Monday, August 13, 2012
I'm Back!
STAGES
After three months of being unable to attend any dance or theater event, I returned to a theater to see BULLET FOR HITLER – and as the first act ran on incessantly with these people whom I would avoid in real life within three minutes of meeting them, I almost wished I had a bullet myself. The second act at least moved and was mildly interesting. The director used every stock trick in the book to get laughs – and the audience laughed loudly and long. The author had a few clever remarks but they almost got lost in the overdone physicality of the action. As one who hated slapstick since childhood, I found much of this production a terrible turn off.
During that recuperative three months, from which I finally emerged, I read many plays, including IN MASKS OUTRAGEOUS AND AUSTERE by Tennessee Williams which I would love to see staged.
I read two plays by Ayn Rand which I had seen in off off Broadway productions here in New York in the last several years Her IDEALS was cleverly cut and smoothly presented in the production I saw. It ran on and on and on in the original script.
Her THINK TWICE was less well served in the rather less than professional showing I attended. She is one of my favorite twentieth century authors, as is Daphne du Maurier.
SHOOT/GET TREASURE/ REPEAT by Mark Ravenhill gave me chills as I read the series of plays which are brilliantly written and certainly show a different viewpoint than Western Nations generally adopt It would be painful to watch – but that is their intention.
I have been working on cutting and reshaping some plays I wrote years ago as three acts to the more acceptable one or two acts. It has probably made me more conscious of overwritten plays.
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Also read a series of Ayn Rand’s short stories, a number of Daphne du Maurier novels Including “The House on the Strand”, “Rule Britannia” and “Don’t Look Now.”
At first I was disinterested in Sinclair Lewis’ "The Prodigal Parents” but soon got caught up in it and found it ultimately a delight.
Read Art Times Journal Sept/Oct issue to see my remarks about two books about early twentieth century dance phenomena -rocj and rikk and Martha Graham. Will be on line in Sept and in print as well.
I just finished editing and formatting the children’s book “Dan is not Scary” by Melissa deGenova and sent it to the printer. Maggie Cousins, who illustrated my four read-to-me children’s anthologies of fantasy stories did the front cover and the illustrations for this book as well. It is about a little girl’s birthday and how she reacts to her friends’ finding her wheel chair bound older brother daunting. It is an earnest attempt to make kids understand that differences in speech or physical capabilities should not make people uncomfortable or afraid.
I am plodding along with the second part of my memoir of childhood during the Great Depression and Second World War. It seems there has been little peace ever since.
“Remembering our Parents – stories and sayings from mom and dad” which will be released in September has a section from me about my dad and his reaction to the sale of my first poem. Selection was taken directly from my memoir. It’s the third book in the last two years to print contributions from me – First was “Living the Life of My Dreams” by Caryn FitzGerald, out in ebooks in 2011 and paper more recently, and “Imperfect Weddings are Best” by Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg, published by Create Space earlier this year”: My Leftovers reminiscence is the first anecdote in that book.
I am now starting on a group of Somerset Maugham’s novels. It has been a long time since I read any of them, and the one I began with, “The Narrow Corner” was one I never read before.
Rarely in the past did I read a number of works by one author all in succession. I find by doing so you realize how much repetition there is in an author’s work, even when each book is totally different from the others.
Am ending this now with the hope that I will be back to seeing three or four productions a week and being able to report on many of them. I am walking slightly better than a two year old now, after months of having to keep my leg straight, no bending of the knee, and hope to be up to par in a few more weeks.
Do post your reactionsto this blog rther then merely e mail me.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Popping Up All Over
STAGES
Busy time for theater and dance. Have seen
Arthur Miller’s DEATH OF A SALESMAN revival. My memory of earlier versions too strong. Did realize for first time, however, that the brother is a totally unrealistic remembrance by Loman, as if one visit encapsulated all their lives.
AN EARLY HISTORY OF FIRE absorbing new family drama by David Rabe about youth’s eternal need to fly from home – and a creative man’s double need to expand his horizons. Well done and absorbing.
LONELY, I’M NOT by Paul Weitz explores the difficult task of finding oneself. Nicely acted and well staged to keep action moving.
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS brilliantly directed and performed by a stellar cast. Had audience in stitches throughout and managed to fool most viewers with various schtick. Though not a fan of commedia dell’arte, I appreciate how superbly this was done.
Was fascinated by THE MORINI STRAD – a friend who saw it could not warm to the leading character, but I, having worked for years with Sonia Moore, identified with her immediately. They were two of a kind.
INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTISTS PRESENTS AN EVENING OF DANCE in late March had few exciting moments but was enjoyable throughout.
AVI SCHER & DANCERS, about whom I wrote extensively in the May/June issue of Art Times Journal continues to present superb classical dancers in his very romantic choreography.
YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX NEW YORK FINALS 2012 was a stunner. Classical Ballet has nothing to worry about in the future if the memorable dancers in STARS OF TODAY MEET STARS OF TOMORROW GALA is representative of the remarkable talents of young dancers emerging internationally today. I was particularly impressed by the male dancers who had great elevation and strong sustained performances in their solos and partnering. I will cover this event and the subsequent First Position movie in my Art Times Journal dance article on line in June.
I was delighted to attend Program A of the Spring 2012 Directors’ Festival at Pace University. I went to accompany playwright Paul Dexter whose THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING DOUG was first play on the four play program. His play is one of my favorites in TnT Classic Books volume of "Short Plays to Long Remember" which I compiled and edited in 2010 and which was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Awards that year. The young actor portraying Doug, Jake Robbins, did a very energetic performance of Doug. A slower pacing of the play would have done much to indicate the humiliation he needed to portray. In the second play the daughter (Claire Charland) and mother (Brooklyn Newton) were both memorable, the younger for her naturalness and innocence, the mother for her ability to appear to be a middle aged dowager despite her actual youth. My favorite production of the evening was ALL ABOUT AL which offers a humorous look at jealousy. The final presentation was ill conceived and the actresses had neither the stage presence nor the vocal abilities to pull it off.
I always tell actors when I direct there are two things you owe an audience - to be seen in character and heard throughout the theater. Without those very basic abilities, no amount of “acting” can save you.
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Read three more books for the global ebook awards – one quite wonderful. They asked us to hold comments until all entries are judged, so no words allowed yet.
Also read over half a dozen paper books – no wonder my eyes are so bad –
Mysteries by Lovejoy, Marsh and Barnard -- one actually fooled me, other 2 figured out fairly early.
Biography of the brilliant artist Turner by Peter Ackroyd was interesting though not compelling, being more about his art than about him.
Now reading Daphne du Maurier’s "The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte" biography, which has all the dramatic power she can so readily convey.
Enjoyed Alexander McCall Smith’s “The Charming Quirks of Others.”
Jeb Rubenfeld’s “Death Instinct”, second book with Freud as a character. was as entertaining as his first. Both are set in part in my native New York many years ago and are extra fascinating for that fact.
I am working on the second part of my early years memoir, CONFESSIONS OF A DIRTY CHEW BASKET, having just left the devastating 1930s in NYC, not many years after the Rubenfeld books' time set.
Also preparing a book by Melissa DiGenova for publication by TnT Classioc Books.
Have a nice quote on the back cover of Norman Beim’s “Touring With Stalin.” An anecdote about my dad will appear in a forthcoming book, “Remembering our Parents” by Stuart Gustafson, and Sherry L. Meinberg sent me a copy of her book, “Imperfect Weddings” which begins with an anecdote from my own wedding.
Looking forward to my interview May 22 at 1PM Eastern time on conscious discussions at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions.
We’ll discuss my current campaign to fight illiteracy by getting kids hooked on books before school sets them squirming when they have to read.
Seems like I am popping up all over, but right now need to pop off and get going on supper.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Will winter demand a rematch now that its spring?
STAGES
I cannot believe I skipped mentioning a play I thought one of the best I’ve seen in years. It was on Theater Row,
A talented playwright who had his share of Broadway runs, the great Eugene O’Neill, was being well served at the Irish Rep Theater with a production of
On the dance front, enjoyed the 2012 Inaugural Performance of Kymera Dance in the spacious LaGuardia High School. More about this and New York Theatre Ballet’s 33rd Season
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Rules for judges reading in the Global Ebook Awards have changed, and we are urged NOT to post opinions about books we have judged until winners are announced, so I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed several books in the historical fiction and mystery categories.
In paper books. Enjoyed Robert Barnard’s “Death of a Literary Widow” But then, I haee enjoyed most of his mysteries.
Admit I was not much taken with Gustave Flaubert’s “Sentimental Education.” Charles Finch’s “A Stranger in Mayfair” held my interest throughout even though I figured out the murderer too soon and the motive as soon as a certain fact unknown earlier was revealed. Well plotted, well written and well worth reading.
Am currently preparing a new kids book written by Melissa DiGenova for publication this Fall. It is her second book for TnT Classics, which published her first book. The book she wrote in between, “Jake is not Stupid” was published elsewhere. It was the first in a series this special ed teacher projects about children with physical, emotional or mental challenges.
Her new book, “Dan is Not Scary” is being illustrated by Maggie Cousins, who illustrated all four fo my read-to-me fantasy story books.
The great niece of the co-founder of TnT Classic Books, visited here this past week. We reminisced about her Great Aunt and all the books in the Happy Task series from TnT, which was named for Maggie Task upon her demise.
Will be at the Rainbow Book Fair on West 13th St Saturday, March 24 at the GNYIPA table on the first floor. If you get to read this in time and can make it, stop by. We are there from 10AM until early eve.
I’ll be reading a 4 minute selection from Jane Chambers’ spoof of evangelists, “Chasin’ Jason”, sometime between 3:30 and 4:00. This novel never got all the attention it deserved but seems especially appropriate in today’s religious climate. In it, a four year old declares himself the second coming – and his followers just about take over the world!
I finished the rewrite of my play about a musician who died too young, am back working on the second half of my memoir about childhood during the Great Depression and World War II. Life keeps getting in the way of my writing time – so will steal a few hours from this day and go back to work.
I cannot believe I skipped mentioning a play I thought one of the best I’ve seen in years. It was on Theater Row,
Poetic Licenseby Jack Canfora– four characters, with old Greek unities, brilliant dialogue, scintillating performances, a fine set, very good direction by Evan Bergmann – should have gone to Broadway but the Times did not agree so probably it will languish until some wise producer finds it eventually. This talented playwright deserves a Broadway run soon.
A talented playwright who had his share of Broadway runs, the great Eugene O’Neill, was being well served at the Irish Rep Theater with a production of
Beyond the Horizonthat flowed as smoothly and inevitably as a river rushing to the ocean. I loved the expressionistic set by Hugh Landwehr and offer kudos to old pal Ciarán O’Reilly for his naturalistic direction.
On the dance front, enjoyed the 2012 Inaugural Performance of Kymera Dance in the spacious LaGuardia High School. More about this and New York Theatre Ballet’s 33rd Season
Signatures 12celebration of legends and visionaries on line in April at www.arttimesjournal.com.
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Rules for judges reading in the Global Ebook Awards have changed, and we are urged NOT to post opinions about books we have judged until winners are announced, so I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed several books in the historical fiction and mystery categories.
In paper books. Enjoyed Robert Barnard’s “Death of a Literary Widow” But then, I haee enjoyed most of his mysteries.
Admit I was not much taken with Gustave Flaubert’s “Sentimental Education.” Charles Finch’s “A Stranger in Mayfair” held my interest throughout even though I figured out the murderer too soon and the motive as soon as a certain fact unknown earlier was revealed. Well plotted, well written and well worth reading.
Am currently preparing a new kids book written by Melissa DiGenova for publication this Fall. It is her second book for TnT Classics, which published her first book. The book she wrote in between, “Jake is not Stupid” was published elsewhere. It was the first in a series this special ed teacher projects about children with physical, emotional or mental challenges.
Her new book, “Dan is Not Scary” is being illustrated by Maggie Cousins, who illustrated all four fo my read-to-me fantasy story books.
The great niece of the co-founder of TnT Classic Books, visited here this past week. We reminisced about her Great Aunt and all the books in the Happy Task series from TnT, which was named for Maggie Task upon her demise.
Will be at the Rainbow Book Fair on West 13th St Saturday, March 24 at the GNYIPA table on the first floor. If you get to read this in time and can make it, stop by. We are there from 10AM until early eve.
I’ll be reading a 4 minute selection from Jane Chambers’ spoof of evangelists, “Chasin’ Jason”, sometime between 3:30 and 4:00. This novel never got all the attention it deserved but seems especially appropriate in today’s religious climate. In it, a four year old declares himself the second coming – and his followers just about take over the world!
I finished the rewrite of my play about a musician who died too young, am back working on the second half of my memoir about childhood during the Great Depression and World War II. Life keeps getting in the way of my writing time – so will steal a few hours from this day and go back to work.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
LOST FEBRUARY
STAGES
I was so busy going to various staged events in February; I never got around to writing about them. So here’s a brief recap. Those with dancing involved are also covered in my March/April article in Art Times Journal and on line at arttimesjournal.com.
Broke my own rule about revivals and went to see “The Road to Mecca.” It reinforces why I don’t “do” revivals generally. While I am not opposed to talky plays, the talk has to dazzle or the players have to triumph. Neither was the case in this revival there just never was a moment when the play soared off the stage.
Saw “Russian Transport” which was played more for comedy than for the underlying horror of the family business. It was lively and many of the family scenes seemed very realistic. It is a disturbing play and a good attempt at real old fashioned drama.
I enjoyed Parsons Dance presentation at the Joyce. “Round my World” had some visually stunning moments. I found the music in several of the numbers so unpleasant I prayed for earplugs and just held my hands over my ears instead. A much younger musician friend who was with me had the same reaction. “Caught” should have come with a warning for those who cannot take strobe lighting, because it is a dance of light and posing and the timing must be perfect, as it was in this performance. All the dances used the stage well, and the final “Swing Shift” was a rousing one. Dancers were fluid, graceful and athletic. David Parson choreographed 4 of the 5 numbers, and Katarzyna Skarpetowska the world premiere of “A Stray’s Lullaby” which was commissioned by the Joyce Theater Foundation with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. It was a perfect fit with the rest of the program.
Was at the world premiere of a new NYC dance company, Kymera Dance at the far from small Little Flower Theater at LaGuardia High School. Company foundet William Isaac choreographed two of the dances, one of which he had done in 2011 and which used LaGuardia High School Alumni Dancers to recreate it, the other was an energetic and exciting new work. Abdur-Rahim Jackson choreographed one and Karole Armitage presented excerpts form “Three Theories” which premiered in 2010.
