When You Find Me

When You Find Me by P.J. Vernon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though I guessed the ending 20 minutes in, the story was really enjoyable, with great performances.

Congratulations!

 Susan Lucci will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the Daytime Emmys this year. Now that it's happening, I find myself questioning why it took so long. I'm so happy for her. Well deserved.

FantasticLand

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really scary, and somehow plausible in today's world. Great performances.

I Agree!

Casting…

A few casting bits.

Gavin Houston is back on screen as Portia's brother, Zeke. Glad to see that family expanding, and hope he sticks around.

Jane Elliott is listed on contract, according to the credits at the end of the show. Don't know if it's true, but certainly hope so. Trying not to get too excited, because it could be short term. Either way, it's good news.

I call bullshit! According to several sources, Kate Mansi has been put on contract as Kristina. I like the actress, so this is nothing against her specifically, but, WHAT THE FUCK?! How many times over the years did Lexi Ainsworth make it perfectly clear that she would be more than willing to sign on full time? She was told there was no story for Kristina at every turn. Adding to my upset, Lexi's mother tweeted something about the parting of ways not being a mutual decision. If Lexi wanted to continue playing Kristina, what was the issue?! If TPTB made this decision for no discernible reason, fuck them, and kudos to Ms. Ainsworth for her professionalism. I'm so angry!

And Don't F%k It Up: An Oral History of RuPaul's Drag Race

And Don't F%k It Up: An Oral History of RuPaul's Drag Race by María Elena Fernández
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great behind the scenes snapshot of RuPaul's Drag Race. Being an oral history, however, I wish that it had more than one narrator to give a more authentic voice. I realize it would have been difficult to get all the Queens to contribute, but the result is a flat presentation.

Holy Sh*t!!!

 I don't even know what to think right now. Can't believe what I just read. Walt Willey is bringing his beloved All My Children character, Jackson Montgomery to Port Charles in July! No word on length of stay, or storyline at this time, but it's certainly fun to speculate. Who could Jackson be representing in court, and for what reason? This is insane! I absolutely cannot believe it! Finally! All My Children lives! Took you long enough, ABC!

Mixed Bag…

 

I saw a new production of Evita last weekend in Boston, and thought I would share my opinions.

First, positive. Voices of the leads were spectacular, and handled the demanding score with ease. Secondly, for the most part, costumes were beautiful, if a little too plain. The set was sparse but works, with one glaring exception, which we will get to shortly.

Headscratchers/negatives. The staging of Don't Cry For Me, Argentina. Instead of delivering this iconic, calculated speech from the balcony of the Casa Rosada to a frenzied crowd below, Eva stands alone on stage on what look to be bleachers, pacing back and forth. This creative decision saps all power, and leaves the audience wondering what all the hype and anticipation of the moment was for. Especially given that mere moments later, the devoted reappear in time to hear Eva deliver her second speech. Makes absolutely no sense.

I was going to rant about the horrible staging of Lament, but don't know where I should begin. Simple is better with the staging of this final number, but, apparently, someone didn't get the memo. There is so much activity in the final moments that the audience is unable to fully experience the gravity of the moment. Trust the material. More isn't always more.

On the whole, this revival is worthy, if somewhat confused. Glad I saw it. Piece of advice, if anyone cares. If this revival is headed to Broadway, as is rumored, fix the mistakes highlighted above, and it will be can't miss.

Copycat!

 A while back, I had repairs done to my wheelchair, and had to sit on the couch so they could be done. This little guy just had to get in on the action. Twinning!

Lie With Me

Lie With Me by Philippe Besson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though I will certainly forget specifics overtime, the beauty, and immediate impact of this story will never leave me. Quality of narration is inconsequential in this rare case, as this gut-wrenching, beautiful tale would remain perfect no matter what quality the performance.

Shocker?

Kristina Corinthos-Davis is going to look quite a bit different starting next week. Though no details have come to light yet, the show has chosen to recast the role, which has been played on and off since 2009 by Lexi Ainsworth, with Days Of Our Lives favorite Kate Mansi. From what I've seen of Kate's work, she's a great actress, but I'm still upset.

I cannot say how many times over the last several years that I have wanted GH to put Lexi on contract. A talent of her caliber should not just be paraded out every three months, for a day or two, and then relegated off screen, and forgotten. What a waste!

Kristina is a legacy character, and could contribute so much to the canvas. Why isn't she in a salacious triangle with Molly and TJ, or learning the mob ropes from her gangster father? All she's done for the last three years is pour drinks at Charlie's, and complain that her life is directionless. Such wasted potential!

Here's hoping, with Mansi on board, there's a plan to feature this character the way she should be.

So Long, Chester Wheeler

So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful.

The Golden Couple

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fabulously twisty. Great narration.

5!

 

Going to see Evita for the 5th time on May 28th in Boston with Mrs. Cabral. So excited! It's been 23 years since we saw it together, so this is long overdue. From what I've read and heard, this new production is completely reimagined, and includes new elements such as a second, younger Eva in the beginning of the show, to further illustrate the age discrepancy with her much older male companions. Should be very interesting. Would love it if You Must Love Me is absent. I hate this song, and its placement in the stage versions. Either way, I'm sure it is going to be spectacular, and can't wait.

Handsome In Orange

 

Quote Of The Moment…

"When a candy-coating hides the razorblade, you can cut yourself loose, and use that rage." 

-All I Know So Far-Pink

Okay…

So, I know it's been a very long time. Not going to promise to stick to a certain schedule or anything, but I am going to try to start posting again. I used to enjoy this very much, and don't even really know why I stopped. It's a really good creative outlet. Hopefully, we will see you again very soon.