If you have been reading my posts you know that Jac and I went into the big city last night for dinner and a show……….First the dinner. We went to our usual haunt, Orso, which is a relatively small Italian restaurant, right on the edge of the theater district. The place was packed, and celebs were on tap. Woody Allen held court at one table with Marlo Thomas and her husband Phil Donahue, while at another table, Eisner, can’t remember his first name, the ex head of Disney held court at another table…………always fun to see the famous and infamous. I did “The Donahue Show” twice, but I guess he forgot! LOL. Since the show started at 8pm [on Tuesdays many shows start at 7pm] we had lots of time to sit and have a leisurely dinner. Jac had spent the day in the city doing many errands, so she regaled me with her tales of the city. She found the city basically the same….but changed……and not for the better. That seems to be the way these days….lots of changes going on….some small…some big….. but few for the better. I have to say I like the city the way it used to be……………………I digress……………
“BULLETS OVER BROADWAY”……………we had great seats….first row center mezzanine. The word around town is this is a great show….a sure thing….The movie was fabulous and Woody’s bringing it to Broadway with a terrific cast and Susan Stroman [not sure of the spelling]…fabulous music from the past that works with the story line……..how can it miss???? So…..the theater was packed and word was out….Woody was in the house!…..While there were some good moments…..great costumes…….the chorus girls were fabulous, and the actor who played “Cheech” stood out…..for Jac and I……….for most of the show…….. they were shooting BLANKS!!!……How could this be…..was it just us??? Are we so jaded and critical???? At intermission we looked at each other….and new….neither one of us was overwhelmed. No one around us was really discussing the show….no oooohs and aaaahs. Half way through the intermission a very well dressed older gentleman came back from the mens room and sat down right behind us next to his very elegant wife. He proceeded to tell her the scuttle butt in the mens room was they were giving the first half a C – C plus…..I felt vindicated…We started to speak with the couple about our disappointment in the show and before you new it the immediately group around us chimed in also agreeing……..Moral of the story……there is no such thing…..as a SURE THING!………….I can’t put my finger on why it didn’t work for me and I’m sure there were many who loved it, but I have seen many many musicals, and I know a dud when I see one…..but then again WE didn’t like “Kinky Boots”…..certainly in the minority…..For “Kinky Boots” I felt I had seen that story done many times before and done much better…….I guess after loving the movie Bullets Over Broadway so much, this was just a big let down. The movie was just so much better on every level. This should have been great and it just wasn’t………………………………………………………………………………
For my money the BEST thing on Broadway is definitely………” A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER”……….and we have seen just about everything that has opened on Broadway……..Everyone I know who has seen it has absolutely LOVED it……………….A surprise for me was “The Bridges of Madison County”. I wasn’t expecting much, but was I surprised how much I loved it. The music score is the best of the season. One word of advise….if you see it bring plenty of tissues!……….. Unfortunately, when the Tony Awards are given I think they will go to “Bullets”……………I hope I’m wrong…………….that’s it from the “Critics Corner”.
I haven’t seen Bullets over Broadway, but Woody Allen themes about the angst of the human experience would not seem to translate well to Broadway. Midnight in Paris might do well, but I don’t think Blue Jasmine would. People go to Broadway to be taken away, not reminded of compromises and let downs in life.
I thought the movie was very funny, and I thought it would have made a terrific show especially using well know songs from the past, like Cole Porter or Gershwin, that fit into the plot, but most of the songs I didn’t know….and who needs to hear…”Yes we have no Bananas” again!? It was just a big miss for me…..a good idea gone wrong IMHO.
Thank you for your reply, Louis.
Louis, did you and Jac see “The Book of Mormon”;it’s actually coming to Boston.
Yes we did and we liked it…..the second half, we thought , was better than the first, but over all we liked it very much. The original cast was great.
Thank you so much for your review, Louis. As you wrote, nothing is ever a “sure thing.” How exciting to mingle with several celebs at dinner. You have made me want to book reservations at Orzo now.
I think that you launched your warm weather Whisper Knits at the proper time this year. (Last year seemed too late to me, and I was not tempted.) Your new heavenly hues have appeared like spring flowers peeking out from the dark soil of winter. They have given us hope for spring! Once again, I was hoping not to get entrapped by your beautiful garments, and once again I have been ensnared. Why oh why are you so brilliant at concocting gorgeous colors, my friend?
Dear Goldie…..I just can help myself
Thank you for the review! I also loved “Bullets Over Broadway,” but didn’t think it would work on the stage. Every detail in Woody’s movies is perfect; cinema is such a different art form. Think how different “Blue Jasmine,” was from “Streetcar.” I lived in Manhattan for one year: a great year for theater. “Fiddler,” “Camelot,” “Funny Girl.” I’d get standing room during the week for $1.50 and the usher would always find a seat for me. When I moved to Boston Broadway still came here. I joined the ushers union for $100 and bought a black skirt and white blouse.Schoolteacher by day; usher at night. Now it’s mostly local theater or an occasional opening. Tickets are pricey so I really love your reviews.Also theaters are much larger here; you need good seats.
Orzo is a wonderful restaurant and we make reservations there whenever we are seeing a play. We have tickets to see Les Miz in May and will probably be eating there before the show.
We are seeing Les Miz in May too and we will probably be eating at Orzo. What date are you seeing the show.
May 17th is our show date. What date is your viewing of the revival?
The 6th
Many thanks to you and Jac for letting us “peek over your shoulders” on Broadway … so much fun for us :)))
Cathy in PA
Louis- I loved your report. But what was Jac wearing? We used to have an Orso out here in LA but it closed. I also loved it. I have a dear friend who is lifelong New Yorker and she’s moving to LA this year. Says she can’t take it anymore- I think the awful winter may have been the final straw. By the way it’s Michael Eisner.
Jac was wearing a suit from my exclusive collection that I did for Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Holt Renfrew [sp] in Canada. t was just before QVC, but she was wearing the jewel neck waist whittling WK sweater under it in the cadet blue color………..I don’t blame your friend in the least….this weather is miserable……….and I’ve heard the northeast is going to have a hot rainy summer! If I didn’t have to fly back and forth to QVC I think I would be out there myself…..when I finally decide to retire, but that’s not going to be for a while…………..Michael….of course…….don’t know what he’s doing these days.
Louis- If you and Jac come out west let me take you to one of the best delis in LA-Brents (not as great as
Carnegie ) but we try! Actually I’m sure there are many west coast Linea ladies who’d love to toast the fabulous
Louis and Jac.
Dear Diane…thanks for the lovely invitation
I’m sorry to hear the show was a disappointment. I do love reading your stories. You lead such an interesting life! I agree about many changes happening and really none for the better. I’m just waiting patiently for April..looking forward to seeing more of your clothing. Thank you for sharing!