I also saw “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” which soared on the opening nimber due to the exquisite voice of Nikki Renée Daniels. All the voices throughout were splendid, although some of the characterizations were less stunning than I had anticipated after all the great reviews. The dancing frankly left me disappointed. Still, it is a thrill to have the opportunity to see this done on a Broadway stage. Audra McDonald certainly did not disappoint.
Must mention the loss of Howard Kissel. He was top drama critic at the Daily News when I was a press agent and I found him always a gentleman and an astute critic. He shall be missed.
I have one personal memory of Howard which embarrassed him and amused me.
I was awaiting a cross town bus at 9th Ave and 34th when Howard rushed over to the bus stop. Delighted to see him after about 4 years, I greeted him and he stooped over and pecked my cheek. Then he pulled away and apologized, saying he thought I was someone else. He was blushing. Laughing I said “I’m Francine”
and before I could finish he said, Yes, Francine Trevens, I know.” I wonder for whom he mistook me?
I made a similar mistake some ten years earlier when I was rushing to a meeting on the east side and saw an actor I recognized, although his name eluded me. Having interviewed hundreds of actors in my theater reviewing days, I greeted him with a hug and said how surprised I was to see him in New York. “What are you doing here?”
I asked, struggling to recall his name. He said was filming a movie. I wished him luck with it, said how great it was to see him and hurried on. Two blocks later it dawned on me I had never interviewed him or spoken to him before in my life – it was Michael Caine. I wonder if he wondered who the h… I was?
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In addition to my regular reading of books I can cuddle with before going to sleep, or read while dining, I have read three books for the Global Ebooks awards, being a judge again this year.
Of the three the first purported to be a mystery novel and I found it to be neither a novel or much of a mystery. The second blew me away – an historical novel that had me on the edge of my seat as I strained my eyes to read it on my computer. “Dr. Margaret’s Sea Chest” was thrilling – with its history of the underground railroad and the Indian wars with the charge of the light brigade all made up close and personal. I look forward to the sequel
Another good read was Ice on the Grapes by R.E. Donald. Took me a while to get into it but it kept moving and got more interesting as it went along. Well plotted mystery.
Smashwords, where I publish my ebooks for kids is having a special promotion so I have offered all four read to me illustrated fantasy books for half price now through March 10 – so if you have been wanting to read these gems Pixie Tales, “Elfin Tales,” “Fairy Tales Too,” and “Gremlins, Genies and Trolls, Oh My!”or get them for kids in your family get them now! You can download them to any e reader, or read as a PDF or an epub right on your computer.
The code for half price on any of the books is REW50. –
In paper format, have been reading several books. One mystery that delighted me was “Death at Devil’s Bridge” by Robin Paige (pen name of a husband and wife writing team). The mystery is set in the turbulent time when balloon travel was an uncontrollable new form of flight, and automobiles were considerate great dangers when they sped about at 12 miles an hour. Charming book.
“The Affairs of Forgotten Youth” is the first Alexander McCall Smith book which I have read which disappointed me. He is a favorite contemporary writer of mine and this book just didn’t grab me as have all his others.
Now, back to the pages of a full length play that I have been rewriting for the last two weeks. Hope to get it in shape this week and sent out to theaters ASAP. These things don’t do any of us any good sitting in drawers or on computers, do they?
As my 80th birthday creeps up, I know I must get a move on with all the projects I wish to get written before my final curtain!
I was so busy going to various staged events in February; I never got around to writing about them. So here’s a brief recap. Those with dancing involved are also covered in my March/April article in Art Times Journal and on line at arttimesjournal.com.
Broke my own rule about revivals and went to see “The Road to Mecca.” It reinforces why I don’t “do” revivals generally. While I am not opposed to talky plays, the talk has to dazzle or the players have to triumph. Neither was the case in this revival there just never was a moment when the play soared off the stage.
Saw “Russian Transport” which was played more for comedy than for the underlying horror of the family business. It was lively and many of the family scenes seemed very realistic. It is a disturbing play and a good attempt at real old fashioned drama.
I enjoyed Parsons Dance presentation at the Joyce. “Round my World” had some visually stunning moments. I found the music in several of the numbers so unpleasant I prayed for earplugs and just held my hands over my ears instead. A much younger musician friend who was with me had the same reaction. “Caught” should have come with a warning for those who cannot take strobe lighting, because it is a dance of light and posing and the timing must be perfect, as it was in this performance. All the dances used the stage well, and the final “Swing Shift” was a rousing one. Dancers were fluid, graceful and athletic. David Parson choreographed 4 of the 5 numbers, and Katarzyna Skarpetowska the world premiere of “A Stray’s Lullaby” which was commissioned by the Joyce Theater Foundation with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. It was a perfect fit with the rest of the program.
Was at the world premiere of a new NYC dance company, Kymera Dance at the far from small Little Flower Theater at LaGuardia High School. Company foundet William Isaac choreographed two of the dances, one of which he had done in 2011 and which used LaGuardia High School Alumni Dancers to recreate it, the other was an energetic and exciting new work. Abdur-Rahim Jackson choreographed one and Karole Armitage presented excerpts form “Three Theories” which premiered in 2010.
I also saw “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” which soared on the opening nimber due to the exquisite voice of Nikki Renée Daniels. All the voices throughout were splendid, although some of the characterizations were less stunning than I had anticipated after all the great reviews. The dancing frankly left me disappointed. Still, it is a thrill to have the opportunity to see this done on a Broadway stage. Audra McDonald certainly did not disappoint.
Must mention the loss of Howard Kissel. He was top drama critic at the Daily News when I was a press agent and I found him always a gentleman and an astute critic. He shall be missed.
I have one personal memory of Howard which embarrassed him and amused me.
I was awaiting a cross town bus at 9th Ave and 34th when Howard rushed over to the bus stop. Delighted to see him after about 4 years, I greeted him and he stooped over and pecked my cheek. Then he pulled away and apologized, saying he thought I was someone else. He was blushing. Laughing I said “I’m Francine”
and before I could finish he said, Yes, Francine Trevens, I know.” I wonder for whom he mistook me?
I made a similar mistake some ten years earlier when I was rushing to a meeting on the east side and saw an actor I recognized, although his name eluded me. Having interviewed hundreds of actors in my theater reviewing days, I greeted him with a hug and said how surprised I was to see him in New York. “What are you doing here?”
I asked, struggling to recall his name. He said was filming a movie. I wished him luck with it, said how great it was to see him and hurried on. Two blocks later it dawned on me I had never interviewed him or spoken to him before in my life – it was Michael Caine. I wonder if he wondered who the h… I was?
PAGES
In addition to my regular reading of books I can cuddle with before going to sleep, or read while dining, I have read three books for the Global Ebooks awards, being a judge again this year.
Of the three the first purported to be a mystery novel and I found it to be neither a novel or much of a mystery. The second blew me away – an historical novel that had me on the edge of my seat as I strained my eyes to read it on my computer. “Dr. Margaret’s Sea Chest” was thrilling – with its history of the underground railroad and the Indian wars with the charge of the light brigade all made up close and personal. I look forward to the sequel
Another good read was Ice on the Grapes by R.E. Donald. Took me a while to get into it but it kept moving and got more interesting as it went along. Well plotted mystery.
Smashwords, where I publish my ebooks for kids is having a special promotion so I have offered all four read to me illustrated fantasy books for half price now through March 10 – so if you have been wanting to read these gems Pixie Tales, “Elfin Tales,” “Fairy Tales Too,” and “Gremlins, Genies and Trolls, Oh My!”or get them for kids in your family get them now! You can download them to any e reader, or read as a PDF or an epub right on your computer.
The code for half price on any of the books is REW50. –
In paper format, have been reading several books. One mystery that delighted me was “Death at Devil’s Bridge” by Robin Paige (pen name of a husband and wife writing team). The mystery is set in the turbulent time when balloon travel was an uncontrollable new form of flight, and automobiles were considerate great dangers when they sped about at 12 miles an hour. Charming book.
“The Affairs of Forgotten Youth” is the first Alexander McCall Smith book which I have read which disappointed me. He is a favorite contemporary writer of mine and this book just didn’t grab me as have all his others.
Now, back to the pages of a full length play that I have been rewriting for the last two weeks. Hope to get it in shape this week and sent out to theaters ASAP. These things don’t do any of us any good sitting in drawers or on computers, do they?
As my 80th birthday creeps up, I know I must get a move on with all the projects I wish to get written before my final curtain!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM OLD GAL
STAGES
Hope you had as happy a start to new year as did I.
If you had a choice between a box of one kind of chocolates or a sampler, which would you choose? If you went to a foreign food restaurant you had never tried before, would you prefer to order a single item or choose a buffet?
I’d go for the chocolate sampler and the buffet, because I like to try new things in small quantities to determine what I’d like the next time around.
So – attended a sampling of various dance companies at StamPede at Symphony Space again this year. Surprised how much more tap there was than I recall previously. The house was packed – the audience enthusiastic and the dancers terrific.
The footwork of the Chicago Tap Theatre was phenomenal, although the body work wasn’t quite up to par and the use of the vast stage left a lot to be desired. The break between first company and second was as long as a dance number and most annoying, especially since there seemed so little that had changed on stage! The Parijat Desai Dance Company presented two splendid dance numbers, with exotic overtones.
Darrah Carr Dance did some incredible work – their first piece reminded me of Mexican jumping beans which used to be playthings for kids when I was young. They zipped around each other so swuifrly you jeopt expecting a collision. Their step dancing had flair and interesting patterns. They moved with the speed of light! David Parker and the Bang Group had the audience in stitches. The many children in the audience were the first to laugh – and they laughed all the way through his first piece. Other companies also pleased the diverse audience.
My younger daughter was here for Martin Luther King’s weekend with her two eldest boys, and we went many places around town. I was astonished by the marvelous renovation made in the Historical Society Central Park West Building. Light, bright and lively. We were urged to see the short film in the revamped auditorium and the moment it began, I felt my eyes well with tears. It is a paean to the great love of my life, my home town, New York City. When we emerged my daughter laughingly asked me if I was sure I hadn’t written it, because it so fully expressed so much of my sentiment about the city.
Saw the film of War Horse, Found some remarkable photography and brilliant directorial choices which managed to show the friendship between the horses, the devotion of the young man to the newborn colt, the horrors of war, the reality of fear, and many other magnificent emotional moments. It,
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It also has started out as a great year for me. Cnildren’s Bookwatch finally got around to reviewing the second book in my now completed 4 volume series of read-to-me children story books. Its choice of Elfin Tales in the Fantasy/Sci-fi category thrilled me. Its actual review delighted even more.
Here is a long excerpt .
“From an enthralling series that promises more twinkling tales from magical beings, "Elfin Tales" weaves a special blend of traditional whimsey laced with pixie dust with matter-of fact narratives about three dimensional children and adults who are sometimes kind, sometimes not. It is a blend that works well to deliver a delicate message of the need for warmth and a compassionate heart. "Elfin Tales" will be eagerly listened to by children age 4-9, and/or read independently. This reviewer's favorite tale was Leprechaun or Can't, a morality fable and leprechaun travelogue that has little surprises sprinkled throughout. Fantastic little color illustrations add charm and appeal to these small tales.”
Of the six books I have read this year so far, I was most absorbed by E.M. Forster’s A Room With a View. There is a certain gentleness and charm on every page of the book.
I read what I called
I learned this on the opening page of the other book which fascinated me, by Eva Gabrielsson with the ungainly title There are Things I Want You to Know About Stieg Larsson and Me.
While hardly great literature, it was a strong cry for fairness from one who feels herself betrayed. How much of it is absolutely true, only a detective can determine, but it is an unusual presentation of a situation equally strange.
I shall be a judge again in the second annual global ebook awards. Not sure yet which categories I will be judging, but know I will not judge in fantasy or children’s literature
More in February...enjoy early winter.
Hope you had as happy a start to new year as did I.
If you had a choice between a box of one kind of chocolates or a sampler, which would you choose? If you went to a foreign food restaurant you had never tried before, would you prefer to order a single item or choose a buffet?
I’d go for the chocolate sampler and the buffet, because I like to try new things in small quantities to determine what I’d like the next time around.
So – attended a sampling of various dance companies at StamPede at Symphony Space again this year. Surprised how much more tap there was than I recall previously. The house was packed – the audience enthusiastic and the dancers terrific.
The footwork of the Chicago Tap Theatre was phenomenal, although the body work wasn’t quite up to par and the use of the vast stage left a lot to be desired. The break between first company and second was as long as a dance number and most annoying, especially since there seemed so little that had changed on stage! The Parijat Desai Dance Company presented two splendid dance numbers, with exotic overtones.
Darrah Carr Dance did some incredible work – their first piece reminded me of Mexican jumping beans which used to be playthings for kids when I was young. They zipped around each other so swuifrly you jeopt expecting a collision. Their step dancing had flair and interesting patterns. They moved with the speed of light! David Parker and the Bang Group had the audience in stitches. The many children in the audience were the first to laugh – and they laughed all the way through his first piece. Other companies also pleased the diverse audience.
My younger daughter was here for Martin Luther King’s weekend with her two eldest boys, and we went many places around town. I was astonished by the marvelous renovation made in the Historical Society Central Park West Building. Light, bright and lively. We were urged to see the short film in the revamped auditorium and the moment it began, I felt my eyes well with tears. It is a paean to the great love of my life, my home town, New York City. When we emerged my daughter laughingly asked me if I was sure I hadn’t written it, because it so fully expressed so much of my sentiment about the city.
Saw the film of War Horse, Found some remarkable photography and brilliant directorial choices which managed to show the friendship between the horses, the devotion of the young man to the newborn colt, the horrors of war, the reality of fear, and many other magnificent emotional moments. It,
Hugoand
The Artistare all extraordinary films. What a great year for movies!
PAGES
It also has started out as a great year for me. Cnildren’s Bookwatch finally got around to reviewing the second book in my now completed 4 volume series of read-to-me children story books. Its choice of Elfin Tales in the Fantasy/Sci-fi category thrilled me. Its actual review delighted even more.
Here is a long excerpt .
“From an enthralling series that promises more twinkling tales from magical beings, "Elfin Tales" weaves a special blend of traditional whimsey laced with pixie dust with matter-of fact narratives about three dimensional children and adults who are sometimes kind, sometimes not. It is a blend that works well to deliver a delicate message of the need for warmth and a compassionate heart. "Elfin Tales" will be eagerly listened to by children age 4-9, and/or read independently. This reviewer's favorite tale was Leprechaun or Can't, a morality fable and leprechaun travelogue that has little surprises sprinkled throughout. Fantastic little color illustrations add charm and appeal to these small tales.”
