A measure of how powerful (also very good, some humor, but it is quality not quantity that counts, as I recall) Chasing Grace (playing at 502 West 53rd Street through March 29) comes across, a story with addictions at its core, manifested, as I vividly thought of the reasons I avoided the physical ones, as the performance went on.
In addition to the compelling storyline of the battle vs addiction, both musical prowess (quite often) and some great humor “amidst,” especially later in the performance, were on display.
“Chasing Grace,” starring Gabrielle Beckford and Harper Miles was written by Elizabeth Addison. Music direction was in the capable hands of Jacinth Greywoode and a stirring orchestra. (At one point from my vantage point I “Oz’d” it and could see, as the curtain was open. Before that, having heard the music, I knew they were indeed “wizards” in their craft.)
All of the cast members gave intense, beautiful, moving, complete with dancing and singing, efforts.
In addition to Ms. Beckford and Ms. Miles, they are Ladonna Burns, Indya Cherise, Tracey Conyer Lee, Chantelle Guido, Whitney McIntosh-Joseph, Theo Michaela, Marlaina Powell, Shamiea Thompson and Kiara Wade.
Click below for more information, including that involving ticket purchase.
www.shenycarts.org/ChasingGrace
Another reason to not be overjoyed, in fact enjoyed by the U.S. team, remember these teams are together what 2 weeks (as dumb as rooting for the laundry, I mean established, one of 124 in major North either U.S. or Canada based teams is, at least it plays out for a period of time though of course diluted exponentially by the tournament obsessed rules, making it about attrition) is the arrogant, overblown statement oriented coach of the 2 week team, Mark DeRosa.
He told the team they were in, they lost, needed help, got it, and now they are likely big “faves” to win.
There is no joy in Andyb-ville as the ideals and standards I uphold have struck out.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville-mighty Casey (U.S. standards) has struck out.
Ernest Lawrence Thayer
There is the book and eventually the show, “Life of Pi.”
Yesterday, “Pi Day,” 3 14, some Pi “magic,” if you will, though not along the line of what trillions of decimal places, but a pretty interesting, if not good one.
At Burger King (names are spelled Berger, self proclaimed loser, the fictional “Hamilton Berger,” played brilliantly by William Tallman and ‘por ejemplo,’ Daniel Berger, a leader at 94 to 1, until last week’s last hole but …. Alas F. Berger was found age 70 under his clothes years back, Anita told me, Paul? and most of all, what to be “de” ME) a promotion spend $3.14 or more and get a free pie.
A chicken sandwich with tax cost $3.13, I had to add a donation to get that pie. It does not really warrant mention but though nowhere near wealthy, I tip in a generous way.
Pi and Hershey’s Sundae Pie shown below.
| mathematical constant π, the symbol for Pi |
|---|
| 3.1415926535897932384626433… |
Broadcasting greats, Merle Harmon, Curt Gowdy and probably Chuck Thompson called it, Matt Snell, who carried 30 times for 121 yards in the historic tilt, turned the left corner, “TDing,” from 4 yards out and the New York Jets, incredibly 18 point underdogs and less unbelievable, led (7-0) en route to a (16-7) third Supe win.
Matt Snell died days back at age 84 that game’s MVP (certainly a great case for Snell winning that award can be made), and everlasting legend due to it and prowess, Joe Namath’s touching words of remembrance, “Matt was not only a hell of a player — he was a terrific teammate and without him, we wouldn’t have had a chance to win a championship,” truly resonate with this non Jets fan and surely those who savor the lone time, the franchise as much as played for the title.
Those Jets had built quite a team, starting with Namath in ’65 and with Matt, Em Boozer, George Sauer, Don Maynard and others never ought to have been with seen so little chance at as much as staying close to an excellent, to that point, (15-1) Baltimore Colts team.
The story is known, Namath “guaranteed” victory and as much, if not more than anybody, (alas the Jets rise up defense and 3 “Toe” Jim Turner FG’s, the next year Jan Stenerud had 3, big “dog” which was even more ridiculous K.C. Chiefs (23-7’d) Minne, the merger was “justified” (never really was as at most 3 AFL teams were good enough but a common draft et.al, all leading to today’s mega success as structured), the determined running and performance of Matt Snell made it happen.
