Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Bernadette will provide the entertainment
On Friday, I'm heading to Austin, Texas. It's a full weekend of friends and fun. It just so happens that Bernadette Peters is providing the Friday night entertainment at the Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue. There will be seven of my best friends in the world joining me: Beth, who was with me the very first time I saw Bernadette perform in Gypsy at the Shubert on Broadway; Karen, whom I met through Bernadette at her concert in Peekskill - Karen always says, Become a fan of Bernadette with you'll tour the US and Canada with her; Suzi, whom I met when I was working in San Antonio and who shares a love of adventure and live entertainment; Robin, my college roommate, who has great affection for The Jerk, and with whom I traveled all the way to Hawaii to turn on the tv only to find The Jerk; Jamie, who has been my friend since we were 10 years old and who has seen me through just about everything; and Julie and Juella, who have been my friends since junior high and whom I haven't seen since we graduated from high school. All I can say is that we are all in for a treat on Friday night!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Quote of the Day
Angela Lansbury, on "American actors who are too in love with method (acting)", to Christopher John Farley at Wall Street Journal's Speakeasy Blog, March 18, 2011
(I have an entirely different excuse.)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Cara's 1st Big NYC Adventure
You must know by now that I'm the very proud aunt to three little loves - Cody, Cara and Camilla. Cody has already visited me in New York City a number of times, but Cara only came once when she was only one year old. Camilla hasn't been yet, but plans are formulating that will bring her in a few years.
Cara has been dying to come again, exclaiming, "New York looks so cute!" 6 and 1/2 year old Cara finally got the chance this week. She arrived a little later than planned on Monday night, due to storms in Houston, but via First Class on Continental! Being upgraded was indeed a good omen for the three day trip.
On Monday night, we immediately headed down on the subway to Time Square to acclimate to the excitement of New York City. We started with dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner - like her aunt, she appreciates any live vocal performance.
On Tuesday, we started the day with brunch at Sarabeth's (this trip was for her mom and me too, you know, but these children are not the type who will only eat at McD's). We then headed to the coveted American Girl Store. I must admit that I was dreading this just a bit, but acquiesced for my Little Love. I enjoyed the experience though - the American Girl franchise impressively pays attention to the most minute of detail and embraces history and ethnic differences. After we visited Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock, Pronto Pizza, the Lego Store (a nod to her brother), St. Patrick's Cathedral and a walk up 5th Avenue with window shopping - we picked out all of the best bling bling - she knows what RahRah likes. We spent the rest of the afternoon in Central Park, where fearless Cara climbed dozens of rocks.
On Tuesday night, Cara finally got to see her first Broadway show. She's no stranger to the theatre - she has seen shows at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio and is a patron at Midland Community Theatre. We saw "Mary Poppins." She was thoroughly enchanted and it was hard for her to decide which part was her favorite, although I think it was Bert climbing the ceiling and Mary flying over the audience.
On Wednesday afternoon, we had tea at the Plaza. Cara and I are both fans of "Eloise." Tea in the Palm Court was absolutely lovely and I recommend it for any special occasion. Afterward, we walked to Dylan's Candy Bar and then spent the rest of the evening shopping at Macy's - we both scored some new outfits!
On Thursday, sadly our last day together, we headed downtown on the 1 train to South Ferry. We took the Staten Island Ferry for a close up look at the Statue of Liberty, which was just as "cute" as Cara thought she would be. Of course, I had to show her Lincoln Center, a place to described to her as "the place where RahRah spends lots of money". She loved it and is excited about seeing something there in the future.
We watched some of the St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th Avenue. There's just nothing like seeing the NYPD pipes and drums up close, although I think her mom and I may have been a little more excited than Cara. We then made our way back to Time Square to get more shopping done - the Disney Store, ToysRUs, Hello Kitty - and thankfully a rest at Angus McIndoe's where we wet our whistle with Shirley Temples.
Every day was wonderful and intersperced with entirely unique New York City experiences and food. I threw in a little of my every day with a lot of magic. I think Cara will be back by herself as soon as she can and I'm already counting the days until that can happen.
Cara has been dying to come again, exclaiming, "New York looks so cute!" 6 and 1/2 year old Cara finally got the chance this week. She arrived a little later than planned on Monday night, due to storms in Houston, but via First Class on Continental! Being upgraded was indeed a good omen for the three day trip.
On Monday night, we immediately headed down on the subway to Time Square to acclimate to the excitement of New York City. We started with dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner - like her aunt, she appreciates any live vocal performance.
On Tuesday, we started the day with brunch at Sarabeth's (this trip was for her mom and me too, you know, but these children are not the type who will only eat at McD's). We then headed to the coveted American Girl Store. I must admit that I was dreading this just a bit, but acquiesced for my Little Love. I enjoyed the experience though - the American Girl franchise impressively pays attention to the most minute of detail and embraces history and ethnic differences. After we visited Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock, Pronto Pizza, the Lego Store (a nod to her brother), St. Patrick's Cathedral and a walk up 5th Avenue with window shopping - we picked out all of the best bling bling - she knows what RahRah likes. We spent the rest of the afternoon in Central Park, where fearless Cara climbed dozens of rocks.
