exquisit performaces. The show is designed and directed to perfection and the music and lyrics were catchy yet meaningful. The book (the most important element) is powerful and witty.

Next to Normal is theater at it's best. Broadway is once again changed and I wish we could see more shows like this produced on Broadway, To sum it up, this show is daring, un-apoligetic, heartfelt, candid, funny, disturbing, moving...the list could go on...

I dare you to find another musical currently playing on Broadway which holds up to the words listed above. Head to the Booth now, you will not be disappointed.

Next to Normal
The Booth Theatre
Performance: 2009.08.29 2pm

Next to Normal

Pure brilliance! A must see! Full review is coming up!

Thanks, Cooper, Mom, NY and Julia

Happy Friday all, I’m sitting on the couch with Cooper watching QVC, gosh I’m hooked.
First off, thanks for all the positivity on my last post, I feel your digital love!
Now onto more important things, Cooper to be exact. I’m spending the day at my parent’s house preparing for my Mother’s Birthday Dinner, an added bonus to this is chilling with Cooper, the most precious pup in the world. Right now he is laying against my leg waiting for a belly rub. He makes me smile no matter what my mood (and that sometimes takes a lot), so I dedicate this blog to the one and only Cooper!


Traver’s Weekend…blah…I’m officially out of town and won’t return until the madness ends. I’ll be spending the weekend in the city. I can’t wait, it’s been so long. I’m hoping to catch a show and chill out. I welcome any show recommendations.

I saw Julie and Julia last night, nice flick. Meryl Streep was genius (as per usual) and Amy Adams fell flat. I would rather have seen a movie with just Julia and no Julie. I need to dig out my “Art of French Cooking” book, I tried a recipe in High School and hid the book as my attempt at French cooking was unsuccessful, now that I have a bit more experience in the kitchen, I’m ready to cook with Julia once more.

Well that is all I have for now, peace possums!

Another day, another f-word!

Gosh, the people of Saratoga Springs, NY love the f-word, no not fudge, f*ck, fancy or fupa...

I'm talking f*g, f*ggot and other such variations...I can't walk down the street without that word being screamed at me.  Yes I walk with a bounce in my step and I sometimes wear colorful pastel clothing, but my goodness, am I that flamboyant?  I usually just ignore it, but lately it getting harder and harder...the f-word is full of hate and I'm sick of being hated by people who don't even know me.  For those that do know me and hate me, I'm ok with that...at least you have a reason, but for the assholes that like to drive by and scream such nonsense, get a life.  It's like a drive by hate crime.  What disturbs me most is this is happening on a daily basis...its a bit scary and disturbing.  In the end it makes me want to seek out a more gay friendly city.  Any recommendations? 

Rusty Keys

I'm back in the saddle, or shall I say bench.  Since I have the week off I finally have time to play the piano.  I just rocked out for a solid hour...and no banging from the lady downstairs...

Song Selections:

Cher - Turn Back Time

Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe

Cher - Love Hurts

Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

Streisand - The Way We Were

Lady Gaga - Just Dance/Pokerface

Cher - You Take It All

Streisand - Piece of Sky

Cher - Believe

I'm back in the biz (not really)...

Passing Strange

Over a year ago I experienced a musical theater experience like no other; “Passing Strange”.  Like any live performance, the memories of that matinee or evening will eventually fade.  The true test however, is how long it takes for them to fade.  In the case of Passing Strange, they continue on for me.  The music, the talent, and most importantly the words…  Passing Strange is a beautiful and stirring musical journey through life that everyone can relate to.  The show is worthy of a lifelong run, but Broadway being what it is, this show closed well before its time, luckily it continues beyond the stage. 

Available on-demand via Time Warner, the story and words of Passing Strange are alive and well.   I can’t recommend this “movie” enough.  The show holds up very well on screen and that is a testament to the shows creators Heidi and Stew and the cast that told this story every night at the Belasco.  If you have some spare moments and want a true cinematic/theatrical experience order this film and immerse yourself into Passing Strange.  You will not be disappointed.  “Listening is waiting…”

Good Morning

What better way to kick off a day at the track than with a mimosa...

My recipe:

-Leftover bubbly (re-corked and still bubbling) - 1/2 glass

-Fresh orange juice - 1/2 glass

-Pama Liqueur - 1/2 shot

-St. Germain - just a splash

*note -  since it's not even 10am yet, I poured 1/2 bubbly and 1/2 o.j. under normal circumstances I prefer 3/4 bubbly 1/4 o.j.  I also prefer a fresh bottle, but I find that if you re-cork the bottle the bubbles are still roaring and ready to go.  It's Sunday so I'm unable to purchase alcohol until noon, boo NY!!!

How do you like your mimosas?  Is 10am too early???

Saturday Night Dinner

My most favorite part of the weekend are Saturday Night Dinners (SND); a sometimes delicious meal prepared by Chef Richard (me).  What was on the plate last night?

Happy Hour: Spiced Red Pepper Olives and Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Main Course: Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Homemade Pasta and Steamed Brocolli

Dessert: Homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip 

Cookies, Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Fudge Sauce

The meal was a success and enjoyed by all.  Stay tuned for future SND posts....enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Saratoga Summers

Yes, it is here once more.  Lucky us.  

I have a love hate relationship with the summers in Saratoga Springs, NY.  I love the people and I hate the people.  I love the track and I hate the track.  Do you get where I'm going?  

Of course Saratoga wouldn't be Saratoga without track season, so in the end I should just learn to love it.  This year as opposed to last I have separated myself from the Saratoga insanity.  I don't find the crowds (or most of the people amongst the crowds) enjoyable.  They are rude,  inconsiderate and obnoxious.  Just last night I was going to meet some friends for a drink when some crowd of meat heads decided to call me the obligatory f-word.  Really?  Are we we that lame and immature?  It goes to show what classless assholes roam the streets these days.  The situation put me in a fowl mood, so I thought it would be best for me to go home and head to bed.  At least I can avoid a hate crime underneath my sheets.

With that said I'll avoid the meat-head filled bars and seek refuge elsewhere.  

I don't want to wish the summer away but nothing beats a Saratoga Fall.  

Forgotten but not totally...

Gosh, I haven't blogged since November!  How dare I?  I'm not  sure what happened...I used to blog religiously for years (before it was cool) and now that everyone is doing it....I stopped.  Maybe I was looking for the next trend in this whole thing we call "social media'.  Twitter was a bust (for me at least), so maybe blogging is where it's at.  We shall see!  Am I coming out of retirement like Streisand did in 2000 and 2006???  I guess so, however I won't make nearly as much money as she did.  Love you Babs!