Matt Snell is pictured below.
Click to get to YouTube and see Matt Snell score the Jets’ lone Touchdown in their historic (16-7) win vs the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.
Curt Gowdy called it, excellent analysts, Al DeRogatis (he is referenced by Kyle as Al) and Kyle Rote are part of it.
Today another great episode of “What’s My Line,” in which the great Woody Allen was the mystery guest, leaving me thinking about just posting that segment in deference to his talent and the fact I, and so many, are denied his still greatness, because of let’s call it nonsense. (At the beginning I thought Mr. Allen’s mom “not crazy about it but it is his life,” attitude was fine but the fact ‘el’ relationship has flourished, –I should be so lucky–makes the resentment so much worse).
However, the full episode appears below, the first contestant a Nancy Pegolo, so similar to Nancy Pelosi and each with Baltimore roots/associations. Nancy Pelosi, born and raised there, the daughter of Representative D’Alesandro (ode to the local D’Alesandro family, missing the truly caring Ann).
Panelists are Tony Randall, Arlene Francis, Pamela Mason and Bennett Cerf.
John Charles Daly, calling Pamela, Mrs. Mason, is the host with the great Johnny Olson as the announcer.
Click below to first view just the “Mystery guest” portion of this superb episode which aired on April 3, 1966 and then the full episode. Notice Woody’s hand in the “still” is higher on his cheek in the top photo. Symmetry? Nah—
It is one thing to bet small and not violate, however, Berger-Not Norwiegan- And At 63 and 94 to 1, could buy rings, is another.
Thus if you do not gamble, as regarding smoking, do not start.
’71– a big Monday night tilt that led to Allen’s Wash in (the ‘offs) and his ex team, the Rams out.
Gifford/Mr. Cosell call him Dave, most others say “Deacon.”
Last night I viewed “Colts Crusade,” edited beautifully by Dave Volsky and with the great broadcaster Ted Moore, Roy Jefferson is a key member of the Colts’ title team.
A year later in ’71, Roy takes in a Bill Kilmer TD pass that ties the tilt (7-7).
Cosell, (hey Alfalfa you could not shine his shoes yet keep working as the (dis)likes of Noah Eagle, ain’t the answer. Why the hype for this kid? A la his father, he could not “radio,” the true test), cited the time Morris Stroud was “Stram’d” in front of the goalpost to possibly block Mr. Blanda’s game tying FGAttempt.
Neither Giff, who was truly handsome and had replaced Jackson essentially because, or “Dandy” Meredith responded.
George Blanda, way back in 1954, is pictured above.
Today a remembrance, however, one from years back when the so admirable and talented Chuck McCann passed away.
It is important to keep remembering as we strive for better.
Below that post.
Remembering The Great Chuck McCann
April 13, 2018
Sadly, news came that the great, talented Chuck McCann has passed away at the age of 83.
His children’s show on local New York television station, WPIX (Ch.11) was legendary.
Mr.McCann was “cuckoo for cocoa puffs,” as he voiced the famous line and also stood out in the film, “The Projectionist.”
My greatest memory of Mr. McCann was his superb performance, as one who was intellectually challenged, opposite the also superb, Alan Arkin’s lead role, in the film based on Carson McCullers’ book, “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter.”
That was my greatest Chuck McCann memory, until I had the great fortune to interview him briefly, roughly 7 years ago.
His gracious manner and humor, as he thanked me for remembering his great role in an all-time movie and book, “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter.”
Thanks back to you Mr. McCann for the memories heard and seen and most of all, for making me feel so good about thinking so highly of you before we met, by being so gracious when we did meet.
Stuff much better than cocoa puffs (which, I guess a plug, was/is pretty good) awaits you, go easy Mr. McCann, and thank you again.
