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.