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.

One More Night

One More Night by Laurel Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A sad tale of truth, consequences, and learning to follow your heart.

Wicked Innocents: Case No. 1 (The Frontenac Sisters: Supernatural Sleuths & Monster Hunters)

Wicked Innocents: Case No. 1 by S.H. Livernois

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Awesome! Can't wait to see what sort of trouble the sisters find themselves in the next. Loved it!

Patti LuPone: A Memoir (Audiobook)

Patti LuPone: A Memoir by Patti LuPone

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An extraordinary reading of an unforgettable memoir. Hearing the emotion in Patti's voice as she reads the final chapters is sure to bring any theater lover to tears.

Violent

All Too Common…

Ridiculous!

Quote Of The Moment…

"Love reads like a bad biography. All the names are changed to protect the innocent."
-A Tight-Knit Family/Love Is Blind-Falsettos

Crime!

Soldier Boy

Soldier Boy by J.M. Snyder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Another heart-wrenching tale of eternal love from this brilliant author. Bravo!

Quote Of The Moment…

"Love is blind. Love can tell a million stories. Love's unkind; spiteful in a million ways."
-A Tight-Knit Family/Love Is Blind-Falsettos

Quote Of The Moment…

"It's never just one stone."
-Maggie Bloom

Congratulations!

A big congratulations to Trinity Taylor for winning season 4 of All Stars! Very well-deserved. Monét X Change also won, but we don't know her.

Quote Of The Moment…

"After all the stops and starts, we keep coming back to these two hearts. Two angels who've been rescued from the fall."
-After All-Cher and Peter Cetera

Here We Go Again!

Over the last week, rumors have again begun circulating that All My Children may be returning from the dead. When asked if there is any possibility of the legendary soap ever being revived, ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke responded, "There might be some conversation about that. There might be."

I won't lie, when I read the response, my heart skipped a beat. Then, reality. How many times are we supposed to go through this? Either bring it back, or let it rest in peace. Honestly, my heart can't take another roller coaster of emotion, just to be disappointed in the end. I miss my Pine Valley friends every day, and would give anything to see them again. I've always hoped, but need a definite decision either way.

Quote Of The Moment…

"People ruin each other in unspeakable ways, and declare their innocence by calling it love."

-Nikita Gill

Quote Of The Moment…

"Blessed is the heart that sacrifices its needs for your wants."

-Hina

Handsome!

Photo Credit: Tiffany Sequeira

New!

Photo Credit: Tiffany Sequeira

Mom found these little ones abandoned, and thought I might want to adopt them. I did, of course! They seem to be getting along fine with the others! Such a relief!

Quote Of The Moment…

"Step out of the sun, if you keep getting burned."

-Waving Through A Window-Dear Evan Hansen

Quote Of The Moment…

"Can anybody see? Is anybody waving back at me?"

-Waving Through A Window-Dear Evan Hansen

Quote Of The Moment…

"Will I ever be more than I've always been?"

-Waving Through A Window-Dear Evan Hansen

Firestarter

Firestarter by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent! One of the best climaxes I've ever read in a Stephen King book. Kept me guessing, and on the edge of my seat throughout.

REVIVAL?!

According to legendary director Hal Prince, there's an Evita revival in the works.

"There's a revival of Evita in the works exactly as originally produced and directed. Larry Fuller is on board choreographing, and Tim O’Brien and Tazeena Firth’s scenery and costumes are being replicated—identically. Dan Kutner, who has been in my office for over a decade and is a director in his own right, is preparing it for an opening in Johannesburg in October 2017."

"I am determined to persuade Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian, its producer, to come back to Broadway. It will have been some time since the most recent revival, which didn’t serve the material well. I’m certain that our audience is ready. Evita has always been one of the most satisfying experiences of my career."

This is absolutely thrilling! For as long as I can remember, I have hoped for this news! Mr. Prince is dead on. The 2012 Broadway Revival was an unbelievable disappointment on every level. If this does come to pass, I will see it without question. A dream come true, the way it should have been the first time.

History!

Photo credit: Amber Downing

July 24-25, 2017

 Photo Credit: Amber Downing

Out And About…

Photo Credit: Amber Downing

Took these on the way back from the library downtown.

Quote Of The Moment…

"When it comes to the past, everyone writes fiction."

