Next Up : Ying Tong
I’m going to see Ying Tong at the Wilma Theatre on Thursday night. Now this is all before my time, but the way I understand it, way back in the 50’s, there was a famous radio show called The Goons. This show apparently defined sketch comedy as we know it, and heavily influenced the creation of Monty Python.Ying Tong chronicles the creation of The Goons, following it from cult icon to huge success. The Wilma does great stuff, so I’m really looking forward it !
Review : Fire Burn
I went to my hometown, Lancaster, this past weekend, and saw Fire Burn at the Theatre of the Seventh Sister. It was a staged reading, not a full-blown play. Honestly, I didn’t really care for Fire Burn, but the experience of attending a staged reading was fun.A staged reading is when the actors simply sit on stage, scripts in hand, and read through the entire play. Depending on how serious the reading is, they may rehearse once or twice, or they may rehearse six or seven times. At the performance, again, they’re sitting in chairs, and reading through the script; however, they’re still acting out the parts. It’s a great way for a playwright to see his work “on it’s feet” without the time and expense of a full-blown production.
After the performance, there is often a talk-back. During the talk-back, the playwright will join the actors on stage, and the audience members are in the spotlight. They get the chance to make or break the play. Did it suck ? Then tell them. Was it fantastic and engaging ? Tell them. Once you get comfortable being really honest, it’s terrific fun !
Pictures : Adirondacks Cross Country Skiing 2008
I just got back from our annual Boathouse Cross Country Skiing trip. We’ve struggled the last couple of years with very little snow, but boy, this were different this year !! When we got there, there was already two feet on the ground, and another 8 inches came down while we were there !! Great trip !A big THANKS to Susan and Henry for organizing the trip !
Click Here to See The Pictures
Movie Review : The King of Kong
This movie falls into that great category loosely labeled “Truth is Stranger than Fiction”. It documents the controversial competition for the high-score in Donkey Kong. Yup, you heard right : Donkey Kong. Just in case you’re way too young, Donkey Kong is the video game where good ‘ol Mario cut his teeth before arriving in Super Mario Brothers.This movie is absolutely hilarious ! If you’re unfamiliar with the gaming subculture that lurks beneath, you have definitely got to watch this movie. Even if you care nothing for computer games, you’ll still enjoy this… in fact, you might enjoy it even more !
Working in a Garnet Mine
Each year, Henry comes up with a great idea for a little excursion during our Adirondacks trip. This year was no different, with a tour of the Barton Garnet processing plant ! You see, Henry’s family (the Barton’s) produce quite a bit of the garnet used in the US. You might know garnet as January’s birthstone (go Capicorns !). Apparently it’s kind of useful for other things too, like as an industrial abrasive. You see, the quirky thing about garnet is that it’s self sharpening. As the garnet breaks down into smaller pieces, it stays sharp because of the way it fractures.The tour was given by Chuck Barton, Henry’s cousin. (Thanks Chuck !) We started out in the mining pit itself, then over to the crushing facility, and finally on to the processing plant. Along the way, Chuck and Henry did a great job of explaining the process. Completely fascinating ! I made a little video along the way. It’s got a fun soundtrack, so be sure to turn up the volume first…
Life in the Adirondack Mountains
I’m thrilled to say that I’m on vacation this weekend ! It’s my annual skiing trip up to the Adirondack mountains. Do you know where the Adirondacks are ? I’m continually surprised that most people don’t. It’s a state park in upstate New York, roughly the size of the state of Vermont. It’s huge ! And it’s wonderful. For the last couple of years, I’ve been coming up during the summer to row, and again during the winter to cross-country ski. We stay at Susan’s house, which is part of Garnet Hill. (Thanks Susan !) Boy, there’s lots to say about Garnet Hill. It’s named after the huge deposit of garnet stone in the mountain. And today, I got a tour of the Garnet mine ! More on that later….Reason or Faith ? Find the answer in Wittenberg
I saw Wittenberg at the Arden this past Wednesday, featuring Scott Greer as Dr. Faustus and Greg Wood as Luther. Scott is quite a prolific and talented actor in Philadelphia. Most recently, I saw him in Assassins at the Arden. I was also looking forward to seeing him in 1812’s production of This is the Week that Is; unfortunately, his understudy went on that night. I was bummed. I hear he was also pretty good in Mice and Men at The Walnut last year.Wittenberg boils down the debate of faith vs reason, in a very funny mix of old world and new world. Dr. Faustus and Luther spend two hours sparring with each other, trying to find their way to common ground. I really liked it. Yet another example of good theatre at the Arden. I couldn’t help but cheer for Faustus…. What does that say about me ??
You can get tickets here.
Final words about “The Price”
So, should you go see it ? I say yes. It ends up being a really interesting story about lifelong differences between two brothers. Is there such a thing as irreconcilable differences ? Can you make up for lost time ? Can you see through your own problems to understand someone else’s point of view ? All these questions, and more, are tackled by this show. I really enjoyed it. Plus, as always, the Walnut did a stellar job with the set. Big, and brilliantly done. Honestly, I think they built the better part of a complete house, on stage !Did I have a few quibbles ? Sure. It ran a bit long, something north of 2 hours, and it could have easily been shortened. For example, there were a few long dialogs in the 2nd act where I found myself drifting… and checking out the set. But outside of that, a really good play and production. It plays through March 1st, and you can go here for tickets.
More about “The Price”
Robert Prosky’s son, Andy, played the role of Victor. He was on stage, performing a long monologue when the stage lights slowly faded to black, and the house light slowly came up. Ooops ! But as they say, the show must go on ! And he did, flawlessly playing his role. About 30 seconds later, the house lights fade back down, and the stage lights came back up. Without missing a beat, Andy turns his head towards the audience, and with a sly smile says “Crazy lights, huh ?”. He brought down the house with laughter ! Then, like a good performer, he slipped back into his role, and moved along…