Of the six books I have read this year so far, I was most absorbed by E.M. Forster’s A Room With a View. There is a certain gentleness and charm on every page of the book.
I read what I called
the girl with serieslast year, now realizing it is called The Millennium Trilogy
I learned this on the opening page of the other book which fascinated me, by Eva Gabrielsson with the ungainly title There are Things I Want You to Know About Stieg Larsson and Me.
While hardly great literature, it was a strong cry for fairness from one who feels herself betrayed. How much of it is absolutely true, only a detective can determine, but it is an unusual presentation of a situation equally strange.
I shall be a judge again in the second annual global ebook awards. Not sure yet which categories I will be judging, but know I will not judge in fantasy or children’s literature
More in February...enjoy early winter.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A Lot Like Chirstmas
STAGES
Impossible – the end of this year is so close I feel incredible relief. Everything I did all this year went askew. Nothing major, despite a heart scare and other physical ills, but everything had some little pesky problem.
I got to see the play “Stick Fly” – and suspect its title will be its undoing. It took a while to warm up to the play. Finally got into it in the second act, but still found many performances unconvincing and the plot contrived. I was annoyed by the sitcom attempts at humor. Love Dule Hill on Psych as much as I liked him on The West Wing – but on stage in this? His charisma was lost.
Also noted, as I had back in the days when I helped with publicity for Eubie and Sophisticated Ladies, that the audience had very few dark faces among the white bread crowd. I still see far more black and Asian peoples attending dance than theater.
Was delighted by BalletNY performance at Alvin Ailey. Very short program but each piece beautifully done. I loved the romantic little duos more than the full ensemble dances, but all 4 pieces were well worth seeing. Catch them in later performances when you can.
Disappointing was the film much touted in all publicity about a little boy whose dad dies in the towers on 9/11, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. While it was absorbing, far from being a 4 handkerchief film as I had heard, it never touched me at all. Thomas Horn gave a dazzling performance as the young boy, but Max von Sydow stole the film for me.
A film which absolutely captivated me from its opening to its final credits was The Artist. I knew nothing about it when I went to the screening, and was so utterly caught up in it that I felt transported. I am so pleased to see charm and peaceful pleasures restored to the entertainment world which I feel has gone too far into the gaudy, gauche and ghastly.
Was delighted to lunch with Valerie Taylor-Barnes, widow of Clive Barnes, and reminisce with her about the theater/dance critic whom I had first met in the late seventies in Massachusetts. The resulting interview will appear in Art Times Journal in the January/February issue on line and in print.
Did a reading from my book IMAGICS and other family stories at an artists exhibit which featured a literary salon a few weeks back. Very attentive and enthusiastic audience of artists and their friends. I was one of 9 readers – three of which were good, two of which were a disaster, but audience polite throughout. No books sold, far as I could see, but enjoyable experience all around.
Will be reading several stories from latest kids book, Gremlins, Genies and Trolls. Oh My! at the holiday bazaar at MCCNY in Jackson Hall 446 W 36 St, Dec. 18 every hour on the hour, if I can manage to mount the steps which will be like anyone else scaling a mountain. Joys of age and a trick knee that has gotten me down for over 60 years.
Which is a perfect segue to
PAGES
The Pleasant Dreams set of children’s read-to-me fantasy stories has been raking in raves from mom blogs all around the country. One of my favorites was the mom whose little kid wanted to see more pictures, so he wandered off, playing but listening. She was to tell him when another picture appeared. She got caught up in the reading and so he had to come over himself to see where the pictures were.
I am reading a three novels volume of William Dean Howells, a late nineteenth century author. Fascinating – his novels are written in great detail of the emotional and mental landscapes of their characters. They feel as current as any story today of responsibility, love and concern for others.
Also reading a series of plays by Thomas Bradshaw. After finishing the fourth, I feel as if I am reading the same basic play from various perspectives with people clothed in different names and occupations.
Each play bears the admonition that it should be played with utmost honesty and sincerity. A necessary note since the plays are so outrageously ironic it is hard to keep a straight face while reading them. They point out the self deception which permits most people to continue to function in the world today. I think they need to be taken in small doses, reading the body of the work gets one cross eyed…at least this one.
Also just finished reading Shelley’s Ghost a book about all the correspondence and memorabilia of thepoet Percy Bysshe Shelley, his wife Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and her parents, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and William Godwin.
This book is a unique take on the forgeries that were passed off by collectors over a century ago, and of the editing each did to maintain the image he/she hd of th subject.
I have read several dozen books of Shelley and Byron and their friends sicne I first fellin love with the poet and his work in my early teens. I even wrote a musicalplay about him which William Gison kindly read and his ain cmment was that I did ot allow anyof Shelley’s faults into the script. But when the world saw as his faults, I saw as his strengths, so it was thus I portrayed them. Yes, I too, had my prejudicial view of the unusual young man who created such marvelous poems.
On my first trip to London over 25 years ago, I wandered around and kept ending up in some place which had strong Shellyan memories. I recall reading in the guest book at John Keats; home some years later on another London sojourn, that they didn’t know if Shelley had ever been in the house or not. I said I was sure he had not because I had no visceral reaction to the inside of the house, and I did have to all the other locales I had visited.
I was such a Shelley fanatic in my High School years that my English teacher dubbed me Lady Jane, who was Shelley’s daughter in law. Lady Jane worshipped the poet whom she had never met and established many memorials to him, including two incredible life sized works of sculpture. One at Oxford University, where a British friend of mine had purchased this book for me, the other near Boscombe Mansion in Bournemouth where his son Percy and Lady Jane Shelley lived.
I have also just begun reading Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s creek which I must have read many years ago, but which I am relishing anew.
Impossible – the end of this year is so close I feel incredible relief. Everything I did all this year went askew. Nothing major, despite a heart scare and other physical ills, but everything had some little pesky problem.
I got to see the play “Stick Fly” – and suspect its title will be its undoing. It took a while to warm up to the play. Finally got into it in the second act, but still found many performances unconvincing and the plot contrived. I was annoyed by the sitcom attempts at humor. Love Dule Hill on Psych as much as I liked him on The West Wing – but on stage in this? His charisma was lost.
Also noted, as I had back in the days when I helped with publicity for Eubie and Sophisticated Ladies, that the audience had very few dark faces among the white bread crowd. I still see far more black and Asian peoples attending dance than theater.
Was delighted by BalletNY performance at Alvin Ailey. Very short program but each piece beautifully done. I loved the romantic little duos more than the full ensemble dances, but all 4 pieces were well worth seeing. Catch them in later performances when you can.
Disappointing was the film much touted in all publicity about a little boy whose dad dies in the towers on 9/11, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. While it was absorbing, far from being a 4 handkerchief film as I had heard, it never touched me at all. Thomas Horn gave a dazzling performance as the young boy, but Max von Sydow stole the film for me.
A film which absolutely captivated me from its opening to its final credits was The Artist. I knew nothing about it when I went to the screening, and was so utterly caught up in it that I felt transported. I am so pleased to see charm and peaceful pleasures restored to the entertainment world which I feel has gone too far into the gaudy, gauche and ghastly.
Was delighted to lunch with Valerie Taylor-Barnes, widow of Clive Barnes, and reminisce with her about the theater/dance critic whom I had first met in the late seventies in Massachusetts. The resulting interview will appear in Art Times Journal in the January/February issue on line and in print.
Did a reading from my book IMAGICS and other family stories at an artists exhibit which featured a literary salon a few weeks back. Very attentive and enthusiastic audience of artists and their friends. I was one of 9 readers – three of which were good, two of which were a disaster, but audience polite throughout. No books sold, far as I could see, but enjoyable experience all around.
Will be reading several stories from latest kids book, Gremlins, Genies and Trolls. Oh My! at the holiday bazaar at MCCNY in Jackson Hall 446 W 36 St, Dec. 18 every hour on the hour, if I can manage to mount the steps which will be like anyone else scaling a mountain. Joys of age and a trick knee that has gotten me down for over 60 years.
Which is a perfect segue to
PAGES
The Pleasant Dreams set of children’s read-to-me fantasy stories has been raking in raves from mom blogs all around the country. One of my favorites was the mom whose little kid wanted to see more pictures, so he wandered off, playing but listening. She was to tell him when another picture appeared. She got caught up in the reading and so he had to come over himself to see where the pictures were.
I am reading a three novels volume of William Dean Howells, a late nineteenth century author. Fascinating – his novels are written in great detail of the emotional and mental landscapes of their characters. They feel as current as any story today of responsibility, love and concern for others.
Also reading a series of plays by Thomas Bradshaw. After finishing the fourth, I feel as if I am reading the same basic play from various perspectives with people clothed in different names and occupations.
Each play bears the admonition that it should be played with utmost honesty and sincerity. A necessary note since the plays are so outrageously ironic it is hard to keep a straight face while reading them. They point out the self deception which permits most people to continue to function in the world today. I think they need to be taken in small doses, reading the body of the work gets one cross eyed…at least this one.
Also just finished reading Shelley’s Ghost a book about all the correspondence and memorabilia of thepoet Percy Bysshe Shelley, his wife Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and her parents, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and William Godwin.
This book is a unique take on the forgeries that were passed off by collectors over a century ago, and of the editing each did to maintain the image he/she hd of th subject.
I have read several dozen books of Shelley and Byron and their friends sicne I first fellin love with the poet and his work in my early teens. I even wrote a musicalplay about him which William Gison kindly read and his ain cmment was that I did ot allow anyof Shelley’s faults into the script. But when the world saw as his faults, I saw as his strengths, so it was thus I portrayed them. Yes, I too, had my prejudicial view of the unusual young man who created such marvelous poems.
On my first trip to London over 25 years ago, I wandered around and kept ending up in some place which had strong Shellyan memories. I recall reading in the guest book at John Keats; home some years later on another London sojourn, that they didn’t know if Shelley had ever been in the house or not. I said I was sure he had not because I had no visceral reaction to the inside of the house, and I did have to all the other locales I had visited.
I was such a Shelley fanatic in my High School years that my English teacher dubbed me Lady Jane, who was Shelley’s daughter in law. Lady Jane worshipped the poet whom she had never met and established many memorials to him, including two incredible life sized works of sculpture. One at Oxford University, where a British friend of mine had purchased this book for me, the other near Boscombe Mansion in Bournemouth where his son Percy and Lady Jane Shelley lived.
I have also just begun reading Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s creek which I must have read many years ago, but which I am relishing anew.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Family and other strangers
STAGES
Went to see an old pal, the ever versatile John Glover, in new play with the deceptively poetic title of "The Atmosphere of Memory" at the Labyrinth Theater. Actually, Labyrinth would be a more suitable title; as the play got lost within its own structure and direction. Far from poetic, it is a raunchy, outrageous meant-to-shock farce with some juicy monologues. However, only one actor played all its farcical possibilities: diddle diddle dumpling my friend John!
The premise is a disturbed man wrote a play about his family to dispel his childhood ghosts. We see his stage family, their rehearsals and performances mixing dozens of old theatrical styles, much as the director Pam McKinnon does. His actual mother, a formerly well known and flamboyant star, plays the mother in the play. (She is portrayed by Ellen Burstyn) When the real life father (John Glover) shows up – an absolutely uncontrolled, unrefined self-satisfied man who was out of their lives for years, the real family delves through their outrageous past and makes of course, great revelations.
One scene which ought to have been a laugh riot, when real life sister asks to have her role removed from the play and playwright is caught between her and the love of his life who portrays her on stage, is performed for its drama, not its humorous aspects. In fact, most of the play is played more for drama than the outrageous farce of misfortune, and therein lies the flaw. A good play is buried under all the shrubbery in which it got lost.
Then saw the tact revival pf A.R.Gurney’s "CHILDREN" on a night when the author was there for a talk back. The mostly silver haired audience loved this production, Many of them were long time Gurney fans. The four character play was impeccably presented with the cool aloofness one expects of a wasp family – even when all hell breaks loose it doesn’t come close to an average family reunion in a Jewish or Italian family. Much of the subsequent discussion was about if this world of privilege and old family values still exists anywhere, and the consensus was, maybe in little pockets.
But the play had that charming agelessness of family drama – from "Oedipus" and "King Lear" through "Life With Father", "All My Sons" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" to the hectic hateful family plays currently engorging our stages.
One person wondered where the young audiences were, which gave Mr. Gurney an opportunity to talk about his work with younger writers and actors at the Flea Theater. Most delightful of all comments was by a man who had come into the wrong theater. He and his brother were supposed to be across the hall where his brother’s friend was appearing in a play – oddly, their ticket seats were empty in this theater, they were seated, and did not realize their mistake in time to move on! Gurney acquired a new fan with this production, judging by the man’s further comments. Real life comedy of errors in the audience which we all shared!
Enjoyed the innocence and charm of My Week with Marilyn in which the author recalls his early career and relationship with this iconic film star. It is a sweet tribute and not, one hopes, a falsified portrait of a real person. Personally, although I am a fan of Kenneth Branagh, I could not relate to his Sir Laurence Olivier, and the woman playing Vivian Leigh looked less like her than I do. Maybe they think no one remembers the actual appearance of these stars. As for performance, his Olivier was nobody I could relate to the screen or stage actor I remember. Never the less, much enjoyed the film
Don’t understand all the anger over Anonymous. It’s a delightful “what if” explanation of how the Shakespeare plays might have been written. It does not pretend to be history – it is supposed to be a play, and it plays well. The cast is energetic and believable even if the story is not, and it captures your interest.
Elizabeth’s costumes are magnificent and the settings seem to have the grungy look one expects of old England. My main complaint is that Derek Jacobi had too little to do.
PAGES
I am far more outraged at all the authors jumping on other people’s writing to create films and TV series of their own, as well, of course as books. GRIMM, ONCE UPON A TIME are using fairy tale plots to create TV fantasy terror these days.
Novelists are using real life people (now deceased) as well as story-created characters by famous authors such as Jane Austen’s Darcy et al to launch new tales about them. What happened to creativity from the ground up? Is it so much easier to ride on someone else’s character tails?
Lots of people in neighboring states were left electricity less for weeks due to freak snow storm - nature’s own Fall drama..
Don’t know how I could manage my biz without electricity, telephone and the all mighty computer. All my current scripts and recently printed books are on my computer. Poems in the works are on my computer. Bookkeeping is on my computer. Phone numbers are stored in my phone – don’t remember anyone’s number because never dial them. Couldn’t get check from my bank one day because computers were down and tellers did not know how to give me a bank check under the circumstances.
Thank goodness I still know how to write so I can put pen to paper and keep my brain from exploding with all the things wanting to be transcribed for my memoir, should my machine go belly-up, rather than slogging slowly along.
We are too dependent on machines. Kids use them in exams. They use them instead of thinking or working out problems. A case in point, a costume designer pal of mine, wrote me of the following incident.
“I had to visit the AppleStore yesterday to clear up a problem with the new computer and while waiting for help was fiddling around with that iPad everyone is salivating over. Clicked up "Numbers," Apple's complicated and annoying spreadsheet replacement for their former AppleWorks app, Apple's intuitive, excellent original app that I guess somebody who never did a spreadsheet felt needed improving (translation, $$$ for Apple). I spoke with 4 employees, not one could figure out how to put numbers in a couple of columns and add them together. Never mind anything more complicated. At least 40 minutes of fooling around and 4 employees' time (not to mention mine) just trying to add 2 and 2 in each of two cells and get a sum. Finally they told me they didn't know this program, based on Excel (never mind it is Apple's own software made by Apple), couldn't help, and suggested I take a workshop to find out how to input 2+2 and get a sum. I showed them a pencil and a piece of paper. So while China's young people are spending their time trying to find the cure for cancer, our engineers are creating new and exotic ways for people to attend workshops to relearn how to add 2+2. Very scary how the young people (and not just the young people) are transfixed by these gadgets to their own detriment. Pointing this out only causes blank stares with the message "unreasonable old fogey who doesn't want to learn." Does anyone doubt why America is in decline.” Judanna Lynn
I have grown grandkids who cannot tell time on a clock with hands – they expect the clock to tell them the time digitally.
Banks urge us to use on line banking. Meanwhile, in the last month alone, three pals have been hacked, and my machine’s Norton security has notified me of several critical attempts to break into mine.
I don’t want to go back to the old days – its great to take a paragraph or a page and shift it elsewhere in my manuscript with two clicks of my keyboard. But I do think our brains should store basic information, or we need paper backup. If electronics failed – could we navigate our lives?
Lightning Source is doing great business these days – couldn’t get short run book published in over two weeks. Revolting! Therefore, final and finest of my fairy tale book series, “Goblins Genies and Trolls, Oh My!” is not ready to send and orders are coming in for Christmas!
Happy Holidays to all!
Went to see an old pal, the ever versatile John Glover, in new play with the deceptively poetic title of "The Atmosphere of Memory" at the Labyrinth Theater. Actually, Labyrinth would be a more suitable title; as the play got lost within its own structure and direction. Far from poetic, it is a raunchy, outrageous meant-to-shock farce with some juicy monologues. However, only one actor played all its farcical possibilities: diddle diddle dumpling my friend John!
The premise is a disturbed man wrote a play about his family to dispel his childhood ghosts. We see his stage family, their rehearsals and performances mixing dozens of old theatrical styles, much as the director Pam McKinnon does. His actual mother, a formerly well known and flamboyant star, plays the mother in the play. (She is portrayed by Ellen Burstyn) When the real life father (John Glover) shows up – an absolutely uncontrolled, unrefined self-satisfied man who was out of their lives for years, the real family delves through their outrageous past and makes of course, great revelations.
One scene which ought to have been a laugh riot, when real life sister asks to have her role removed from the play and playwright is caught between her and the love of his life who portrays her on stage, is performed for its drama, not its humorous aspects. In fact, most of the play is played more for drama than the outrageous farce of misfortune, and therein lies the flaw. A good play is buried under all the shrubbery in which it got lost.
Then saw the tact revival pf A.R.Gurney’s "CHILDREN" on a night when the author was there for a talk back. The mostly silver haired audience loved this production, Many of them were long time Gurney fans. The four character play was impeccably presented with the cool aloofness one expects of a wasp family – even when all hell breaks loose it doesn’t come close to an average family reunion in a Jewish or Italian family. Much of the subsequent discussion was about if this world of privilege and old family values still exists anywhere, and the consensus was, maybe in little pockets.
But the play had that charming agelessness of family drama – from "Oedipus" and "King Lear" through "Life With Father", "All My Sons" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" to the hectic hateful family plays currently engorging our stages.
One person wondered where the young audiences were, which gave Mr. Gurney an opportunity to talk about his work with younger writers and actors at the Flea Theater. Most delightful of all comments was by a man who had come into the wrong theater. He and his brother were supposed to be across the hall where his brother’s friend was appearing in a play – oddly, their ticket seats were empty in this theater, they were seated, and did not realize their mistake in time to move on! Gurney acquired a new fan with this production, judging by the man’s further comments. Real life comedy of errors in the audience which we all shared!
Enjoyed the innocence and charm of My Week with Marilyn in which the author recalls his early career and relationship with this iconic film star. It is a sweet tribute and not, one hopes, a falsified portrait of a real person. Personally, although I am a fan of Kenneth Branagh, I could not relate to his Sir Laurence Olivier, and the woman playing Vivian Leigh looked less like her than I do. Maybe they think no one remembers the actual appearance of these stars. As for performance, his Olivier was nobody I could relate to the screen or stage actor I remember. Never the less, much enjoyed the film
Don’t understand all the anger over Anonymous. It’s a delightful “what if” explanation of how the Shakespeare plays might have been written. It does not pretend to be history – it is supposed to be a play, and it plays well. The cast is energetic and believable even if the story is not, and it captures your interest.
Elizabeth’s costumes are magnificent and the settings seem to have the grungy look one expects of old England. My main complaint is that Derek Jacobi had too little to do.
PAGES
I am far more outraged at all the authors jumping on other people’s writing to create films and TV series of their own, as well, of course as books. GRIMM, ONCE UPON A TIME are using fairy tale plots to create TV fantasy terror these days.
Novelists are using real life people (now deceased) as well as story-created characters by famous authors such as Jane Austen’s Darcy et al to launch new tales about them. What happened to creativity from the ground up? Is it so much easier to ride on someone else’s character tails?
Lots of people in neighboring states were left electricity less for weeks due to freak snow storm - nature’s own Fall drama..
Don’t know how I could manage my biz without electricity, telephone and the all mighty computer. All my current scripts and recently printed books are on my computer. Poems in the works are on my computer. Bookkeeping is on my computer. Phone numbers are stored in my phone – don’t remember anyone’s number because never dial them. Couldn’t get check from my bank one day because computers were down and tellers did not know how to give me a bank check under the circumstances.
Thank goodness I still know how to write so I can put pen to paper and keep my brain from exploding with all the things wanting to be transcribed for my memoir, should my machine go belly-up, rather than slogging slowly along.
We are too dependent on machines. Kids use them in exams. They use them instead of thinking or working out problems. A case in point, a costume designer pal of mine, wrote me of the following incident.
“I had to visit the AppleStore yesterday to clear up a problem with the new computer and while waiting for help was fiddling around with that iPad everyone is salivating over. Clicked up "Numbers," Apple's complicated and annoying spreadsheet replacement for their former AppleWorks app, Apple's intuitive, excellent original app that I guess somebody who never did a spreadsheet felt needed improving (translation, $$$ for Apple). I spoke with 4 employees, not one could figure out how to put numbers in a couple of columns and add them together. Never mind anything more complicated. At least 40 minutes of fooling around and 4 employees' time (not to mention mine) just trying to add 2 and 2 in each of two cells and get a sum. Finally they told me they didn't know this program, based on Excel (never mind it is Apple's own software made by Apple), couldn't help, and suggested I take a workshop to find out how to input 2+2 and get a sum. I showed them a pencil and a piece of paper. So while China's young people are spending their time trying to find the cure for cancer, our engineers are creating new and exotic ways for people to attend workshops to relearn how to add 2+2. Very scary how the young people (and not just the young people) are transfixed by these gadgets to their own detriment. Pointing this out only causes blank stares with the message "unreasonable old fogey who doesn't want to learn." Does anyone doubt why America is in decline.” Judanna Lynn
I have grown grandkids who cannot tell time on a clock with hands – they expect the clock to tell them the time digitally.
Banks urge us to use on line banking. Meanwhile, in the last month alone, three pals have been hacked, and my machine’s Norton security has notified me of several critical attempts to break into mine.
I don’t want to go back to the old days – its great to take a paragraph or a page and shift it elsewhere in my manuscript with two clicks of my keyboard. But I do think our brains should store basic information, or we need paper backup. If electronics failed – could we navigate our lives?
Lightning Source is doing great business these days – couldn’t get short run book published in over two weeks. Revolting! Therefore, final and finest of my fairy tale book series, “Goblins Genies and Trolls, Oh My!” is not ready to send and orders are coming in for Christmas!
Happy Holidays to all!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Pre Holiday Post
STAGES
Saw revival of Terence Rattigan’s mid 20th century “Man and Boy” earlier this month. Guess we can thank Madoff for making this so timely.
We can also thank Alan Driver and Frank Langella for their performances as the boy and the man, and Maria Aitken for directing it at a brisk pace, which allowed little time for thought but enough time for enjoyment.
I first saw Langella many years ago at the Berkshire Theater Festival when I went up to interview William Gibson. Frank was portraying Shakespeare in Gibson’s “A Cry of Players” in its pre-Broadway run. Gibson thought him a brilliant actor but I was unimpressed. I continued not to respond to Langella until the film THOSE LIPS, THOSE EYES in which I thought him perfection. It is astonishing to realize how many years have passed since then, almost as many as have elapsed since Rattigan first wrote this play about big business frauds!
Saw The Ides of March film this month as well - again, a matter of corruption and how a naïve innocent can be turned into a martyr or a moray eel stinging those who attempted to maneuver him. Enjoyed the film and the strong performances of its talented cast.
On that political note, I am delighted to read that President Obama has finally decised to abandon his dream of a bi-partisan congress and is concentrating on doing the things he set out to do when first elected.
It bothers me so many people felt him weak because he attempted to negotiate and conciliate with a party whose main platform appears to be his destruction, rather than the reconstruction of the America we knew.
I attended a celebration of the life of one of TnT Classic Books’ authors, Doric Wilson, at the Lucille Lortel Theater on Columbus Day. A touching and humorous program assembled with all the care and love that he so richly deserved. So many familiar faces talking about their warm and humorous memories of this lovely man.
It occurred to me Doric, with his dauntless sense of humor, would have gotten a kick out of the apt choice of date. Columbus set off on uncharted seas in a supposedly flat world and discovered a continent. Doric sailed off into uncharted seas in a closed world and through TOSOS (The Other Side of Silence) revealed the world of a still prejudiced against minority. He also gave that population a strong and loving voice through his own plays, such as those published by TnT – “A Perfect Relationship”, “Forever After”, “Street Theater” and “And He Made a Her” which appears in my prize winning anthology Short Plays to Long Remember.
PAGES
Despite my distaste for authors who continually write sequels to Jane Austin’s books, I enjoyed Carrie Bebris’ The Intrigue at Highbury. Though not difficult to solve the mystery, it was a good read.
Also read Daphne du Maurier’s The Glass Blowers, which I think her best book ever. I enjoyed her writing in my, youth, but was utterly absorbed and entranced in my dotage with this family history. She so deftly recreated that long ago world, and made us care so much about the people of whom she wrote. I came to Daphne long after I had been smitten by the writing of George du Maurier, her grandfather, who favored the mystic and paranormal as much as I do.
When I, a teenager, saw her by line in a book my mom was reading and learned she was the daughter of his actor son, I immediately began reading the lady du Maurier’s books as well.
Am plowing through a book on Vita and Virginia, their relationship and influence on each other and how it is reflected in their work.
How fortunate I am to have a bibliophilic good pal who loans me half a dozen books every time I see him. Like having a personal librarian!
I have been busy writing part two of my memoir, the disruptive years when my folks dragged a kicking and screaming 7 year old me from my beloved Brooklyn to Boston, where my father had finally found a great job in those devastating years of the Great Depression.
As well as proofing the final book in the children’s series,
My contribution included in a Carol Roth listing – this one is
60+ Tips for Hiring Your First Employee http://www.carolroth.com/unsolicited-business-advice/?p=7423 I’ve moved up in her world – my suggestion is number 17. The last several times she quoted me I was much further down in her listings.
More significantly a mom blogger has given me another great write-up about my children’s read-to-me fantasy book series – read her comments at
http://www.emilyreviews.com/2011/10/pixie-tales-elfin-tales-and-fairy-tales-too-by-francine-l-trevens-giveaway.html.
I really believe that the bedtime story habit can help young people learn to love books, can give some much needed private parent/child time and help fight illiteracy because children can realize the powerful joy of using their imagination as they listen or read for themselves, not to learn, but to experience and enjoy, with learning an unexpected and often unrealised by-product.
Saw revival of Terence Rattigan’s mid 20th century “Man and Boy” earlier this month. Guess we can thank Madoff for making this so timely.
We can also thank Alan Driver and Frank Langella for their performances as the boy and the man, and Maria Aitken for directing it at a brisk pace, which allowed little time for thought but enough time for enjoyment.
I first saw Langella many years ago at the Berkshire Theater Festival when I went up to interview William Gibson. Frank was portraying Shakespeare in Gibson’s “A Cry of Players” in its pre-Broadway run. Gibson thought him a brilliant actor but I was unimpressed. I continued not to respond to Langella until the film THOSE LIPS, THOSE EYES in which I thought him perfection. It is astonishing to realize how many years have passed since then, almost as many as have elapsed since Rattigan first wrote this play about big business frauds!
Saw The Ides of March film this month as well - again, a matter of corruption and how a naïve innocent can be turned into a martyr or a moray eel stinging those who attempted to maneuver him. Enjoyed the film and the strong performances of its talented cast.
On that political note, I am delighted to read that President Obama has finally decised to abandon his dream of a bi-partisan congress and is concentrating on doing the things he set out to do when first elected.
It bothers me so many people felt him weak because he attempted to negotiate and conciliate with a party whose main platform appears to be his destruction, rather than the reconstruction of the America we knew.
I attended a celebration of the life of one of TnT Classic Books’ authors, Doric Wilson, at the Lucille Lortel Theater on Columbus Day. A touching and humorous program assembled with all the care and love that he so richly deserved. So many familiar faces talking about their warm and humorous memories of this lovely man.
It occurred to me Doric, with his dauntless sense of humor, would have gotten a kick out of the apt choice of date. Columbus set off on uncharted seas in a supposedly flat world and discovered a continent. Doric sailed off into uncharted seas in a closed world and through TOSOS (The Other Side of Silence) revealed the world of a still prejudiced against minority. He also gave that population a strong and loving voice through his own plays, such as those published by TnT – “A Perfect Relationship”, “Forever After”, “Street Theater” and “And He Made a Her” which appears in my prize winning anthology Short Plays to Long Remember.
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Despite my distaste for authors who continually write sequels to Jane Austin’s books, I enjoyed Carrie Bebris’ The Intrigue at Highbury. Though not difficult to solve the mystery, it was a good read.
Also read Daphne du Maurier’s The Glass Blowers, which I think her best book ever. I enjoyed her writing in my, youth, but was utterly absorbed and entranced in my dotage with this family history. She so deftly recreated that long ago world, and made us care so much about the people of whom she wrote. I came to Daphne long after I had been smitten by the writing of George du Maurier, her grandfather, who favored the mystic and paranormal as much as I do.
When I, a teenager, saw her by line in a book my mom was reading and learned she was the daughter of his actor son, I immediately began reading the lady du Maurier’s books as well.
Am plowing through a book on Vita and Virginia, their relationship and influence on each other and how it is reflected in their work.
How fortunate I am to have a bibliophilic good pal who loans me half a dozen books every time I see him. Like having a personal librarian!
I have been busy writing part two of my memoir, the disruptive years when my folks dragged a kicking and screaming 7 year old me from my beloved Brooklyn to Boston, where my father had finally found a great job in those devastating years of the Great Depression.
As well as proofing the final book in the children’s series,
Gremlins, Genies and Trolls, Oh My!am pleased to read occasional quotes of mine on other sites plus reviews of my work such as
My contribution included in a Carol Roth listing – this one is
60+ Tips for Hiring Your First Employee http://www.carolroth.com/unsolicited-business-advice/?p=7423 I’ve moved up in her world – my suggestion is number 17. The last several times she quoted me I was much further down in her listings.
More significantly a mom blogger has given me another great write-up about my children’s read-to-me fantasy book series – read her comments at
http://www.emilyreviews.com/2011/10/pixie-tales-elfin-tales-and-fairy-tales-too-by-francine-l-trevens-giveaway.html.
I really believe that the bedtime story habit can help young people learn to love books, can give some much needed private parent/child time and help fight illiteracy because children can realize the powerful joy of using their imagination as they listen or read for themselves, not to learn, but to experience and enjoy, with learning an unexpected and often unrealised by-product.
Monday, September 19, 2011
FALL IN
STAGES
Paul Dexter, who has three short plays in Short Plays to Long Remember, just heard that his play FEEDING FRENZY won first prize in the Ohio State U. playwriting contest -- out of 300 entries! Congratulations to this dedicated and hard working author.
Saw a unique entertainment Dublin by Lamplight at 59 East 59. Meticulously directed by Tom Reing, Michael West’s white faced romp moved with the precision of clockwork and enchanted and surprised constantly. Not sure I got all the message, but enjoyed it all the same.
Am involved in an unusual Greater New York Independent Publishers Association book launch on a boat no less this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 4- 7 PM on board the Lighthouse Tender ship Lilac, an historic vessel, docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 at West Street. Readings which start at 5PM include river and sea poems from award winning Perry Brass; veteran playwright/novelist Norman Beim’s novel ZYGIELBAUM'S JOURNEY; Bob Apuzzo thrills with tales of sunken ships; illustrator Maggie Cousins shows her art, plus Andrea Troy reads from Daddy, An Absolutely Fake Memoir. I’ll MC the readings and discussions of writing, editing, publishing and illustrating , and read selected kids stories from PIXIE TALES and ELFIN TALES with youngsters selected to help read; (kids who help get free copy of books!). During this free family event, Light refreshments will be served, you can see the 9/11 exhibit, and take a tour of the boat. Great chance to get autographed books and ask authors about inspiration, etc.
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Read a huge multi biography by Michael Holroyd about the families of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry called A Strange Eventful History, A terrific read for anyone involved with or in love with theater and its former greats.
Also read Brooke Astor’s Footprints in which you get her slant on her life’s story. And what a story it is.
Am polishing and rewriting the final book in the read to me series, Gremling, Genires and Trolls, oh My! Which is my favorite of the four. Maggie Cousins is slowly providing terrific illustrations for the book, which has 5 read to me fantasy stories and one to grow on which presents a real surprise.
Have returned to work on my childhood memoir about growing up during the great depression – which has lots of similarities to today. You get the feeling the Republicans of that day were ready to say “let them eat cake” rather than try to alleviate the working man’s suffering.
Prejudice was as rampant then as now, only then it was concentrated on the Jew haters who tried to keep Jews out of clubs, restaurants, jobs, neighborhoods, etc. It’s amazing to me that I was a Republican most of my adult life, because I favored their economic policies – until the Bush Leagues took our surplus and threw it into wars. I remember many of those depression years clearly as my Italian, Irish and Jewish neighbors all struggled to survive.
I was accused of killing Christ and being as, what sounded to me like Dirty Chew Basket – which is the title of the memoir. Then, during the war which ended the depression, it was those very Italians who were hated and feared by many of the people we lived amongst. And these people were all supposedly so religious!
I thought we had progressed. Interracial couples were as condemned and feared then as gay couples today - My family is now both black and white. It raised a few eyebrows but not the storm of protest and law breaking it would have been in the thirties.
Why is it people need to find someone to hate, someone to whom they can feel superior? Someone they can prevent from having the same rights they enjoy? That is the supreme unanswered question of my life. Maybe looking back at the stupidities of the past will awaken some to the stupidities of the present? One can only hope.
Paul Dexter, who has three short plays in Short Plays to Long Remember, just heard that his play FEEDING FRENZY won first prize in the Ohio State U. playwriting contest -- out of 300 entries! Congratulations to this dedicated and hard working author.
Saw a unique entertainment Dublin by Lamplight at 59 East 59. Meticulously directed by Tom Reing, Michael West’s white faced romp moved with the precision of clockwork and enchanted and surprised constantly. Not sure I got all the message, but enjoyed it all the same.
Am involved in an unusual Greater New York Independent Publishers Association book launch on a boat no less this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 4- 7 PM on board the Lighthouse Tender ship Lilac, an historic vessel, docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 at West Street. Readings which start at 5PM include river and sea poems from award winning Perry Brass; veteran playwright/novelist Norman Beim’s novel ZYGIELBAUM'S JOURNEY; Bob Apuzzo thrills with tales of sunken ships; illustrator Maggie Cousins shows her art, plus Andrea Troy reads from Daddy, An Absolutely Fake Memoir. I’ll MC the readings and discussions of writing, editing, publishing and illustrating , and read selected kids stories from PIXIE TALES and ELFIN TALES with youngsters selected to help read; (kids who help get free copy of books!). During this free family event, Light refreshments will be served, you can see the 9/11 exhibit, and take a tour of the boat. Great chance to get autographed books and ask authors about inspiration, etc.
PAGES
Read a huge multi biography by Michael Holroyd about the families of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry called A Strange Eventful History, A terrific read for anyone involved with or in love with theater and its former greats.
Also read Brooke Astor’s Footprints in which you get her slant on her life’s story. And what a story it is.
Am polishing and rewriting the final book in the read to me series, Gremling, Genires and Trolls, oh My! Which is my favorite of the four. Maggie Cousins is slowly providing terrific illustrations for the book, which has 5 read to me fantasy stories and one to grow on which presents a real surprise.
Have returned to work on my childhood memoir about growing up during the great depression – which has lots of similarities to today. You get the feeling the Republicans of that day were ready to say “let them eat cake” rather than try to alleviate the working man’s suffering.
Prejudice was as rampant then as now, only then it was concentrated on the Jew haters who tried to keep Jews out of clubs, restaurants, jobs, neighborhoods, etc. It’s amazing to me that I was a Republican most of my adult life, because I favored their economic policies – until the Bush Leagues took our surplus and threw it into wars. I remember many of those depression years clearly as my Italian, Irish and Jewish neighbors all struggled to survive.
I was accused of killing Christ and being as, what sounded to me like Dirty Chew Basket – which is the title of the memoir. Then, during the war which ended the depression, it was those very Italians who were hated and feared by many of the people we lived amongst. And these people were all supposedly so religious!
I thought we had progressed. Interracial couples were as condemned and feared then as gay couples today - My family is now both black and white. It raised a few eyebrows but not the storm of protest and law breaking it would have been in the thirties.
Why is it people need to find someone to hate, someone to whom they can feel superior? Someone they can prevent from having the same rights they enjoy? That is the supreme unanswered question of my life. Maybe looking back at the stupidities of the past will awaken some to the stupidities of the present? One can only hope.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
History and politics
STAGES
A unique and impressive ceremonial dance event is scheduled for the Plaza at Lincoln Center starting at 8:20 and ending at 8:46AM Sept. 11, 2011, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the World Trade Center devastation.
100 dancers will perform THE TABLE OF SILENCE PROJECT conceived by choreographer Jacquelyn Buglisi and Italian artist Rosella Vasta.
I was privileged to see a rehearsal for this spectacular and moving site specific FREE dance event featuring an international array of dancers.
It will perform again at Syracuse University October 22 and in Italy October 26. Other venues are also planned.
If you can, make it a point to start that day early and attend this stirring demonstration of tribute and prayer for peace, for you will long remember this stunning work of physical expression of the hope of our world..
S
Photographer Paul B. Goode’s shot of The Buglisi Dance Theatre leads 100 dancers in rehearsal of "The Table of Silence Project,"
For further historic connections, I again expand stages to include films.
I did not read “Sarah’s Keys” but found the film most moving and engrossing. So many films and books are emerging now of the horrors of the holocaust. It is fascinating to see the changes in morality since the mid 20th century.
On that same score of changes in morality, did read The Help and just saw the film. Each worked well in its own milieu. Both made their points and acting in the film was memorable.
What is happening today with prejudice against gays is so reminiscent of the fears of integration of those days. I guess people will always have to find some group to deem lesser and hate because they fear them.
Adapting a book to screen or stage is an art in itself. Authors who try to stay too true to the novels from which they work do themselves a disservice. It is called adapting because each is a different art with different needs. Being detail by detail true to the book when adapting can destroy dramatic moments and dull the experience of the viewer. Visuals are not words – but if they convey the same emotions and intentions, adaptations can work brilliantly. A book can meander introspectively, a film or play must give us drama, move with a steady building of tension. Pity the adaptor who does not know or cannot achieve that. Both these films did achieve it.
Of course, authors of the original work are often horrified by changes made. William Gibson did not like the film of “Miracle Worker”, and dreaded seeing the script of “Seesaw”, because he feared it would drastically change his “Two for the Seesaw”. He was right – but both those films worked in their own way, despite many changes in characterizations and details.
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A sea adventure without leaving the dock from Greater New York Independent Publishers Association - a book launch at sea! FREE
Get on board the Lighthouse Tender ship Lilac, a historic Coast Guard vessel, built in 1933 docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 at West Street, at the end of North Moore Street (Franklin Street Stop on the 1 Train), Saturday, September 24, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
I’ll be MC for the event and will be reading from PIXIE TALES and ELFIN TALES about a pink and purple leprechaun and a shrinking violet sylph – with a couple of youngsters selected to help read; and illustrator Maggie Cousins to show art. Other books being read are more adult. Wear lilac and get a free book.
I judged some books in the first annual Global e-book awards on several categories. One tween book was so far superior to anything else I read for that contest I feel compelled to mention it. Dragon Cloud about Earth, and an alternate dragon universe which are interdependent, are saved by a young dragon and two young humans. Every chapter is full of action and danger. It moves rapidly and the characters evolve as “the plot thickens.” A real nail biter, it should thrill even youngest readers and still entertain older ones.
Yes, it is the old fight of good and evil and is a quest for a magic ring, and many of the elements are not new – but the facility and clarity of the writing and the fact that it is for younger readers make it a gem.
Enjoyed Douglas Kennedy’s Moment. In which the past is unraveled with the delicacy of one handling aged manuscripts.
Very pleased that, although the third book, Fairy Tales Too in the set of my Pleasant Dreams stories is now on e-book, Pixie Tales, the first in the set, finally got noticed. It is extolled on the August on line Children’s Booklist. Here’s a short quote from the review “filled with charm, surprises, and magical spunk.”
Fairy Tales Too will be released in paper officially October 17. For those who have e readers, the e-book version is only $3.99 and paper version $9.99. No e-book reader? The smashwords version, http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79703, can be downloaded right onto your computer, complete with Maggie Cousins’ colorful art.
As a kid, after WWII, I felt the world had lost its élan and actually wished for more turbulent times. I guess my wish was granted, because the entire world seems to be in an upheaval – politically, economically, ideologically and religiously. Of course, being as ancient as I feel, it is not surprising to have lived through so many wars, upheavals, economic crises and such a change in the tenor of a writer’s life – from writing by hand, to typewriter, to electric typewriter, to computer, etc.
Unfortunately, people have not changed. They are still as impatient as ever, still quick to place blame, slow to take blame and still using religion to hide their prejudices behind.
One reason I am eager to get back to writing my memoir of growing up during the great depression and World War II is to remind people it took 10 years to recover from the depression – it took royal battles between Roosevelt and the Republicans to establish the very programs the Republicans are still fighting to stymie. Roosevelt was accused of being a communist because many of his causes were socialistic. But how else help the disenfranchised people in this country? How else spread the wealth when so many of the wealthy believe themselves above the law and above the need to pay their fair share to support this country?
I was a Republican most of my adult life because, despite being a liberal, I believed the Republicans had the right cautious fiscal outlook. No more – I realize now their greed and disregard for the needy which caused this world crisis.
I willingly served 6 months on the Tyco trial to see how big corporations legally steal from investors. How the nice guy bosses forgave millions in debts for their employees – debts which were paid for by investor’s dollars. The bosses gave themselves bonuses even as the business was failing. Just like our congressmen giving themselves a raise in the midst of this economic turmoil. “Me first” has turned into “me only” for too many people.
OOPS – didn’t mean to rant – but I am so tired of people second guessing how they would run the country. It is a world crisis, and we are a major part of the world. We cannot come out of it alone, even if much of the cause is the fault of international companies lodged here.
What an exciting period this will be to write about for many years to come.
A unique and impressive ceremonial dance event is scheduled for the Plaza at Lincoln Center starting at 8:20 and ending at 8:46AM Sept. 11, 2011, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the World Trade Center devastation.
