New Orleans!

I went to visit a friend in New Orleans this past weekend. It was my first time there, and I wasn't sure what to expect because of the mixed things I'd heard in the five years since Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful trip though. New Orleans is a great city, rich in history, culture and delicious food.

Though NOLA isn't best known for its shopping, we went to some really cute boutiques on Magazine Street. My favorite shop was Fairy. I found two dresses that I will probably wear to wedding events. Their prices are reasonable, and the customer service is great. We then had a fantastic lunch at St. James Cheese Company.
We also walked around the Garden District. The homes in this area are gorgeous - they have these huge windows and gas lamps. The house used in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is there (above), which happens to be right next to Sandra Bullock's house. The famous Lafayette Cemetery is also in the neighborhood, where many movies like Interview With a Vampire have been filmed.
Obviously The French Quarter is a must-see at night. We walked by the Lalaurie Mansion, which is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the country. Nicholas Cage bought it before he knew its history then couldn't sell it.
There's an art market at Jackson Square on Sundays. It's also near the St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe du Monde. The cafe has delicious coffee made with chicory and beignets (French for powdered doughnut/funnel cake-like things). A can of their coffee is a nice souvenir. There's also a great restaurant for brunch around there called Stanley, a nod to A Streetcar Named Desire, of course.

One of my favorite places that we ate there was John Besh's restaurant August. The French cuisine is superb, and they use local ingredients. We also happened to be seated in between Mos Def and Jonathan Vilma, a Saints player. Then in walked Tim Robbins, who is filming The Green Lantern there.

I'd definitely like to go back to N'awlins again!

"Fences" on Broadway

When I was in New York City this weekend, I lucked upon a preview of the revival of August Wilson's play, Fences. Oh my goodness - it was hands down one of the best plays I've seen. My sister's friend works for the producer, so we had incredible box seats, too.

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis starred in the Kenny Leon-directed play. Washington won a Best Actor Academy Award for his role in Training Day. Davis was nominated for her role in Doubt. When you see celebs in plays, you never know if they have the acting chops for it (*cough* Julia Roberts in Three Days of Rain), but let me tell you, these two have the chops and more. They were unbelievable.

Fences was written by Wilson in 1983, but the play is set in the 1950s. Troy Maxson (Washington) has been married to Rose (Davis) for 18 years. Troy's best friend and confidant is Jim Bono, who served time in jail with him and works with him as a trash collector presently. Troy has a son, Cory, with Rose and a son, Lyons, from a previous relationship. Gabriel is Troy's brother, who was wounded in the war and is now mentally handicapped. Because of his injury Troy has enough money to buy the "roof over their head," which is brought up throughout the play.

Troy is always looking to move up in the world. He eventually is promoted to a trash truck driver. He has a strained relationship with Cory because he dreams of playing college football, and his dad wants him to just learn a trade. Troy always claims that he was good enough to play major league baseball, but was discriminated against for being black.

Even though Troy appears on all levels to love Rose, he has an affair with a woman named Alberta, who is never seen by the audience. They end up having a daughter, Raynell. The twist occurs when Alberta dies during childbirth. One of the most powerful scenes in the play is when Troy tells Rose about his affair. I literally could see tears pop out of Davis's eyes.

The play officially opens today and is running for 13 weeks through July 11 in the Cort Theater. Tickets range from $61.50 to $131. 50. If you're in NYC, go see this play before it's too late!

Star-studded "Nine"

I enjoy musicals and pretty much anything starring Daniel Day-Lewis. So, with these two factors and a star-studded cast, I figured that I would love Nine. Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago), the film about Italian director Guido Contini's crazy relationships and script-writing troubles was good, but unfortunately not as good as I'd hoped.

The film, set in the 1960s, is based on a play that is based on Federico Fellini's film 8½. I was told to watch this film before I went to Rome last year but never got around to it.

In Nine there are many women in Contini's (Day-Lewis) life. The pressure is on him from almost everyone in Italy to create his latest masterpiece entitled Italia. Unfortunately, he is having director's block.