On Tuesday night, Cara finally got to see her first Broadway show. She's no stranger to the theatre - she has seen shows at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio and is a patron at Midland Community Theatre. We saw "Mary Poppins." She was thoroughly enchanted and it was hard for her to decide which part was her favorite, although I think it was Bert climbing the ceiling and Mary flying over the audience.
On Wednesday afternoon, we had tea at the Plaza. Cara and I are both fans of "Eloise." Tea in the Palm Court was absolutely lovely and I recommend it for any special occasion. Afterward, we walked to Dylan's Candy Bar and then spent the rest of the evening shopping at Macy's - we both scored some new outfits!
On Thursday, sadly our last day together, we headed downtown on the 1 train to South Ferry. We took the Staten Island Ferry for a close up look at the Statue of Liberty, which was just as "cute" as Cara thought she would be. Of course, I had to show her Lincoln Center, a place to described to her as "the place where RahRah spends lots of money". She loved it and is excited about seeing something there in the future.
We watched some of the St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th Avenue. There's just nothing like seeing the NYPD pipes and drums up close, although I think her mom and I may have been a little more excited than Cara. We then made our way back to Time Square to get more shopping done - the Disney Store, ToysRUs, Hello Kitty - and thankfully a rest at Angus McIndoe's where we wet our whistle with Shirley Temples.
Every day was wonderful and intersperced with entirely unique New York City experiences and food. I threw in a little of my every day with a lot of magic. I think Cara will be back by herself as soon as she can and I'm already counting the days until that can happen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Grand Finals Concert at Metropolitan Opera
Sally and I attended the Grand Finals Concert of the 2011 National Council Auditions yesterday. Neither of us had ever attended and we will make sure not to miss in the future. It was so much fun - way better and just as tense as any sports competition for sure. It was hosted by mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato. Tenor Lawrence Brownlee provided entertainment while the judges deliberated. He sang “Je crois entendre encore” from Les Pêcheurs de Perles and a thrilling “Ah! mes amis” from La Fille du Régiment.
There were eight finalists under the age of 28 - 3 women, 5 men, no mezzos, no tenors. The finalists were Joseph Barron, bass-baritone from Pittsburgh, PA; Deanna Breiwick, soprano from Seattle, WA; Sasha Djihanian, soprano from Montreal, Canada; Ryan Speedo Green, bass-baritone from Suffolk, VA; Michelle Johnson, soprano from Pearland, TX; Joseph Lim, baritone from Seoul, South Korea; Nicholas Masters, bass from New Canaan, CT; and Philippe Sly, bass-baritone from Ottawa, Canada. The winners were Michelle Johnson, Joseph Barron, Ryan Speedo Green, Joseph Lim and Philippe Sly.
Michelle Johnson was the most amazing of the eight. From her very first note of Io son L'umile ancella from Adrianna Lecouvreur , I had chills. She has the lightest, purist soprano voice I have ever heard live. I was blown away by the artistry and beauty of her voice. Before she even finished singing the aria, the packed house was applauding thunderously and screaming. Sally turned to me and said, "I think we have a winner." Her second aria was Dove Sono.
The other winners were Joseph Lim, Philippe Sly, Ryan Speedo Green and Joseph Barron. The family circle was full of family and fans of the singers, probably students at their respective schools. It was exciting! You may have seen the documentary "The Audition
," a behind the scenes look at the 2007 class of finalists, among whom were Angela Meade, of whom I've become a huge fan. All of the semi-finalists received $5,000 and the winners received $15,000 each. It will be very exciting to hear all of these wonderful singers in the future.
There were eight finalists under the age of 28 - 3 women, 5 men, no mezzos, no tenors. The finalists were Joseph Barron, bass-baritone from Pittsburgh, PA; Deanna Breiwick, soprano from Seattle, WA; Sasha Djihanian, soprano from Montreal, Canada; Ryan Speedo Green, bass-baritone from Suffolk, VA; Michelle Johnson, soprano from Pearland, TX; Joseph Lim, baritone from Seoul, South Korea; Nicholas Masters, bass from New Canaan, CT; and Philippe Sly, bass-baritone from Ottawa, Canada. The winners were Michelle Johnson, Joseph Barron, Ryan Speedo Green, Joseph Lim and Philippe Sly.
Michelle Johnson was the most amazing of the eight. From her very first note of Io son L'umile ancella from Adrianna Lecouvreur , I had chills. She has the lightest, purist soprano voice I have ever heard live. I was blown away by the artistry and beauty of her voice. Before she even finished singing the aria, the packed house was applauding thunderously and screaming. Sally turned to me and said, "I think we have a winner." Her second aria was Dove Sono.
