Hi all,
Since I like to let my mom know I am actually working for a living up here.... Today I bring you a couple stories I have done over the past few weeks that I had fun with on the production end of things... There's something to be said for finding 'just the right song' to work with the story I am telling...
I've talked about sewage in the Hudson... with a little help from Sebastian in The Little Mermaid...
Toll Hikes (with a little help from Avenue Q)
Had the Pet Shop Boys help me talk Debit Card Charges
REM backing me up talking about Falling Satellites
But my by far favorite use of music was this ..... a little Freddy Mercury to talk about bullying.....
See Mom, I am playing...er... I mean... working for a living :)
Ok, yes, I am working too. Speaking of which tomorrow is an early day, out with the Occupy Wall Street Protesters as the city tries to remove them from the park.... it could be a long Friday......
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Art in Odd Places Pt 1
On weekends, I look for interesting things to do in the city that give me a chance to see an area I don't know well, but also be entertained, just in case the area isn't overly exciting . This past weekend that took me to the area of Union Square, and all up and down 14th St. The event was called Art in Odd Places. And it was literally that. There were all sorts of performance art, static art and participatory art pieces.
For example – The Bodhi Tree. This is a tree that would periodically start making the 'ohm' sound as you walked past it. And once you heard the chanting coming from the tree, and walked up to it, you see an explanation of what it was.
"Buddha attained enlightenment after 49 days of meditation sitting in the shade of the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India 2,500 years ago. Inspired by this idea, the Bodhi Tree is a sculptural intervention in the midst of the bustling environment near Union Square. The tree will emit the sound of OM at random intervals, in an attempt to bring peace, awareness and an opportunity for introspection to New York City pedestrians."
The Kissing Tree – another piece you may not notice unless you were looking.
You see the trunk of the tree had a number of red marks. As you got closer, you see they were lip prints
One of the performance artist was performing what she called "the kissing tree" where she did just that.
Stray and Get Found – This is one that I still don't think I understood what I was supposed to do with. I saw lost and found signs up and down the street.
Later on, I actually found one of the bindle bags.
Inside was an apple, piece of chalk and this note.
So, what was I supposed to do with what I found? I'm not sure. I at least feel good to know I wasn't alone as I saw other people confusedly looking at the pieces and trying to figure out what to do. I suppose I should've just given the apple away and drawn "something" with the chalk, somewhere... But I took the easy way out, and put it all back for someone else to figure out.
There were also some interesting performance artists such as this gentleman...
And some interactive pieces such as this one relating to feet washing.
Here's the blurb on it...
"UNION SQUARE CLEAN - Rob Andrews - Forty figures cloaked in black fabric will gather in Union Square, where the public will be invited to clean the feet of the figures with Andrews. This performance is an act of communion. Of preparation for prayer. Of sublimation. Of sharing. Of acknowledgment of difference, but also of sameness. Let us be contrary, but find peace in our shared rituals! Cleaning embodies our contrary nature in its most basic form. In a sense, that’s what ritual is: an acknowledgment or our fundamental weaknesses. An appeal. The question is of course: to whom do we appeal and why?"
There are two jars of water at their feet and this note.
And yes, some people did it...
And one of my favorites, in the performance art category, was Being Away And Walking. Artist Abigail Lavine choreographed an eight hour dance routine that she did while going around four crosswalks at the corner of ninth and 14th... yes for a whole eight hours.
When I first saw her, I kept trying to watch what was changing in her routine each time she went around and then literally spent about 20 to 30 minutes watching people react to her as she would walk to the cross walk with them and suddenly switch into dance moves. It was quite the people watching event.
I will admit that some of these things were a little too "artsy" for me. But it was interesting to watch people in there in endeavor of art .
Coming soon, I'll tell you about a couple of the pieces of art I came home with and one of the pieces of art that I'm a part of.
For example – The Bodhi Tree. This is a tree that would periodically start making the 'ohm' sound as you walked past it. And once you heard the chanting coming from the tree, and walked up to it, you see an explanation of what it was.
"Buddha attained enlightenment after 49 days of meditation sitting in the shade of the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India 2,500 years ago. Inspired by this idea, the Bodhi Tree is a sculptural intervention in the midst of the bustling environment near Union Square. The tree will emit the sound of OM at random intervals, in an attempt to bring peace, awareness and an opportunity for introspection to New York City pedestrians."
The Kissing Tree – another piece you may not notice unless you were looking.
You see the trunk of the tree had a number of red marks. As you got closer, you see they were lip prints
One of the performance artist was performing what she called "the kissing tree" where she did just that.
