Diner, with Songs by Sheryl Crow

Dear Imaginary Friends,

We recently attended the play "Diner," at Signature Theater. The story was not the most compelling thing about it. The voices were -- so soaring and sweet in the many ballads, that I cannot imagine ever hearing . better anywhere.

The acting and dancing were also Broadway calibre. 

The story is based on Barry Levinson's youth in Baltimore, which was previously released as a feature film, also entitled Diner. 

The songs were written by Sheryl Crow, both music and lyrics. I fell in love with several, including "Please Be There," "Don't", and especially "Tear Down this House," and "Letting Go. " Wow. I also liked "It's Good."

The music really was original and added to the plot line.  Brava, Sheryl Crow! This play belongs on Broadway. 

The fifties were very mysogynistic, and the plot plays that up. It made me squirm. 

The set was terrific. To add to the magic, the lobby was made over into an ersatz Silver Diner. I loved it! 

The downside? Most of the male characters were very hard to like. If I were the writer, I would give them all a rosier future, especially Fenwick. And perhaps a better understanding of women's equality. And lastly, the writer should lose the stripper scene. Not appealing. 

Your imaginary theater lover,

Patsie

The set, below. 

Little Dancer, Broadway-Bound

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Theater lover to theater lover, you must get tickets to see Little Dancer now, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The play is about Degas' young ballerina model, her life circumstances, and her relationship with Degas. 

The costumes are a wonder to behold. I have taken many art history classes regarding Impressionism and have seen many images by Degas. The costumes are faithful replicas of those in Degas' paintings, with the charming satin ribbons, underlit theatrically. 

Marie, our young heroine, is the model for Degas' famous wax creation The Little Dancer. Hence the name of the play. 

She is played by Tiler Peck, a well-respected NY City Ballet performer. 

The play is original, but based on a book "The Painted Girls", by Cathy Buchanan. 

The excellent cast is highly pedigreed and all veterans of Broadway productions. 

After the run in Washington, DC, the play will no doubt be on Broadway in New York City. 

Your theater, Degas and ballet lover,

Patsie

Civilization (All You Can Eat)

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Last night, we attended a thought provoking, if strange play entitled, Civilization (All You Can Eat).

It was written by Jason Grote, a German-American with great stage credits; he currently writes the new TV show named Smash.

Grote's play features all of the following: 

A large hog who ends up eating a vegan!
A ballet done with shopping carts from the supermarket!

A runaway and her ne'er do well mother, family relationships, excursions into the meaning of life, consumerism, capitalism, adultery, theater, advertisements, religion, Twix candy bars, processed food, Facebook, President Obama, race relationships, etc.

The magic happens when Grote ties all these threads together at the end.

The play is produced by Woolly Mammoth, a local Washington, DC, theater with some of the most daring productions in town. If you are looking for the umpteenth production of Hamlet, don't come here!

Your Imaginary Theater Fan,

Patsie

Boise and its Mythical "Hobby Lobby"

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Last night, Carlo and I visited the Woolly Mammoth Theater in downtown Washington, DC, to take in A Bright New Boise, a very creative play about big box stores, adoption, and big box fundamentalist churches.

For those who do not know, Boise, Idaho, is a blip on the map. It is situated in Northwest US, away from any large metropolis. 

Somehow, in short of 2 hours, familial alienation, religion (organized and otherwise), and minimum wage existence are all covered in one fell swoop by the playwright.

To digest the play, we went next door to Oyamel, an exciting Mexican restaurant with Day of The Dead special menus, creative flair, and a whole lotta choices of tapas. Yum.

Then to top it off, Chocolate orange sorbet at Pitango, once more, next door.

Food for the brain and food for the stomach!

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie