"A sed-a-give?" Anne Horak, Joanna Glushak, Cory English, Roger Bart and Shuler Hensley. Credit Photo: Paul Kolnik ©2009
Some things from the 70s stand the test of time. Not polyester print shirts. Or shag haircuts for boys, or streaking. I mean really, who wants to see most people running naked. Unless they are jogging towards me with a strawberry daiquiri, a plate of shrimp scampi and tickets to Cabo, in which case I’ll overlook the wardrobe infraction.
But one thing that still makes me laugh is “Young Frankenstein,” the production now playing at the Fox Theatre based on the Mel Brooks movie that came out in 1974. Despite the fact that my friend Melissa, whose friendship also dates back to the 70s, and I knew just about all the gags, we still laughed out loud at the non-stop silliness. Read the full post »
by admin on January 27, 2010
Chuck (Jeremy Cohen), Pasquale (Nick Spangler) and Ubazz (Steve French) sing backup harmony as Barbara (Rebecca Blouin) declares her womanhood in the a cappella musical Avenue X, Jan. 13 – Feb. 7, 2010 on the Alliance Stage.
It’s doo-wop all over again. This vocal-based rhythm and blues music genre takes center stage at Avenue X, the current production at the Alliance Theatre. You won’t find any instruments here, other than the strong voices of the eight characters, who portray residents of Brooklyn in the 1960s, where efforts to unite differing cultures have unintended consequences.
Let’s just say there aren’t always happy endings, and their voices harmonize better than members of a family and neighborhood kids from different backgrounds. I especially enjoyed the teased-up hairdos and girlish laments of Rebecca Blouin. This former Miss America pageant contestant now teaches vocal lessons and yoga in addition to her theater roles. Fans of last season’s Jesus Christ Superstar will enjoy hearing Lawrence Clayton and J.D. Webster again.
I loved the music and the harmonies, and yes, the reminder that the good old days weren’t always so great.
The play runs through February 7.
by admin on January 25, 2010
A plate of yumminess from Serpas - voted one of America's best new restaurants.
I’m sitting here in the cold, cold days of January, trying to be good and all about eating and drinking. I’ve gone three days with no alcohol and was thinking of applying for sainthood but doing any sort of paperwork goes better with a glass of wine, so that’s going on the back burner.
Anyway, as I was reviewing my 2009 calendar trying to figure out the last time I had my hair cut, I was heartened to see all the new restaurants I had visited last year. 2009 wasn’t only about closings, chefs leaving town or an Atlanta chef not winning “Top Chef.” (We still love you all Kevin, Eli and Hector!)
Here’s a rundown of the new places I was lucky enough to visit, along with a great big thank-you to the people who didn’t let a little thing like a major economic meltdown prevent them from following their passion. Lots of people in Atlanta still have jobs. And we all still love to try new places. Read the full post »
by admin on January 8, 2010