100 dancers will perform THE TABLE OF SILENCE PROJECT conceived by choreographer Jacquelyn Buglisi and Italian artist Rosella Vasta.
I was privileged to see a rehearsal for this spectacular and moving site specific FREE dance event featuring an international array of dancers.
It will perform again at Syracuse University October 22 and in Italy October 26. Other venues are also planned.
If you can, make it a point to start that day early and attend this stirring demonstration of tribute and prayer for peace, for you will long remember this stunning work of physical expression of the hope of our world..
S
For further historic connections, I again expand stages to include films.
I did not read “Sarah’s Keys” but found the film most moving and engrossing. So many films and books are emerging now of the horrors of the holocaust. It is fascinating to see the changes in morality since the mid 20th century.
On that same score of changes in morality, did read The Help and just saw the film. Each worked well in its own milieu. Both made their points and acting in the film was memorable.
What is happening today with prejudice against gays is so reminiscent of the fears of integration of those days. I guess people will always have to find some group to deem lesser and hate because they fear them.
Adapting a book to screen or stage is an art in itself. Authors who try to stay too true to the novels from which they work do themselves a disservice. It is called adapting because each is a different art with different needs. Being detail by detail true to the book when adapting can destroy dramatic moments and dull the experience of the viewer. Visuals are not words – but if they convey the same emotions and intentions, adaptations can work brilliantly. A book can meander introspectively, a film or play must give us drama, move with a steady building of tension. Pity the adaptor who does not know or cannot achieve that. Both these films did achieve it.
Of course, authors of the original work are often horrified by changes made. William Gibson did not like the film of “Miracle Worker”, and dreaded seeing the script of “Seesaw”, because he feared it would drastically change his “Two for the Seesaw”. He was right – but both those films worked in their own way, despite many changes in characterizations and details.
PAGES
A sea adventure without leaving the dock from Greater New York Independent Publishers Association - a book launch at sea! FREE
Get on board the Lighthouse Tender ship Lilac, a historic Coast Guard vessel, built in 1933 docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 at West Street, at the end of North Moore Street (Franklin Street Stop on the 1 Train), Saturday, September 24, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
I’ll be MC for the event and will be reading from PIXIE TALES and ELFIN TALES about a pink and purple leprechaun and a shrinking violet sylph – with a couple of youngsters selected to help read; and illustrator Maggie Cousins to show art. Other books being read are more adult. Wear lilac and get a free book.
I judged some books in the first annual Global e-book awards on several categories. One tween book was so far superior to anything else I read for that contest I feel compelled to mention it. Dragon Cloud about Earth, and an alternate dragon universe which are interdependent, are saved by a young dragon and two young humans. Every chapter is full of action and danger. It moves rapidly and the characters evolve as “the plot thickens.” A real nail biter, it should thrill even youngest readers and still entertain older ones.
Yes, it is the old fight of good and evil and is a quest for a magic ring, and many of the elements are not new – but the facility and clarity of the writing and the fact that it is for younger readers make it a gem.
Enjoyed Douglas Kennedy’s Moment. In which the past is unraveled with the delicacy of one handling aged manuscripts.
Very pleased that, although the third book, Fairy Tales Too in the set of my Pleasant Dreams stories is now on e-book, Pixie Tales, the first in the set, finally got noticed. It is extolled on the August on line Children’s Booklist. Here’s a short quote from the review “filled with charm, surprises, and magical spunk.”
Fairy Tales Too will be released in paper officially October 17. For those who have e readers, the e-book version is only $3.99 and paper version $9.99. No e-book reader? The smashwords version, http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79703, can be downloaded right onto your computer, complete with Maggie Cousins’ colorful art.
As a kid, after WWII, I felt the world had lost its élan and actually wished for more turbulent times. I guess my wish was granted, because the entire world seems to be in an upheaval – politically, economically, ideologically and religiously. Of course, being as ancient as I feel, it is not surprising to have lived through so many wars, upheavals, economic crises and such a change in the tenor of a writer’s life – from writing by hand, to typewriter, to electric typewriter, to computer, etc.
Unfortunately, people have not changed. They are still as impatient as ever, still quick to place blame, slow to take blame and still using religion to hide their prejudices behind.
One reason I am eager to get back to writing my memoir of growing up during the great depression and World War II is to remind people it took 10 years to recover from the depression – it took royal battles between Roosevelt and the Republicans to establish the very programs the Republicans are still fighting to stymie. Roosevelt was accused of being a communist because many of his causes were socialistic. But how else help the disenfranchised people in this country? How else spread the wealth when so many of the wealthy believe themselves above the law and above the need to pay their fair share to support this country?
I was a Republican most of my adult life because, despite being a liberal, I believed the Republicans had the right cautious fiscal outlook. No more – I realize now their greed and disregard for the needy which caused this world crisis.
I willingly served 6 months on the Tyco trial to see how big corporations legally steal from investors. How the nice guy bosses forgave millions in debts for their employees – debts which were paid for by investor’s dollars. The bosses gave themselves bonuses even as the business was failing. Just like our congressmen giving themselves a raise in the midst of this economic turmoil. “Me first” has turned into “me only” for too many people.
OOPS – didn’t mean to rant – but I am so tired of people second guessing how they would run the country. It is a world crisis, and we are a major part of the world. We cannot come out of it alone, even if much of the cause is the fault of international companies lodged here.
What an exciting period this will be to write about for many years to come.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Update on authors and their work
STAGES
David J. Mauriello, author of several plays in my anthology Short Plays To Long Remember wrote me – “My play SPIRITS WILLING is being presented by ACT ONE at the West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington Street in Portsmouth August 18, 20 at 2 PM and August 18, 19, 20 at 8PM. He quoted from the ACT ONE brochure: " David Mauriello's deliciously wicked Machiavelllian fable. SPIRITS WILLING. Take a lusty young woman, marry her to an older man (who is, shall we say, well endowed), mix in a handsome young brother, stir in a lascivious hag and her huge dog Quido, whisk in generous portions of greed and handfuls of duplicity -then wait thirty seconds for the fun and laughter to begin!! (for mature audiences) 603 300 2986 www.actononenh.org"
Another of the playwrights from Short Plays…George Zarr, whose THE FIRST AND LAST MUSICAL ON MARS recently closed in Chicago has been approached by the theatre’s producer to write a new musical for them to produce with a full out budget.
Third author from Short Plays…, Victor Gluck, who has been busy writing this last year finished his THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, based on a Henry James piece. I directed several scenes from this play during the past year as my swan song to stage directing.
This weekend I attended a celebration of life for my former set designer and book cover artist, the incredible Leon Munier. We were friends for over 30 years, and attending the event at his Mattituck home were relatives I had heard him talk about for years, and friends of his I had not seen in years. It was a lavish affair with incredible finger foods and a large choice of beverages, followed by a ceremony of spreading ashes, reminiscences, planting of a commemorative tree and then a bar b q. Started in mid afternoon it ran well into the night. Leon would have had a blast here. He was a great one for parties, where he used to plan various games of skill and logic to amuse and stymie his guests. We worked on plays by Jane Chambers, Adele Prandini, and Harvey Fierstein besides many others. Leon also costumed my actors when I ran Hasselfree Mysteries during the heyday of dinner theatre shows around New York City. He worked in the art department of NBC for many years.
If you are a theater buff, give yourself a treat, sign on to what I think is the best blog on the web. - RichardSkipper.Blogspot.com
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Barbara Kingsolver outdid herself in her novel “The Lacuna.” I had to force myself to read the first 50 or 60 pages of this novel before I got caught up in the story and it swept me away. Much of the history that is the backdrop of the story was familiar to me – but some was very startling. I knew about the internment of Japanese and Germans during the Second World War here in America, and the Atomic Bomb reactions, and the cold war. I did not know the details of the Trotsky-Stalin fallout, and never heard a thing about Hoover’s maltreatment the homeless first world war veterans. How this book, partly set in Mexico and the rest in the U. S, weaves its web is fascinating – its catches you in the horrors of misquotations in the press, and the inexcusable McCarthy Committee Hearings. If we think this nation is at a low ebb now – this reminds us of many errors we have made in the past and that the true American spirit always resurfaces and finds its way. A most potent work of fiction and a glimpse at our ever changing history.
Larry McMurtry calls his “Books” a memoir. I call it a tribute to a fast fading way of life - the life of the book lover, book buyer and seller. It is a paean to a fading way of life, and a memorial to a beloved passion. As one who also loves boojs I was enthralled and saddened by much if it.
Traveling to and from Long Island to attend the Munier memorial event, I proofread copy for “Fairy Stories, Too” the third volume in my read-to-me series of fantasy stories to help bring back the bedtime story habit. Maggie Cousins has only a few more illustrations to complete and the book will be off to smashwords for an ebook version. Then Liam North Sheridan has to finish the back cover, and we will be sending of off for paper print copies.
In addition, I was reworking some of the stories from the final volume of this series, “Gremlins, Genies and Trolls, Oh My!” which contains some of my favorite stories of enchanted creatures. I decided to add an extra story to this book – a bonus – or, as we say at birthdays about the candles, one to grow on – and will be busy this next week writing the tale of a very, very old genie teaching a very young one the art of wish granting.
I have a new website, just for my books. Check it out – http://writerfrancinetrevens.co
On a serious note, I had submitted the following in three parts because of word count limits on facebook – it is on my profile page but they never put it out on the home pages. Guess it was deemed either dirty or dangerous.
Ok – let’s balance the budget. 20% income cut for 2 years for every elected official. They must use public transportation one week out of every 2 months, paying their own fare. Social security benefits under $1400 a month get cost of living raises, others none for next 3 years. Medicare and Medicaid stay same for all earning less that $200,000 a year. Those over lose 20% of benefits. Religious institutions pay 2% tax on their land for 3 years. Any business in default of taxes is barred from government contracts. IRS stops intimidating small tax defaulters concentrates on billions owed by the wealthy… garner salaries or repossess second homes, yachts, whatever. Cut down benefits to prisoners convicted of violent crimes. Slum landlords must “rent” 30% of properties to homeless willing to upgrade premises, in exchange for their work. Put luxury taxes on candy, snack foods and all bakery products other than breads. Employ Americans to go to needy countries to teach basic skills, help nations get employable citizens and upgrade infrastructures. Ship food and clothing bought here to needy nations... Send no money
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David J. Mauriello, author of several plays in my anthology Short Plays To Long Remember wrote me – “My play SPIRITS WILLING is being presented by ACT ONE at the West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington Street in Portsmouth August 18, 20 at 2 PM and August 18, 19, 20 at 8PM. He quoted from the ACT ONE brochure: " David Mauriello's deliciously wicked Machiavelllian fable. SPIRITS WILLING. Take a lusty young woman, marry her to an older man (who is, shall we say, well endowed), mix in a handsome young brother, stir in a lascivious hag and her huge dog Quido, whisk in generous portions of greed and handfuls of duplicity -then wait thirty seconds for the fun and laughter to begin!! (for mature audiences) 603 300 2986 www.actononenh.org"
Another of the playwrights from Short Plays…George Zarr, whose THE FIRST AND LAST MUSICAL ON MARS recently closed in Chicago has been approached by the theatre’s producer to write a new musical for them to produce with a full out budget.
Third author from Short Plays…, Victor Gluck, who has been busy writing this last year finished his THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, based on a Henry James piece. I directed several scenes from this play during the past year as my swan song to stage directing.
This weekend I attended a celebration of life for my former set designer and book cover artist, the incredible Leon Munier. We were friends for over 30 years, and attending the event at his Mattituck home were relatives I had heard him talk about for years, and friends of his I had not seen in years. It was a lavish affair with incredible finger foods and a large choice of beverages, followed by a ceremony of spreading ashes, reminiscences, planting of a commemorative tree and then a bar b q. Started in mid afternoon it ran well into the night. Leon would have had a blast here. He was a great one for parties, where he used to plan various games of skill and logic to amuse and stymie his guests. We worked on plays by Jane Chambers, Adele Prandini, and Harvey Fierstein besides many others. Leon also costumed my actors when I ran Hasselfree Mysteries during the heyday of dinner theatre shows around New York City. He worked in the art department of NBC for many years.
If you are a theater buff, give yourself a treat, sign on to what I think is the best blog on the web. - RichardSkipper.Blogspot.com
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Barbara Kingsolver outdid herself in her novel “The Lacuna.” I had to force myself to read the first 50 or 60 pages of this novel before I got caught up in the story and it swept me away. Much of the history that is the backdrop of the story was familiar to me – but some was very startling. I knew about the internment of Japanese and Germans during the Second World War here in America, and the Atomic Bomb reactions, and the cold war. I did not know the details of the Trotsky-Stalin fallout, and never heard a thing about Hoover’s maltreatment the homeless first world war veterans. How this book, partly set in Mexico and the rest in the U. S, weaves its web is fascinating – its catches you in the horrors of misquotations in the press, and the inexcusable McCarthy Committee Hearings. If we think this nation is at a low ebb now – this reminds us of many errors we have made in the past and that the true American spirit always resurfaces and finds its way. A most potent work of fiction and a glimpse at our ever changing history.
Larry McMurtry calls his “Books” a memoir. I call it a tribute to a fast fading way of life - the life of the book lover, book buyer and seller. It is a paean to a fading way of life, and a memorial to a beloved passion. As one who also loves boojs I was enthralled and saddened by much if it.
Traveling to and from Long Island to attend the Munier memorial event, I proofread copy for “Fairy Stories, Too” the third volume in my read-to-me series of fantasy stories to help bring back the bedtime story habit. Maggie Cousins has only a few more illustrations to complete and the book will be off to smashwords for an ebook version. Then Liam North Sheridan has to finish the back cover, and we will be sending of off for paper print copies.
In addition, I was reworking some of the stories from the final volume of this series, “Gremlins, Genies and Trolls, Oh My!” which contains some of my favorite stories of enchanted creatures. I decided to add an extra story to this book – a bonus – or, as we say at birthdays about the candles, one to grow on – and will be busy this next week writing the tale of a very, very old genie teaching a very young one the art of wish granting.
I have a new website, just for my books. Check it out – http://writerfrancinetrevens.co
On a serious note, I had submitted the following in three parts because of word count limits on facebook – it is on my profile page but they never put it out on the home pages. Guess it was deemed either dirty or dangerous.
