'The Dude and the Zen Master' and 'The Big Lebowski' coming up and 'Glengarry Glen Ross'

 Things are looking up. I can post pictures again. I've been reading 'The Dude and the Zen Master' by Jeff Bridges and Barry Glassman.  Tonight even. And, as often happens when you pick up a book and begin to read, something that is troubling you, is answered. Jeff and Barry did a signing of this book at Barnes and Noble and I was all set to go, but then... something happened. I was disappointed because Jeff is a favorite and Barry is all Zen, but I went to see Bebe Neuwirth that night instead. The play Bebe was in was excellent so I didn't feel terribly disappointed since I have met Jeff before and he was fantastic. It's in an earlier post.

   Tonight, I had plans go awry again and was a bit disappointed and decided to just read. I picked up the book where I had left off, and the first message I come across is "treat others and you want to be treated." Like The Dude, I'm a peaceful person, but stuff happens. People are cruel, selfish, thoughtless, real shitheads. Thank you for identifying with me right when I needed it, Dude!!!  :) 

 When I last met Jeff he signed a DVD he had released and a copy of 'The Big Lebowski.' I'm going to watch it again and since reading the book, it will be extra awesome.

 Last weekend I made it to 'Glengarry Glen Ross' on Broadway, the David Mamet play, starring Al Pacino, John C. McGinley and Richard Schiff. Dynamic. Great performances and Al Pacino was great to everyone after the show, signing playbills and posing as were John and Richard.

 

  

Two Broadway Shows and three movies this week. Hi ho! First 'Django Unchained'

I finally saw 'Django Unchained' last night. So worth the wait. My favorite Tarantino movie to date. I am a huge fan of 'Djanogo' anyway and have the DVD's from Franco Nero's 'Django' days. I was so
happy to see him in it. For those of you who don't know, Franco Nero (married to Vanessa Redgrave), an Italian actor who is in 'Camelot' (one of the best movies ever) with Vanessa and the the awesome Richard Harris, is in a scene in 'Django Unchained.' When Jamie Foxx (the title character in this version) meets him, he tells him his name and says "the D is silent." The response from Nero, "I know," takes a swig of his drink and leaves. Tarantino at his best!!! Kerry Washington is great in it and Christoph Waltz, superb!!! As is Jamie Foxx. The scene with Leonardo's sister at the end (not giving it away), gave me uncontrollable giggles. Leonardo, always great, plays creepy well and I would much rather see him be the good guy.

The off-Broadway show 'A Golden Age,' is wonderful. Bebe Neuwirth is in it and I have always loved Bebe. Ethan Phillips is also in it. I just saw him in 'Bad Santa,' a movie we watched for Christmas. Love that one. The play is tremendous. It is about four opera singers and the composer.

The other Broadway show this week was 'Picnic.' There are many people in that. I met Natasha McElhone waiting for the elevator. I told her I love her in 'Californication,' and she thanked me with her glorious British accent. She said she was there because two people from 'Californication' were in it: Madeleine Martin (who plays their daughter in the show) and Maggie Grace. Also in the play:
Ellen Burstyn and Mare Winningham and Elizabeth Marvel. Elizabeth Marvel is really getting around lately so I hope that it is something to do with the planets (we have the same birthday). She is in 'Hyde Park on Hudson,' 'Bourne Idenity,' and 'Lincoln.' BTW, the play is aweseome. An oldie but a goodie.

And last for this post, but not least because there are no leasts here....'The King of Comedy.' It is a movie from 1983 starring Robert DiNero and directed by Martin Scorcese. How did I miss it all these years? It was shown at the IFC and chosen by Fred Armisen for the MSF event. The Q & A after was fantastic and I learned a lot again. Thank you so much!

I have pictures to share still, but this is not picture friendly lately so I will add them when  I can.
Happy Entertainment!!!

Damien Echols "Moving Forward: Looking Back" exhibit and "West of Memphis"

Last night Damien Echols' exhibit opened.  "Moving Forward;  Looking Back" @ the Sacred Gallery NY. A sold out event and the art Damien created while on death row. I'll share the pictures as soon as this site starts working properly. The pictures conveyed hope to me. Butterflies. Cut from the one razor blade they gave him per week. Perfectly cut. I think the pictures conveyed the same as his writing; spirit, courage, hope, beautiful things remembered. I love his book and his writing and so very glad he is working on another book now.

'Grace' on Broadway with Paul Rudd and Ed Asner....Last Performance Today

I'm way behind here. I'll start with today and then work my way back to all I have missed writing about. I just got home from seeing 'Grace' on Broadway with Paul Rudd and Ed Asner. It was the last performance and a grand one. I enjoyed every minute. This is the third play I've seen in 4 weeks. They've all been dark in nature. This one, as you may guess by the title, had to do with religious beliefs. The other 2 (I'll post) had to do with dementia.

Paul Rudd signed my Playbill, but I didn't get a pic. The crowd was very large. Paul was very sweet and so was Ed Asner. He played the exterminator. The setting was supposed to be an apartment in Florida. And I know you need something to kill the bugs in Florida. I had a few very peculiar bug guys when I lived there. Chemicals???

Pictures to come. It won't let me add any right now... Hmpf!