Stray and Get Found – This is one that I still don't think I understood what I was supposed to do with. I saw lost and found signs up and down the street.
Later on, I actually found one of the bindle bags.
Inside was an apple, piece of chalk and this note.
So, what was I supposed to do with what I found? I'm not sure. I at least feel good to know I wasn't alone as I saw other people confusedly looking at the pieces and trying to figure out what to do. I suppose I should've just given the apple away and drawn "something" with the chalk, somewhere... But I took the easy way out, and put it all back for someone else to figure out.
There were also some interesting performance artists such as this gentleman...
And some interactive pieces such as this one relating to feet washing.
Here's the blurb on it...
"UNION SQUARE CLEAN - Rob Andrews - Forty figures cloaked in black fabric will gather in Union Square, where the public will be invited to clean the feet of the figures with Andrews. This performance is an act of communion. Of preparation for prayer. Of sublimation. Of sharing. Of acknowledgment of difference, but also of sameness. Let us be contrary, but find peace in our shared rituals! Cleaning embodies our contrary nature in its most basic form. In a sense, that’s what ritual is: an acknowledgment or our fundamental weaknesses. An appeal. The question is of course: to whom do we appeal and why?"
There are two jars of water at their feet and this note.
And yes, some people did it...
And one of my favorites, in the performance art category, was Being Away And Walking. Artist Abigail Lavine choreographed an eight hour dance routine that she did while going around four crosswalks at the corner of ninth and 14th... yes for a whole eight hours.
When I first saw her, I kept trying to watch what was changing in her routine each time she went around and then literally spent about 20 to 30 minutes watching people react to her as she would walk to the cross walk with them and suddenly switch into dance moves. It was quite the people watching event.
I will admit that some of these things were a little too "artsy" for me. But it was interesting to watch people in there in endeavor of art .
Coming soon, I'll tell you about a couple of the pieces of art I came home with and one of the pieces of art that I'm a part of.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
My Take On Occupy Wall Street
Where have I been over the past week... I've spent a good amount of time at Zuccotti Park. That's where the Occupy Wall Street protests are taking place. Politically you can be on either side of the protests.... but now you are going to read my thoughts.... with pictures :)
First the pics....
I work the early shift, so this is what it looks like when the park is asleep. There are sleeping bags and tarps everywhere as the 'occupiers' get some shut eye.
Ever wonder where all those signs come from? Here's Sign-making central. I kinda wonder who is going to clean up the paint they are spilling all over the park walkway though... just saying...
See that dry erase board over to the right? That's where the day's schedule goes. See, there is some organization.
And you may have seen Zombie day...where they all dressed up like corporate zombies.... here's the make-up table where they got ready....
everyone getting a little coffee as one day gets underway...
A sign on one woman's back that made me chuckle... "I closed my accounts at Bankrupt America...."
and of course.. no protest is complete without a drum circle.
Now, my thoughts.... I talked to a LOT of protesters. And from all those conversations, I have a few opinions.
I believe there are a lot of people there who believe 100% in the cause - that government is out of reach of the average person and that there are a handful of people who 'control the US' right now.
But I also believe there are a number of people/groups who are making their way into the occupation to cause problems or push different issues or distort the message and that's a sad thing.
Some are anarchists.... some just want to party and think this is a cool place to do it. Some are just focused on a different agenda and are glomming on to this event because it has a lot of attention and perhaps some have been put there by the very power that are being protested to break down the message being put out.
If you think about it, our founding fathers were pretty big protest fans, and so, considering my major crush on John Adams, you should not be too shocked at my stance in support of the protest. I think as a concept the movement is quite the event, but I also think it's going to destroy itself... (or be helped to destruction) by those who are infiltrating its ranks.
First the pics....
I work the early shift, so this is what it looks like when the park is asleep. There are sleeping bags and tarps everywhere as the 'occupiers' get some shut eye.
Ever wonder where all those signs come from? Here's Sign-making central. I kinda wonder who is going to clean up the paint they are spilling all over the park walkway though... just saying...
See that dry erase board over to the right? That's where the day's schedule goes. See, there is some organization.
And you may have seen Zombie day...where they all dressed up like corporate zombies.... here's the make-up table where they got ready....
everyone getting a little coffee as one day gets underway...
A sign on one woman's back that made me chuckle... "I closed my accounts at Bankrupt America...."
and of course.. no protest is complete without a drum circle.
Now, my thoughts.... I talked to a LOT of protesters. And from all those conversations, I have a few opinions.