Ok – let’s balance the budget. 20% income cut for 2 years for every elected official. They must use public transportation one week out of every 2 months, paying their own fare. Social security benefits under $1400 a month get cost of living raises, others none for next 3 years. Medicare and Medicaid stay same for all earning less that $200,000 a year. Those over lose 20% of benefits. Religious institutions pay 2% tax on their land for 3 years. Any business in default of taxes is barred from government contracts. IRS stops intimidating small tax defaulters concentrates on billions owed by the wealthy… garner salaries or repossess second homes, yachts, whatever. Cut down benefits to prisoners convicted of violent crimes. Slum landlords must “rent” 30% of properties to homeless willing to upgrade premises, in exchange for their work. Put luxury taxes on candy, snack foods and all bakery products other than breads. Employ Americans to go to needy countries to teach basic skills, help nations get employable citizens and upgrade infrastructures. Ship food and clothing bought here to needy nations... Send no money
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Monday, June 27, 2011
Hello Summer
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A theater critic pal took me to see “One Arm”, an adaptation of several Tennessee Williams attempts at a film script adapted and staged by Moisέs Kaufman on Theater Row. I was delighted to see a friend of mine – Stephen Hauck - in the excellent cast of actors playing multiple roles. I enjoyed the performances and had no quarrel with the narrator, although my critic friend felt the narration an unnecessary device.
Saw Lydia Johnson Dance at Alvin Ailey. The only piece of the four which spoke to me was LAMENT which I found visually stunning and emotionally touching. All Johnson’s dancers had great fluidity of motion, and there were some exciting and remarkable lifts in some of the other dances on the program. In SUMMER HOUSE I marveled at the flexibility of the dancers stepping off the bench and flowing back on. My own legs ached just watching the movements!
George Zarr’s “The First And Last Musical on Mars” closed in Chicago this week. There was a taping made of this great popular hit. Paul Dexter, another of the playwrights I featured in Short Plays to Long Remember, our 2010 Indie Awards finalist, will be having another New York production of his “The Importance Of Being Doug,” one of his plays from that anthology, staged soon. Meanwhile, David Hopes, who has two of his plays in “Short Plays…” has been sending poems back from his travels in Italy, and I expect he will eventually find a new play in all this as well.
One of my pals wondered when I was going to get around to expanding “Spirit of the House,” the one act play of mine which had a staged reading this past winter at the Dramatists Guild. I had said then it would be a year before I would get back to work on it, and it appears I was right. The fantasy story books for bedtime reading to kids have taken over my writing life. Haven’t even time to work on my memoir about growing up during the depression.
Did reading from the bedtime story book Saturday, June 25 at Oasis, 52nd St and 10th Ave, as part of the Hells Kitchen Arts Event.
That night, saw the much raved about 4,000 MILES. Marvelous performances in this hour and 45 minute no intermission theatrical piece. Mostly absorbing, though not terribly theatrical, however. More of a character study of a man devastated by the loss of his best friend but still unable to get beyond his own self-centeredness, though making a stab at it. Looooong scene breaks and slow timing made play appear even longer than it was. The audience, having read the reviews, was ready to laugh and guffawed even at moments that deserved a mere chuckle. I felt I was sitting in the midst of a live soundtrack. It also felt like déjà vu, remembering a man of prejudice and plebian taste, who roared with laughter at the father in TV’s All in the Family – as if thrilled there was someone dumber than himself.
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Just finishing Tracy Kidder’s book about Paul Farmer and the work of Partners in Health. Fascinating and compellingly told story.-Incidentally, my PCP just returned from Haiti and finds it mind blowing still!
Have been selected to judge several categories in the Global ebook Awards – poetry definitely, possibly writing and publishing
Also read three novels and a novella by William Dean Howells – who lived a century ago and whose books go deeply into the psychology of the people of his time. Mores have changed so drastically that their social consciences seem almost pre-historic. The books are absorbing and truly create their time of horse drawn carriages, candle lit rooms, and church bound thinking. Got a kick out of the tissue thin pages and the long silk ribbon for keeping one’s place in the book. Recalled the lovingly produced books I used to borrow from the library in my youth.
Am reading several play scripts – my favorite form of reading – the imagination can create the stage and people the characters from one’s own cast
Pixie Tales is now officially for sale as a paper book and is showing up on line at various venues. Elfin Tales will be delivered this week but not set for release until August 2. Fairy Tales Too is coming along slowly in formatting for both ebooks and paper bound books. Illustrations are slowly filling in the allotted pages.
Have asked several people for blurbs for the book – from themselves and in some cases, from little kids. It’s taking longer than expected to get responses on this, so the cover design is being held up as well. Ah, the joys of publishing.
And - off topic - though I am not personally a fan or marriage, hooray for my native New York State in its giant step towards equality - the gay marriage act. I expect many of the people I have worked with and been friends with over the last 35 years to legalize their long lasting unions. Bet they lower the divorce statistics in the years ahead.
A theater critic pal took me to see “One Arm”, an adaptation of several Tennessee Williams attempts at a film script adapted and staged by Moisέs Kaufman on Theater Row. I was delighted to see a friend of mine – Stephen Hauck - in the excellent cast of actors playing multiple roles. I enjoyed the performances and had no quarrel with the narrator, although my critic friend felt the narration an unnecessary device.
Saw Lydia Johnson Dance at Alvin Ailey. The only piece of the four which spoke to me was LAMENT which I found visually stunning and emotionally touching. All Johnson’s dancers had great fluidity of motion, and there were some exciting and remarkable lifts in some of the other dances on the program. In SUMMER HOUSE I marveled at the flexibility of the dancers stepping off the bench and flowing back on. My own legs ached just watching the movements!
George Zarr’s “The First And Last Musical on Mars” closed in Chicago this week. There was a taping made of this great popular hit. Paul Dexter, another of the playwrights I featured in Short Plays to Long Remember, our 2010 Indie Awards finalist, will be having another New York production of his “The Importance Of Being Doug,” one of his plays from that anthology, staged soon. Meanwhile, David Hopes, who has two of his plays in “Short Plays…” has been sending poems back from his travels in Italy, and I expect he will eventually find a new play in all this as well.
One of my pals wondered when I was going to get around to expanding “Spirit of the House,” the one act play of mine which had a staged reading this past winter at the Dramatists Guild. I had said then it would be a year before I would get back to work on it, and it appears I was right. The fantasy story books for bedtime reading to kids have taken over my writing life. Haven’t even time to work on my memoir about growing up during the depression.
Did reading from the bedtime story book Saturday, June 25 at Oasis, 52nd St and 10th Ave, as part of the Hells Kitchen Arts Event.
That night, saw the much raved about 4,000 MILES. Marvelous performances in this hour and 45 minute no intermission theatrical piece. Mostly absorbing, though not terribly theatrical, however. More of a character study of a man devastated by the loss of his best friend but still unable to get beyond his own self-centeredness, though making a stab at it. Looooong scene breaks and slow timing made play appear even longer than it was. The audience, having read the reviews, was ready to laugh and guffawed even at moments that deserved a mere chuckle. I felt I was sitting in the midst of a live soundtrack. It also felt like déjà vu, remembering a man of prejudice and plebian taste, who roared with laughter at the father in TV’s All in the Family – as if thrilled there was someone dumber than himself.
PAGES
Just finishing Tracy Kidder’s book about Paul Farmer and the work of Partners in Health. Fascinating and compellingly told story.-Incidentally, my PCP just returned from Haiti and finds it mind blowing still!
Have been selected to judge several categories in the Global ebook Awards – poetry definitely, possibly writing and publishing
Also read three novels and a novella by William Dean Howells – who lived a century ago and whose books go deeply into the psychology of the people of his time. Mores have changed so drastically that their social consciences seem almost pre-historic. The books are absorbing and truly create their time of horse drawn carriages, candle lit rooms, and church bound thinking. Got a kick out of the tissue thin pages and the long silk ribbon for keeping one’s place in the book. Recalled the lovingly produced books I used to borrow from the library in my youth.
Am reading several play scripts – my favorite form of reading – the imagination can create the stage and people the characters from one’s own cast
Pixie Tales is now officially for sale as a paper book and is showing up on line at various venues. Elfin Tales will be delivered this week but not set for release until August 2. Fairy Tales Too is coming along slowly in formatting for both ebooks and paper bound books. Illustrations are slowly filling in the allotted pages.
Have asked several people for blurbs for the book – from themselves and in some cases, from little kids. It’s taking longer than expected to get responses on this, so the cover design is being held up as well. Ah, the joys of publishing.
And - off topic - though I am not personally a fan or marriage, hooray for my native New York State in its giant step towards equality - the gay marriage act. I expect many of the people I have worked with and been friends with over the last 35 years to legalize their long lasting unions. Bet they lower the divorce statistics in the years ahead.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Ides and Ideas of June
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Thoroughly enjoyed Amy Marshall Dancers at Alvin Ailey Theater. Their new piece, Dvija, costumed by Norma Kamali was breathtaking. This handsome troupe, all decked out in golden costumes and gilded skin were mesmerizing as they performed Amy Marshalls' demanding choreography with style, precision and gusto.
The combination of classic dance and athletic movement makes a distinctive signature for Ms, Marshall - and a wonderful showcase for Chad Levy and the other dancers. What a troupe and what a treat. Catch them later this summer at other venues.
A few days later, a complete change of pace as I was part of an enthusiastic audience watching a staged reading of "The Shomer" by Bill Barnett. I thrilled t see Tovah Feldshuh at the top of her game. Having watched her develop from her earliest work at Stage West in Springfield, Ma, through her many incarnations on Broadway and off, I was so pleased with her steady progress and her age defying energy. Others in the cast all played well.
The play itself has tremendous potential but needs a firm hand to cut all the repetition and polish it into a stellar theatrical experience. The basis is there, the humor is there, the humanity is there, but it is buried in too much of the same blather. Someone smart can make this play zing its arrows at tradition and our outdated concepts of good and evil and guilt.
Following day - "Cradle And All" at Manhattan Theater Club where two actors played two different couples in Act one and Act two, and except for speaking too softly too often, did a fantastic job on both. Any parent or parentless couple will easily relate to the situations and if they don't laugh with sympathetic glee in act two they are lacking a funny bone. .
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Attended the CLMP 100th anniversary of magazines reading at the 5th Avenue at 42nd St. Public library at which editors rather than authors read from their various publications. As a fellow writer and actor remarked, the editors did not always do the works they read justice. Still, it was interesting to see what the current literary presses consider the best poetry and stories and articles they have published. Almost all their poems were prose poems and read as pure prose by the editors. Sorry, I am a classicist in terms of verse. No meter, no poem.
I read War Horse. The original teen book - very creative and fascinating. Read What Alice Knew - in which the James family (Henry, William and bedridden sister Alice) were depicted as detectives in the Jack the Ripper debacle. Intriguing but not totally satisfying in the end.
Never having been a fan of the circus, I was not as enchanted with Water for Elephants as so many of my friends claimed to be. I enjoyed the spunky old man and many of the characters in the well written story but wan't fully engrossed until the denoument.
My Pixie Tales has garnered quite a few votes and over a dozen fabulous quotes on its global ebook awards page. Just hope it makes it to the finals! It was great joy last year winning a finalist INDIE award for the play anthology Short Plays to Long Remember.
Will be reading a story from Pixie Tales and from Elfin Tales, second book in the series at the Hell's Kitchen Arts Event on Saturday, June 25 at noon at Oasis, 52nd and 10th Ave. Intend to have a couple of audience kids come up with me to read along. Those I select will get to keep Pixie Tales copies. Unfortunately, Elfin Tales is not yet in print, although it is available to all readers through Smashwords.com.
Artist Maggie Cousins and I are working on Fairy Tales Too, the third in the series.
I have an entry that was accepted in the Dragon Naturally Speaking contest along with about 150 other entries. You can find it on line on the Dragon contest entry site.
Thoroughly enjoyed Amy Marshall Dancers at Alvin Ailey Theater. Their new piece, Dvija, costumed by Norma Kamali was breathtaking. This handsome troupe, all decked out in golden costumes and gilded skin were mesmerizing as they performed Amy Marshalls' demanding choreography with style, precision and gusto.
The combination of classic dance and athletic movement makes a distinctive signature for Ms, Marshall - and a wonderful showcase for Chad Levy and the other dancers. What a troupe and what a treat. Catch them later this summer at other venues.
A few days later, a complete change of pace as I was part of an enthusiastic audience watching a staged reading of "The Shomer" by Bill Barnett. I thrilled t see Tovah Feldshuh at the top of her game. Having watched her develop from her earliest work at Stage West in Springfield, Ma, through her many incarnations on Broadway and off, I was so pleased with her steady progress and her age defying energy. Others in the cast all played well.
The play itself has tremendous potential but needs a firm hand to cut all the repetition and polish it into a stellar theatrical experience. The basis is there, the humor is there, the humanity is there, but it is buried in too much of the same blather. Someone smart can make this play zing its arrows at tradition and our outdated concepts of good and evil and guilt.
Following day - "Cradle And All" at Manhattan Theater Club where two actors played two different couples in Act one and Act two, and except for speaking too softly too often, did a fantastic job on both. Any parent or parentless couple will easily relate to the situations and if they don't laugh with sympathetic glee in act two they are lacking a funny bone. .
PAGES
Attended the CLMP 100th anniversary of magazines reading at the 5th Avenue at 42nd St. Public library at which editors rather than authors read from their various publications. As a fellow writer and actor remarked, the editors did not always do the works they read justice. Still, it was interesting to see what the current literary presses consider the best poetry and stories and articles they have published. Almost all their poems were prose poems and read as pure prose by the editors. Sorry, I am a classicist in terms of verse. No meter, no poem.
I read War Horse. The original teen book - very creative and fascinating. Read What Alice Knew - in which the James family (Henry, William and bedridden sister Alice) were depicted as detectives in the Jack the Ripper debacle. Intriguing but not totally satisfying in the end.
Never having been a fan of the circus, I was not as enchanted with Water for Elephants as so many of my friends claimed to be. I enjoyed the spunky old man and many of the characters in the well written story but wan't fully engrossed until the denoument.
My Pixie Tales has garnered quite a few votes and over a dozen fabulous quotes on its global ebook awards page. Just hope it makes it to the finals! It was great joy last year winning a finalist INDIE award for the play anthology Short Plays to Long Remember.
Will be reading a story from Pixie Tales and from Elfin Tales, second book in the series at the Hell's Kitchen Arts Event on Saturday, June 25 at noon at Oasis, 52nd and 10th Ave. Intend to have a couple of audience kids come up with me to read along. Those I select will get to keep Pixie Tales copies. Unfortunately, Elfin Tales is not yet in print, although it is available to all readers through Smashwords.com.