The other winners were Joseph Lim, Philippe Sly, Ryan Speedo Green and Joseph Barron. The family circle was full of family and fans of the singers, probably students at their respective schools. It was exciting! You may have seen the documentary "The Audition
," a behind the scenes look at the 2007 class of finalists, among whom were Angela Meade, of whom I've become a huge fan. All of the semi-finalists received $5,000 and the winners received $15,000 each. It will be very exciting to hear all of these wonderful singers in the future. Monday, March 07, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Joyce DiDonato at Carnegie Hall
This was the second time I've heard Joyce in recital and I couldn't wait to hear this Carnegie Hall debut. Having heard her also at Tucker Galas, the Marilyn Horne Birthday Gala and of course at the Metropolitan Opera, I knew that was I in for a very special afternoon. Like the time first time we heard her in recital, almost 3 years ago exactly at Lincoln Center, David Zobel accompanied.
Joyce's voice is full of joy and fairly sparkles, her timbre like a trumpet. Her program, mostly French and over two hours, was full of the expected Rossini, but she also thrilled with Haydn, Buzzi, Peccia, Loeneavalo and Di Chiara. As evidenced by her blog and her tweets, Joyce makes educated and emotional choices of the music she shares.
She noted that after Rossini retired from writing operas, he often had a salon on Saturday nights at his home in Paris to showcase his new songs he had written during the previous week. She said that the tradition of recitals began with sharing songs like this in people's living room and what was Carnegie Hall but a very ornate living room.
The loveliest pieces she sang were a set from Cécile Chaminade, a French composer who just happens to be a woman. Joyce said she chose these a year ago believing that New York would need some spring about now...little did she know! These songs, Come! My Beloved!, Villanelle, Morning Song, The Summer, were transportive.
Carnegie Hall also granted her a song cycle commission, which she did with composer Jake Heggie and Sister Helen Prejean. It is called the Breaking Waves and I really hope she is able to record it for posterity. It is absolutely lovely with four songs - Advent, Darkness, Music and Return. Sister Helen's text was inspired by her love of surfing - Joyce noted that Sister has poster of surfers on her walls. When she finished, Jake sprinted from his seat in the orchestra to the stage where he engaged Joyce in a long, loving embrace. There clearly is a mutual admiration society with this singer and composer.
Joyce's encores were (Cherubino), Tanti affetti from Rossini's La donna del lago (which we heard her sing at the Marilyn Horne concert) and finally Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She prefaced her final encore with the anecdote that her father was no fan of Judy Garland but he eventually admitted that this was a pretty good song. She also pointed out that many of her fans are "Friends of Dorothy" which got a huge laugh. The best thing she said was, "Music teaches us what is possible." Her rendition of the song was tender yet soaring.
The program makes no note of the designers of Joyce's gowns or jewelry, but I am here to tell you that she appeared impossibly glamorous and beautiful. Her first gown was a full black gown studded with gold sparkles. Her second gown, pictured below, was a strapless bright red or fuscia. She was dripping in diamonds! We spotted Lawrence Brownlee, in the audience and she shouted out to him from the stage, and Terrence McNally, the playwright and librettist of Dead Man Walking.
Sally and I went for wine and steaks after the recital, coincidentally at the same restaurant where Joyce had her after party. As she was approaching, we knocked on the window at her, applauding and giving her okay and thumbs up signs. She looked jubiliant and radiant!
The full set list:
HAYDN Berenice, che fai, Hob. XXIVa:10
ROSSINI "L'invito"
ROSSINI "La partenza"
ROSSINI "Le dodo des enfants"
ROSSINI "Chanson de Zora"
CHAMINADE "Viens! mon bien-aimé!"
CHAMINADE "Villanelle"
CHAMINADE "Aubade"
CHAMINADE "L'été"
ROSSINI "Assisa al piè d’un salice...Deh, calma," from Otello
JAKE HEGGIE The Breaking Waves (World Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall)
BUZZI-PECCIA "Lolita" (serenata spagnola)
LEONCAVALLO "Serenata francese"
DI CHIARA "La spagnola"
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Kate loves Sheldon at Feinstein's
Lovely Kate Baldwin celebrates the music of Sheldon Harnick in a week long engagement at the elegantly appointed nightclub Feinstein's at the Regency from March 8th to March 12th. The charming Sheldon, the Pulitzer Prize and three time Tony winning lyricist, will join her in the gig. I've already got my ticket and if you know what's good for you, you won't wait to get yours!
Call for tickets 212-339-4095 or go to
www.feinsteinsattheregency.com or http://www.kate-baldwin.com
Premium Seating - $71.86 and General Admission is $50.08
(plus $25 Minimum of Food & Beverage is required)
Call for tickets 212-339-4095 or go to
www.feinsteinsattheregency.com or http://www.kate-baldwin.com
Premium Seating - $71.86 and General Admission is $50.08
(plus $25 Minimum of Food & Beverage is required)
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