I believe there are a lot of people there who believe 100% in the cause - that government is out of reach of the average person and that there are a handful of people who 'control the US' right now.
But I also believe there are a number of people/groups who are making their way into the occupation to cause problems or push different issues or distort the message and that's a sad thing.
Some are anarchists.... some just want to party and think this is a cool place to do it. Some are just focused on a different agenda and are glomming on to this event because it has a lot of attention and perhaps some have been put there by the very power that are being protested to break down the message being put out.
If you think about it, our founding fathers were pretty big protest fans, and so, considering my major crush on John Adams, you should not be too shocked at my stance in support of the protest. I think as a concept the movement is quite the event, but I also think it's going to destroy itself... (or be helped to destruction) by those who are infiltrating its ranks.
Friday, September 30, 2011
War Horse - WOW!
(yes, I know I have taken a week to post this.... sorry... but here is is!)
War Horse
Astounding. Breathtaking. Charming. Dramatic. Enthralling. Fantastic.
I could likely go through the whole alphabet with words to describe this show. It was a complete and utter WOW! First note, I am a musical person, I LOVE musicals. I am reluctant to see plays, and this is a play. Second note - this now has been boosted right to the top of my list as the best show I have ever seen. And it will take some work for something to top this one.
The story is set in World War I. Joey, the horse, is being raised by Albert, until Albert's father sells him to the army, and we follow his time in the army as well as Albert's hunt for his horse. That's the short version.
First things first - Understanding Joey. Joey is a puppet, but unlike any puppet you have seen before. The young Joey is operated by two people. The grown up Joey is a ride-able puppet that is operated by three people.
It is a marvel to watch. I grew up in a home where we raised horses. I don't remember a time in my youth when we did not have at least 6-8 horses in the backyard. I know their little quirks and movements, the little flicks of the ears, small movements of the tail or a foot to express things. They had it all down, even the breathing of this puppet.
The acting staff was also brilliant. I am going to step back and let the videos show you more, but let me simply say this... if you are ANYWHERE near where this is playing (it's at Lincoln Center now and still playing in London) GO SEE IT!
And, for the love of God, take Kleenex! You ARE going to be attached to Joey. You ARE going to be attached to Albert. Heck, you are likely going to end up attached to the German, even though he's on the other side of the war. You will care for them all.
You will be enthralled in the story and the nearly three hour show will flash by. Also, if you go to the Lincoln Center and can swing it, get tickets along the aisle between the 400 and 500 section. Sometimes it's good not to have center seats. Just trust me on this one!
Now, the videos - The official trailer...
A piece from Broadway.com previewing the show.
Joey at Sandown - This is a great video to see how well the puppeteers become the horse.
A cute video of the horses at Lincoln Center - again to see how well the horses move and interact.
and.... the comic relief of the show... the War Goose... anyone who knows me knows I WANT ONE! :) Go through the video to 4:25 and that's where he is.
War Horse
Astounding. Breathtaking. Charming. Dramatic. Enthralling. Fantastic.
I could likely go through the whole alphabet with words to describe this show. It was a complete and utter WOW! First note, I am a musical person, I LOVE musicals. I am reluctant to see plays, and this is a play. Second note - this now has been boosted right to the top of my list as the best show I have ever seen. And it will take some work for something to top this one.
The story is set in World War I. Joey, the horse, is being raised by Albert, until Albert's father sells him to the army, and we follow his time in the army as well as Albert's hunt for his horse. That's the short version.
First things first - Understanding Joey. Joey is a puppet, but unlike any puppet you have seen before. The young Joey is operated by two people. The grown up Joey is a ride-able puppet that is operated by three people.
It is a marvel to watch. I grew up in a home where we raised horses. I don't remember a time in my youth when we did not have at least 6-8 horses in the backyard. I know their little quirks and movements, the little flicks of the ears, small movements of the tail or a foot to express things. They had it all down, even the breathing of this puppet.
The acting staff was also brilliant. I am going to step back and let the videos show you more, but let me simply say this... if you are ANYWHERE near where this is playing (it's at Lincoln Center now and still playing in London) GO SEE IT!
And, for the love of God, take Kleenex! You ARE going to be attached to Joey. You ARE going to be attached to Albert. Heck, you are likely going to end up attached to the German, even though he's on the other side of the war. You will care for them all.
You will be enthralled in the story and the nearly three hour show will flash by. Also, if you go to the Lincoln Center and can swing it, get tickets along the aisle between the 400 and 500 section. Sometimes it's good not to have center seats. Just trust me on this one!