Contini's women include his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his mother (Sophia Loren), his muse (Nicole Kidman), his costumer (Judi Dench), an American fashionista (Kate Hudson) and Seraghina (Fergie). All of these women have impacted his life and his work in some way. Contini eventually realizes that the love of his wife is what matters. He wants her back after he has lost her.

The handsome Day-Lewis does a mean Italian accent (as if we'd expect anything less), and he actually sings quite well. In fact, just about all of the film's stars sing. I thought that Fergie's song "Be Italian" was the best for both song and performance. She and Cotillard did the best job in their roles as Contini women.

All black ensembles

[InStyle.com]

Keira Knightley stepped out wearing an all black in London for the premiere of her play The Misanthrope. When I wore a black dress, tights and oxfords on Thanksgiving, my dad said I looked like a Witch from Eastwick (whatever that is). No matter what anyone says, I love the look of all black - it's so chic and elegant. [piperlime.com]

The actress wore her embellished Chanel minidress with a swingy black coat, two-tone pumps and opaque tights. This is a great outfit to take a cue from for Christmas or New Year's Eve. I like this 'Sequin Party Dress' by 7 For All Mankind (on sale for $149.99 at Piperlime). Plus, it's long enough to wear to work with tights and a blazer. I'm all for outfits that can pull double duty.

Knightley makes her stage debut as a Hollywood actress in the play; imagine that! The play is a revival of British playwright Martin Crimp's update of French playwright Molière's comedy Le Misanthrope. In the updated play, actors and journalists are satirized, rather than the French aristocratic society.

The Telegraph reviewed the play mentioning that Knightley is "scarily skinny" in person, but gave it a good review saying, "This stinging, zinging play would be a hit without Knightley. With her, it becomes unmissable." The play is at London's Comedy Theatre until March 13, 2010.

"Jersey Boys" at D.C.'s National Theatre

[nationaltheatre.org]

I saw Jersey Boys this past weekend in Washington, D.C. at the National Theatre, and now I know what everyone has been raving about since opening on Broadway in 2005. The play tells the fascinating story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The music alone will blow you away.
The Four Seasons (originally known as The Four Lovers, glad they changed that!) was comprised of talented musicians from where else, New Jersey - Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi. Legendary songs like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," December 1963 (Oh, What A Night)," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" are all hits of the 1960s group.

The play spans the formation of the group to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and where they are today. The costumes are amazing. I wish that men still wore suits all the time like they used to.
This photo of Frankie Valli and John Lloyd Young (the original actor who played Valli on Broadway) is from the Tony Awards red carpet ceremony from early fall. Jersey Boys runs at the National Theatre until December 12.

Musical "Nine" premieres in London

[BBC]

The musical film Nine premiered last night in London. The powerhouse cast of Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Kate Hudson and Fergie stars in the Rob Marshall-directed film (he also directed Chicago).

The play Nine is based on Mario Fratti's adaptation of Federico Fellini's film 8½. It opened on Broadway in 1982, won five Tony Awards and had many revivals. I think the film is going to be fantastic. I'm a big fan of Day-Lewis, and the man rarely does a movie, so this is exciting.

Now for the fashion, though all of the film's stars didn't show up at the premiere, I think that Cruz and Dench were the best dressed. How classy does Dame Dench look in London designer Betty Jackson's dress? I'm loving that chartreuse color.

Also, Cruz wore a blue-grey Ralph Lauren gown with Chopard jewelry (who also provided the bling for the film). Hudson's white leather Versace Atelier wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either. It sort of looked like a wedding ensemble with the white satin heels (maybe she's sending signals to A-Rod?). Kidman's outfit was an odd choice too. I didn't get the business-like chiffon skirt and jacket for a film premiere.



Above is the newest film trailer. It opens on Christmas Day nationwide (December 18 for NY and LA).

"A Streetcar Named Desire"

[BAM.org]

[AFP]

The Sydney Theater Company's production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire at Washington, D.C.'s The Kennedy Center is absolutely incredible. Cate Blanchett stars as Blanche DuBois in the Liv Ullmann-directed play. I believe this could rank as one of the best plays I've ever seen.