-Stephen King

Awesome!

Heard a lot about Bianca Del Rio long before watching season six. Honestly, I didn't know what to make of her when I finally started. It didn't take long for me to fall absolutely head over heels for the insult comic with incredible makeup, and a great sense of style. She was practically perfect every time out. Everything I want in a drag queen. Haven't felt this way since Sasha awakened my curiosity to this world. Have a feeling I'm going to become obsessed! Congratulations, Bianca! I adore you!

Quote Of The Moment…

"We can all stand for a little bit more humanity, even if that humanity seems messy, and uncomfortable."

-RuPaul

Surprised!

Nearing the end of season six, (can't find five anywhere), and kind of shocked that BenDeLaCreme went home before Darienne Lake. Don't read me wrong, Ms. Lake definitely did her thing, and deserves her spot, just a little surprised. Love all except one of the remaining queens, and can't wait to see it all shake down. BenDeLaCreme is absolutely beautiful! Enjoyed every second she was on my screen.

July 24-25, 2017

Photo Credit: Amber Downing

World Domination?!

Photo Credit: Tara Benton

July 24-25, 2017

Yes, I truly believe this deserves its own post.

Streisand?!

Photo Credit: Tara Benton

Rules!

Quote Of the Moment…

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell."
-Joan Crawford

So You Think You Can Binge!

Yes, I binged all back episodes of the new season. All caught up! Can't believe I watched it all in one day! Have to say, I like the twist of the All-Stars choosing their partners this year. It's going to be nice to watch the progression from week to week. On a similar note, I really like the All-Stars. Would have loved for Melanie to be among them, but oh, well. There's always next season.

I already have a couple of favorite dancers, but don't want to jinx them by talking about them before the live shows start. They all seem exceptionally talented! Definitely going to make for an amazing ride!

How Amazing Would That Be?!

Saw this on Tumblr! Brilliant!

Awesome!

So You Think You Can Dance is back for a fourteen season! Most fans probably know this already, as it is well in. I didn't find out until yesterday, however. To say I was shocked would be the biggest understatement ever! After the disaster that was last season, (which I tried watching, and didn't even make it through the first episode), I was sure we had seen the last of this amazing show. I have never been more happy to be wrong! Adult contestants are back, and Mary Murphy has pulled up the Hot Tamale Train alongside the judging table. This is positively thrilling! Ecstatic!

Contract!

General Hospital has put out a casting call for the contract role of an African-American female in her mid to late twenties. I have mixed feelings about this. If it is a recast of a legacy character, I'm all for it. Same sentiment if she is new, but is immediately tied to core in a substantial, believable way. If, however, this is someone new without direction, or a clear path, I'm not interested. Why cast a contract role when you don't even write for the immensely talented African-American cast members already there? Quite a headscratcher.

Big One!

Tyler Christopher has joined the cast. No word yet on character, first airdate, or length of stay. With a star of his caliber, though, I would say it's a pretty safe bet that the role is substantial, and contract. Ron has enjoyed writing for Tyler in the past, and Mr. Christopher has shown that he can more than deliver when given strong material. This could be fun!

Changes…

For the last couple weeks, I've been wondering what's going to happen with the head writing situation at GH. Well, looks like I have my answer. Chris Van Etten has been promoted, and will be sharing the top seat with Shelly Altman. While I'm just venturing a guess, I think this could be a good move. Apparently, Chris is a lifelong fan, which means he knows history. That's a major plus in my book. We shall see how it goes.

Quote Of The Moment…

"Even love unreturned has its rainbow."

-Sir James M. Barrie

Pretty Cool!

Congratulations to Sharon Needles for winning season four. With the exception of the most recent, this is the first season I felt connected to any of the queens. Sharon is unique, and definitely deserved the crown. Very happy with the outcome.

Quote Of The Moment…

"I know you got potential, so, baby, let me in, and show me love."

-Show Me Love-Robyn

Quote Of The Moment…

"A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success."

-Joyce Brothers

September 6, 2016

 Photo Credit: Amber Downing

So ends another trip. Never fear, I went back earlier this week, and will be sharing those pictures soon.

Quote Of The Moment…

"Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience."

-Victoria Holt

September 6, 2016

Photo Credit: Amber Downing