It's 2:00 am on a Saturday night/Sunday morning . . . this is the first day of our non-smoking lives. By us. . . er, our . . . I mean hubby and me . . . er, I . . . er, his and mine. Anyway . . .
This will be interesting. Of course, I've quit before, during both my pregnancies, but I somehow managed to start up again . . . and again.
I realize this is a short blog, but it IS 2am, and I feel I should preempt any saucy or snarky or even rude remarks I might make in future blogs by this disclaimer . . .
Catch you on the flipside.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Et Voilà: Molière's Last Play
Last week I had the opportunity to see Imaginary Invalid for the second time. It was not disappointing. In fact, it was just as hysterical as it had been the first time.
Originally, I'd seen it with hubby as part of our Shakespeare Theater Season Pass Ritual. I love going to the theater with hubby. It's always nice to enjoy kid-free time with some cultural exposure. :D I invited a NY friend the second time, André, whom I'd had met back in April—he was in Deb's production of the Elephant Man. He is also a big René Auberjonios fan. Of course, who isn't? The man is a genius character actor.
There were several things about this production that made it spectacular, not the least of which was René's stellar performance. He was so animated in his portrayal of Argan, it was like watching a living cartoon. Of course, as usual, the main characters are nothing without the supporting cast, which in this case was equally vivacious. The costumes and set were fantastic as well.
After seeing the play twice, I decided to do more research since this is only the second Molière play I've seen (Don Juan being the first). I came across many reviews and articles that mentioned many differences between American versions of this play and others. The main distinction is the absence of the interludes containing singing and dancing, which in the beginning and end are tributes to King Louis XIV. I couldn't figure out why these would be deleted specifically in American translations, but what do I know. I guess we just get bored easily or something. Anyhoo...
Another fact I discovered is that this particular Molière play is not generally well received by US audiences. Perhaps it's because there's not enough singing and dancing. ;) Or, perhaps it's because many theater goers are doctors, and this play most decidedly does not contain a pro-doctor message. In fact, all the doctors in the play are Quacks™ who continue to relieve Argan of his finances while offering him a few dozen enemas. Typical. And not at all surprising that our country, in it's current state of Health Care Fuckery, would be a little displeased watching a poor old hypochondriac getting screwed like the rest of us schmucks. Still, we should stop being so sensitive and learn to enjoy teh funnies.
I hope this production makes its way to NY. If it does, I encourage all New Yorkers to see it. And love it. That would be splendid.
Originally, I'd seen it with hubby as part of our Shakespeare Theater Season Pass Ritual. I love going to the theater with hubby. It's always nice to enjoy kid-free time with some cultural exposure. :D I invited a NY friend the second time, André, whom I'd had met back in April—he was in Deb's production of the Elephant Man. He is also a big René Auberjonios fan. Of course, who isn't? The man is a genius character actor.
There were several things about this production that made it spectacular, not the least of which was René's stellar performance. He was so animated in his portrayal of Argan, it was like watching a living cartoon. Of course, as usual, the main characters are nothing without the supporting cast, which in this case was equally vivacious. The costumes and set were fantastic as well.
After seeing the play twice, I decided to do more research since this is only the second Molière play I've seen (Don Juan being the first). I came across many reviews and articles that mentioned many differences between American versions of this play and others. The main distinction is the absence of the interludes containing singing and dancing, which in the beginning and end are tributes to King Louis XIV. I couldn't figure out why these would be deleted specifically in American translations, but what do I know. I guess we just get bored easily or something. Anyhoo...
Another fact I discovered is that this particular Molière play is not generally well received by US audiences. Perhaps it's because there's not enough singing and dancing. ;) Or, perhaps it's because many theater goers are doctors, and this play most decidedly does not contain a pro-doctor message. In fact, all the doctors in the play are Quacks™ who continue to relieve Argan of his finances while offering him a few dozen enemas. Typical. And not at all surprising that our country, in it's current state of Health Care Fuckery, would be a little displeased watching a poor old hypochondriac getting screwed like the rest of us schmucks. Still, we should stop being so sensitive and learn to enjoy teh funnies.
I hope this production makes its way to NY. If it does, I encourage all New Yorkers to see it. And love it. That would be splendid.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