Artist Maggie Cousins and I are working on Fairy Tales Too, the third in the series.
I have an entry that was accepted in the Dragon Naturally Speaking contest along with about 150 other entries. You can find it on line on the Dragon contest entry site.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
It's June, June, June
STAGES
Friday night attended City Visions Film Fest to see actor I directed in several stage productions on film... a take off on film noir and nicely done. Brandon DeSpain did a great job playing a killer's goon in "Rocky Must Die." I was especially taken with the film "Folkswagon" in which cinematography, script acting and diretion were all stellar. I felt "Alix" could be expanded into a full length film with what happens next. Films in this MFA program were most impressive. Don't know who won, but all were well worth seeing.
Returned this year to the Drama Desk Awards after a few years' absence. When finally allowed to go to our tables (those who could find them, no body knew where they were suppposed to sit) - tables designed to seat 10 were crammed with 12. We were lucky to be wkth congenial people, some old friends, some hopefully new ones. Since the two appetizers I had during crowded, noisy crush of a cocktail party that far overran its time were less than tasty, I didn't expect much from the meal. I was not disappointed when salads - a few leaves of green and one slice of tomato -arrived - an hour late. Bread was eaten, despite its not tasting fresh. Half an hour or so later, mere moments before the awards event was scheduled to start, the so-called entree came: Two tablespoons of pasta with meat sauce and 4 ravioli.
Wine and champagne and booze flowed liberally, perhaps so we would not notice we were all very, very hungry. It was noticed, and noted by one man at the microphone during the ceremony. His remark got the biggest round of applause of the night. There was no coffee or tea or dessert - we ate the 4 packs of godiva chocolate at each place setting. Harvey Fierstein, with whom I worked on "Torch Song Trilogy" from its inception until it landed on Broadway, was in bad voice. In fact, his voice was bad enough to desert him part way through the ceremonies. Because everyone was packed tight, there was no easy access to the stage for many of the nominees who won.
There were two big laughs of the evening - the remark about the non-meal, and a young man who must remain nameless announcing an actor had appeared in "The Mechanic of Venice."
At the disco after party upstairs there were tiny gluten free cupcakes, lots more booze and some coffee - no tea. After mingling with some critic friends went home to have supper at 1 AM.
A few days later at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, held as usual in the Eugenia Room at Sardi's. Everyone gibed and jested about the Drama Desk disaster. Here were salads bigger than our entrees at DDA, and dinnere of normal proportions, plus dessert and fresh rolls, and a convivial atmosphere. Hardly a speech did not refer to the DDA event negatively. OCC ended EARLY and we went on to the Irish Rep to see Charlotte Moore's beautifully directed THE SHAUGHRAUN By Dion Boucicault
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Pixie Tales paper book with its gold sticker announcing its nomination in first Global ebook Awards. Paperback version will be released in two weeks. Elfin Tales, second book in the set is now an ebook as well.
These deightful LITTLE books about WEE folk to read to SMALL fry each have 5 fantasy stories illustrated by Maggie Cousins. Great presents for kindergarden graduations and special summer events for youngsters. Bring back the bedtime story with these and other childrens' books. Fight illiteracy by helping kids love books!
Talking of loving books. two I loved this week were
WHAT ALICE KNEW - involving the James family Alice, Henry and William - in Jzck the Ripper murder investigation and The War Horse - original book for tweens and teens which became the blockbuster Broadway stage hit.
Friday night attended City Visions Film Fest to see actor I directed in several stage productions on film... a take off on film noir and nicely done. Brandon DeSpain did a great job playing a killer's goon in "Rocky Must Die." I was especially taken with the film "Folkswagon" in which cinematography, script acting and diretion were all stellar. I felt "Alix" could be expanded into a full length film with what happens next. Films in this MFA program were most impressive. Don't know who won, but all were well worth seeing.
Returned this year to the Drama Desk Awards after a few years' absence. When finally allowed to go to our tables (those who could find them, no body knew where they were suppposed to sit) - tables designed to seat 10 were crammed with 12. We were lucky to be wkth congenial people, some old friends, some hopefully new ones. Since the two appetizers I had during crowded, noisy crush of a cocktail party that far overran its time were less than tasty, I didn't expect much from the meal. I was not disappointed when salads - a few leaves of green and one slice of tomato -arrived - an hour late. Bread was eaten, despite its not tasting fresh. Half an hour or so later, mere moments before the awards event was scheduled to start, the so-called entree came: Two tablespoons of pasta with meat sauce and 4 ravioli.
Wine and champagne and booze flowed liberally, perhaps so we would not notice we were all very, very hungry. It was noticed, and noted by one man at the microphone during the ceremony. His remark got the biggest round of applause of the night. There was no coffee or tea or dessert - we ate the 4 packs of godiva chocolate at each place setting. Harvey Fierstein, with whom I worked on "Torch Song Trilogy" from its inception until it landed on Broadway, was in bad voice. In fact, his voice was bad enough to desert him part way through the ceremonies. Because everyone was packed tight, there was no easy access to the stage for many of the nominees who won.
There were two big laughs of the evening - the remark about the non-meal, and a young man who must remain nameless announcing an actor had appeared in "The Mechanic of Venice."
At the disco after party upstairs there were tiny gluten free cupcakes, lots more booze and some coffee - no tea. After mingling with some critic friends went home to have supper at 1 AM.
A few days later at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, held as usual in the Eugenia Room at Sardi's. Everyone gibed and jested about the Drama Desk disaster. Here were salads bigger than our entrees at DDA, and dinnere of normal proportions, plus dessert and fresh rolls, and a convivial atmosphere. Hardly a speech did not refer to the DDA event negatively. OCC ended EARLY and we went on to the Irish Rep to see Charlotte Moore's beautifully directed THE SHAUGHRAUN By Dion Boucicault
PAGES
These deightful LITTLE books about WEE folk to read to SMALL fry each have 5 fantasy stories illustrated by Maggie Cousins. Great presents for kindergarden graduations and special summer events for youngsters. Bring back the bedtime story with these and other childrens' books. Fight illiteracy by helping kids love books!
Talking of loving books. two I loved this week were
WHAT ALICE KNEW - involving the James family Alice, Henry and William - in Jzck the Ripper murder investigation and The War Horse - original book for tweens and teens which became the blockbuster Broadway stage hit.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Belated info
The world was too much with me these last 6 weeks with a major health scare - Finally getting back in the groove - Elfin Tales on ebooks along with Pixie Tales. Finishing up paper book version of Elfin Tales, working with illustrator Maggie Cousins on Fairy Tales Too so finally got back to
STAGES
In the past month or so I attended a dance evening presented by a troupe fromSan Francisco
Saw Victor Gluck's new scene from FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH at the annual playwrights showcase…but missed it at the Ryan Rep fund raising performance, even tho I enjoyed directing it, could not get to
Stonewall Uprising, a documentary by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner featuring our recently deceased author and friend Doric Wilson, aired on PBS as part of the American Experience,
STAGES
In the past month or so I attended a dance evening presented by a troupe from
Attended Tap 25 gala evening - Tony Waag and co deserve kudos for great work.
Saw Victor Gluck's new scene from FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH at the annual playwrights showcase…but missed it at the Ryan Rep fund raising performance, even tho I enjoyed directing it, could not get to Brooklyn . I really don't travel well.
Have some interesting news from various playwrights included in my volume SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER so will share it here
Stonewall Uprising, a documentary by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner featuring our recently deceased author and friend Doric Wilson, aired on PBS as part of the American Experience, April 25, 2011 . Doric received a special award from the Fresh Fruit Festival the same evening artist Maggie Cousins, who is illustrating my children's fantasy set of books won her award. (I did not attend this event) Doric died in his sleep just three days later. Much as we all shall miss him, it is a solace to know he died at the top of his career and peacefully in sleep. Is there any better way to go? It is we who must suffer his loss.
Perry Brass’ new novel to be published in the spring of 2012; will be his 16th published book. His book "The Manly Art of Seduction" is still on Amazon's Gay & Lesbian Nonfiction bestseller list, and he is actively looking for more productions of “Bar None", based on historic Mattachine Society "Sip-In" several years before Stonewall.
About Jane Chambers along with productions in the US Israel
David J. Mauriello Portsmouth NH will see two Mauriello plays; his farcical SPIRITS WILLING, produced by ACT ONE NH at the West End Studio Theatre weekend of August 21st and his drama BODY being produced by Players' Ring three weekends beginning January 27, 2012 . BODY, first original play done at the RING is being reprised to celebrate their 20th anniversary season.
Daniel P Quinn premiered BEFORE THE CRASH (2011) @ the Morris Museum/Bickford Theatre in Morristown , NJ 5/15/11 . The Word Press in W. Virginia published a set of his poems, while The Star-Ledger printed a trio of his letters on their Opinion Page. His NYTimes Arts Blog continues to grow w/several dozen-on line published comments as well.
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Have much enjoyed the advance reading copy of René Blum and The Ballets Russes - In search of a lost life by Judith Chazin-Bennahum. I was well aware of the Ballets Russes as a teenage balletomane, but knew nothing of René Blum who saved Diaghilev’s dance contributions from extinction not only with vast financial contributions but also by dedicating his life and extraordinary talents to keeping the company alive, and keeping Balanchine, Fokine and Massine creatively active. Yes, he was Leon Blum’s brother. The book is very informative, impressing one with the amount of research it took to bring to the fore a man who often stayed in the background. His treatment and slaughter at the hands of the Nazi’s, and his extraordinary courage in the face of it all is awe inspiring. The dance community and all humanity should thank the author for this work.
Anyone who liked the film "The Lincoln Lawyer" should check out the books by this author - I''ve read several of his terrific page turners!
Talking of authors. Time for updating news about me -
Delighted that Pixie Tales has been nominated for first Hlobal ebook award. Wish more people would comment on it at the global ebooka ward site!
Story of how TnT Classic Books got its name and logo is part of an article on
check it out in section on two people in one biz.
Please visit http://www.TheChildrenAuthorsShow.com which aired April 25 on line to hear how and why Pixie Tales got written, and a bit about my other books, including SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER.
You can read my interview about self publishing vs. commercial publishing at
http://consciousdiscussions.blogspot/2011_03_01
They give me this great intro -Francine L. Trevens was co-founder of the Greater New York Independent Publishers Association and served as chairperson for most of the first fifteen years. Her publishing company, TnT Classic Books publishes many prize winning authors. In the last 6 years, she has also published some of her own work. The anthology of plays she compiled and edited, SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER, (27 plays by 14 authors) won a 2010 Next Generation INDIE finalist award. She also writes regular features on dance for Art Times Journal, and has had 6 books published, 4 from TnT Classic Books
Was interviewed Online with Andrea, mostly about poetry but also about writing and other books May 24 from Eastern, and subsequently archived. One pal listened to the entire show love - I was faltered and amazed. Find show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onlinewithandrea.2011/05/24/author-francine-trevens
So now you see what kept me so busy these last few weeks.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
this and that
STAGES
Attended a dance evening presented by a troupe from San Francisco
Also attended Marie and Bruce on Theater Row. Felt the production completely misfired and that it was an evening ill spent. Though it actually ran an hour and a half, it felt more like 5 hours.
Have some interesting news from various playwrights included in my volume SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER
Stonewall Uprising, a documentary by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner featuring Doric Wilson, will be aired by PBS as part of the American Experience, Monday, April 25, 2011 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. (Check your local listings) http://video.pbs.org/video/1541031928/
Perry Brass’ new novel to be published spring, 2012; will be his 16th published book. His book "The Manly Art of Seduction" is still on Amazon's Gay & Lesbian Nonfiction bestseller list, and he is actively looking for more productions of “Bar None", based on historic Mattachine Society "Sip-In" several years before Stonewall.
Jane Chambers along with productions in the US Israel
David J. Mauriello Portsmouth NH will see two Mauriello plays; his farcical SPIRITS WILLING, produced by ACT ONE NH at the West End Studio Theatre weekend of August 21st and his drama BODY being produced by Players' Ring three weekends beginning January 27, 2012 . BODY, first original play done at the RING is being reprised to celebrate their 20th anniversary season.
Daniel P Quinn premiered BEFORE THE CRASH (2011) @ the Morris Museum/Bickford Theatre in Morristown , NJ 5/15/11 . The Word Press in W. Virginia published a set of his poems, while The Star-Ledger printed a trio of his letters on their Opinion Page. His NYTimes Arts Blog continues to grow w/several dozen-on line published comments as well.
PAGES
Have much enjoyed the advance reading copy of René Blum and The Ballets Russes - In search of a lost life by Judith Chazin-Bennahum. I was well aware of the Ballets Russes as a teenage balletomane, but knew nothing of René Blum who saved Diaghilev’s dance contributions from extinction not only with vast financial contributions but also by dedicating his life and extraordinary talents to keeping the company alive, and keeping Balanchine, Fokine and Massine creatively active. Yes, he was Leon Blum’s brother. The book is very informative, impressing one with the amount of research it took to bring to the fore a man who often stayed in the background. His treatment and slaughter at the hands of the Nazi’s, and his extraordinary courage in the face of it all is awe inspiring. The dance community and all humanity should thank the author for this work.
Talking of authors. Time for updating news about me -
Delighted that Pixie Tales has been nominated fopr a eboook award from the Global evookAwards. Am offering 25% off cosst of book to celebrate - at check out on smashwords, enter code NU66Q - good through May 27
Story of how TnT Classic Books got its name and logo is part of an article on
check it out in section on two people in one biz.
Please visit http://www.TheChildrenAuthorsShow.com April 25 and 26 or soon thereafter on line to hear how and why Pixie Tales got written, and a bit about my other books, including SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER.
You can read my interview about self publishing vs. commercial publishing at
http://consciousdiscussions.blogspot/2011_03_01 They give me this great intro -Francine L. Trevens was co-founder of the Greater New York Independent Publishers Association and served as chairperson for most of the first fifteen years. Her publishing company, TnT Classic Books publishes many prize winning authors. In the last 6 years, she has also published some of her own work. The anthology of plays she compiled and edited, SHORT PLAYS TO LONG REMEMBER, (27 plays by 14 authors) won a 2010 Next Generation INDIE finalist award. She also writes regular features on dance for Art Times Journal, and has had 6 books published, 4 from TnT Classic Books.
Will be interviewed Online with Andrea, mostly about poetry but also about writing and other books on May 24 from Eastern, and subsequently archive. Find show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onlinewithandrea.2011/05/24/author-francine-trevens
Not bragging, just keeping you posted on what’s happening
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