Blanchett is a great actress, as we knew from her films. The real showcase of an actor's talent seems to be whether or he or she can perform well in front of a live audience. Blanchett passed this test with flying colors.

Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski and Vivien Leigh as Blanche first made this play famous in the 1950s. Though that was over 50 years ago, the play still seems relevant.

For those unfamiliar with the plot of this tragic play, beware, it'll break your heart. Blanche is an aging Southern belle, who has come to live with her sister, Stella (played by Robin McLeavy), and her husband, Stanley (Joel Edgerton), in New Orleans. She proceeds to put on airs about her sister's living conditions, but she won't say why she has come to live with them other than the fact that she lost their family home, Belle Rive, and took a leave from her teaching job.

Stanley is a brutish hard-working, hard-drinking man, but Stella (who is a good sister but an annoying push-over) is crazy about him. Blanche and Stanley don't get along. Mitch, a friend of Stanley's, is smitten with Blanche. As the story unravels, we discover that Blanche's story is quite tragic - from the death of her young husband to the reason she lost her teaching job and was kicked out of her town.

I love how the play began with a light shining on DuBois and ended in the same way. There were also striking tableau vivants throughout the play. There were a few times that the audience laughed at awkward points that were meant to be tragic including Blanche's famous closing line, "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers." However, at the end, the actors got four call-backs! I've never seen that before.

The company is performing at The Kennedy Center. through November 20. Then they will perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on November 27-December 30. Tickets are sold out, though the site says that some partial view tickets are available if you call 718.636.4100. If you're in D.C. or NYC, I would highly recommend trying to get tickets for this play - Craigslist perhaps? It's definitely worth it.

A Streetcar Named Desire with Cate Blanchett

Tickets for Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire at The Kennedy Center starring Cate Blanchett went on sale today. The Sydney Theater Company's production of the play is arriving in Washington, D.C. on October 29 through November 21 in the Eisenhower Theater.

The Pulitzer-prize winning play is directed by Liv Ullmann. One of my favorite actresses, Blanchett (of Elizabeth and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), stars as southern belle Blanche DuBois.

Tickets range from $25 to $90. I got my Orchestra section tickets this morning! There are also a few $25 tickets available at the box office, which is an amazing deal for good balcony seats. You can order tickets online, or call (202) 467-4600. Good luck because I have a feeling that good seats will sell quickly!

Tony Awards red carpet

Last night I was in NYC and went to check out the red carpet at the Tony Awards at Radio City. Neil Patrick Harris hosted the awards. Billy Elliot, God of Carnage and Next to Normal were some of the big winners of the night.

My first sighting was Dolly Parton, who was there for 9 to 5. She looked like a bright, white light! God bless her. Next I saw Kevin Spacey, Jeff Daniels and James Gandolfini (who stars in God of Carnage). Then Anne Hathaway arrived in a fabulous black Oscar de la Renta dress and bright red heels. She’s going to star in NY Public Theater’s open-air production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as Viola running from June 10 to July 12.

Allison Janney, who currently in 9 to 5, was there in a pretty purple dress. The lovely Angela Lansbury also walked the red carpet briefly. She won the Best Featured Actress Tony for Blithe Spirit – her 5th Tony! John Stamos was there looking very handsome. Will Ferrell, Oliver Platt, Bebe Neuwirth, Stockard Channing and Jane Fonda also made appearances. Frankie Valli from The Four Seasons was there with the guy who plays him in Jersey Boys.

The musical Rock of Ages was well represented on the red carpet with star Constantine Maroulis and Poison. Bret Michaels later ran into the set while performing and was knocked backward. I think his cowboy hat may be impairing his vision!

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig to Star on Broadway

[Vanity Fair]


Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman are set to star on Broadway this fall in the drama A Steady Rain by Keith Huff. It's about two Chicago policemen who are lifelong friends. It focuses on "their differing accounts of a few harrowing days that changed their lives forever," according to Chicago Dramatists. James Bond and Wolverine sharing the stage? Yum!