Now, the videos - The official trailer...
A piece from Broadway.com previewing the show.
Joey at Sandown - This is a great video to see how well the puppeteers become the horse.
A cute video of the horses at Lincoln Center - again to see how well the horses move and interact.
and.... the comic relief of the show... the War Goose... anyone who knows me knows I WANT ONE! :) Go through the video to 4:25 and that's where he is.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Book Of Mormon
Ranking at number 2 in last week's 5 shows that I saw was Book of Mormon.
Now let me begin this by saying it only came in at number 2 because of the number 1 show that I saw that was astounding and then some! I thought Book of Mormon was going to be number 1 until that final show.
BOM is one of the funniest things I have ever seen, and I watch a lot of funny stuff. That said, it is NOT a show for everyone. If you get offended easily, you may just want to go away now and come back when the next blog is posted as that show IS good for everyone. BOM was written by the same guys who wrote South Park. And no, they did not suddenly become mild-mannered writers. They are their typical sarcastic and sometimes downright blasphemous selves. You have been warned.
The story is this. We are following along with a couple of guys from the Mormon Church of Later Day Saints 'Institute'. They are being educated in how to go door to door and it introduces us to our main characters Elder Price (the perfect student) and Elder Cunningham (perfect student? Not so much....) This was literally the show opener. I only have the audio version for you, but it was adorable..
You can listen and picture guys walking out on stage (and onto platforms) one at a time practicing their 'hello' lines.
Anyone who was not at the theater on time and missed the first number really missed out. I never understood those people anyways, and therefore they deserve to be punished for being late and in this case they definitely are... but I digress....
We go on to follow Elders Price and Cunningham as they take off on their mission to Africa and, well, I will not tell you all of what happens, but there is a lot of laughter, and also very some sweet and tender moments. It's got it all, characters you get to know and like, a look at some real issues, a nod to Sound of Music, Wicked and Lion King, a glimpse into some of the curious parts of Mormonism, but mostly laughter. It's something almost everyone can enjoy... but mostly me.... oh wait... that's a line from the show.
And before you pick on the fact that they are picking on the Church of Later Day Saints, they really just took the real Book of Mormon, and drew a lot of attention to some of the parts that are more 'questionable' or a little out there.
Seriously if you are looking for a show that will make you laugh, I mean all out belly laugh, this is it! Well written, well presented, just awesome. I was going on days of little to no sleep, and I was engaged and laughing all the way through!
Here's a piece from later on in the show as done on the Tony Awards, you know, as they were racking them up!
And if you do NOT offend easily - the song that will have you tapping along and then, depending on how sensitive you are, be a little mortified at what you were tapping your foot along with.... it happens when the pair arrives in Africa.
Still reading... Did I mention it's really offensive? Just warning again.... remember.. these are the guys who equate Christmas to a piece of poop... joined by the composer who wrote 'The Internet is for Porn'. That was your final warning...
And if you don't like it. It's your own fault. I said only listen if you don't offend easily... or even moderately.... it's quite high on the blasphemy scale...
Now let me begin this by saying it only came in at number 2 because of the number 1 show that I saw that was astounding and then some! I thought Book of Mormon was going to be number 1 until that final show.
BOM is one of the funniest things I have ever seen, and I watch a lot of funny stuff. That said, it is NOT a show for everyone. If you get offended easily, you may just want to go away now and come back when the next blog is posted as that show IS good for everyone. BOM was written by the same guys who wrote South Park. And no, they did not suddenly become mild-mannered writers. They are their typical sarcastic and sometimes downright blasphemous selves. You have been warned.
The story is this. We are following along with a couple of guys from the Mormon Church of Later Day Saints 'Institute'. They are being educated in how to go door to door and it introduces us to our main characters Elder Price (the perfect student) and Elder Cunningham (perfect student? Not so much....) This was literally the show opener. I only have the audio version for you, but it was adorable..
You can listen and picture guys walking out on stage (and onto platforms) one at a time practicing their 'hello' lines.
Anyone who was not at the theater on time and missed the first number really missed out. I never understood those people anyways, and therefore they deserve to be punished for being late and in this case they definitely are... but I digress....
We go on to follow Elders Price and Cunningham as they take off on their mission to Africa and, well, I will not tell you all of what happens, but there is a lot of laughter, and also very some sweet and tender moments. It's got it all, characters you get to know and like, a look at some real issues, a nod to Sound of Music, Wicked and Lion King, a glimpse into some of the curious parts of Mormonism, but mostly laughter. It's something almost everyone can enjoy... but mostly me.... oh wait... that's a line from the show.
