Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: October 16, 2016
By: Laura Deni
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TELEVISION CHARACTER MAKES MORE SENSE THAN POLITICAL CANDIDATES

Daniel DiMaggio plays the conservative Oliver Otto on American Housewife. Photo: ABC.

It's a sad commentary on the state of political affairs when a character on a new sitcom makes more intelligent comments about our broken welfare system than those running for the highest office in the land. Oliver Otto played by 12-year-old Daniel DiMaggio on ABC's American Housewife is an updated version of Michael J. Fox's character Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties. Oliver reads the Robb Report for fun. He also has pithy and witty economic and social commentary.

The America public seems more fixated on the real, imagined or exaggerated sex life of political candidates or their spouses rather than on important issues that will affect their life style and America's future.

Any mention about jobs, economic impact and quality of life seem shallow, glossed over or promises made without substance. All political candidates seem two faced; when elected they'll then laugh about 'campaign' promises as if the word 'campaign' was a legal description meaning 'treat as a falsehood' the way stock reports are required to print "forward looking statement," translated - pie in the sky - believe at your own risk.

Nobody wants terrorism but events have proven that terrorism exists in America.

In November 1978 I attended a law enforcement policy academy continuing education workshop on Hostage Taking & Terrorism. My certificate indicates that I was there, passed everything and states the workshop took place November 19-22, 1978. During that closed door workshop officials from Washington, DC spoke and taught. One man emphasized that Washington officials knew that in 30 years terrorism would be in America - on American mainland soil. Members of the audience - all police officials - snickered. Not in America. Some third world or mid eastern country, but never in America. Teaching officials were adamant. We would be attacked by terrorism on our own soil in 30 years. Wake up and get prepared was the dire admonition.

Okay, so the experts were off by a couple of years.

Sexual harassment of women is a serious and important issue, but it has now become the focal point of a political campaign where both sides are soiled.

Should whose laundry is the dirtiest take priority over every other issue facing Americans?

The personal accusations and smack downs are unprecedented in political history. The political race is fraught with double standards and no standards.

Political campaigns are vicious and ugly. When it was Hillary Clinton against Barack Obama, he accused Clinton of being "a bowl of nuts." After he won election he made her Secretary of State. That sort of oxymoron behavior is political normalcy.

How this election has spiraled out of control makes us look even worse to other countries - many of whom depend upon our resources and help, but really don't like us.

It's probably too late to get our election back on any intellectual track. No matter who wins, we've played into our enemy's hands. The voting public has created a slimy political scene, enabled by entities that crave and financially need television ratings and those who live, breathe and believe twitter.

It's boring to listen to people discuss how to reel in and dole out welfare. It's snooze time to try to configure job growth, wages and benefits. It's no longer your great-grandfather's world where a man works for one company, provides for his family and after fifty years receives a gold watch. His dutiful - and only - wife attends the retirement banquet and smiles.

Health care run aground by unrealistic expectations and out of reach costs.

Hillary Clinton jumped significantly in polls after sexual allegations against Trump surfaced.

From what I've read, in 2017 the vast majority of those receiving social security benefits will have a reduction in their benefits because their forced contribution to Medicare will increase more than their cost of living increase.

Nobody is discussing that.

Our infrastructure is held together with spit and a paperclip. Trump mentioned it once during a debate and then the subject fell away - which is precisely the future of our infrastructure.

Depending upon who gets out and votes, this election can be controlled by individuals who want something free or reduced from the federal government. At every election politicians promise what they know they can't deliver. Desperate voters will believe what they want to hear and then complain when the silver plate looks a tad tarnished and not brimming over.

Most Americans can't tell you what the Beige Book is (a report published by the United States Federal Reserve Board eight times a year about current economic condition) - but can gleefully discuss who has been sleeping with whom.

That Nancy Reagan was pregnant when she married Ronald is a Trivial Pursuit answer.

On the side of fidelity - John Adams was deeply in love with Abigail. It's been reported that Harry Truman and wife Bess engaged in such rambunctious sex that they broke their White House bed. Of our last 12 presidents, six are known to have cheated on their wives while the other six were apparently faithful - or too tired.

Donald Trump vehemently asserts sexual assault allegations are a lie.

While it can be titillating to hear about the sex lives of others, those topics aren't going to provide a job, a benefit or a solution.

Both candidates come across as seriously flawed.

Hillary Clinton insisting she's for the equality of women while blaming the women - rather than her husband - for his cheating is disingenuous.

As to comments about Bill Clinton's sexual conquests, when guesting on a late night talk show the brilliant, late comedian Robin Williams didn't mince words when he said - in effect - that he didn't care if Clinton ****** a goat as long as the economy was good.

Some of the worst sexual rogues have been holier-than-thou television clergymen.

If Hillary Clinton swears like a sailor's parrot and has been known to throw things when angry - those are traits that wouldn't be criticized in a male politician.

Some pundits assert that the election will be a landslide win for Clinton.

That doesn't mean we stay at the status quo; or enter an improved state of affairs. It means the public at large enabled the candidates to swim in the mud and then jumped in after them to join in the fun. A sex fueled rave for those registered to vote.

It's been decades since I've seen Donald Trump in person. With two exceptions the encounters were in New York City. Another one was in Atlantic City at the opening of the Taj Mahal and the last in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget.

Years before The Apprentice, he was ridiculed because he was a germaphobe. He not only didn't hug or kiss; he was reluctant to even shake hands. He preferred to nod his head in acknowledgement.

He doesn't drink. His brother dying an alcoholic changed him. He not only didn't imbibe, he didn't want to do business with people who thought a three martini lunch was a necessary food group. His views were people who drank at lunch were worthless in the afternoon.

It's strange that, throughout the years, of all the thousands of times he's been on a microphone, the only times sniffs were ever reported were during two presidential debates.

He first made gossip headlines when he fell in love before he got divorced.

I've seen him in church. There was a time when he attended every Sunday he was in New York City. Several times I saw him walking down the street with his children. I saw how his body guards were there to protect his children, not him. He was always dressed in a dignified manner. He was quiet, low key, polite with gracious manners.

Years later when he was married to Marla he was in Las Vegas attending an opening at the Golden Nugget with both Marla and toddler Tiffany, who was dressed in the cutest dress imaginable. Trump has always seemed to enjoy the company of his family. Marla held Tiffany's hand and they started to walk into the hotel ahead of him. Suddenly Trump stopped, turned around, looked at me, nodded his head and said - "Hello. Nice to see you again."

If Trump has always had a flip side, or if the success of The Apprentice, which debuted in 2004, turned him into an out of control frat boy, that's tragic.

Trump's unfiltered speech and more-a-construction-worker-than-a-diplomat public approach to running for office revitalized the American political system, earning him more votes that any preceding Republican candidate. That's significant. His unfettered, flapping mouth was also his downfall.

It was a disgusting, decade old, secret tape regarding sex that started an out of control downward spiral. What was said is the type of banter usually heard from rock stars, not from anyone who might ever aspire to political office.

It's suspicious - almost sinister - that the revolting Billy Bush tape was kept secret until early voting was about to begin? Why wasn't that tape made public right before the first primary debate? Why didn't any of the women who are accusing Trump of sexual misconduct now come forward during the primary season? All any of them had to have done was tell what they experienced to any candidate of their choice. The woman would have immediately been protected by that candidate's team and had a support system.

If the sexual accusations are true, then Trump shouldn't have become the nominee. The purported assaults took place years ago and I can understand victim reticence. However, the office of the president is serious. If what they say is true, then they should have wanted a standard bearer with a more moral backbone. Why turn the election process on its head and divert attention away from serious issues which affect the lives of all Americans? The same can be said for the Billy Bush tape.

Retaliating because Trump brought up Bill Clinton's old loves is childish. What happened to Michelle Obama's mantra - 'When they go low you go higher'?

The seriousness of sitting on the tape until after the primaries and caucuses didn't just knife Trump in the back, it sabotaged the American public's right to have the electoral method conducted in a correct, intelligent, issue oriented and proper manner.

Voters were deprived of their option to select a different candidate. Trump got destroyed by entering into behavior that helped others annihilate him. However, ordinary citizens are the real losers.

As for Trump, he wasn't afforded the time necessary to answer the claims before early voting began.

Our presidential election process looks more like an awkward burlesque house comedy skit than a serious event.

The final presidential debate will take place Wednesday in Las Vegas. The television audience is expected to be enormous.

If the American public gets lucky, they might even discuss something besides sex.










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ART AND ABOUT

DEGAS: A NEW VISION

Edgar Degas: The Dance Class. 1873 oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art, Washington. Corcoran Collection,

offers the most significant international survey in nearly 30 years of the work of Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834–1917). The reputation of this celebrated French artist has often focused on his ballet imagery, and yet Degas’s rich, complex, and abundant oeuvre spans the entire second half of the 19th century and the first years of the 20th.

The MFAH is the only U.S. venue for this exhibition, which assembles some 200 works from public and private collections around the world. Degas: A New Vision showcases the continuity of the artist’s abiding interests across painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture from the beginning to the end of his career.

Not since the landmark international retrospective Degas in 1988 has the artist's career been fully assessed. That exhibition led to a revival of interest in Degas, with dozens of shows focusing on individual subjects of his work—the bathers, the dancers, the jockeys, the portraits - or his influence on other artists. Degas: A New Vision benefits from that scholarship, puts Degas back together again, and offers an opportunity to see the artist anew.

The MFAH developed Degas: A New Vision with the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, site of the show’s June 2016 world premiere. The Houston installation features most of the works presented at the NGV, as well as some 60 additional loans exclusive to the MFAH, including major works such as Dancers, Pink and Green from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and preparatory drawings reunited with the iconic paintings that evolved from them.

October 16, 2016 - January 16, 2017 at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, Texas.

29TH ANNUAL HILLA REBAY LECTURE: takes place Tuesday, October 18 at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Wax, hair, and bone. Stone, ice, and lead. These are some of the materials in the artworks Carrie Lambert-Beatty discusses in her Hilla Rebay Lecture; so are assumptions and revisions, belief and doubt. The subject is parafiction, her term for artistic reality experiments that encourage viewers to practice a range of belief states the way musicians practice scales. Lambert-Beatty draws on parafictional works by artists such as Iris Häussler, Dario Robleto, and the Yes Men in this exploration of contemporary art and the new knowledge politics.

This free program concludes with a reception.

ART IN FOOD presented October 21-30 by the Toledo Museum of Art Ambassadors, opens with a presentation on The White House State Dinner: Lessons in Soft Power.

Former White House executive pastry chef Bill Yosses, a Toledo native and founder of Kitchen Garden Laboratory, intertwines anecdotes about working under two administrations - one Republican, one Democrat - with a discussion about how understanding the food we eat on a molecular level can help create a food-literate America.

Yosses held the prestigious title of White House executive pastry chef under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Yosses spent his early career in France in such highly recognized landmarks as Fauchon, La Maison du Chocolate, and Le Notre. A book signing will follow the lecture.

SWEET CHARITY

THE KENNEDY MEMORIAL TRUST

Prince William at the Kennedy Memorial Trust reception:"I wish the Trust every success in continuing this impressive Scholarship program." Photo: Kensington Palace

was established in 1964 in London to create and maintain a British memorial to President John F Kennedy. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip dined with President Kennedy and his wife, Jackie at Buckingham Palace in June 1961. Last Thursday evening Prince William attended a reception for The Kennedy Memorial Trust at Buckingham Palace.

The Kennedy Memorial Trust has dual purposes. Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe was commissioned to design ‘a memorial in landscape and stone’ on Crown land at Runnymede which was, in May 1965, bequeathed to the American people in perpetuity under the control and management of the Kennedy Memorial Trust. (Runnymede was seen as a particularly appropriate location given the signing of Magna Carta there in 1215, the foundational document for English – and American – civil liberties.) In addition, it was agreed that a ‘living memorial’ consisting of scholarships for British graduate students to attend Harvard and MIT would be established, ‘thereby recalling the President’s interest in bringing into fruitful combination the disciplines of traditional humane studies and modern technology and so making their strength effective in the activities of government and in the direction of world affairs.’

The Runnymede Memorial was inaugurated by the Queen in May 1965 and the first group of Kennedy Scholars went over to Harvard and MIT to begin their courses of study in September 1966.

Since then, 512 British students have been awarded Kennedy Scholarships. Many have gone on to distinguish themselves in academia, public service, the professions, politics, the media, business and other varied careers.

Every autumn a national competition takes place to select the next group of Scholars for the following academic year.

ELTON JOHN AND BILLIE JEAN KING hosted the 24th annual all-star charity tennis match – World Team Tennis (WTT) Smash Hits at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, October 10, 2016. The event raised more than $600,000 to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Prior to the match, Elton, Billie Jean, and all of the featured players attended a VIP donor reception and live auction, which raised more than $150,000.

A capacity crowd watched Maria Sharapova’s highly-anticipated return to tennis as she opened the night pairing up with Andy Roddick for a set of celebrity doubles against Elton John and Martina Navratilova. Sharapova and Roddick won 3-1 in an entertaining quick set.

Then, tennis stars Mardy Fish, Liezel Huber, Taylor Johnson, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Mark Philippoussis, Andy Roddick, and Maria Sharapova divided into two teams - Team Elton and Team Billie Jean - and treated the sold-out crowd to a modified World Team Tennis match. Team Elton won the match 19-14, giving Team Elton a 13-11 edge in the all-time series.

THIRD ANNUAL BREW FEST AT THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE with brewers serving up samples of craft beers in a limited edition souvenir pint glass (yours to keep!) plus, in an ode to Oktoberfest they'll be hot brats and pretzels to complement the brews while patrons enjoy live rock 'n roll from The Dirt Boys from York, ME.

All proceeds will benefit the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation, which directly supports the production of high-quality shows, outstanding educational programming, and the maintenance and preservation of their National Historic Register theatre.

In order to be admitted to this event you must be at least 21 years old and present a printed ticket (from the Box Office or printed at home) along with a valid ID.

Friday, October 21 at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, ME.

LATINO THEATER COMPANY'S 10th ANNUAL GALA celebrates 30 years of success with a fundraising Dia de los Muertos gala event featuring a cocktail reception, silent auction and gourmet dinner. Honoring public figures who have dedicated their careers and lives to servicing the arts in Los Angeles, LTC’s Marco Antonio Firebaugh Legacy Award will be presented to Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León; retired partner of Latham & Watkins Donald P. Baker; Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment John Naveira; and General Manager of Goya California Robert A. Unanue.

The company’s Lupe Ontiveros Dream Award will go to Associate Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group Diane Rodriguez.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Latino Theater Company’s productions as well as outreach programs that contribute arts education and cultural enrichment to our city.

Since 2006, LTC has operated the Los Angeles Theatre Center, an 80,000 square foot arts complex located in downtown Los Angeles, where the mission is to provide a world-class arts center for those pursuing artistic excellence; a laboratory where both tradition and innovation are honored and honed; and a place where the convergence of people, cultures and ideas contribute to the future.

October 22 at the The Los Angeles Theatre Center in Los Angeles, CA.

THE MUSIC GOES ROUND AND ROUND

CAGNEY THE MUSICAL original New York Cast recording released on Broadway Records.

The original production opened at the York Theater in New York City on May 28, 2015, for a limited run that sold out and was extended to five weeks before re-opening in April at the Westside Theatre where performances can be enjoyed.

Cagney's six-member cast stars Robert Creighton as the legendary James Cagney - with Jeremy Benton as Bob Hope - Danette Holden as Ma Cagney and Jane who was Warner's secretary - Josh Walden as Bill Cagney who was James brother and sometimes producer - Ellen Zolezzi as Willie Cagney, James' adored wife - Bruce Sabath as Jack Warner.

A fetching recording that holds your attention for a show with enormous potential.

There is a lot of spoken dialogue from a excellent script by Peter Colley which helps the listener follow the story. The catchy score, with music and lyrics by Robert Creighton and Christopher McGovern, also moves along the plot which "follows the actor from his humble beginnings in New York City's Lower East Side through his rise as a vaudeville song-and-dance man to his super-stardom in Hollywood."

The score incorporates classic George M. Cohan favorites, including Give My Regards to Broadway, (you can hear the taps) the rousing You’re A Grand Old Flag and the vibrant Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Cagney was the consummate performer who could do it all – sing, dance, play the bad guy, the good guy, the patriot, the gangster.

Danette Holden, Jeremy Benton, Robert Creighton (as James Cagney), Ellen Zolezzi, and Josh Walden in Cagney. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A literary license is used in calling the five excellent musicians an 'orchestra', a word which has a distinct definition. The orchestrations aren't complicated but totally appropriate for the number of musicians and the venue. Should the producers decide to expand the interesting production there is room to enlarge with orchestrations, musicians and performers. As it is now, with the exception of Creighton as Cagney, the performers play multiple roles. Cagney The Musical is a perfect showcase for what could turn into a major production.

Sabath's role as Warner offers interesting insight into the times, film studio protocol and Cagney's rise, beginning with the perky opening number Black and White. Later, the Warner role delivers on A Work of Genius, and the forceful Action (White Heat). Warner's part in this production is vital.

Robert Creighton as the legendary James Cagney has all of Cagney's distinctive vocalizations.

While Some Other Guy with Danette Holden is a slower tempo that the other numbers, there are no romantic or serious ballads, which could be added should the production ever expand. Holden's Irish brogue is engaging. Her soprano voice is pure.

This is a well written, crafted and composed musical with performers who nail their respects parts. Hopefully Cagney The Musical will enjoy a long production life. Buy and enjoy the CD. Listening to it will make you want to see the show.

Recorded August 15, 2016 at Avatar Studios, NYC. Mixed and edited by Matthias Winter and Michael Croiter Tracking engineer: Andy Manganello. Mixed at Yellow Sound Lab, NYC.

Janie Bullard (sound), Matt Perri (music direction) and Larry Lelli (music coordinator).

Musicians:

Matt Perri. conductor/piano. Ralph Olsen Woodwinds. Phil Granger trumpet. Steve Count Acoustic Bass. Larry Lelli Drums/Percussion.

Rich looking booklet with a package design by Robbie Rozelle and production photos by Carol Rossegg.

GRAMMYS HAVE A WORTHWHILE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

Something worthwhile is actually taking place in politics.

Really.

Grammys in My District is one-day lobbying blitz slated for October 26. The event is designed to put members of the music community in front of members of Congress when they’re back in their district in the days leading up to Election Day.

Billed as the "largest grassroots movement for music in history," a promised 2,000 members of The Recording Academy will rally for music licensing reform. Last year, more than 1,600 Academy members spread out across more than 350 congressional districts during the Grammys in My District event.

The Recording Academy is determined to draw support to its cause, including a performance royalty for radio stations.

“At a critical time when Congress is reviewing the nation’s outdated copyright laws, when the Justice Department rules are stifling creativity, and when music continues to be undervalued in the marketplace, your voice needs to be heard more than ever,” Recording Academy president Neil Portnow told members in an email urging them to participate.

The Recording Academy says it’s the “most critical time for music creators in decades” with legislation pending on a variety of topics ranging from copyright reform to an effort to secure a performance royalty on AM/FM radio airplay. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) introduced the Fair Play Fair Pay Act (H.R. 1733) in April 2015 that would establish a performance right on terrestrial radio airplay. And the Academy has the radio royalty on its list of talking points for next month’s hometown lobbying event. It’s positioning broadcasters as benefiting from an “age-old loophole” that allows stations to use music without paying royalties to the artist.

“Terrestrial radio is the only U.S. industry that’s built on using the intellectual property of others without permission or compensation,” the Academy positions the topic to its members. The Recording Academy says its platform simply desires “fair market pay” for all music creators across all platforms.

The Fair Play Fair Pay Act attracted 36 co-sponsors but the bill has been stalled since a significantly larger number, 231 in all, have signed a resolution stating an outright opposition to the idea of implementing a performance royalty mandate on local radio stations. Even so, royalty supporters say they expect to reintroduce the legislation when a new Congress is sworn in next January.

To spur this along, the music makers will visit their local legislator's office as part of The Recording Academy's annual Grammys In My District event to address important creators' rights issues directly with their respective members of Congress, from copyright review to the impact of digital services on music makers.

"The overwhelming response to Grammys in My District shows that music creators from every corner of the country understand that the incoming Congress will shape their future," said Daryl P. Friedman, Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Officer for The Recording Academy. "American music makers are not only the backbone of the global music industry, but the innovators who help shape our culture here at home. Despite their contributions, too many of them are struggling. It's critical that we act now to ensure that music and its makers are valued today and in the future, both culturally and economically."

Meetings for this year's Grammys in My District will take place in more than 315 congressional districts with participants from various sectors of the music industry, including songwriters, producers, engineers, and performers. Participating artists include Terence Blanchard, Paula Cole, Brandon Heath, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Cyndi Lauper, Eddie Money, Paul Wall, and thousands of working music professionals representing every aspect of music.

The key issues that will be discussed include:

Fairness for Performers: All radio platforms should compensate performers under a fair-market royalty standard, which means closing the loophole for terrestrial radio. And artists should be able to sell tickets to fans without the threat of online scalpers hijacking tickets and inflating prices.

Fairness for Songwriters: Songwriters and composers should receive fair-market value whenever their songs are licensed. In addition, the decades-old consent decrees with the Department of Justice, which prevent songwriters from receiving fair pay for their work, must be reformed.

Fairness for Studio Professionals: Producers and engineers are an integral part of the creative process for a sound recording, yet despite their indispensable role they have never been mentioned in any part of copyright law. They need protection within the law to codify royalty payments to music producers and formalize SoundExchange's current voluntary policy.

The goal of the reforms are to provide fair compensation across the music industry, improve the fan experience, and bring music laws into the modern age, addressing compensation from digital and streaming platforms as well as terrestrial radio.

SPREADING THE WORD

MASTER VOICES (formerly The Collegiate Chorale) will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the 2016-2017 season, beginning with the New York premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek's 27, specially adapted for MasterVoices, on October 20 and 21, 2016 at New York City Center, New York City.

MasterVoices' production of 27 will be semi-staged, and will feature the direction of James Robinson, conducting by MasterVoices' Artistic Director Ted Sperling, the 150 singers of MasterVoices, and Orchestra of St. Luke's.

The cast features Metropolitan Opera mezzo Stephanie Blythe as Gertrude Stein, and up-and-coming soprano Heidi Stober as Alice B. Toklas, Theo Lebow, Tobias Greenhalgh, and Daniel Brevik. The production will include scenic design by Allen Moyer, costume design by James Schuette, and lighting design by James F. Ingalls.

27 explores the relationship between Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, who hosted regular salon evenings at their Paris home at 27 Rue de Fleurus, with such guests as Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Man Ray, Henri Matisse and Ernest Hemingway.

Commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, 27 received its world premiere in June 2014. For the New York Premiere, Ricky Ian Gordon has specially added new sections for the MasterVoices chorus.

"27 is not only a celebration of the influence that Gertrude Stein had on her contemporary artist friends; it's also an expression of the love and devotion Alice B. Toklas felt towards Gertrude, and her desire to be recognized as her wife in an era where that was not possible. It could not be a better time to remind ourselves of the timelessness of this struggle and what it means for us today," said Ted Sperling, Artistic Director.

PROUST'S MUSE SYMPOSIUM The Countess Greffulhe was a champion of the arts, who influenced literature, ballet, and music. In this day-long symposium, organized in conjunction with the exhibition Proust's Muse, The Countess Grefullhe, researchers from the United States and Europe gather to discuss the connections between fashion, patronage, literature, and the arts in turn of the century France.

Thursday, October 20 in the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.

EAST LYNNE THEATER COMPANY an Equity professional company in Cape May, New Jersey presents two events in time for Halloween: Poe by Candlelight on Saturday, October 22 and the Alfred Hitchcock silent thriller The Lodger on Sunday, October 23.

Poe by Candlelight is the final Tales of the Victorians performance for 2016. Like other Tales, this will feature light refreshments and stories read by ELTC actors. Refreshments will be served in the hospitality room before the hour-long performance, and the actors are once more Lee O’Connor, James Rana, and Gayle Stahlhuth.

ELTC, in partnership with The Cape May Film Society, presents The Lodger (1927) with live organ accompaniment by Wayne Zimmerman. The seemingly mild-mannered Jonathan Drew finds lodging at the Bunting’s boarding house at the same time a serial killer is targeting blonde women in London. Jonathan falls for the Bunting’s fair-haired daughter, but Mrs. Bunting suspects that her newest tenant is the killer. This thriller stars Ivor Novello (1893-1951), a well-known British actor, playwright, and composer who wrote one of the greatest songs sung during World War I, Keep the Home Fires Burning.

ELTC Director Stahlhuth explained: "Silent films were always accompanied by an organ, piano, and sometimes a full orchestra: the beginnings of film scoring as we know it. From Charlie Chaplin, who scored his own films, to John Williams and Thomas Newman of today, the power of music accompanying a silent or a talking film cannot be undervalued. Experienced composers know that music enhances the action and emotion, but never overshadows it. Wayne Zimmerman has played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent-film accompaniment and concerts. He has accompanied films presented by ELTC and The Cape May Film Society since 2011.

LIVING HISTORIES LIVE: AN EVENING WITH IGGY POP AND DON WAS an event highlighting the musical contributions of Pop and Was, creative collaborators who share deep and common roots in Detroit.

Hosted by Grammy Foundation Vice President Scott Goldman, the special evening will feature an engaging discussion and close with a joint performance by Pop and Was. This up-close-and -personal live experience for the public is presented by Iron Mountain Incorporated, supporting partner of the Grammy Foundation Living Histories program. While in town, Pop will be interviewed for the Grammy Foundation's Living Histories archive, which chronicles contributions of key influencers and illustrates the impact of music on culture.

Sunday, October 23, at The Majestic Theatre in Detroit, MI.

OCTOBER 17 is Four Prunes Day. Broadway To Vegas has no idea why not three, five or any other number. October 21 is a dual celebration of National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day National Caramel Apple Day. On October 22 it's National Nut Day.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

PINEWOOD STUDIOS in Buckinghamshire, England who was behind the latest Star Wars movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens, has been fined £1.6m ($2m) after Harrison Ford suffered a dislocated ankle and two broken bones in his left leg, in June 2014, and was airlifted to a hospital for surgery. Production on the film, the seventh installment in the space saga, was halted for two weeks.

He was struck by hydraulic metal door on the set of the Millennium Falcon spaceship which had been designed to mimic the movements of the spaceship on the original set. Ford was reprising his iconic Han Solo role.

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, owned by Disney, pleaded guilty earlier this year to two charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In a statement, Foodles said it "deeply regretted" what it called an "unfortunate on-set accident".

At a previous hearing, Aylesbury Crown Court was informed that the actor, now aged 74, could have been killed.

The HSE said the power of the rapidly-closing door meant Ford was hit with a force comparable to the weight of a small car.

Judge Francis Sheridan said the firm had failed to communicate its risk assessment to the actor. He said: "The greatest failing of all on behalf of the company is a lack of communication, a lack because, if you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one?

"That is the most serious breach here.

"If only they had included Mr. Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid."

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd said in its statement that the "safety of our cast and crew was always a top priority".

It added: "The court acknowledged both the additional safety protocols that were immediately implemented, and that it was a very safe production in all other respects."



SINGER-SONGWRITER BOB DYLAN has won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition," the Swedish Academy in Stockholm announced.

Dylan is the first American to win since the novelist Toni Morrison, in 1993.

Dylan will receive his award on December 10, 2016.

A special treat for Las Vegas fans was that the day it was announced that Dylan had become the first musician to win the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature, Dylan and his band performed in Sin City live at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan Resort.

The legendary talent behind such timeless songs as Blowin' In The Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin and Like a Rolling Stone. With a rich career that spans more than five decades, Dylan has released 37 studio albums, including his most recent, Fallen Angels, which features his interpretations of 12 classic American songs. Tickets for his Las Vegas gig began at the bargain basement price of $49.



A CHORUS LINE conceived by legendary director and choreographer Michael Bennett as a tribute to a dancer's life. Academy Award-winner Marvin Hamlisch composed the music, and Broadway newcomer Edward Kleban wrote the lyrics. Their combined work, including some great one-liners by un-credited playwright Neil Simon, results in a funny, passionate, and deeply personal glimpse into the lives and personalities of dancers.

Directed by Ricardo Aponte.

This production of A Chorus Line will feature the Atlanta Lyric Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Paul Tate.

"Meet 17 dancers in an empty theatre, on a bare stage, where casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For these dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, and every day of their lives. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for anyone who has ever had a dream and put it all on the line to make that dream come true."

The Lyric cast features Ashley Chasteen (Cassie), Logan Denninghoff (Zach), Alvaro Francisco (Paul), Allison McDowell (Sheila), Cassandra Hlong (Maggie), Lauren Watkins (Val), J. Koby Parker (Mike), D.J. Grooms (Greg), Bonnie Harris (Kristine), Fenner Eaddy (Al), Chani Maisonet (Diana), Elijah Avraham (Richie), Nathan Lubeck (Bobby), Brittany Ellis (Bebe), Kiley Gipson (Judy), Amanda Bonilla (Connie), Cansler McGhee (Don), Rikki McKinney (Larry), and Zion Newton (Mark). Others in the cast include Sims Lamason, Chase Davidson, Arielle Geller, Joshua Lubeck, Christie Vozniak, Daniel Jordan DeMoss and Brennan Parker.

The creative team includes Choreographer Nathan Lubeck, Music Director Paul Tate, Scenic Designer Edward R. Cox, Costume Designer Amanda Edgerton West, Lighting Designer Bradley Bergeron, Sound Designer John McKenzie, and Hair and Wig Designer George Deavours.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre stages A Chorus Line October 21-November 6, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.

THE INTELLIGENT HOMOSEXUAL'S GUIDE TO CAPITALISM AND SOCIALISM WITH A KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES the latest play by Tony Kushner.

Starring Tamsin Greig, David Calder, Jessica Hynes, Sara Kestelman and Katie Leung. The cast of also includes Daniel Flynn, Matt McGrath, Luke Newberry, Lex Shrapnel, Katy Stephens and Rhashan Stone.

Opened on the Main Stage of the Hampstead Theatre in London on October 15 playing to November 26, 2016.

SEX WITH STRANGERS written by Laura Eason.

Directed by Joanie Schultz.

"Olivia is an obscure novelist on the cusp of 40; Ethan is a famous blogger - and 28. When these two strangers collide at a remote B&B, a steamy romance erupts. Passion, intellect and secret agendas clash in Sex With Strangers. This smart, tantalizing take on modern love flirts with the ever-blurring line between public and private in our digital age."

Starring Sean Hudock as Ethan and Monette Magrath as Olivia.

Thomas Dixon is Sound Designer. Chelsea M. Warren is Scenic Designer. Costume design by Whitney Locher. Jennifer Caster is Stage Manager. Elissa Myers Casting, Paul Fouquet, CSA.

Opening October 22 on the Outcalt Theatre at the Cleveland Playhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

VICUNA by Jon Robin Baitz.

Directed by Robert Egan.

"A tailor to the wealthy, powerful, and famous struggles to serve a very unusual client: a blustering real estate tycoon and reality TV star who - to everyone’s surprise - becomes a major party’s nominee for President. As the election spins out of control, the tailor and his apprentice are forced to examine their roles as confidants and image-makers for the candidate…and whether the right suit has the power to clinch the presidency. A unique opportunity for a play to participate in our nation’s political discourse as it unfolds."

Featuring Linda Gehringer, Brian George, Harry Groener, Ramiz Monsef and Samantha Sloyan.

Scenic Design Kevin Depinet - Costume Design Laura Bauer- Lighting Design Tom Ontiveros - Original Music and Sound Design Karl Fredrik Lundeberg.

A World Premiere October 23- November 20, 2016 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, CA.

THE INNER CIRCLE an opera-in-development by Daniel Felsenfeld and Kate Gale.

Stage direction by Joseph Hendel.

Music direction by Mila Henry.

The Inner Circle is a sexually blunt new opera about a group of researchers in the 1940s, led by the charismatic visionary Professor Kinsey, whose lives are entangled in his quest to scientifically study human sexual behavior in a way never before attempted.