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Today back to Friday night September 12, 1969 baseball, a night pitchers drove in key/winning runs, highlighted by the surely not to be done for a long time, if ever, Mets pitchers Jerry Koosman and Don Cardwell tuning in the game’s only runs as the Mets made in nine straight wins, as they were roaring to an incredible title, with a pair of (1-0) wins at Pittsburgh, vs the heavy hitting Pirates.
I always thought both “Koos” (Sopranos doctor neighbor and slang, also Cous as in we love you “Cous” when Bob had a day in ’63 Boston) and Cardwell pitched complete game shutouts, however, Tug “say a billion Chinese do not care about this” McGraw pitched B9 that night, at venerable Forbes Field, which was in its last full season.
OK trying to be nice and positive, however, in seeking the standings after what was a more important game, the Braves (4-3) win vs Houston (Astros), AI (we have it and a sick autocrat declaring war without Congressional approval) yielded the following when I put in N.L. Standings Sept.12, 1969–“The Boston, (Braves) no less. All of it is incorrect!!
On September 12, 1969, the National League (NL) standings were as follows:
1st Place: Harmon Killebrew (Chicago Cubs)
2nd Place: Willie McCovey (New York Mets)
3rd Place: Ron Santo (Boston Braves)
4th Place: Tony Perez (New York Yankees)
Anyway, a pair of Georges (does that beat 3 Phils?) drove in what proved the winning run making it 4 pitchers doing so that night.
George Stone’s 2RHR put Atlanta, the eventual entity winner and I think a half up after the night’s action ceased, up (4-0) in an eventual (4-3) win.
In a game that did not matter, George Brunet (pronounced “net” not “nay” by Jerry Doggett, a fine broadcaster and I believe the name could be pronounced either way) was another hurler who tuned in the so called game winning run as his Angels tripped the first year/only year in “Sea” Pilots.
Jerry Koosman, who went on to win 2 World Series games including the clincher in game 5 for the ’69 Mets, is pictured above.
I need cheer, start with the great Neil Sedaka, a preeminent songwriter/singer/performer, who died days back at age 86 (alas no “Sedaka is back,” yet nobody knows for sure), and the one and only, adorable, so talented Lulu singing my favorite “Neil Song,” “Laughter In The Rain” over fifty years ago in ’75 (it hit in ’74 and I recall it playing in the car we could not quite pile into in time thus ’twas “the night of pie,” with, but not about 10 million worth, “Pieman”)
Sedaka grew up in Brooklyn, went to school with, if not dated Barbara, another sad, and wrote/recorded or both, such great songs as “Calendar Girl,” “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” and “Love Will Keep Us Together” for “The Captain And Tenille.” (Elton helped, producing Sedaka is back –hear it at the end of “Love Will Keep Us Together”).
Incredible talent and insight. Words fail me however, others and the music will follow.
Suffice to say we need the likes of Sedaka back and so much of today’s evil gone. As usual, I will not hold my breath.
The post below includes Neil’s “Calendar Girl.”
It is tough, leading to waking up, however, superb “Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and “Mannix” episodes helped early yesterday morning.
Colleen Dewhurst, before true recognition as the superb actress she was/is, is fantastic as nurse “Ellen Hatch,” in “night,” which aired on May 3, 1965. Herb Coleman a big cog in the “Hitch wheel,” directed and produced.
Nice performances by eventually well known Joe De Santis and a so young Peggy Lipton, 3 years before Mod Squad the ’65 “ep” airing just past Bruce Alexander/Weinstein’s 65th and he “marshalled” a party, charging for pizza. (What would each of our mothers say, Fletcher mean lit the screen, but mean and how to avoid it?!).
I am proud to say I cried watching the tenderness shown by Gail Fisher’s “Peggy” toward her boss “Joe Mannix” played by Mike Connors.
Sadly, never romance, a la Mason (Perry) and Della Street–Peggy is Peggy Fair and we get “Street Fair.” It is too bad they could not have gone to one, as couples).
Recently Connors was praised by “Dr. Ike,” 71 today. Happy birthday.
Click above for some beautiful memories in pictures of the great actress Colleen Dewhurst and others.
“Hooce,” who “won” all 3, yet others did and deserve worse–far worse.
Andy B Sports 