And before you pick on the fact that they are picking on the Church of Later Day Saints, they really just took the real Book of Mormon, and drew a lot of attention to some of the parts that are more 'questionable' or a little out there.
Seriously if you are looking for a show that will make you laugh, I mean all out belly laugh, this is it! Well written, well presented, just awesome. I was going on days of little to no sleep, and I was engaged and laughing all the way through!
Here's a piece from later on in the show as done on the Tony Awards, you know, as they were racking them up!
And if you do NOT offend easily - the song that will have you tapping along and then, depending on how sensitive you are, be a little mortified at what you were tapping your foot along with.... it happens when the pair arrives in Africa.
Still reading... Did I mention it's really offensive? Just warning again.... remember.. these are the guys who equate Christmas to a piece of poop... joined by the composer who wrote 'The Internet is for Porn'. That was your final warning...
And if you don't like it. It's your own fault. I said only listen if you don't offend easily... or even moderately.... it's quite high on the blasphemy scale...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
On the list of five shows I saw on Broadway last week - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. It starred Daniel Radcliffe ( you know, Harry Potter), and John Larroquette.
First, I must confess I've had a John Larroquette since he was on Night Court. Just pointing out my possible bias up front...
I am going to be beaten by a few of my Harry Potter fan friends for this, but I really hadn't paid attention to the fact that Radcliffe was in the show... nor did I really care. That said, he did a pretty darn good job. He had the comic expressions that are so vital for the show to work, down pat, and did the character of Finch justice. I, of course, loved his interaction with the boss (John Larroquette) . It's the kiss up we all know, but just better at and able to use that brown-nosing to get ahead.
If you have seen the show before, you know the story. If not, well it's a very fun little story about getting ahead in corporate and overall the show was cute and enjoyable. Below is a link to a video that pretty much gives you a glimpse at points throughout the show...
We also lucked out an got half-off tickets. So, was it worth the price of admission? Yes. I laughed a lot and had a good time at the show, especially the Old Ivy scene with Finch & the boss.
Enjoy -
First, I must confess I've had a John Larroquette since he was on Night Court. Just pointing out my possible bias up front...
I am going to be beaten by a few of my Harry Potter fan friends for this, but I really hadn't paid attention to the fact that Radcliffe was in the show... nor did I really care. That said, he did a pretty darn good job. He had the comic expressions that are so vital for the show to work, down pat, and did the character of Finch justice. I, of course, loved his interaction with the boss (John Larroquette) . It's the kiss up we all know, but just better at and able to use that brown-nosing to get ahead.
If you have seen the show before, you know the story. If not, well it's a very fun little story about getting ahead in corporate and overall the show was cute and enjoyable. Below is a link to a video that pretty much gives you a glimpse at points throughout the show...
We also lucked out an got half-off tickets. So, was it worth the price of admission? Yes. I laughed a lot and had a good time at the show, especially the Old Ivy scene with Finch & the boss.
Enjoy -
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil
Coming in at number 4 out of 5 in the shows I saw last week was Zarkana at Radio City Music Hall. This was not because it was bad, but it was a circus show... not something that pulled me in dramatically, so it moved down to 4 of 5.
Automatic point in it's corner – it was at Radio City Music Hall!!!
I had never been inside the building before, and it's a WOW space! Beautiful!
Musically, it was a rock opera. Some parts were enjoyable to the ears...other parts had me cocking my head to the side like a confused duck trying to sort out what the song was trying to add to the show.
Automatic point in it's corner – it was at Radio City Music Hall!!!
I had never been inside the building before, and it's a WOW space! Beautiful!
Zarkana itself was an enjoyable show, but I don't think I liked it as much as I did La Nouba in Orlando. The stand out acts were the girl with the tennis balls (who gets all of 1 second in the promotional video below) and the sand artist. They were both amazing to watch!
There were also a number of acrobatic acts I had not seen before which made me tired just watching them... especially that single solitary guy in the baggy shirt... he's in the promo too...
The clowns also had some very fun gimmicks that I had not seen before that made me smile. That takes some work since I am not usually a big clown fan, but they were really cute!
Musically, it was a rock opera. Some parts were enjoyable to the ears...other parts had me cocking my head to the side like a confused duck trying to sort out what the song was trying to add to the show.
Overall, it was enjoyable to watch and a nice visual diversion for the evening... and if you like ciqrue style shows, I think you'll really enjoy it.
Here's the trailer for it so you can take a glimpse
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