Pick A Little Talk A Lot

It is interesting that there is such a crossover between film and Broadway theatre these days. Hairspray, Producers, Wedding Singer and more from screen to stage and Chicago and now Dreamgirls from stage to screen. I have not seen Dreamgirls yet but have heard raves from everyone that has and intend to see it this week. The biggest controversy I have heard regarding it has been the $25 tickets at early screenings of the movie at the Ziegfield Theatre in NYC! But I say why not? I am thrilled to have musicals back at the movies. Can’t wait to see Jennifer Hudson (never could fathom that she was voted off American Idol) steal the show. Yes, I think that $25 is quite a bit of money for a movie but it is worth it if you want to see something in advance of all the hype and hey it was a holiday event!

Times Square has become so visitor friendly! Charmin Tissue has sponsored free public bathrooms in Times Square across from the TKTS Booth with the marquis reading “You’re in New York, Go in Style!” Just in case tourists miss the signage there is daily entertainment complete with dancing toilet! Only in New York . . but just for the Holiday Season!

Last night, I attended the Red Fern Theatre Company’s presentation of Two Rooms by Lee Blessing at the 78th Street Theatre Lab (A fabulous small theatre space) featuring my colleague and friend Brian Patacca in a strong performance as a reporter. This play is perhaps most effective in the fact that it was written almost 20 years ago and deals with a U. S. hostage in Beirut, his wife in the U.S., the government and the media involvement in the Middle East. How far we have come??? The Red Fern Theatre Company produces socially responsible works but also partners with organizations to further their causes. The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture is the partner for this production. It was a great evening with actor friends Kate Tellers and Katherine Brown and Mary Poppins Music Director Brad Haak followed by after dinner chat and show anaylsis at Ruby Foo’s.