Featuring: Maria Elena Armijo, Jeremy Hirsch, Heather Michele Meyer, and Matthew Yohn.

Let Opera on Tap tease you with scenes from in collaboration with The Curiosity Cabinet, followed by a talk-back and reception with the creators. Incubated by the cell theatre, The Inner Circle is part of Opera on Tap’s Roadworks commissioning series.

October 20 & 21 at the cell in New York City.

Opera on Tap has been bringing opera to the uninitiated in bars, rock venues, and other alternative spaces since 2005. Born in the backroom of Freddy's Bar in Brooklyn, Opera on Tap has gained national recognition, several performance residencies across the city, and now has eighteen national chapters.

WHO'S WHERE

JUSTIN BIEBER has a busy week. On Monday, October 17, he begins a two nighter at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, England. On Thursday he begins a split three night gig at the Arena in Manchester, England. Other Arena shows are on Friday and next Sunday, October 23.

PINK MARTINI on tour in Europe perform Monday, October 17 at Cité des Congrès in Nantes, France. Friday's stop is at the Colston Hall, Bristol, UK. On Saturday the show is at Royal Albert Hall, London, UK. Next Sunday, October 23, they can be enjoyed at the New Theatre in Oxford, UK.

TONY BENNETT croons Sunday, October 23 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA.

THR OAK RIDGE BOYS take a break from their long term gig at their Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson, MO to appear at the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, IN on Saturday, October 22, 2016.

GAVIN DEGRAW on stage Monday, October 17, at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. On Tuesday he performs on Tuesday at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ. Wednesday's stop is The Fillmore in Philadelphia. Next Sunday, October 23, his tour stops at Whitney Hall in Louisville, KY.

BEN FOLDS in the spotlight on Thursday, October 20, at City National Grove in Anaheim, CA. On Friday he's on stage at the Majestic Theater in Ventura, CA. Saturday's show is at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre in Modesto, CA.

VINCE GILL stars at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL on Thursday, October 20. Friday's performance is at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN. On Saturday he'll be entertaining at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, MI. Next Sunday, October 23 the show is at the WD Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.

THREE DOG NIGHT performing their hits on Thursday, October 20, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ. On Saturday the show is at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ.

NIKOLAS BORTOLUSSI clarinetist leads a jazz combo on the Sunset Center's Centennial Stage at the Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmer's Market on Thursday, October 20. Carmel, CA.

FINAL OVATION

PATRICIA BARRY Emmy nominated stage, film and television actress died October 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA. She was 94.

Barry's theatrical debut came in summer theater at Peterborough, New Hampshire. Her Broadway credits include The Pink Elephant (1953) and Goodbye Again (1956). She has also starred in productions in Los Angeles, California, and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Barry began her film career in 1947 and later appeared in over 130 television series and movies. She was nominated for an Emmy three times.

Barry was a charter member of Women in Film, a non-profit promoting equal opportunities for women in the industry. She was also a founder of the First Women’s Bank, founding President of the American Film Institute Associates, Vice President of the board of John Tracy Clinic, a member of the Women’s Committee of Screen Actors Guild and The Board of Governors of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. She also founded Women in Film International and served as Chairman of the WIF Foundation Board of Trustees. She served on the Boards of Stephens College; the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and the American National Theatre and Academy with Alfred de Liagre. And for many years she served on the Foreign Film Committee for the selection of Oscar nominees for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

She married Phillip Barry in 1950 and they remained married until his death in 1998. she is survived by two daughters, writer and educator Miranda Barry, former Executive in Charge of global Sesame Street productions, and educator and consultant Stephanie Barry Agnew, her son-in-law, Mark Agnew, her grandchildren, and godson.

JEAN ALEXANDER well known British television actress died Friday, October 14, 2016 in a hospital in Southport, England. She was 90.

She played Hilda Ogden on Coronation Street from 1964-87 and as shopkeeper Auntie Wainwright, the "absolute favorite part" of her career, for 22 years on Last of the Summer Wine. Alexander began her acting career in 1949 at the Adelphi Guild Theatre in Macclesfield; she later worked in rep in Oldham, Stockport and York. During this time she worked as an actress, wardrobe mistress and stage manager.

Her acting career lasted for more than 60 years. She never married.

BUDDY SOKOLICK longtime head of the production department for Jam Productions in Chicago, died after a long illness on October 13, 2016.. He was 60.

Sokolick began his career as a stagehand at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago before quickly rising through the ranks to become head of the production department at Jam where he supported artists including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Amy Grant, among others.

Sokolick is survived by his wife, Michele; his mother, Sylvia; and his brother Robert.

Next Column: October 23, 2016
Copyright: October 16, 2016 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni

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