Ragtime at the Kennedy Center

Ragtime ended a one-month stint at the Kennedy Center yesterday. The musical was interesting and entertaining. It’s based on a 1975 novel by E.L. Doctrow. The play opened on Broadway in 1998 and closed in 2000. I thoroughly enjoyed the play – especially since I scored a deal with $25 tickets for the first row of the balcony (binoculars were crucial).

The play centers around the three very different but connected lives of Coalhouse Walker, Jr., a piano player from Harlem; Mother, a wealthy woman from New York; and Tateh, a Jewish immigrant. Loaded with historical fiction, it tells a story of this era, in the 1910s before World War I. Many historical figures make an appearance including Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford and Harry Houdini.

Mother’s family has led a charmed life. Though we find out though that her husband, known Father, is well-traveled but quite unkind and lacks passion. Coalhouse is in love with a woman named Sarah, but they aren’t together because he has to travel so much as a musician. Unbeknownst to Coalhouse, Sarah is pregnant, but gives up her baby. Mother finds the baby in the garden, and takes responsibility for the baby and Sarah. Tateh and his daughter have immigrated to America in search of a better life. He starts out selling silhouettes on the street corner and eventually becomes a movie director.

Ragtime is both tragic and triumphant. The set was amazing, and the music is lovely. I would highly recommend this play if it ever comes to a city near you.

Jesus Christ Superstar

I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar last night. It was fantastic. The play is currently on tour around the country.

The plot takes place in the last days of Jesus on Earth from The Last Supper to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. A good portion of the plot is based around the dissatisfaction of Judas with Jesus. We know how that ended!

My mom saw the play in the 1970s, and she said it was very controversial because of a scene with Mary Magdalene and Jesus where she sings "I Don't Know How to Love Him." I also thought the actors playing Jesus and Mary in this production were a little more touchy-feely than was necessary.

Ted Neeley played Jesus. He also had the title role on Broadway in the 1970s and in the 1974 movie version for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. I thought he looked much older than Jesus's 33, but I had no idea that he is 65! It's amazing that he can still hit those high notes and scream. During the songs "The Temple" and "I Only Want to Say," he really gets up there.

James Delisco played Judas. He was excellent as were the other disciples. Go see this if you have the opportunity because it may only run through this summer.

Puccini's Tosca

I saw my first opera tonight - Puccini's Tosca. The opera is sung in Italian with English translations. The Italian language is so beautiful.

The opera takes place in the time of Napoleon's reign. Floria Tosca is in love with a handsome painter Mario Cavaradossi. She thinks that he is cheating on her because he uses the likeness of a woman they know for a painting he is creating in a church.

Cesare Angelotti escapes from prison and visits Cavaradossi in the church. He hides him in his villa. The evil Chief of Police Baron Scarpia finds out that he has escaped and comes to look for him. He takes Cavaradossi on suspicion of hiding the prisoner. Scarpia has other motives because he wants Tosca for himself, so he tricks her into thinking that she can save her love by spending one night with him.

The music is absolutely incredible. It's a tragic love story, but it has definitely peaked my interest in operas, and I will be seeing more. Hopefully Puccini's La Boheme will be my next opera adventure.

Uncle Vanya

I saw Russian playwright Anton Chekov's play Uncle Vanya starring Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight), Peter Sarsgaard (Jarhead), Dennis O'Hare (Milk) and Mamie Gummer (Stop-Loss). The play was published in 1899 and first performed in 1900. It is now playing through March at the Classic Stage Company in Union Square NYC.

Each character is miserable in his or her own way. Gyllenhaal plays Yelena who is married to the elderly, self-centered professor Aleksandr. She falls for the doctor Astrov played by Sarsgaard. Gyllenhaal plays Yelena quite well. She has the extreme boredom of an idle life down pat. It's interesting to see the real-life couple interact onstage.

The title character Uncle Vanya is played by O'Hare. He too is in love with Yelena. I don't think he did Vanya justice. I was on the front row, and he kept spitting profusely, which was very distracting since I was worried it was going to land on me.

Gummer, who is Meryl Streep's daughter, plays Sonya. She does an excellent job. Sonya is in love with Astrov, but he does not love her because he is taken by Yelena's beauty.

The play is sad and the recurring theme is the despondency of wasted lives.